Starting your online business in 2025? You’ve probably asked this: Should I sell on Shopify or Amazon?
Both platforms help you reach customers online—but they’re very different. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you choose the right one for YOUR goals.
🏦 What Is Shopify?
Shopify is a website builder for eCommerce. You create your own branded store and sell directly to customers. It gives you full control over everything—from design to pricing to customer experience.
🛎️ What Is Amazon?
Amazon is a marketplace. You list your products among millions of others, and Amazon handles logistics if you choose FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon).
You get access to a huge customer base—but also face more competition and fees.
🔄 Shopify vs Amazon: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Branding Control | Full control | Minimal control |
| Fees | Monthly fee only | Selling + referral + FBA fees |
| Customer Data | You own it | Amazon owns the customer data |
| Setup Time | A few hours | A few minutes |
| Competition | Low (your own store) | High (millions of sellers) |
| Marketing | You handle it | Amazon promotes popular listings |
| Scalability | Unlimited | Limited by Amazon rules |
🚀 Why Shopify Is Better for Long-Term Business
1. You Build a Real Brand
Your logo, your story, your rules. Shopify lets you stand out—not blend in.
2. Keep More Profits
Amazon takes 30–50% in fees for each sale. Shopify charges a flat fee and lets you grow profitably.
3. Access to Customer Emails
Shopify gives you full access to emails and data—essential for email marketing and retargeting.
4. More Business Models
Sell digital products, subscriptions, dropshipping, or services—things Amazon doesn’t support easily.
🚫 When NOT to Use Shopify (Yet)
If you’re testing a product and want instant traffic, Amazon might be a quicker starting point. But once validated, move to Shopify to scale.
🌐 Real Example:
Lisa started selling eco-friendly phone cases on Amazon. She made sales—but had no branding. In 2024, she moved to Shopify, built her own brand, and now makes $10,000/month with email and Instagram marketing.
💡 Final Verdict
| If you want… | Choose… |
| Fast exposure | Amazon |
| Long-term brand + profit | Shopify |
📍 Ready to launch your online business? Shopify gives you control, freedom, and higher profit potential.