3 ms·
Had a conversation with a potential client about this the other day: For a small store I wouldn't recommend anything other than Shopify or Squarespace as they'
by mattkevan 10y ago
Had a conversation with a potential client about this the other day:
For a small store I wouldn't recommend anything other than Shopify or Squarespace as they're cheap, nicely designed [0], secure enough and will meet 90% of anyone's needs out of the box.
Once the client is up and running and have figured things out a bit, something more custom may be appropriate - perhaps a static site with an e-commerce provider such as Snipcart or Gumroad (as I've mentioned in another comment).
Only when a client has serious cash to spend and serious requirements, such as integrating with CRMs and fulfilment systems or complex user roles and permissions should they even begin to consider something like Wordpress or Drupal - or even Magento (shudder).
[0] My main gripe with Squarespace is that their templates are optimised for looking fantastic in demos over being usable for more mundane content. Very few clients are able to produce the quality of photography demanded by the designs.
- vinhboy 10y agoGood comment. Whole heartedly agree. Our job is to give them what they need, not what we think is cool. I hate it when developers over-engineer their client's needs. It becomes a costly maintenance nightmare down the road for everyone.
- mattkevan 10y agoAbsolutely. I see it a lot, especially in charities and non-profits, and it makes me angry. They're sold on platforms which are too complex and expensive, just because they don't know (or are not informed) how much things should cost or what the alternatives are. Like you say, it's our job to provide what people need, and trustworthy relationships over short-term gain are always more valuable in the long run.