I’m in the process of developing an ecommerce platform and I’m debating whether to use Shopify or create a custom site with a Next.js frontend and a Node.js backend. I’m seeking advice from anyone who has dealt with this decision, and I would love to hear about your experiences and the factors that influenced your choice. Please share your insights on performance, maintenance, and scalability.
hey ethan i went with custom build becuz i needed more flexiblity and control over scale. shopify is quick but felt restrictive for my needs.
hey ethan, i went with a custom build bc its more flexble for evolving needs. shopify is quick but can get limiting when scaling. if u can handle extra dev work, go custom for deeper control.
Hey Ethan, I’ve been sitting on the fence about this too and ended up diving into a custom build. It really gave me the creative freedom to shape every part of the experience, and I could optimize things exactly how I wanted. However, I did notice that with reusable components and fine-tuned performance, things could get a bit more complex than a straightforward platform like Shopify. For me, the learning curve was steeper, but it was rewarding once I managed to get everything working smoothly. I’m really curious though: what kind of growth or traffic are you aiming for with your platform? And how comfortable are you with managing server-side stuff versus focusing on business features? Would love to hear your thoughts and any challenges you’re excited (or nervous) about exploring!
In my view, opting for a custom platform worked best when unique features and scalability were top priorities. The flexibility of a Next.js frontend with a Node.js backend enables targeted optimizations that can yield better performance over time. Although Shopify provides an easy and quick setup, its preset functionalities might limit growth if your business model evolves. The custom route is technically demanding but ultimately rewarding, given the freedom to refine user experience and integrate advanced features as market demands shift.
Hey Ethan, I’ve been on a similar quest in my own project and ended up taking a bit of a hybrid route. I started with Shopify for its lightning-fast setup and then gradually built custom integrations that allowed me to tailor critical components to my vibe. What intrigued me was being able to leverage some of the reliable Shopify infrastructure while still having room for creativity in areas that really needed unique functionality. Of course, this approach did require me to juggle both ecosystems, and I sometimes wonder if it might have been simpler to commit fully to one side. I’m curious though—what specific features or business goals are you really passionate about? And how do you envision handling ongoing maintenance if you choose the path of deep customization? Would love to hear your thoughts and whether you see a hybrid solution as a viable middle ground too!