2025 Guide to the Best E-Commerce Platforms for Solopreneurs

Being an e-commerce solopreneur in 2025 is a whole different game.

You’re not just a business owner, you’re the marketing department, customer support rep, logistics manager, and finance officer, all rolled into one.

So, your biggest assets are time, automation, and budget discipline.

But with competition sharper than ever, platform fees creeping higher, and compliance rules tightening across borders, the pressure can feel overwhelming. 

However, choosing among the best e-commerce platforms for solopreneurs doesn’t have to be a guessing game. 

Today’s doola guide breaks it down using real solopreneur scenarios, a clear scoring framework, and comparison tools so you can confidently choose the platform that matches your vision. 

And once you pick a platform, your compliance, bookkeeping, and tax filing runs on autopilot with doola, so you can only focus on growing.

What Solopreneurs Should Look for in an E-Commerce Platform

Before we dive into specific platforms, it’s important to have a clear framework.

Think of this as your checklist; if a tool doesn’t hit most of these boxes, it may not be the right fit for a solo founder building lean and fast.

1. Cost Transparency: No Hidden Surprises

Look beyond the shiny “starting at $29/month” banner. Make sure you dig into:

• Monthly subscription fees: What’s the base cost to simply keep your store running?

• Transaction fees: Are you paying 2–3% on every order? That adds up fast at scale.

• Hidden charges: Things like premium themes, paid apps, or add-ons for basic functionality. 

For a solopreneur, keeping costs predictable is half the battle, after all, you don’t want your profit margin eaten away by surprise fees.

2. Low Learning Curve: Speed to Launch Matters

You don’t have an in-house tech team, which means your platform should let you:

• Go from idea to live store in days, not months.

• Use drag-and-drop editors instead of coding everything from scratch.

• Automate repetitive tasks like emails, invoices, and order confirmations.

The right platform should feel more like plug-and-play with seamless features, so you don’t waste hours deciphering setup tutorials.

3. Mobile-First Design: Where Customers Actually Shop

Over 70% of online shopping happens on mobile devices today. That means:

• Your storefront should look polished and fast on any phone.

• Checkout needs to be seamless, no clunky forms or endless fields.

• Pages should load in seconds, or you risk losing impatient customers.

If your platform can’t deliver a smooth mobile experience, you’re leaving money on the table.

4. Global Payments & Currency Support: For Non-US Founders

If you’re a non-resident founder targeting US buyers, or vice versa, this is critical. Look for:

• Multiple payment gateways: Credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Stripe, etc.

• Multi-currency pricing: So customers see prices in their own currency.

• Localized tax/VAT tools: To keep you compliant without headaches.

A store that doesn’t accept your customer’s preferred payment method loses sales fast.

5. Scalability: Will It Grow With You?

The best platform is one you don’t outgrow in six months. Ask yourself:

• Can it handle 10 orders a week today and 10,000 orders a month tomorrow?

• Does it offer advanced features (like abandoned cart recovery or analytics) you can “unlock” later?

• Will it integrate with marketing tools, inventory systems, and fulfillment services as your brand matures?

Try thinking long term, switching platforms mid-growth is expensive and disruptive.

Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Platform

E-commerce isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every platform wins in some areas and falls short in others, so make sure you consider the following aspects:

🚫 Integrations vs. Complexity: More integrations give you more power, but also mean more logins, more maintenance, and usually more subscription costs.

🚫 Physical vs. Digital Focus: Some platforms are built for shipping and logistics, others are designed for digital downloads or memberships. Choosing the wrong one can make running your store harder than it needs to be.

Needs by Business Type: Platform vs. Product

Every solopreneur sells differently, so the platform you choose should feel like a natural fit for your business model, not a constant workaround.

Here’s how to match features to what you sell:

1. Physical Products

When you’re shipping real, tangible goods, efficiency is everything.

• Inventory tracking and low-stock alerts: Stay ahead of demand with advanced tools. A platform that warns you before items run out can save you from losing sales.

• Built-in shipping calculators and label printing: Having rates, labels, and tracking handled inside your dashboard means faster fulfillment and happier customers.

• Automatic sales tax calculation across states and regions: Especially important in the US, where tax laws vary wildly. Automating compliance keeps you protected from costly mistakes.

2. Digital Products

If your store runs on downloads, courses, or creative assets, speed and security are non-negotiable.

• Instant, secure delivery after purchase: Customers expect to receive files right away, with download links that can’t be easily pirated.

• Licensing or download limits to protect your content: Keep control of your IP by ensuring files can’t be shared endlessly.

• Easy VAT handling for EU customers: The EU has strict digital tax rules. Platforms that automate VAT collection and remittance save you hours of admin work.

3. Services or Hybrid Models

For solopreneurs juggling time-based work, subscriptions, or a mix of products, flexibility is key.

• Appointment scheduling and calendar integrations: Clients should be able to book time with you directly from your site, synced with your availability.

• Subscription or retainer billing: Recurring revenue is key. Your platform should support automated billing without extra plugins.

• Client management tools that track projects and invoices: Keep all client data, deliverables, and payments in one place instead of scattering them across multiple apps.

