【2024 HK E-commerce Platform Comparison】Finding the Best Online Store Platform

E-commerce, short for Electronic Commerce, refers to the business activities conducted through the internet. It utilizes online platforms and digital technologies to facilitate online transactions and communications between businesses and consumers. E-commerce encompasses online shopping, online payment, e-commerce platforms, online auctions, and more. 

Through e-commerce, consumers can conveniently search for and purchase goods or services on the internet, while businesses can expand their market, reduce costs, provide personalized services, and establish direct interaction with consumers. With the Widespread adoption of the internet and mobile devices, e-commerce has rapidly developed on a global scale, becoming an essential component of modern business activities.

Furthermore, e-commerce has become the mainstream trend in recent years. Data shows that traditional retail sales have been continuously declining due to the impact of the pandemic, while online store sales have been steadily increasing. Additionally, due to limited income for many Hong Kong workers, there is a growing inclination towards establishing a side business. If the side business succeeds, individuals have the opportunity to dedicate themselves full-time to the new venture and become their own boss. In the initial stages, of a side business, many people typically prioritize opening an online store as the primary channel.

Further reading: 【Open an Online Shop in 2024】: 4 Steps & Common E-commerce FAQs

There are numerous online shop platforms available in the market. However, this article aims to provide recommendations for popular online store platforms in Hong Kong. We will analyze the backgrounds, fees, features, website design templates, and services. This will serve as a reference for businesses with different needs, highlight the unique characteristics of each platform. Additionally, we have included a handy comparison of these online store systems at the end of the articles.

Shopify is an e-commerce platform founded in Canada in 2004 and went public on Wall Street in the United States in 2015. Currently, Shopify is the largest global online store platform with over 1 million merchants using its platform. 

1. Fee: Low starting cost

   As an online shopping system, Shopify offers pricing starting from USD $29 per month, allowing entrepreneurs to open an online store at a low cost. Although the starting cost is relatively low (USD $29 per month), Shopify charges a transaction fee for each sale, which varies depending on the plan. For example, the Shopify Basic Plan charges a 2% fee for transactions not processed through Shopify Payments.

2. Features: Strong scalability

   Shopify offers over 6,000 third-party plugins that enhance the functionality of the online store system according to specific needs. However, it’s important to note that these third-party plugins can be expensive, with an average cost of around HKD $300-500 per plugin. If you require a full functional online store system, the cost may be higher compared to other Hong Kong online store platforms.

3. Website design templates: Highly flexible design options

   Shopify provides over a hundred design templates that allow store owners to create diverse online store systems. However, if issues arise with the templates, you would need to contact the template developer for assistance or hire Shopify experts at an additional cost to resolve the issue.

4. Service: Backend customer support, self-resolution for plugin-related issues

   You can contact customer support for routine issues through the backend of your online store. However,, if there are vulnerabilities or issues with third-party plugins, you would need to contact the plugin developers to resolve the problem, which can be time-consuming. Alternatively, you can pay an additional high fee to hire Shopify technicians for one-time fixes.

Shops suitable for using Shopify:

1. Businesses targeting the European and American markets or engaging in cross-border e-commerce. Shopify offers comprehensive multilingual and payment logistics support.
2. Businesses with high design requirements but relatively lower demands for other online store features such as promotions and order management.
3. Individuals with certain IT knowledge or a high level of patience to troubleshoot issues and spend a significant amount of time exploring the backend.

Shops not suitable for using Shopify

1. Businesses targeting only the Hong Kong market as Shopify lacks local customer support and many localized features.
2. Business with specific requirements for online store features such as promotions and managing a large number of orders. These features often need to be purchased individually as plugins, which can result in high costs compared to other Hong Kong online store platforms (e.g., Shopline, Mshop).
3. Individuals with limited internet knowledge or who are unable to invest a significant amount of time in exploring the backend. Additionally, people with limited English proficiency may find it challenging to use the platform.
4. Industries with low-profit margins. Shopify charges a 2% fee for all non-credit card transactions, and industries with low-profit margins typically do not support credit card payments.

