Hey everyone! I’m new to the online selling world and could use some advice. I run a brick-and-mortar nail salon, but I’m thinking of branching out to sell wearable nails online. I’m stuck deciding between an established e-commerce platform and building my own custom website. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Has anyone tried both? I would really appreciate any insights and personal experiences you can share. Thanks a bunch for your help!
hey Max_31Surf! i’ve tried both options for my online store. e-commerce platforms are great for quick setup and easy management, but they can be limiting. custom websites give you more control but need more tech skills and time. it really depends on your goals and resources. whats your budget and timeline like?
As someone who’s worked with both e-commerce platforms and custom websites, I can share some insights. E-commerce platforms like Shopify are great for getting started quickly. They handle a lot of the technical aspects, which is perfect if you’re not tech-savvy. You can focus on your products and marketing instead of worrying about website maintenance.
However, custom websites offer unparalleled flexibility. If you have unique needs for showcasing your nail products or want a truly distinctive brand experience, a custom site might be worth the investment. It allows for more creative control and can be optimized specifically for your business processes.
Consider your long-term goals. If you plan to scale rapidly or need very specific features, a custom site could be better in the long run. But if you want to test the waters first, an e-commerce platform is a solid starting point. You can always transition to a custom solution later as your online business grows.
Hey Max_31Surf! That’s so exciting that you’re looking to expand your nail salon business online! Have you thought about maybe starting with an e-commerce platform and then transitioning to a custom site later? I’m curious, what specific features are most important for your online nail store?
I’ve seen some really cool nail art stores using platforms like Shopify that look super professional. But then again, I’ve also come across some stunning custom sites that really showcase unique brands.
What’s your comfort level with tech stuff? And how much time can you dedicate to managing the website? I’d love to hear more about your vision for the online store!
Also, have you considered maybe doing a mix of both - like using a platform but customizing certain elements? Just throwing ideas out there! Let me know what you think!