Should you buy a pre-built Shopify store?

Written on October 2, 2024. Posted in Shopify.

A pre-built Shopify store can be a fast solution to get an ecommerce brand on track. But this choice can set the tone for your entire business journey. And, of course, comes with a set of pros and cons.

What is a pre-built Shopify store?

First, let’s clarify what a pre-built Shopify store is.

It’s a ready-made ecommerce webshop designed on Shopify. These stores typically have a set theme, products already uploaded (probably), and integrated payment systems.

The idea is simple: you can skip a lot of the initial setup and start focusing on marketing and sales right away.

But, is there a but? Let’s see the pros and cons.

Pros of buying a pre-built Shopify store

One of the biggest draws of a pre-built Shopify store is the time it saves you. Setting up a store from scratch can be a lengthy and costly task.

In 2024, a study revealed that around 60% of new ecommerce businesses struggle with initial setup, often delaying their launch. A pre-built store can help you bypass those early headaches and get your business rolling much faster. But also, you can deal with the setup if you hire an ecommerce agency to do this.

If you’re new, managing an online store won’t be an easy task for you. It requires a good knowledge of webshop management (products management) and digital marketing – if you don’t have a person to do this or hire an external team.

And with a pre-built store, many of these elements are already set up, and this can be a huge relief if you’re eager to start selling but unsure where to begin.

Buying a pre-built Shopify store often means you’re getting access to designs that have been tested for success. But you should check this for your case, of course.

A webshop with a good design can boost your conversion rates significantly! In fact, studies show that a good user experience can increase conversions by up to 30%. This means you might already have a setup that’s optimized to attract and retain customers.

Cons of buying a pre-built Shopify store

While time-saving is a significant benefit, a pre-built Shopify store may limit your ability to customize. Many come with fixed designs that might not fully reflect your brand’s personality. If you have a specific vision, working within these constraints might be frustrating. Creating your own store gives you complete control over every aspect because if you buy a pre-built store, it’s usually the case that you need to change stuff.

Using a pre-built store can make it tough to stand out in a saturated market. If multiple people buy the same store, they might all look similar, which isn’t great for branding.

With around 2.14 billion online shoppers in 2024, it’s vital to have a unique brand identity to attract customers. Building your own store helps you develop that distinct image that keeps customers coming back.

Last but not least, a pre-built Shopify store might seem cost-effective, but be aware of potential hidden costs.

Some stores require subscriptions for premium features, and you may find yourself needing to pay for extra apps to enhance functionality. Always read the fine print to understand what ongoing expenses might arise.

To buy or not to buy?

One of the best ecommerce platforms today is – Shopify! So, choosing this platform is a good call.

But, should you buy a pre-built Shopify store?

I know you didn’t want to hear this, but it really depends on your individual needs and goals.

If you’re looking for a quick way to get started, a pre-built store can be a solid option. But if you’re passionate about building a unique brand and have the time to invest, creating your own store is often the better choice. Our ecommerce team might help.

While pre-built Shopify stores can provide a fast track to launching, nothing compares to the authenticity of a store you’ve crafted yourself. But, a DIY Shopify store might be an issue too.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting from scratch, we can help you build a Shopify store that perfectly fits your vision.

Conclusion

In the end, buying a pre-built Shopify store can be a quick and convenient way to kick off your ecommerce brand, but it also has limitations.

As you consider your options, weigh the pros and cons we’ve discussed.

Investing time in building your own store can pay off in the long run, especially in such a competitive market. The goal is the same: become a successful brand!