SHOPLINE is an e-commerce platform based in Hong Kong that was founded in 2013. According to information on the SHOPLINE official website, the platform currently has over 500,000 businesses using its service worldwide. 

1. Fee: Multiple plans with additional maintenance and transaction fees

   SHOPLINE offers four different plans for online stores, with the most affordable option starting at HKD$499 per month (including 1,000 product listings), but it also incurs a 0.5% system maintenance fee. SHOPLINE provides its own services, such as SHOPLINE Payment and SHOPLINE Logistics, allowing customers to access multiple payment and logistics providers without the need for separate accounts. However, if you choose not to use SHOPLINE Payment, there is a 0.5% transaction fee per transaction.

2. Features: Comprehensive e-commerce functionality

   SHOPLINE provides a wide range of e-commerce features, including payment and logistics integration, as well as various promotional functions.

3. Website design templates: Designs and functionality are relatively fixed

   The design interface of SHOPLINE is user-friendly, and store owners can easily design their online store layout using a drag-and-drop functionality. However, the available website templates are relatively rigid, and store owners are limited to the options provided by the platform. If you require more customization, it may involve incurring high customization fees.

4. Service: Customer support through the backend messaging system

   User can contact customer support through the backend messaging system and may have to wait for a response from a live customer service representative.

Shops suitable for using SHOPLINE

1. Prefer a streamlined process: SHOPLINE offers a one-stop solution for payment and logistics services, making it convenient for customers to quickly set up an online store.
2. Have experience in online sales and can handle online issues independently: SHOP:LINE’s e-commerce systems simplifies processes, such as having their own developed Shoplytics and intelligent advertising system, reducing the need for learning Google Analytics or advertising techniques.
3. Target the Asian market as their primary sales audience: SHOPLINE has optimized its platform to cater to the specific needs of the Asian e-commerce market.

Shops not suitable for using SHOPLINE

1. Advanced users: SHOPLINE’s e-commerce platform and design features are simplified and may not meet the advanced requirements of experienced users.
2. Require a certain level of customer service: Based on feedback on Facebook and Google reviews, several customers have expressed dissatisfaction with SHOPLINE’s customer service, citing template-like responses and difficulties in reaching specific individuals to resolve issues. Therefore, shops with high customer service expectations may not be satisfied.
3. Require customized functionality: SHOPLINE’s website templates and features are relatively fixed, and the existing plans do not provide highly customizable options, which may not be suitable for shop owners with specific requirements for website design or functionality

Mshop is an online store platform founded in Hong Kong in 2013. It is currently trusted by over ten thousand businesses, including several listed companies and well-known online shops such as PorterHK, AIRLAND, and Skyworth TV. Mshop provides comprehensive internet commerce service, including online store systems, mobile shopping apps, POS systems for physical stores, and Facebook Live integration.

1. Fee: Self-owned payment and logistics services

   Mshop offers various pricing plans for different merchants. The lowest priced plan starts at HKD$530 per month (including up to 3,000 product listings), and there are no transaction fees regardless of the chosen plan.

2. Features: Complete e-commerce features with integrated payment and logistics services

   Mshop offers a one-stop solution for online retailers, including online payment processing, efficient logistics and delivery services, online marketing tools, and membership benefits. Whether it’s day to day store operations or marketing and promotion activities such as Facebook Live and MailChimp email marketing, Mshop integrates seamlessly with popular payment and logistics methods. This enables store owners to easily manage their online platforms and enhance their business.

3. Website design templates: Customizable and visually appealing designs

   Unlike traditional monthly subscription-based platforms, Mshop supports custom development of online shop features. Compared to other e-commerce platforms, Mshop allows for the creation of more unique and stylish online stores.

4. Service: Dedicated customer support for prompt issue resolution 

   Mshop’s official website showcases positive reviews from existing customers, and each online shop is assigned a dedicated customer support representative to address any concerns or issues promptly.

Shops suitable for using Mshop: 

1. Small and medium-sized businesses with some experience: Mshop provides powerful e-commerce features and quality customer service.
2. Novice store owners without online selling experience: Mshop offers individualized support to quickly resolve issues, which is crucial for beginners in the e-commerce industry. Additionally, Mshop’s comprehensive e-commerce features and designs meet the requirements of most merchants.
3. Enterprises requiring customized functionality/design: Mshop is the only platform among the mentioned ones that supports “custom programming” services. Reassuring you because it is trusted by numerous listed companies and well-known online shops.

