Comparison
Shopify vs WooCommerce vs custom store for selling online in Nepal
Written by Bikram Sah Reviewed by Pravin Pathak Updated
Choosing a platform decides your monthly costs, which payment methods you can offer and how easy it will be to grow. In Nepal, local payments and cash on delivery change the usual global advice.
Shopify vs WooCommerce vs custom: side by side
| Shopify | WooCommerce | Custom store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup cost in Nepal | Low | NPR 70,000 – 1,50,000 | NPR 3,00,000+ |
| Monthly cost | Subscription in USD + app fees | Hosting only | Hosting only |
| eSewa / Khalti | Limited options | Plugins available | Built in |
| Cash on delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Selling abroad in USD | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Flexibility | Medium (apps) | High | Full |
| You own the data and code | Platform-controlled | Yes | Yes |
Which should you choose?
Choose Shopify if…
- You sell mainly to buyers abroad
- You want the quickest possible setup
- You're happy paying monthly in USD
Choose WooCommerce if…
- You sell mainly in Nepal with eSewa, Khalti and COD
- Your catalogue is up to a few hundred products
- You want low running costs
Choose Custom store if…
- You have thousands of products or several warehouses
- Stock must sync with a POS or ERP
- You need custom pricing, dealer logins or multi-vendor features
What about the E-Commerce Act?
Whichever platform you use, online businesses in Nepal must list under the Electronic Commerce Act 2081 and show their registration details on the site. We add the required details to every store.
Can I start on one platform and move later?
Yes. Many stores start on WooCommerce and move to a custom build when they outgrow it. Products, customers and orders can be migrated, with redirects to keep search rankings.
Questions
Does Shopify work in Nepal?
You can run a Shopify store from Nepal, but local payment options are limited and fees are in USD. It suits brands selling mainly abroad.
Which is cheapest for a small Nepali store?
Usually WooCommerce, because there's no monthly platform fee and local payment plugins exist.
How long does each take to launch?
A Shopify or WooCommerce store usually takes 4–8 weeks including products and payments; a custom store 2–4 months.
Related services
Still deciding? Ask us
Tell us what you're building or promoting. We'll recommend the option that fits your budget, and say so if it's the cheaper one.