Shopify or Custom? Indonesian Web Developer Opens Up About the Best Choices

When building an online store, the most frequent questions that arise are: use Shopify or create a custom website from scratch? Each has advantages and disadvantages. However, to get the right answer, let's see how Web Developer Indonesia assess both based on real project experience.

The following is an honest review from the perspective of a professional Indonesian Web Developer:

1. Speed ​​of Website Creation
Shopify allows you to have an e-commerce website in just hours. Ready-to-use themes, an integrated payment system, and an easy-to-use product management dashboard are available.

On the other hand, custom websites take longer because everything is created from scratch. However, Web Developer Indonesia explains that the extra time is worth it if you want a fully customized solution.

2. Design and Feature Customization
Shopify limits design and functionality modifications unless you use Shopify Plus (which is more expensive). Meanwhile, with a custom website, Web Developer Indonesia can build the appearance, business logic, and features that suit your brand's character without platform limitations.

3. Development and Subscription Fees
Shopify works with a monthly subscription system, transaction fees, as well as additional app purchases. In the short term, this could be cheaper.

However, in the long term, a custom website can actually be more economical. You only pay up front for development and are not tied to monthly platform fees. Web Developer Indonesia usually helps calculate total cost of ownership (TCO) so clients can choose more intelligently.

4. SEO and Performance
Shopify is pretty good at basic SEO, but technical features like URL control, data structure, or page performance are easier to optimize on a custom website. Web Developer Indonesia usually suggest custom SEO strategies that are more aggressive and scalable.

5. Scalability and Integration
If your business grows and requires an integrated system such as ERP, warehouse, or a specific local payment gateway, a custom website provides greater flexibility. Shopify has integration limitations, especially in the Indonesian market.

Choose Shopify if you want to sell quickly, have a limited budget, and don't really need special features. But if you want complete control, flexibility, and are ready for a long-term investment—Custom websites are the answer.

Whatever the choice, make sure you cooperate with Web Developer Indonesia who have experience dealing with both types of platforms.

Contact Thrive now to get strategic advice and the best website development according to your business needs.