Shops not suitable for using Mshop:

Individuals looking for short-term promotional use: Mshop’s online store plans are based on annual subscriptions, which may not be suitable for those seeking short-term usage. However, a 14-day free trial is available to test the compatibility of the features and services.

Shopage is an online shop platform that was established in 2015. According to the information on the Shopage official website, it currently has over 50,000 users. Shopage targets the affordable market and occasionally offers limited-time promotions such as “buy one year, get one year free” or “50% off on opening an online store.” It has been referred to as the budget version of Shopline within the industry.

1. Fee: Affordable

   During promotional periods, the highest-tier online store plan on Shopage, after applying the “buy one year, get one year free” or 50% off discount, costs an average of around HKD$500 per month. However, additional consultation may be required for features such as POS sales and email services.

2. Features: Comprehensive basic e-commerce functinoality

   Shopage provides complete payment and logistics integration, as well as basic features like discounts and product systems.

3. Website Design Templates: Drag-and-drop design

   Shopage offers a user-friendly design interface where store owners can easily customize the layout of their online shops using drag-and-drop functionality. However, there are limitations on template customization, making it difficult to create a unique personal style for the online store.

4. Service: Average level

   Shopage offers customer support through a backend contact system. Users may need to wait for a response from live customer service representatives.

Shops suitable for using Shopage：

1. Beginners testing the waters: Shopage’s lower entry price makes it suitable for those who want to try starting a business or experience an online store system.
2. Merchants with simple buying and selling needs: Shopage’s user-friendly backend operations are suitable for businesses with basic requirements for an online shopping system.

Shops not suitable for using Shopage：

1. Businesses with advanced requirements for e-commerce functionality: Shopage’s features are slightly less robust compared to other open online shop platforms, making it difficult to meet the needs of advanced users.
2. Businesses with design requirements: Due to the template-based layout on Shopage, it may not fulfill the branding and design demands of store owners seeking a unique appearance.
3. Businesses requiring customer service support: Shopage primarily offers online support, which may not meet the high customer service requirements of some businesses. Similarly, there have been customer complaints in Google and Facebook reviews regarding average service quality after signing up.

Each online shop platform has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended that store owners personally understand the services offered by different platforms. It is important to pay attention to customer service, scalability, and related fees (such as transaction fees) when selecting a platform. This will help create a more suitable online store.

The mentioned online shop platforms also offer free trials, but trying out each platform individually can take 1-2 days. It is suggested that store owners directly contact the platforms to request demonstrations of functionalities and share real-life online store examples similar to their own. This will aid in selecting a suitable e-commerce platform that meets specific needs and create a tailored online shopping platform.

Shopify: Suitable for businesses that require attractive designs or focus on the European and American markets.

Shopline: Suitable for businesses with online selling experience and the ability to handle online issues independently.

Mshop: Suitable for businesses with online selling experience and a desire for comprehensive online store functionality, such as website systems, Facebook live sales, and customization options.

Shopage: Suitable for beginners with a limited budget who want to test the waters.

If you are an online shop owner or a newbie interested in starting an online shop and have questions about the process or managing an online shop, feel free to schedule a consultation with Mshop, a professional online shop consulting service.

Mshop E-commerce platform provide comprehensive online shop management system, including online store systems, mobile apps, retail POS systems, Facebook Live, and more. It offers various features such as local payment methods, logistics, order management, inventory management, and membership management, assisting shop owners in handling daily operations. Customization services are also available to facilitate brand and business development. Looking for a more comprehensive online shop system? Contact the professional team at Mshop for an exceptional experience!

• 【Comparison of Online Stores】Monthly Fee Stores vs. Customized Stores
  
• 【E-commerce Sourcing】Popular Product Sources & Channels | Pros & Cons
• 2023年香港物流送貨收費整合 (順豐、Alfred、中通、Zeek、Kerry、Jumppoint比較)