Shopify VS BluePark

[Qollars]

Hi everyone,

I have dropped a few posts but not really introduced myself. I am looking to start an online e-commerce site selling quality italian shirts; mostly formal but with a good amount of casual shirts too. A shirt subscription (shirtscription) model will be adapted to receive shirts on a schedule; the option of buyin just the one will be available too. Accessories like ties, cufflinks and belts will compliment the main product.

I am a novice with e-commerce and I have read a lot of threads about open sources like opencart, magneto etc and also host platforms like volusion, bluepark, shopify etc. My website has a list of features I'd like on it but based on costs and testing the market I know I'll have to compromise on a lot of these features at the onset; These include:

- Secure checkout
- Subscription based payments/re-curring
- Stock control and low stock alerts
- Inventory space and reasonable bandwidth
- 24/7 customer support and well documented FAQ
- Fraud protection to encourage visitors of security
- Flexibility to have a different developer make changes just incase issues come up with the to be developer/designer
- Payment gateway options (I am just about to complete my Streamline account setup)
- Local partner designers that offer custom designs in the Wolverhampton, Dudley, Birmingham area ( I noticed shopify have Birmingham based designers)
- Intelligent cart/basket
- Reward and referral schemes
- Discounting prices and discounts at checkout
- Option of both account and guest checkout

I choose to compare between Shopify and Bluepark because they both have local UK support (mostly Bluepark), I won't have to spend too much at this early stage with a bespoke ecommerce website and I don't have to monitor it 24/7. More time can be put towards promoting and managing the business.

I have tried ebay and have sold a few shirts on there but the features are limited and branding is not at the forefront which is important to me.

I am aware shopify takes a percentage of transactions, is this the same for Bluepark? Any suggestions to a suitable platform from the two based on stated requirements and other features you could point out will be helpful in making a decision.

Thanks

 

[OSWS]

Felix,

Based on your requirements, I think the most pertinent advice I can suggest is to select not the basic package from either Shopify or Bluepark, but the next level up. This will ensure you get the majority of the features you are looking for. Shopify will be a little more expensive and Bluepark have the advantage that they don't charge a % so your choice perhaps will come down to the store design and, more importantly, local developer you want to work with.

Shopify have a far wider selection of 'ready' designs to choose from and, arguably, their platform is easier to design around to create a customised look. On the other hand, you will get a more personalised UK based support service from Bluepark.

If you are happy to extend your search for a designer partner outside the Birmingham / Wolverhampton area PM me and I will be happy to discuss in more detail.

 

[Bluepark]

- Secure checkout
- Subscription based payments/re-curring
- Stock control and low stock alerts
- Inventory space and reasonable bandwidth
- 24/7 customer support and well documented FAQ
- Fraud protection to encourage visitors of security
- Flexibility to have a different developer make changes just incase issues come up with the to be developer/designer
- Payment gateway options (I am just about to complete my Streamline account setup)
- Local partner designers that offer custom designs in the Wolverhampton, Dudley, Birmingham area ( I noticed shopify have Birmingham based designers)
- Intelligent cart/basket
- Reward and referral schemes
- Discounting prices and discounts at checkout
- Option of both account and guest checkout

I choose to compare between Shopify and Bluepark because they both have local UK support (mostly Bluepark), I won't have to spend too much at this early stage with a bespoke ecommerce website and I don't have to monitor it 24/7. More time can be put towards promoting and managing the business.

I hope you don't mind me replying directly, for more impartial feedback on our service please consider our reviews and also the community forums on our own site.

The best suggestion I could make would be to take out a free evaluation with both ourselves and Shopify, try out the software in terms of the functionality you require, and also try out the support service. This way you can make a truly informed decision.

One thing I feel a little strongly about and would like to clarify - Shopify have a huge picture of Big Ben on their homepage and mention United Kingdom 8 times. They do this for one simple reason - they are based squarely in the USA. If you ping any of the UK examples on their homepage, the IP addresses resolve to Chicago, USA, where all of their sites are hosted.

In terms of truly British ecommerce companies, who develop their own software (rather than repackaging open source solutions) and provide genuine UK-based technical support from the head office (rather than a call centre), the list is actually very short. We're proud to be in this category and consider support to be our highest priority.

It's also worth mentioning that we've just rolled out completely unlimited bandwidth on all of our packages, so this combined with absolutely no transaction charges from us means that you know exactly what your costs will be each month.

