Migration GuideE-commerce

How to Migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce

A complete step-by-step guide to switching from Shopify to WooCommerce, including what breaks, what improves, and a hands-on migration checklist.

Difficulty

Complex

Estimated Time

3-6 weeks

Data Portability

Complex

What Breaks When Migrating from Shopify

Shopify-specific theme customizations and Liquid templates
Shopify Payments and integrated checkout experience
Shopify app integrations (many don't have WooCommerce equivalents)
Shopify POS system and in-person selling setup
Built-in shipping labels and fulfillment network

What Improves with WooCommerce

Full ownership and control over your store and data
No transaction fees on any payment gateway
Unlimited customization with WordPress ecosystem
Lower ongoing costs at scale (hosting vs subscription)
SEO flexibility with full WordPress plugin ecosystem

Shopify to WooCommerce Migration Checklist

Back up your Shopify store: products, customers, orders, content

Set up WordPress hosting (managed WooCommerce hosting recommended)

Install WordPress and WooCommerce plugin

Choose and install a WooCommerce theme

Export Shopify products as CSV and import to WooCommerce

Migrate customer accounts and order history

Set up payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)

Configure shipping zones, rates, and tax settings

Install essential WooCommerce plugins (SEO, security, performance)

Set up 301 redirects from old Shopify URLs to new WooCommerce URLs

Test checkout flow, email notifications, and mobile experience

Update DNS records to point domain to new hosting

Should You Switch from Shopify to WooCommerce?

Switch to WooCommerce If...

Businesses wanting full ownership and data control, stores looking to eliminate transaction fees, and companies that need deep WordPress ecosystem customization.

Stay with Shopify If...

Non-technical store owners who want hosted simplicity, businesses using Shopify POS for retail, and stores that rely heavily on Shopify-exclusive apps.

Shopify to WooCommerce Related Resources

Shopify Review

Full review & pricing

WooCommerce Review

Full review & pricing

Shopify vs WooCommerce

Side-by-side comparison

Looking for the reverse? WooCommerce to Shopify Migration Guide

Shopify to WooCommerce Migration FAQ

How long does it take to migrate from Shopify to WooCommerce?

The typical migration from Shopify to WooCommerce takes 3-6 weeks, depending on data volume, customizations, and team size. We recommend running both tools in parallel during the transition.

What data can I transfer from Shopify to WooCommerce?

Data portability is rated "Complex" for this migration. Most core data (contacts, records, content) can be exported and imported, but custom configurations, automations, and integrations typically need to be rebuilt manually.

What breaks when switching from Shopify to WooCommerce?

Key things that may break: Shopify-specific theme customizations and Liquid templates; Shopify Payments and integrated checkout experience; Shopify app integrations (many don't have WooCommerce equivalents). Plan for these disruptions by mapping alternatives before starting the migration.

Is it worth switching from Shopify to WooCommerce?

It depends on your needs. WooCommerce improves: Full ownership and control over your store and data; No transaction fees on any payment gateway. However, you should stay with Shopify if: Non-technical store owners who want hosted simplicity.

Need Help Deciding?

Compare features, pricing, and ratings side by side before making your switch.

Compare Shopify vs WooCommerce