Are you looking for a Shopify alternative in the Netherlands that better suits your Dutch webshop? You're not alone. Although Shopify is popular worldwide, more and more Dutch entrepreneurs are looking for alternatives that are more affordable, simpler or better tailored to the Dutch market.
Key takeaways
- Shopify is popular, but transaction costs and app costs are increasing in the Netherlands.
- Strong alternatives: Microcart, WooCommerce, Lightspeed, CCV Shop and Mijnwebwinkel.
- Note iDEAL via Mollie, Dutch support and a transparent price.
- Microcart distinguishes itself with a fixed price, no transaction costs and NL focus.
In this extensive guide we take a closer look at the 7 best Shopify alternatives for Dutch entrepreneurs. From affordable starter packages to powerful enterprise solutions – we help you make the right choice for your webshop.
Why Are Dutch Entrepreneurs Looking for Shopify Alternatives?
Shopify is undoubtedly a powerful platform, but it has some disadvantages for Dutch entrepreneurs:
- Subscription and extras: compare the current euro prices, any apps and payment provider costs.
- Apps: specific extensions may cost extra, while many webshop functions are available as standard.
- Local settings: Shopify supports iDEAL via Shopify Payments if eligible; check your payment and tax settings.
- Language: Shopify management, documentation and webshop can be used in Dutch; check the support channel you need.
- Choice: compare the interface and functions with your experience and working method.
Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives that better suit the needs of Dutch webshop owners.
1. Microcart – The Dutch Shopify Alternative
Microcart has been specially developed for Dutch entrepreneurs who want to start a simple, affordable webshop without technical knowledge. This platform distinguishes itself by its focus on ease of use and cost-friendliness.
Benefits of Microcart:
- Free Build: Design your store before you choose live selling.
- Growth: €39.95 per shop for live sales.
- 0% own transaction costs: your payment provider does apply its own rates.
- MicroIQ: AI assistance in creating and customizing your storefront; you control the outcome yourself.
- User-friendly: work with sections, blocks, products and variants without programming yourself.
Who is Microcart suitable for?
Microcart is ideal for starting entrepreneurs, small retailers and anyone who wants to start a webshop without technical knowledge. The platform focuses on simplicity and affordability without sacrificing professionalism.
2. WooCommerce – The Flexible WordPress Plugin
WooCommerce is the most used e-commerce solution in the world and runs on WordPress. It's technically free, but you do need hosting, domain and often premium plugins.
Benefits of WooCommerce:
- Fully customizable: Unlimited customization options
- Large community: Many developers and plugins available
- SEO Friendly: Built on WordPress, which is great for search engine optimization
- Cost-conscious: Basic version is free
Disadvantages of WooCommerce:
- Technical knowledge required: You must be able to manage WordPress
- Intensive maintenance: Updates, backups and security are your responsibility
- Hidden costs: Hosting, premium plugins and maintenance can get expensive
3. Magento Commerce – For Larger Webshops
Magento is a powerful e-commerce solution that is especially suitable for medium to large web shops with complex needs.
Advantages of Magento:
- Enterprise-level functionalities: B2B commerce, multi-store management
- Scalable: Can grow with your business
- Powerful SEO Tools: Advanced Search Engine Optimization Options
- International Trade: Excellent support for multiple countries and currencies
Disadvantages of Magento:
- Complex: Requires technical expertise
- Duration: Magento Commerce from €22,000 per year
- Resource intensive: Needs powerful hosting
4. BigCommerce – The American Competitor
BigCommerce is another American SaaS solution that is often seen as a direct competitor to Shopify.
Benefits of BigCommerce:
- No transaction fees: Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce does not charge additional transaction fees
- Extensive standard functionalities: Many built-in features
- Multi-channel selling: Integrations with Amazon, eBay and social media
- API-first approach: Good for headless commerce
Disadvantages of BigCommerce:
- American focus: Just like Shopify, less suitable for Dutch specific needs
- Limited customization: Less flexible than WooCommerce
- English support: No Dutch customer service
5. PrestaShop – The French Open Source Platform
PrestaShop is a French open source e-commerce platform that is popular in Europe and offers a good balance between functionality and ease of use.
Advantages of PrestaShop:
- European focus: Better adapted to European legislation and needs
- Open source: Free to use and fully customizable
- Dutch translations: Completely available in Dutch
- Extensive functionalities: Many built-in features for e-commerce
Disadvantages of PrestaShop:
- Technical knowledge required: Installation and management can be complex
- Performance challenges: Can become slow with large catalogs
- Limited free themes: Professional themes often cost money
6. Squarespace Commerce – For Creative Entrepreneurs
Squarespace is known for its beautiful templates and is particularly suitable for creative entrepreneurs who value design.
Benefits of Squarespace:
- Beautiful templates: Professional designs at no extra cost
- All-in-one solution: Website, webshop and marketing in one platform
- User-friendly editor: Drag-and-drop interface
- Good mobile optimization: Templates are responsive
Disadvantages of Squarespace:
- Limited e-commerce functionalities: Less suitable for complex web shops
- American focus: Limited Dutch payment methods
- Fewer SEO options: Limited control over technical SEO
7. Wix eCommerce – The Drag-and-Drop Solution
Wix has invested heavily in their e-commerce functionalities in recent years and now offers a full-fledged webshop solution.
Benefits of Wix:
- Very user-friendly: True drag-and-drop editor
- Affordable prices: Plans from €17 per month
- Dutch templates: Templates adapted for the Dutch market
- Good support: Dutch customer service available
Disadvantages of Wix:
- Limited scalability: Not suitable for large web shops
- Template lock-in: You can't switch to another template without rebuilding everything
- SEO Limitations: Less flexibility for advanced SEO
How Do You Choose the Right Shopify Alternative?