We have a small but dedicated group of design partners that have literally never let any of our clients down - take a look at our Examples page to see some of their work. They may not be based exactly where you would like them, geographically, but this shouldn't dissuade you from using their services. They always do a fantastic job.

Feel free to give our office a call on Monday to discuss your requirements in more detail, we'd love to hear from you.

 

[wayzgoose]

While you're trying the free valuations, I would certainly take a look at freewebstore.org. Most of your requirements available there and you can try up to 30 products totally free for as long as you want to play around with the site.

 

[Qollars]

Useful responses so far, thank you. I am a strong believer in that you get what you pay for and the Freewebstore might not suite my needs short term and immediate long term. But I like the option. Can I also ask how compatible these two platforms (Bluepark and Shopify) with a major website browser (chrome, firefox, IE etc) and also its adaptability with different devices both mobile and static?
Speedy shipping is key and I'd also like to know if it'll be possible to tie in any of these platforms to the courier I'll be working with? Shipping/despatch alerts both for me and the customer alike?
Do any of these platforms offer a social media page creation in a package?
From ebay, I've gathered a good number of enquiries and orders from West Africa so a website that can be easily view in these sort of regions will be a big plus.

I'll definitely be giving both platforms a trial and calling up on monday but there's nothing like insight from experienced users/developers/business men and women so please keep the suggestions coming.

Can I also point out that the designer/developer I'm looking to work with must not be around Wolverhampton and Birmingham but prefarably the West Midlands as I'd like face to face meetings.

Kind regards

 

[strikingedge]

Shopify are in Canada (not USA) and don't charge a commission on their pro package.

BigCommerce are worth checking out too.

Both integrate easily with Linnworks and other order processing software. Linnworks has a fabulous integration with Royal Mail which will save you so much time - also FedEx and DHL....more couriers available via the MetaPack integration.

Bluepark is British and obviously active on this forum. This is the first time I've heard of them, but looks alright.

It looks like you can integrate Linnworks and BP ....but not "out of the box".

 

[bb2000]

This thread interests me as I'm launching in the new year and I have currently chosen another provider (ekm), let us know how you get on as It's never too late to change my mind (although for me mobile compatibility is 100% needed)

 

[Davef]

Everybody on here will have their own opinion on what you should use and shouldn't use. You have obviously already done your homework and based on your requirements got the list down to two options.

Out of those two I would highly recommend you consider going with Bluepark. The software is very stable, full of features and the support when needed is first class. Also being a UK company with UK servers and UK support is a major advantage over shopify.

 

[Qollars]

I'm understanding a bit more about both of these platforms as the responses come in. I know more of shopify's cons but not much of Bluepark's. Every platform has to have its cons too. Does anyone know of them?

 

[Davef]

I'm understanding a bit more about both of these platforms as the responses come in. I know more of shopify's cons but not much of Bluepark's. Every platform has to have its cons too. Does anyone know of them?

What I would suggest is you look at Blueparks feature list here to make sure they have all the features you want

http://www.bluepark.co.uk/ecommerce-software.html

Then look at their forum. Looking at forums can be a great way to gauge how happy users are. Unlike some providers Blueparks forum is open to all whether you use their system or not.

Also sign up for their free trial. Have a play ensuring it covers all your requirements and ask on the forum if you need help or pick up the phone and speak to their support.

The only cons will be if you want a feature which is not currently in the package and only you can decide whether that's good or bad and if you can live without it.

If the package fits your requirements I can assure you the pre and post sales support is first class and you won't regret it.

 

[Qollars]

This thread interests me as I'm launching in the new year and I have currently chosen another provider (ekm), let us know how you get on as It's never too late to change my mind (although for me mobile compatibility is 100% needed)

I'm interested to know how you get on with EKM as well> Will let you know how we proceed.

 

[Qollars]

"Both integrate easily with Linnworks and other order processing software. Linnworks has a fabulous integration with Royal Mail which will save you so much time - also FedEx and DHL....more couriers available via the MetaPack integration.".

Linnworks sounds interesting, just hearing about it. Are you saying these platforms don't already offer the functions and features of Linworks in one of their packages?

Are there any other companies like Linnworks (Uk based) that offer similar?

