Shopify stands out as a widespread e-commerce solution, yet various solutions exist because Indian businesses need specialized platforms. Several e-commerce platforms exist that offer attributes such as affordability, along with customization options and robust payment integration solutions for local markets.
Indian entrepreneurs possess multiple platform alternatives that extend from basic no-code website generators to systems made for expansive operations. This blog examines the top Shopify alternatives in India by evaluating their pricing structure and functional advantages.
This guide offers essential information for business owners of any size to discover their perfect e-commerce solution for building scalable online stores.
Reasons for Looking for the Best Shopify Alternatives in India
The popular worldwide e-commerce platform Shopify does not always work best for businesses operating in India. Many business owners seek different solutions because of pricing structures alongside payment functionality and customization possibilities. Several primary factors push Indian business owners toward seeking alternatives to Shopify platforms.
1. High Pricing and Transaction Fees
The premium rates of Shopify lead to high costs for new Indian businesses operating on a small scale. Users must use Shopify Payments to avoid extra transaction fees that cost up to 2% on top of payment gateway charges. Shopify becomes uncompetitive for local platforms because it requires higher fees when compared to these alternative solutions.
2. Limited Local Payment Gateway Support
Indian businesses mostly use UPI as well as Paytm, PhonePe, and Razorpay as their preferred transaction methods. The integration of third-party gateways with Shopify requires technical setup complexity that may result in extra fees. The Indian alternatives provide users with built-in local payment solutions that simplify the transaction process between businesses and shoppers.
3. Lack of Customization and Flexibility
To achieve deep customization of Shopify platforms, users need either coding expertise or must invest in expensive third-party application solutions. WooCommerce, together with Dukaan and Zoho Commerce, permits business owners to make modifications to their online stores while needing minimal technical experience.
4. Better Support for Indian Taxation and Compliance
All e-commerce businesses running in India need to meet standards for GST tax rules and invoice requirements and tax reporting duties. Shopify has built-in tax functions, but Indian platforms integrate GST invoicing with automatic tax calculations, which enables easier compliance without extra plugins.
5. More Cost-Effective for Small Businesses
Shopify alternatives provide small business and solopreneur plans that come at no cost or at affordable prices. Dukaan and Wix enable business startups through affordable options that empower steady growth without major ongoing expenses.
List of Top Shopify alternatives in India
1. Bikayi
The India-based entertainment service Bikayi exists to serve small enterprises and people using WhatsApp to conduct sales. The platform makes it possible for novice users to establish online shops without needing any programming expertise. Users of Bikayi gain access to features for payment processing, marketing capabilities, and order control.
The affordable platform benefits local businesses that want to conduct sales operations via WhatsApp. Bikayi presents both cost-free and premium plans that allow startups to launch online stores within their means. Bikayi proves itself as an excellent
Shopify substitute for companies in need of an inexpensive yet straightforward avenue for online selling because it offers user-friendly template options as well as automation tools.
Features:
- Mobile-friendly e-commerce platform with WhatsApp integration
- Pre-built templates for quick store setup
- Multiple payment options, including UPI and Paytm
- In-app marketing tools like SMS and push notifications
- Inventory and order management system
Pricing:
- Basic: Free
- VIP: ₹9,999 per year
- Ultimate: ₹29,999 per year
2. Drupal
Businesses can develop flexible e-commerce websites through the open-source content management platform Drupal. All users need to develop secure and scalable e-commerce stores through the Drupal Commerce module.
Companies with complicated website needs and particular customization requirements should consider using this platform. Businesses must hire developers to operate and maintain Drupal systems, although the platform provides high levels of flexibility.
Drupal represents a suitable alternative to Shopify for Indian businesses that require powerful, scalable, and secure e-commerce solutions but also need websites with custom features and integration capabilities.
Features:
- Open-source and highly customizable
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes
- Strong SEO and security features
- Supports multiple payment gateways
- Integrated content management system (CMS)
Pricing: Free
3. WooCommerce
The WordPress plugin WooCommerce enables users to transform their WordPress site into an online marketplace. Customers worldwide choose this popular e-commerce solution because it delivers customizable features and supports Razorpay and Paytm payment systems, along with GST functionality.
Running WooCommerce is economical because businesses pay only for website hosting while also having the option to buy premium features and avoid paying any transaction fees. Businesses that prefer complete management of their online store should choose this platform instead of paying subscription fees like Shopify.
