The Pros of Using Webflow for E-commerce
1. Design Flexibility
Webflow is known for its impressive design flexibility. You can build a beautiful, unique storefront without the need for a developer. Its drag-and-drop interface lets you design exactly what you envision, with no coding required. This is great if you want to create a brand identity that stands out from cookie-cutter templates.
2. All-in-One Platform
Everything is centralized in Webflow: design, hosting, and content management. This makes managing your online store easier because you don’t need multiple platforms to run your site. Plus, it integrates with essential tools like Google Analytics and marketing platforms.
3. Strong Community & Fast Updates
Webflow has a large, active community and frequently releases new updates. This means if you run into any issues or need inspiration, you have resources readily available, including tutorials and forums.
4. No Coding Required
You don’t need to be a tech expert to use Webflow. It’s designed for designers and entrepreneurs who want to build stores quickly without having to rely on developers or learn code. You get full creative control without needing technical skills.
5. Built-in SEO Tools
SEO is essential for e-commerce, and Webflow comes with built-in SEO tools to help your store rank higher in search engines. From automatic meta tags to customizable URLs, Webflow makes it easy to optimize your site for search engines.
The Cons of Using Webflow for E-commerce
1. Limited for Large-Scale Stores
If your e-commerce store is doing millions of dollars in revenue or has complex backend needs, Webflow may not be the best fit. Large stores with custom integrations, like inventory management systems or advanced shipping solutions, might find Webflow limiting. For this, platforms like Shopify or Magento offer more scalability and customization.
2. Limited Payment Gateways
Webflow supports Stripe and PayPal as payment gateways, which is fine for many businesses. However, if you need more payment options or want to accept payments in regions where Stripe and PayPal aren't available, you might hit a roadblock.
3. Transaction Fees
Webflow charges transaction fees in addition to those from Stripe and PayPal. For smaller stores, this might not be a dealbreaker, but for high-volume stores, these fees can add up and impact profit margins.
4. Less Advanced E-commerce Features
If your business needs advanced e-commerce features like complex coupon systems, user loyalty programs, or extensive subscription models, Webflow might fall short. These types of advanced tools are better suited to dedicated e-commerce platforms.
5. Customization Constraints
While Webflow shines in design, it has some limitations when it comes to advanced customizations, especially on the backend. If you need a lot of custom functionality or integrations, platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce might offer more flexibility.
Webflow eCommerce Pricing Plans
When deciding on the right platform to build and manage your online store, Webflow offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different business sizes. With three distinct eCommerce plans, you can choose the one that best fits your needs:
- Standard ($29/month, billed yearly) – ideal for businesses just getting started, offering 500 eCommerce items, 2,000 CMS items, and a 2% transaction fee.
- Plus ($74/month, billed yearly) – suited for higher-volume businesses, this plan supports up to 5,000 eCommerce items, 10,000 CMS items, and has 0% transaction fees.
- Advanced ($212/month, billed yearly) – for large, scaling businesses, with support for 15,000 eCommerce items, 10,000 CMS items, and 0% transaction fees.
These plans ensure that Webflow can grow alongside your business, giving you the tools to manage larger inventories and process transactions efficiently.
Who Should Use Webflow for E-commerce?
Webflow is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize design and want to manage everything in one place. If your online store is relatively simple — let’s say, a smaller product catalog with straightforward shipping and payment options — Webflow is an excellent choice.
However, if your e-commerce business is doing large volumes of sales (around $1 million annually) or needs custom integrations with third-party systems, a more dedicated e-commerce platform like Shopify or Magento might be a better fit. These platforms are designed to handle higher traffic and more complex operational needs.
Our Take on Webflow E-commerce
At Digi2, we love using Webflow to build stunning online stores for our clients, and we offer this in the form of a subscription to our services. With Webflow, we can rapidly create beautiful, functional stores that grow with your business — so long as your store doesn’t need the complex features that larger businesses often require. Everything from design to product management happens smoothly in one platform, saving time and effort.
But, like everything, it depends on your needs. For many small and medium-sized businesses, Webflow is an amazing option. For larger, more complex stores, it’s worth exploring alternatives like Shopify, especially when scale and custom functionality come into play.