Kind regards

 

[templateagreements]

Creds to Bluepark for replying directly on the thread

 

[deniser]

I personally got put off by the look of the Bluepark sample site on the homepage of their website. But maybe it's because I am female and it looks very mannish to me.

The shopify ones look so much more attractive and you can buy a really beautiful template for only $140.

That's just first impressions.

 

[OSWS]

Useful responses so far, thank you. I am a strong believer in that you get what you pay for and the Freewebstore might not suite my needs short term and immediate long term. But I like the option. Can I also ask how compatible these two platforms (Bluepark and Shopify) with a major website browser (chrome, firefox, IE etc) and also its adaptability with different devices both mobile and static?
Speedy shipping is key and I'd also like to know if it'll be possible to tie in any of these platforms to the courier I'll be working with? Shipping/despatch alerts both for me and the customer alike?
Do any of these platforms offer a social media page creation in a package?
From ebay, I've gathered a good number of enquiries and orders from West Africa so a website that can be easily view in these sort of regions will be a big plus.<snip>

Both platforms will handle the major browsers but what you will find is that Shopify is better geared towards mobile. Bluepark may be looking at improving their mobile/responsive templates in 2014 but, without getting into a discussion on mobile, if this is a priority Shopify would score better. Either way, I'd suggest speaking with a designer who can modify the standard template for you.

As regards West Africa, that's an interesting question. My understanding is that mobile is quite prevalent in African countries. The reasons are no doubt cultural but also for practical reasons. I did track a useful site yesterday but have since scrubbed my browser history and can't locate it now (annoying!) but take a look at this Amadeus blog as a starting point.

 

[Davef]

I personally got put off by the look of the Bluepark sample site on the homepage of their website. But maybe it's because I am female and it looks very mannish to me.

Have a look at their portfolio and you will see plenty of girlie looking sites selling sowing supplies, lingerie, cakes etc.

 

[Qollars]

Both platforms will handle the major browsers but what you will find is that Shopify is better geared towards mobile. Bluepark may be looking at improving their mobile/responsive templates in 2014 but, without getting into a discussion on mobile, if this is a priority Shopify would score better. Either way, I'd suggest speaking with a designer who can modify the standard template for you.

As regards West Africa, that's an interesting question. My understanding is that mobile is quite prevalent in African countries. The reasons are no doubt cultural but also for practical reasons. I did track a useful site yesterday but have since scrubbed my browser history and can't locate it now (annoying!) but take a look at this Amadeus blog as a starting point.

The mobile aspect is a good point. Just cam off the phone from Bluepark and it looks like they will implement in the future without a guarantee on when exactly. More and more people check websites out on the mobile smart phones and tablets so it is quite important. On the other hand been on hold to talk to someone at Shopify for over 20 minutes and when I finally did it was not friendly at all compared to Bluepark; felt rushed and didnt take time to understand my questions. Got someone on the phone to Bluepark right away which was impressive.

That market is massive in Africa and it is slowing embracing the cashless way of purchasing although as you'd see Jumia who the biggest e-tailers in that region have embraced pay on delivery which reflects the culture there. They love to (almost have to) feel before payments. Interesting strategy.

I personally got put off by the look of the Bluepark sample site on the homepage of their website. But maybe it's because I am female and it looks very mannish to me.

The shopify ones look so much more attractive and you can buy a really beautiful template for only $140.

That's just first impressions.

Quite true, but if you look at more examples you will find a lot of bright designs and attractive sites as I have come to find. Its not as obvious as Shopify make theirs. All depends on the templates and designers on each platform. i'm curious to know the cost of templates on Bluepark as well.

 

[Bluepark]

The mobile aspect is a good point. Just cam off the phone from Bluepark and it looks like they will implement in the future without a guarantee on when exactly. More and more people check websites out on the mobile smart phones and tablets so it is quite important. On the other hand been on hold to talk to someone at Shopify for over 20 minutes and when I finally did it was not friendly at all compared to Bluepark; felt rushed and didnt take time to understand my questions. Got someone on the phone to Bluepark right away which was impressive.

Thank you for calling our office earlier, I wasn't in the office myself today but I'm glad you had a positive chat with someone from our team.

Mobile is pretty much at the top of our priority list for development, we're just finishing our API and the first stage of our multi-channel project, something that has taken most of the year to produce. We will deliver a mobile-optimised experience for Bluepark sites in the first half of 2014, the sooner the better for us.

