Questions

Shopify is a hosted ecommerce platform (subscription) where hosting, core security, and many essentials are included. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin where you choose hosting and manage updates, performance, and security. Shopify is usually faster to launch and easier to manage; WooCommerce usually offers more customization, WordPress content control, and flexibility with development. Costs differ: Shopify plan + apps vs hosting + plugins + dev time.

Shopify can be “safer by default” because Shopify manages the infrastructure and states it’s Level 1 PCI DSS compliant across Shopify stores. WooCommerce can be very secure too, but security depends more on your hosting, setup, and how well you maintain WordPress, WooCommerce, themes, and plugins. In practice, Shopify reduces your security workload; WooCommerce gives control but requires ongoing maintenance.

Move to Shopify if you want a simpler, “hosted” setup where Shopify handles hosting, core security, and updates, and you prefer an all-in-one platform. Stay on WooCommerce if you need deeper WordPress control, custom code flexibility, and you’re comfortable managing hosting, updates, and plugins. A common approach is: Shopify for speed and simplicity, WooCommerce for maximum control and customization.

WooPayments is pay-as-you-go, with no setup or monthly fees. WooCommerce In the U.S., online card payments are 2.90% + $0.30; add +1.50% for international cards and +1.00% for currency conversion. Disputes are $15. In-person is 2.70% + $0.10, plus $5 per active device/month. Instant payouts (optional) are 1.5%.

WooPayments is WooCommerce’s built-in payments solution. It lets you accept debit/credit cards and express options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and WooPay, and manage everything inside your WordPress dashboard. You can track transactions and payouts, issue refunds, and handle disputes without using a separate payment portal. In supported countries, it can also help you take in-person payments (like Tap to Pay on iPhone or card readers).

To set up a payment gateway in WooCommerce, log in to WordPress admin and go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments. You will see available gateways like Cash on Delivery, Bank Transfer, PayPal, Stripe/WooPayments, etc. Click the gateway you want, then Enable it and open Manage. Add required details like API keys, business email, or bank info. Save changes, then run a test checkout using a test product. Finally, confirm order emails and payment status update correctly.