To build custom software or go with an “off-the-shelf” or SaaS solution - such as Shopify or WooCommerce - is a quandary many eCommerce business owners find themselves facing. There are benefits to both sides. Off-the-shelf lends itself to a faster runway to going live, while custom allows you to build the specific support and services your website needs. SaaS solutions have easy-to-add-features, while custom allows you to choose and expand on the exact features you need and want. So which is the right choice for you?
As you wrestle with this consideration, here are five reasons you might want to consider a custom eCommerce website.
1. Its Tailored to YOU
While there are some good solutions that may be able to take care of individual pieces of your eCommerce businesses, building custom means that the application is tailored to the way you think, act, and do business. Say goodbye to waiting on promised features that never seem to materialize – if you can dream it, chances are your developer can build it. No more hunting for the right plugin or signing up for a separate service – all is contained within one application, one that is built to serve you.
2. Productivity Skyrockets
If you build software that is suited to you and specifically how your organization runs, it only stands to reason that your productivity will flourish. You won’t be learning or using workarounds to make the system work for you – it will be built from the ground up to serve and support your workflow!
3. Boosted Security
Off-the-shelf software is inherently more vulnerable to hacking attempts and security breaches as the software is consistent across many different websites, and thus, the same attack can be replicated if they’ve found a weakness. But with custom software, every application is different. It can implement greater security as your software is yours, and yours alone.
4. You Control Choices on Maintenance
Owning your own application ensures that it can be maintained as long as you desire. With off-the-shelf or SaaS, you are unfortunately at the mercy of the application or plugin owners to maintain their product. If they go under or decide to go in a different direction, you may be left high and dry. This situation can get really costly – really quickly. Building custom assures that won’t happen. You’re removing the dependency and trust on others and placing the power back in your own hands.
5. Scalability for the Future
Building custom when it comes to eCommerce enables you to build with the future in mind. Ecommerce businesses can grow with great speed – so knowing that you are set up for success in the future can bring a lot of peace of mind. If you build custom, you can adapt and scale no matter what comes down the line, knowing that you are in control!
Is building a custom store the best option for your eCommerce business? We specialize in building eCommerce solutions and helping owners eject from off-the-shelf ecospheres, like Shopify and Woocommerce.
Schedule a 15-minute chat today!
