Introduction
As the e-commerce industry grows at a fast pace, payment processing technology has become a crucial aspect of any business operation. FastSpring and Shopify are two of the most popular e-commerce platforms that offer payment processing functionality. But which one is better?
In this article, we'll compare FastSpring and Shopify payment processing technology in terms of pricing, features, and ease of use to help you choose the most appropriate platform for your business.
Pricing
Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about pricing. FastSpring is a platform that primarily targets SaaS companies, subscription-based businesses, and digital downloads. They use a pay-as-you-go model that takes a 5.9% cut and $0.95 per transaction. However, this pricing model varies according to the different services they provide. FastSpring does provide custom quotes so you can contact them directly for more pricing information.
On the other hand, Shopify has a more flexible pricing model that varies depending on the specific plan that you subscribe to. They have a basic plan at $29/month, and their highest plan, "Advanced Shopify," is priced at $299/month. However, the transaction fee ranges from 2.4% to 2.9% + $0.30, depending on the chosen plan's pricing option.
Features
FastSpring's main advantage is the flexibility it provides in the customization of the checkout page. With FastSpring's platform, customizing the checkout page is effortless, as you can make changes to the products being sold and the color scheme of the page through extensive customization options. They also provide a comprehensive fraud prevention system that protects your business against fraudulent activities.
Shopify, on the other hand, has more features overall that cater to a broader audience. They have excellent social media integrations, self-hosting options, advanced analytics, and a powerful inventory management system that can handle large-scale orders.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, FastSpring stands out, given the user-friendly interface they offer. The platform has a quick onboarding process, and the checkout process is super simple, making it easy for consumers to make a purchase.
In contrast, Shopify has a bit of a learning curve for beginners; however, they do offer a vast range of support, including a reliable knowledge database, video tutorials, and an active user community.
Conclusion
So, which one is better? Ultimately, it depends on your business's specific needs. If your business sells digital goods like software products or services that require subscriptions, FastSpring might be the better choice due to its pay-as-you-go pricing structure and checkout customization options. However, if you're selling physical goods, retail products, or if you are looking for a more scalable e-commerce solution with advanced features, you may want to consider Shopify.
References
- FastSpring. https://fastspring.com/
- Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/
- FastSpring vs. Shopify comparison. https://www.softwarefindr.com/fast-spring-vs-shopify/