If you’re a business owner looking to create an online presence, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire a developer or use a platform like Shopify, Prestashop, or WordPress with WooCommerce. While both options have their benefits and drawbacks, it ultimately comes down to your unique needs and goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the situations in which it makes sense to hire a developer and when using a platform might be a better choice.

When to hire a developer

1. Customization: If you want a completely customized website or e-commerce store that stands out from the competition, hiring a developer is the best choice. A developer can create a unique design and add custom features that are tailored to your business needs.
2. Scalability: If you expect your website to grow and expand over time, hiring a developer can help ensure your site can handle increased traffic and functionality. Developers can build sites with scalability in mind, making it easier to add new features and handle higher traffic volumes.
3. Integration: If you need your website to integrate with other software or systems, a developer can help make this happen. For example, if you need your e-commerce store to integrate with your inventory management system, a developer can create a custom integration that ensures everything works seamlessly.
4. Security: If you’re dealing with sensitive customer data or financial transactions, security should be a top priority. Hiring a developer can help ensure your site is secure and meets all necessary compliance requirements.

When to use a platform

1. Budget: If you have a limited budget, using a platform can be a cost-effective option. Platforms like Shopify, Prestashop, and WordPress with WooCommerce offer a range of pricing plans, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget.
2. Ease of use: If you don’t have any coding or development experience, using a platform can be an easier option. These platforms typically have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to create a website or e-commerce store without any technical knowledge.
3. Support: If you run into any issues with your website or e-commerce store, platforms like Shopify, Prestashop, and WordPress with WooCommerce offer customer support to help you resolve any issues.
4. Timeframe: If you need to get your website or e-commerce store up and running quickly, using a platform can be a faster option. With pre-designed templates and easy-to-use interfaces, you can create a professional-looking site in a matter of hours or days.
   

Select the best platform based on your needs

This flowchart helps you decide which e-commerce platform to choose considering factors like whether custom development is required, whether you need customized checkout flows, your aptitude for delivering your own website and managing website performance by a team/yourself.

We use WordPress and PrestaShop here, as many customers request these platforms or similar variants. WordPress can be substituted with any other CMS platform, and PrestaShop can be substituted with any other e-commerce-focused platform. Likewise, Shopify can be substituted with low-code or no-code setups such as Wix and Squarespace.

In conclusion, whether to hire a developer or use a platform depends on your unique needs and goals. If you want a completely customized website or need custom integrations and security, hiring a developer is the best option. If you have a limited budget, need a site up and running quickly, or don’t have any coding experience, using a platform like Shopify, Prestashop, or WordPress with WooCommerce might be a better choice. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your business needs.