When choosing the best Shopify alternative Netherlands for your online store, you should take several factors into account:
1. Budget
Don't just determine your monthly budget, but also consider transaction costs, app costs and any development costs. Platforms like Microcart offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, while other platforms with seemingly low starting prices can be expensive.
2. Technical Skills
Being honest about your technical skills will save you a lot of frustration. If you have no experience with web development, choose an easy-to-use platform such as Microcart or Wix. Do you have technical knowledge? Then WooCommerce or PrestaShop may be interesting options.
3. Growth Ambitions
Think about where you want to be in 2-3 years. Do you want to keep a small webshop, or do you dream of international expansion? Platforms like Magento are built for growth, while others are better suited for smaller operations.
4. Dutch Specifications
Certain functionalities are essential for Dutch web shops:
- iDEAL and other Dutch payment methods
- Integration with Dutch shipping partners (PostNL, DPD, DHL)
- GDPR compliance
- Dutch tax rules
- Support in Dutch
Cost Comparison: Shopify vs Alternatives
One of the main reasons for switching to a Shopify alternative is the costs. Here is an overview of the monthly costs:
- Shopify: multiple subscriptions in euros; any apps and payment provider costs separately.
- Microcart: Free Building; Growth €39.95 per shop for live sales, with 0% own transaction costs and payment provider costs separately.
- WooCommerce: free software; hosting, maintenance and any premium extensions separately.
- BigCommerce: subscription and any apps; check current prices and conditions.
- Squarespace: subscription and payment processing; additional platform fees may depend on your package.
- Wix: ecommerce subscription and payment processing; any apps separately.
It is important to not only look at the base price, but also at transaction costs and required add-ons. A platform that seems cheaper by €10 per month may ultimately be more expensive due to high transaction costs.
Dutch Payment Methods and Integrations
Support for local payment methods is crucial for Dutch web shops. Here, Dutch and European alternatives often score better than American platforms:
Essential Dutch Payment Methods:
- iDEAL: By far the most popular online payment method in the Netherlands
- Bancontact: Important for Belgian customers
- SOFORT: Popular in Germany and Austria
- PayPal: Internationally recognized method
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard for international customers
Check per platform which payment methods and providers you can connect. Microcart supports connections with Mollie, Stripe and Adyen. Shopify Payments supports iDEAL when you meet the conditions; an external provider is also possible. Payments are subject to applicable processing rates.
SEO and Marketing Opportunities
A good webshop must be findable in Google. Different platforms offer different SEO options:
WooCommerce (WordPress)
When it comes to SEO, WooCommerce is hard to beat. Built on WordPress, you have access to powerful SEO plugins like Yoast and RankMath. You have full control over URL structure, meta tags and technical SEO aspects.
Other Platforms
Most other platforms offer basic SEO functionalities, but with less flexibility. For example, Microcart offers easy-to-use SEO tools that are perfect for beginners, without the complexity of WordPress.
Support and Community
Good support can make the difference between success and frustration. Dutch platforms have a clear advantage here:
- Dutch support: Help in your own language, during Dutch working hours
- Local knowledge: Support that understands how the Dutch market works
- Fast response times: No time zone differences
International platforms can also offer Dutch-language management and documentation. Before choosing, check that support in your preferred language is available through the channel and at the times you need.
Migration Process: From Shopify to an Alternative
If you already have a Shopify online store and want to switch, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Most platforms offer migration tools or services:
What can you usually migrate:
- Product details and images
- Customer data
- Order history
- Blog posts and pages
What may require manual work:
- Design and customizations
- App integrations
- SEO settings
Before you switch, ask what migration assistance is available and what it costs. Check what data you can export and import and what parts you need to rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopify Alternatives
What is the best Shopify alternative for beginners?
Microcart is an option for beginners who want to build without any programming knowledge. You start for free and choose Growth for live sales: €39.95 per shop. Try the editor and compare its features, support and total cost with your other options.
Can I migrate my existing Shopify webshop to an alternative?
Yes, most Shopify alternatives offer migration tools or services to transfer your products, customers, and orders. You usually have to rebuild the design and any customizations, but the most important data can be migrated.
Which alternative is the cheapest?
WooCommerce software is free, but hosting, maintenance and any extensions cost money. Microcart lets you build for free and sell live with Growth for €39.95 per shop. Which option is cheaper depends on your desired features, management and payment provider costs.
Do Shopify alternatives also have Dutch payment methods?
This varies per platform. Dutch platforms such as Microcart have standard support for iDEAL and other local payment methods. With international platforms you often have to check whether they have integrations with Dutch payment providers such as Mollie or MultiSafepay.
Is the SEO better with Shopify alternatives?
WooCommerce offers the best SEO capabilities because it runs on WordPress. Other alternatives usually offer similar SEO functionalities as Shopify. Most importantly, you have full control over meta tags, URL structure and page speed.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Shopify Alternative Netherlands
Choosing the right Shopify alternative Netherlands depends on your specific needs, budget and technical skills. For most Dutch entrepreneurs, there are better options than Shopify:
- For beginners: Microcart offers the best combination of ease of use, Dutch support and affordability
- For tech-savvy entrepreneurs: WooCommerce provides the most flexibility and control
- For large companies: Magento offers enterprise-level functionalities
- For creative sectors: Squarespace has the most beautiful templates
The Dutch e-commerce market has its own specifications and needs. By choosing a platform that takes this into account, you give yourself the best chance of success. Whether you are just starting your first online store or want to switch from Shopify, there is an alternative that fits your situation perfectly.
Compare Microcart and Shopify on our comparison page.
