Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Which Platform Should You Sell on in 2025?
Deciding where to launch or expand your online business is one of the most critical decisions that will impact your long-term success. Two of the most powerful platforms at your disposal are Amazon and Shopify. But which one is right for your business strategy? Choosing between selling on Amazon vs Shopify is not simply a matter of preference; it requires a clear understanding of how each platform operates, the associated costs, the degree of control over your brand, and the expected customer reach.
Amazon , the world’s largest marketplace, gives sellers access to a massive audience and sophisticated fulfillment infrastructure. Shopify, on the other hand, offers entrepreneurs the ability to build customized online stores with complete control over branding and customer relationships.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a dedicated ecommerce platform that allows users to create and manage their own branded online store.
It provides hosting, website templates, shopping cart functionality, and payment gateways, making it easier for business owners to sell directly to consumers without relying on third-party marketplaces.
The Shopify marketplace is not a traditional marketplace like Amazon; instead, Shopify equips users with the tools to build individualized online stores where they can fully control the look, feel, and operations.
Shopify is ideal for sellers who want maximum flexibility and ownership over their business. The platform supports integration with various fulfillment options, including fulfillment by Amazon Shopify services for those seeking hybrid solutions.
What is Amazon FBA?
Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon FBA program enables sellers to store their inventory in Amazon’s warehouses. Amazon handles the picking, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns.
Sellers gain access to Amazon Prime customers and can use Amazon’s reputation for fast, reliable shipping.
Through Shopify Amazon Fulfillment or Shopify and Amazon fulfillment integrations, some Shopify sellers also use FBA to deliver products faster. This hybrid model is often referred to as Shopify and FBA.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Main Differences
Understanding the core differences between selling on Shopify vs Amazon is important for determining which platform suits your business model and growth goals.
Pricing Structure
One major difference lies in cost structure. Amazon charges fees based on the selling plan, referral fees, and FBA fees.
In contrast, Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee plus transaction fees, depending on the chosen plan. Sellers need to evaluate whether the predictable subscription fees of Shopify or the percentage-based fees of Amazon better suit their pricing strategies.
Control Over Your Products and Branding
With Shopify, sellers have complete control over their branding, customer experience, and marketing efforts.
On Amazon, sellers are part of a massive marketplace where Amazon controls much of the buyer experience. For businesses prioritizing brand building. Shopify might be more suitable.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify Marketing
Marketing approaches also differ substantially. Selling on Amazon relies heavily on internal search optimization, paid Amazon ads, and competing within Amazon’s marketplace algorithms.
Shopify sellers are responsible for driving their own traffic through SEO, paid ads, email marketing, and social media outreach.
Understanding how to market successfully is important when evaluating Shopify vs Amazon FBA dynamics.
Level of Competition
Competition on Amazon is fierce. Sellers need to constantly optimize their listings to maintain visibility among thousands of competitors. In contrast, Shopify businesses face competition at the broader internet level but can carve niche markets more effectively with strong branding and customer loyalty programs.
Available Tools Selling on Amazon vs Shopify
Both platforms offer extensive tools for managing sales, inventory, and customer relations.
Amazon offers powerful internal tools but limits seller access to customer data. Shopify provides extensive app integrations, website customization options, and complete access to customer information, which can be advantageous for marketing and long-term customer engagement.
Seller Support
Amazon offers dedicated seller support teams but can be stringent and inflexible regarding account issues.
Shopify provides 24/7 support, community forums, and extensive resources aimed at helping users manage and grow their stores with autonomy.
Advantages of Amazon FBA
Selling through Amazon FBA offers immediate access to millions of potential customers, Prime eligibility, and a reliable fulfillment system.
The platform handles logistics, allowing sellers to focus on product sourcing and marketing. For sellers looking to scale quickly with minimal operational overhead, fulfillment by Amazon Shopify integrations and FBA alone can provide rapid growth potential.
Advantages of Shopify
Shopify grants sellers full control over their brand and customer experience. Businesses can design unique storefronts, implement creative marketing campaigns, and build loyal customer bases without the risk of direct competition on a shared marketplace page.
Complete ownership of the store means more flexibility in pricing, promotions, and product presentation.
Disadvantages of Amazon FBA
Selling on Amazon often subjects sellers to intense competition, high referral fees, and limited control over customer relationships.
Changes in Amazon’s policies can drastically affect seller performance which is why it’s important to recognize these realities when weighing selling on Amazon pros cons.
Disadvantages of Shopify
While Shopify provides more control, it also requires more effort in marketing and traffic generation.
Unlike Amazon’s built-in audience, Shopify sellers must invest in SEO, advertising, and social media to attract buyers. These upfront costs and marketing complexities reflect some of the main pros and cons of Shopify.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Fees Comparison
Amazon’s costs are based on a mix of subscription plans (Professional or Individual), referral fees (percentage of sales), and FBA Fulfillment fees. Shopify, in contrast, charges a monthly subscription fee (ranging from Basic to Advanced plans) plus transaction fees unless Shopify Payments is used.
When comparing selling on Amazon vs Shopify costs, sellers must consider volume, average sale price, and fulfillment preferences.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Which One Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing Shopify or Amazon depends largely on your business goals.
Amazon is ideal for businesses seeking quick market access, while Shopify is better suited for businesses focused on building a long-term brand and cultivating direct customer relationships.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Which One Is Cheaper To Sell?
At lower sales volumes, Shopify may initially be cheaper due to fixed monthly fees. However, as sales increase, Amazon’s fee-based structure might become more expensive relative to Shopify’s predictable costs.
Analyzing break-even points and expected sales volumes is critical in deciding Shopify vs Amazon.
Why Would You Choose Amazon Over Shopify?
Choosing Amazon over Shopify makes sense for sellers seeking immediate access to a massive audience, Prime shipping benefits, and reduced logistical burdens.
Amazon handles a significant portion of the customer service and fulfillment, making it easier for businesses to scale quickly.
Why Would You Choose Shopify Over Amazon?
Entrepreneurs focused on brand loyalty, marketing autonomy, and building a unique shopping experience should opt for Shopify.
Full ownership of customer data and communications allows for long-term relationship building, a major competitive advantage in today’s digital economy.
Selling on Amazon vs Shopify: Can I Just Use Both?
Many businesses successfully use both platforms simultaneously, using Amazon’s reach and fulfillment with Shopify’s branding and marketing capabilities.
Integrating Shopify fulfillment Amazon and hybrid strategies can optimize market reach while retaining control over customer interactions. Using both ensures flexibility, broader market coverage, and maximized sales opportunities across multiple channels.