In the meantime, it's worth mentioning that our sites have excellent cross-browser compatibility out-of-the-box. Both the front-end site and the back-end admin console display and function perfectly in smartphones (iPhone, Android, etc.).

We've already made some essential optimisations, such as "hover" menus which work with tapping on touch-based devices, and the use of email address fields instead of standard text fields.

There is nothing preventing your customers purchasing via a Bluepark site.

 

[Qollars]

Thank you for calling our office earlier, I wasn't in the office myself today but I'm glad you had a positive chat with someone from our team.

Mobile is pretty much at the top of our priority list for development, we're just finishing our API and the first stage of our multi-channel project, something that has taken most of the year to produce. We will deliver a mobile-optimised experience for Bluepark sites in the first half of 2014, the sooner the better for us.

In the meantime, it's worth mentioning that our sites have excellent cross-browser compatibility out-of-the-box. Both the front-end site and the back-end admin console display and function perfectly in smartphones (iPhone, Android, etc.).

We've already made some essential optimisations, such as "hover" menus which work with tapping on touch-based devices, and the use of email address fields instead of standard text fields.

There is nothing preventing your customers purchasing via a Bluepark site.

Thanks for the response. Please where can I find samples of the themes of template pages to build a site to have a look at?

 

[deniser]

Have a look at their portfolio and you will see plenty of girlie looking sites selling sowing supplies, lingerie, cakes etc.

Yes I admit this one looks quite pretty but assume it has required a designer to create rather than using a ready made template?

http://www.brightonsewingcentre.co.uk/

Whereas this one is a ready made template and looks more modern and is responsive which is a must for me given that 50% of my sales are made on a mobile device.

https://themes.shopify.com/themes/responsive/styles/san-francisco

 

[Davef]

Yes I admit this one looks quite pretty but assume it has required a designer to create rather than using a ready made template?

http://www.brightonsewingcentre.co.uk/

Yes this is created by one of Bluepark's Design Partners.

Whereas this one is a ready made template and looks more modern and is responsive which is a must for me given that 50% of my sales are made on a mobile device.

https://themes.shopify.com/themes/responsive/styles/san-francisco

Can't argue with you there. Yes it looks good and if your selling 50% via mobile device I can see why its a very attractive offering.

BP's standard free templates are pretty basic but it's amazing how professional you can make then look with very limited knowledge in terms of HTML.

 

[Davef]

Thanks for the response. Please where can I find samples of the themes of template pages to build a site to have a look at?

You can see their glass template here on the demo site. It's very easy to customise colours, header, footer etc.

http://www.demopark.co.uk/

To see the other standard templates best to signup for a free trial (no credit card details are required)

http://www.bluepark.co.uk/free-trial.html

 

[Wayne-StarActionFigures]

I moved to Bluepark earlier in the year from EKM Powershop, and have been totally blown away by their product and the service.

I do not have a bad word to say about them.

I'm a bit of a tech thickie, and their admin side looked a little daughting at first (if you used EKM for years you would know why) but things soon fell into place, and I am genuinely excited about how far I can process with my store now, whereas earlier in the year I was so close to jacking it all in and solely using Amazon.

The staff seem passionate about the product, and when they produce an update, it IS AN update rather than other sites I could mention where updates are basically fixing broken things.

Bluepark will probably get fed up with me soon praising them, but after the experiences I have had with EKM and eBay, I firmly believe credit where credit due. My site is now pushing forward and sales are growing month on month. Its the best move I made,and the only regret is I didn't find them years ago.

As far as going for an option that charges commission on a sale? Other than Amazon, I would not dream of paying a commission on my own store based on level of sales, whether it was half a per cent, 1%, 5% 10%. I just don't understand the logic behind that.

 

[Linn Systems]

Linnworks sounds interesting, just hearing about it. Are you saying these platforms don't already offer the functions and features of Linworks in one of their packages?

Are there any other companies like Linnworks (Uk based) that offer similar?

Hi Xcapee,

Just in case of any confusion, Linnworks phone support is based in both England (9am - 9pm Monday to Friday) and Estonia (24 hours Monday to Friday).

We offer English speaking representatives, should that be of key importance for you when selecting a multi-channel inventory and order management software to automate your eCommerce business.

For more information on our product please visit our Linnworks website listed in the signature below.

Or i would be happy to answer any questions for you.