Features:
- Free WordPress plugin for easy integration
- Highly customizable with themes and plugins
- No transaction fees, unlike Shopify
- Supports multiple Indian payment gateways
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
Pricing: Free
4. Ecwid
Ecwid functions as a simple e-commerce solution that allows businesses to build internet stores that connect with any site and social network, and marketplace products. Fans of this platform benefit from offering multiple sales channels as well as secure payment solutions, together with a responsive design for mobile users.
Along with its simple yet affordable solution, the free Ecwid plan delivers ideal options for both startups and small companies who seek basic, no-cost online selling tools. The dashboard of this platform features a user-friendly interface with support for Indian payment gateways, which makes it stand out as an affordable choice for Shopify newcomers.
Features:
- Easy integration with existing websites and social media stores
- Free plan available for small businesses
- Supports local and international payment gateways
- Mobile-friendly and lightweight for fast performance
- Automatic tax calculations and multi-currency support
Pricing:
- Venture: $14.08 per month
- Business: $29.08 per month
- Unlimited: $82.50 per month
5. BigCommerce
BigCommerce exists as an advanced e-commerce system that matches big business operations and corporate requirements. The platform includes functions that optimize SEO while supporting multiple currencies and enriched analytics features.
BigCommerce does not have hidden fees because it excludes additional transaction costs, thus becoming financially beneficial for companies that generate high revenues.
An e-commerce platform from BigCommerce enables businesses in India to use its local payment gateways and shipping partners through pre-installed options so it works as a robust solution for Indian enterprises requiring scalable, feature-rich solutions in their e-commerce platforms. Small business owners could find its pricing structure to be excessive.
Features:
- Scalable platform suitable for large businesses
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Advanced SEO and marketing tools
- Seamless multi-channel selling (Amazon, eBay, Facebook)
- Built-in analytics and reporting tools
Pricing:
- Standard: $29 per month
- Plus: $79 per month
- Pro: $299 per month
6. CoreCommerce
- Personal – $89/month
- Business – $169 for 3 months
- Enterprise – $369 for 6 months
- Premium – $949 for 6 months
Website: https://apps.shopify.com/automatic-catalog-builder
CoreCommerce delivers secure e-commerce services, including platform hosting alongside payment integration and responsive mobile design features. Businesses requiring dependable online stores with multinational features, including mass product import and analytical customer data and marketing solutions, will find the best fit in this platform.
CoreCommerce provides its users with pricing plans that maintain transparency since there are no additional unforeseen costs in the agreements. Every currency and tax setting is supported by this solution; hence, it represents a transparent choice for Indian businesses needing customizable options beyond Shopify.
Features:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop website builder
- Secure and PCI-compliant payment processing
- Built-in marketing and SEO features
- Supports multiple languages and currencies
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- Basic: $29 per month
- Pro: $79 per month
- Business: $229 per month
7. Squarespace
As a website builder, Squarespace offers e-commerce functionality while delivering visually stunning, professional designs to its users. Companies with fashion and artistic ventures, together with creative business owners, should select this platform because it specializes in creating visually stunning stores.
The platform delivers user-friendly templates together with built-in payment systems alongside marketing capabilities, although it provides fewer e-commerce elements than Shopify.
Squarespace serves businesses of various sizes, making it suitable for them because they want a beautiful online store with no engineering skills required. Kartify does not provide all the essential advanced features that online stores need to run large-scale e-commerce operations.
Features:
- Sleek and modern templates for professional design
- Built-in blogging and content marketing tools
- Supports Stripe and PayPal for payments
- Integrated analytics and reporting
- Mobile-responsive design
Pricing:
Pay Annually
- Personal: $16/mo
- Business: $23/mo
- Commerce Basic: $28/mo
- Commerce Advanced: $52/mo
Pay Monthly
- Personal: $25/mo
- Business: $36/mo
- Commerce Basic: $40/mo
- Commerce Advanced: $72/mo
8. Kartify
Kartify operates as an e-commerce solution built in India to match the requirements of organizations that need a Shopify alternative solution, partnered with domestic customer assistance as well as native features. Kartify provides users with an effortless setup and supports local payment methods as well as GST-compliant invoicing capabilities. This platform offers a flexible growth capacity, which enables businesses of all levels to use it.
The pricing structure of Kartify offers open transparency by eliminating all costs beyond its initial fees, whereas Shopify imposes additional transaction fees for its services. For local businesses seeking online stores, Kartify serves as an excellent local choice because it addresses specific Indian e-commerce requirements in a hassle-free manner with affordable costs.
