"Is it possible to switch from Shopware to Shopify?", questions like this reach us frequently. So often, in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a separate blog post to this topic. However, before we delve deeper into the matter, we'll deliver the answer in advance: "Yes, indeed!". In the following, we will present to you why a migration from Shopware to Shopify is worthwhile and what it is absolutely necessary to consider.
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Do you need help migrating your store? We are happy to help you!
4 good reasons why you should switch your online store from Shopware to Shopify
The decision to switch from an existing to a new store system can be a difficult one and is by no means made overnight. After all, the system forms the basis of the company's success. A change is a far-reaching intervention in the business processes, which may first have to be re-installed with a new store. Nevertheless, there are a number of good reasons for migrating from Shopware to Shopify. We have listed 4 of them here.
Reading tip: Are you interested in the similarities and differences between the two systems? Here you can find our direct comparison Shopify vs. Shopware.
A version change is pending
Currently, there are mainly two versions of Shopware in circulation: Shopware 5 from 2015 and Shopware 6, which was released in 2020. There are sometimes considerable differences between the two versions, which is why many retailers shy away from switching to the new version. The problem: Support for Shopware 5 expired in July 2021, which means that the system will no longer be technically developed and will sooner or later pose a security problem. If you too are faced with the question of switching from Shopware 5 to Shopware 6, it may also be worth migrating to Shopify instead. The cloud-based store system performs its updates in the background without you noticing and without any effort on your part. Therefore, you never need to worry about the up-to-dateness of your store.
You want to simplify your processes
Although Shopify is suitable for companies of all sizes and industries, not least due to various plans and Shopify Plus, the system primarily addresses merchants who are looking for a quick and easy entry into e-commerce. For this reason, a lot of emphasis was placed on user-friendliness. Even store operators without programming knowledge can make changes independently or set up entire online stores. Once you have internalized the operation, Shopify can help simplify your daily processes and save resources. With the announcement of Shopify's online store 2.0, even more simplifications and configuration options are in store for merchants.
Your visitor volume grows
Differences between Shopware and Shopify can already be found in the hosting. While Shopware as an open source system has to be hosted independently or via a third-party provider, Shopify does this in the cloud and is included in the price of your Shopify plan. Biggest advantage of the cloud is that it is scalable and adapts to your traffic. With most hosting plans, this is not the case, which leads to problems if you get too many visitors. Although there are external providers for scalable cloud hosting, they are usually very expensive.
Incidentally, model label LFDY also decided to switch from Shopware to Shopify due to increasing traffic. Latori implemented this in just 12 weeks. Riccardo Ballarino and Maksim Telkov tell us in an exciting interview how the project went and what advantages the hyped brand has had since then!
You need more flexibility
It is not without reason that Shopware is one of the most popular store systems within the DACH region. The system is very customizable and can be adapted in both the front and back end. However, this is hardly possible without prior technical knowledge. Shopify's greatest strength, on the other hand, lies in a variety of apps that can usually be integrated without programming knowledge and with just a few clicks. This allows you to quickly add new functions to your store and tailor it to the needs of your customers. If you are not satisfied with the standard solutions, it is comparatively easy to create your own apps or adapt existing ones via the Shopify API.
What to look for when switching from Shopware to Shopify
Latori has already implemented the system change to Shopify for some customers. In the process, the following points have proven their worth, and we would like to share them with you as tips along the way.
Perform the data transfer in two phases
A change from Shopware to Shopify should always take place in two phases so that all data is transferred and no information is lost. There is usually a fixed date and time for the go-live. Ideally, all data accumulated up to that point should be transferred one day before the deadline. However, keep in mind that customer profiles can still be created and orders can still be placed 24 hours before the new store goes live. For this reason, you should start a second transfer shortly before or directly after your go-live.
Reading Tip: TeeFee sells completely sugar-free children's teas. Latori has also migrated the manufacturer known from "Die Höhle der Löwen" from Shopware to Shopify.
Allow time for domain conversion
The changeover to a new domain can take up to two days. Therefore, you should not shut down your old store prematurely, as orders can still come in during this time.
Do not deactivate the Shopware store until two to three days after the move to Shopify
Only when you can be sure that everything is working smoothly should you shut down your Shopware store. Usually this shows within the first two to three days after go-live.
Create incentives for re-enrollment
Especially if you work with customer data, you need your existing customers to re-register after the go-live. For the best possible rate, you should create incentives, for example in the form of a discount code. This action can at the same time be a first stress test after the switch from Shopware to Shopify.
Break new ground in design
At first glance, it seems to make sense for the new online store to look like the old one; after all, existing customers should be able to find their way around right away. However, the change from Shopware to Shopify should also serve to break new ground, as long as you remain true to your corporate identity. There is hardly a better time for design changes than a system relaunch. You should also think about whether to use a standard theme or go for custom programming.
Consider in advance which functions you need
To ensure that the migration from Shopware to Shopify can proceed without delay, you should think about which functions you would like to have in the store after the relaunch. To do this, it makes sense to record these in a feature catalog: Which features of the old store should definitely also be available under Shopify? Are there features that you no longer need or those that should be added completely new? In the case of the latter, there is also the question of whether these new functions can be implemented with standard apps or whether a specially programmed solution is required.
We support you with your system change
As an agency partner and specialist for Shopify development, we have already been allowed to migrate stores from Shopware to Shopify and accompany companies during their relaunch. We would be happy to realize your project as well. Just contact us without obligation!