EKM and Shopify are two very popular choices for UK retailers and merchants looking to build and run an eCommerce store. But which of the two platforms is the best option?
In this EKM vs Shopify review, I will compare their design flexibility, features, pricing, ease of use, plugins & integration, payment options, and customer support. This should help you make the right decision while choosing an ideal choice for your eCommerce needs. Read on for more detailed information.
Sections
Overview of both platforms
EKM is the top fully hosted eCommerce platform in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2002 and has helped 80,000+ retailers and merchants to start selling online. The platform is aimed at small businesses and has all the features to help you build and grow your eCommerce business.
Shopify is a Canada-based eCommerce platform launched in 2006. It has assisted over 1.2 million retailers and merchants in setting up and growing online businesses. The platform has all the essential features and tools required to build and run any size of eCommerce store.
Design flexibility:
Both EKM and Shopify offer a wide selection of customisable themes. EKM edges Shopify by offering 70+ free themes.
EKM has over 70 free themes, giving users various design options to get their brand looking how they want. For instance, you can:
- Easily edit links and footer content
- Change theme colours and font types
- Remove or add sections to the homepage
- Rearrange existing dashboard sections by dragging and dropping them
It also has a unique feature, Evolution Mode, that automates updates and optimisations. For instance, it removes the need to edit or change certain aspects of your eCommerce constantly.
Shopify’s free theme selection is smaller, with only nine choices. However, it has 100+ premium themes that range from $140 to $180. You can also use a custom theme designed by a third party of your choice or choose from 1200+ premium themes on 3rd party marketplaces like ThemeForest. All of Shopify’s themes are fully responsive and customisable, making it easy to personalise your eCommerce store. You can also change fonts and colours, remove or add sections to the homepage, and edit the code of your themes.
Features
Both EKM and Shopify come with a variety of essential features and tools for setting up and running an online business. Shopify edges EKM by offering more features – thanks to the Shopify App Store, which has over 3,000 apps.
EKM has great features and tools; almost all are free on the basic pricing plan. For instance, you can access many eCommerce tools, reporting tools, payment gateways, marketing and SEO features. However, API, Postcode Lookup, and Trade Discounts are limited to the advanced pricing plan. It also has a selection of 20+ apps that integrate with 3rd party software like Parcel2Go and Linnworks.
All Shopify pricing plans include unlimited bandwidth and products, fraud analysis features, and POS. They also come with various eCommerce tools, reporting tools, marketing and SEO tools, and payment gateways. It is worth noting that you will get more features with higher pricing plans. Besides, Shopify has an app store with 3,000+ apps.
Plugins and Integrations
In the plugins and integrations battle, Shopify edges EKM as it has an App Store that features thousands of apps and plugins that are easy to integrate into your online store.
EKM offers various integration with third-party apps and software that you can use to run and grow your online business. These include Parcel2Go, Review.io, Linnworks, and Fulfilmentcrowd. EKM also has partnerships with various service providers, such as video production, photography, and product sourcing. They are ideal places to get started if you are searching for a specific service for your online business.
Shopify has an app marketplace known as Shopify App Store. It features over 3,000 apps that are relatively simple and easy to integrate, as you don’t require any technical knowledge or skills to download and install these apps on your Shopify store. It also has 2,500+ plugins and extensions. Most of them are free and can be easily integrated into your Shopify platform using an API. Besides, Shopify integrates with third-party apps such as payment gateways.
Ease of Use
Regarding ease of use, both EKM and Shopify are easy to set up and have an intuitive dashboard.
EKM is pretty easy to use. For instance, when you register for an EKM free trial, you will be assigned an account manager who will take you through the process of setting up and running your online store. It also has an intuitive dashboard with a top navigation menu. Besides, all dashboard sections are labelled clearly, making them easy to use.
Signing up on Shopify is relatively straightforward, as you only require your store name, email address, and a secure password. Its main dashboard is well laid out, intuitive, and easy to navigate. For instance, the main sidebar navigation menu is labelled clearly, and all sections and headings are well-defined.
Payment Options
Both EKM and Shopify have their own payment gateways. They also integrate with major payment gateways. Shopify edges EKM by not charging transaction fees when you use Shopify Payments.
EKM has its own payment gateway known as EKMPay. This payment solution has seamless integration, fast processing speed, and is easy to set up. EKM also integrates with major payment methods such as Paypal, Stripe, Cardstream, Meta Charge, NetBanx, Laybuy, Card Cutters, Gate2Shop, and eWay Rapid.
Shopify also has its own in-built payment gateway known as Shopify Payments, which does not charge any transaction fee. It also integrates with third-party payment gateways such as Paypal, Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, and Meta Pay. You can also use additional payment options like cryptocurrency.
Customer Support
Both platforms offer responsive and adequate customer support. Shopify edges EKM by providing support 24/7. However, it is easier to access customer support via EKM.
EKM’s customer support staff is based in the UK, and you can reach them mainly via phone call or live chat. It is only available during the weekdays (8 AM – 6 PM) and Saturdays (9 AM – 5:30 PM). You can also use email or social media platforms such as Facebook. In addition to the basic support offered, EKM also provides a unique service known as “Evolution Mode.” It features marketing specialists and designers who review your eCommerce store and suggest how it can be improved.
Shopify’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email. It also has a helpful community forum and FAQs section that answers some common questions. All standard pricing plans offer the same level of customer support. However, you can get dedicated customer support by subscribing to the Shopify Plus plan.
Pricing
Both EKM and Shopify offer various flexible pricing plans. However, Shopify is known for charging steep transaction fees.
EKM has a 14-day free trial plan that you can take advantage of to get started with your online business. You can then choose one of the five premium plans, which include;
- Lite: £19.99 per month
- Basic: £34.99 per month
- Standard: £69.99 per month
- Advanced: £209.99 per month
All the pricing plans come with all the essential features and tools required to build and grow your online business. Furthermore, EKM allows you to apply for a 50% discount for twelve months on select plans via the Help to Grow Digital scheme.
Shopify has a 3-day free trial plan that you can try before picking a premium plan. You can choose one of the following three paid plans;
- Basic: £25 per month
- Shopify: £65 per month
- Advanced: £344 per month
It is worth noting that Shopify charges a transaction fee if you do not use its own payment gateway, Shopify Payments. These fees depend on the pricing plan and can be as much as 2%.
Conclusion
Both EKM and Shopify are excellent eCommerce platforms. However, Shopify has a higher rating. For instance;
EKM scores 2.8 stars out of 5 on Capterra
Shopify scores 4.5 stars out of 5 on Capterra
However, the best option will be determined by various factors such as your eCommerce goals, needs, and personal preferences. But if you want to make the right choice, I recommend signing up for the free trials offered by both platforms and testing them out so that you can check which platform suits your business needs.