Features:
- Designed specifically for Indian e-commerce businesses
- GST-compliant invoicing and taxation features
- Pre-integrated with major Indian payment gateways
- AI-powered analytics for sales insights
- Custom branding and white-label solutions
Pricing: Connect with the Team
9. Shopnix
Shopnix operates as an e-commerce platform that enables businesses to establish online stores within minimal time. The platform provides options to use customized domain addresses while offering marketing solutions as well as payment security measures along with tracking abilities.
Shopnix addresses the needs of small to medium businesses that seek an economical solution that competes against Shopify. The platform delivers Indian payment gateways as well as local support, which enhances the operational convenience for Indian entrepreneurs who maintain their stores through this platform.
Users of Shopnix can experience its features for free through their trial period, which lets them try the platform before committing. The e-commerce platform is appropriate when businesses require an uncomplex online retail solution that operates intuitively but avoids complicated installation processes.
Features:
- Cloud-based SaaS platform with easy store setup
- Multi-vendor marketplace support
- Localized payment and logistics integration
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses
- Customer loyalty and referral programs
Pricing:
- Mini Store: ₹910 per month
- Startup Store: ₹1680 per month
- Super Store: ₹3780 per month
- Mega Store: ₹6188 per month
10. OutdoCart
OutdoCart creates a full-featured e-commerce system that targets Indian business operations. This company delivers complete e-commerce capabilities that combine website development with payment integration and inventory management as well as marketing features for businesses.
The platform delivers a smooth interface for users and maintains excellent support for local customers. OutdoCart provides cost-effective solutions to Indian entrepreneurs with pricing plans that adapt to their needs.
OutdoCart provides businesses with multiple benefits since it combines mobile-responsive design with GST functionality to create a customizable platform that suits Indian needs and fits budget requirements.
Features:
- Customizable storefront with no coding required
- Supports UPI, Paytm, Razorpay, and other Indian payment methods
- Automated order and inventory management
- Built-in marketing automation tools
- SEO-friendly structure for better search rankings
Pricing:
6 Months
- Solo: ₹1,667/ month Prepaid for 6 Months 2% handling fee
- Grow: ₹4,167/ month Prepaid for 6 Months 1% handling fee
- Advanced: ₹8,333/ month Prepaid for 6 Months 0.5% handling fee
- Ultimate: ₹16,667/ month Prepaid for 6 Months 0.25% handling fee
1 Year
- Solo: ₹1,250/ month Prepaid for 1 Year 2% handling fee
- Grow: ₹3,125/ month Prepaid for 1 Year 1% handling fee
- Advanced: ₹6,250/ month Prepaid for 1 Year 0.5% handling fee
- Ultimate: ₹12,500/ month Prepaid for 1 Year 0.25% handling fee
2 Years
- Solo: ₹833/ month Prepaid for 3 Year 2% handling fee
- Grow: ₹2,069/ month Prepaid for 3 Year 1% handling fee
- Advanced: ₹4,167/ month Prepaid for 3 Year 0.5% handling fee
- Ultimate: ₹8,333/ month Prepaid for 3 Year 0.25% handling fee
Ending Note
The selection of a correct e-commerce platform stands as an essential factor for business achievement. The e-commerce tools WooCommerce, Dukaan, and Wix, in addition to Zoho Commerce, provide lower pricing structures along with local payment options and superior customization capabilities for businesses in India.
Before selecting your platform, you need to evaluate your budget restrictions along with your expertise levels and future growth requirements. A well-selected platform enables you to construct an appealing online shop while maintaining optimal functionality and satisfied customers.
Test the features of each platform, then choose the solution that best matches your business objectives. Happy selling!
FAQs
1. What motivates a person to seek Indian alternatives for Shopify?
The high costs of Shopify extend with its transaction fees and poor integration capabilities with the Indian payment methods UPI, Paytm, and Razorpay. The alternatives provide cost-efficient solutions combined with enhanced customization features and Indian tax regulation capabilities.
2. What is the top option for free Shopify alternatives?
Users running WordPress can utilize WooCommerce, as well as small businesses using Ecwid, to access free plans, including essential e-commerce features.
3. Which e-commerce platform would be the best fit for small businesses operating in India?
The Indian small business market finds suitable eCommerce solutions in Bikayi, Dukaan, and Shopnix because these platforms provide simplified setups with reduced costs.
4. Is it possible to shift a Shopify store between different platforms?
Most platforms, including WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Kartify, provide tools and migration services that enable product and data transfer between platforms.
5. Do any of these alternatives enable transactions through Paytm and UPI?
Platforms like Kartify, Bikayi, and OutdoCart support UPI, Paytm, and Razorpay for seamless Indian transactions.