Solo Founder Priorities

If you’re a solopreneur, your priorities won’t match those of a bigger team with departments and budgets.

That’s why your platform has to do more than just sell; it needs to lighten your load.

1. Quick Launch: The ideal platform lets you set up your storefront, add products or services, and go live within hours, not days. Templates, pre-set workflows, and minimal technical hurdles should be the baseline, not the bonus.

2. DIY-Friendly Support: Platforms with intuitive dashboards, detailed help docs, and how-to tutorials can empower you to solve problems on the fly. Add in smart automation, like email triggers, auto-generated invoices, and built-in marketing tools for quick operation. 

3. Peer Communities: Whether it’s a Facebook group, subreddit, or dedicated forum, peer-to-peer problem solving helps a lot. Plus, these communities often share insider hacks, integrations, and growth strategies that can shave months off your learning curve.

Now that we’ve nailed down the product-platform fit and what really matters for solopreneurs, let’s put this framework into action and explore the best e-commerce platforms in the market.

The Best E-Commerce Platforms for Solopreneurs in 2025

Here’s how the top platforms stack up using our framework:

1. Shopify: All-In-One Solution for Solo Founders

Best For: Solopreneurs planning to grow fast, especially in physical product sales.

Shopify is one of the world’s most popular e-commerce platforms, powering over 4.5 million online stores.

Known for its ease of use, scalability, and massive ecosystem of apps and integrations, it’s often the go-to choice for solopreneurs and fast-growing brands.

Pricing: Starts at $39/month; transaction fees extra if not using Shopify Payments.

Key Features: 

• Customizable Storefront: Drag-and-drop themes and design tools let solopreneurs build a professional brand presence without needing coding skills.

• Integrated Payments: Shopify Payments and 100+ third-party gateways simplify checkout, reduce friction, and support global customers.

• Inventory & Order Management: Centralized dashboard to track stock, process orders, and manage shipping in real time, perfect for one-person operations.

• Mobile-Optimized Selling: Mobile-responsive themes and a powerful Shopify mobile app help solopreneurs run their business on-the-go.

• Marketing & SEO Tools: Built-in email campaigns, discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, and SEO features to help solopreneurs attract and retain customers.

Pros:

✅ Easy to use with quick setup, you can launch a store in hours with drag-and-drop builder

✅ Scales seamlessly from beginner to enterprise, handles thousands of daily transactions 

✅ Excellent global support, 100+ payment gateways and seamless shipping integrations

Cons:

❌ Heavy reliance on apps can drive costs up: Many advanced features (subscriptions, loyalty programs, advanced reporting) require paid apps, which can add up fast.

❌ Steep learning curve for advanced features: Setting up a store is easy, but mastering Shopify’s full power (automation, customization, APIs) takes time, effort, and patience.

🔖 Related reading: The Shopify Seller’s 2025 Bookkeeping Playbook: Every Click is a Sale

2. Wix eCommerce: Creative Control on a Budget

Best For: Budget-conscious founders who want an attractive store without heavy investment.

Wix eCommerce is the go-to platform for solopreneurs who want maximum creative freedom without breaking the bank.

With its drag-and-drop builder and affordable plans, it’s a favorite for those who prioritize design flexibility and simplicity over complex scaling needs.

Pricing: Plans start at $27/month.

Features:

• Drag-and-Drop Design: Build your store visually, no coding required, making it easy for solopreneurs to bring their creative vision to life.

• Customizable Templates: Choose from hundreds of stylish templates tailored for online stores and adapt them to your brand.

• Built-In Marketing Tools: Access SEO features, email marketing, and social media integrations right inside the platform.

Pros:

✅ Affordable and Design-Flexible: Offers a budget-friendly entry point with plenty of design freedom to create a unique storefront.

✅ Easy Setup: Intuitive tools let solopreneurs launch quickly, even with zero technical background.

Cons:

❌ Limited Scaling Options: Works best for small to mid-sized stores, but may feel restrictive as your business grows.

❌ Higher Transaction Fees: Fees can add up compared to some competitors, particularly for high-volume sellers.

3. Squarespace Commerce: Service-Based + Hybrid Sellers

Best For: Solopreneurs offering coaching, services, or hybrid digital-physical models.

Squarespace Commerce is a powerful tool for solopreneurs blending services with digital or physical products. From sleek templates to built-in scheduling, it delivers a polished brand experience without needing coding expertise.

Pricing: Starts at $36/month for the Commerce Basic plan.

Features:

• Appointment Booking: Integrated scheduling tools allow clients to book sessions directly on your site, making it ideal for coaches, consultants, and creatives.

• Subscription Billing: Support for recurring payments means you can easily set up memberships, retainers, or ongoing service packages.

• Sleek Templates: Professionally designed templates help your brand stand out with minimal effort, giving even non-designers a premium look.

Pros:

✅ Perfect for branding & services: Helps build professional, visually cohesive online presence, especially for service providers.

✅ Easy-to-use editor with great designs: The drag-and-drop editor is intuitive, allowing solopreneurs to launch and update their sites quickly.

Cons:

❌ Limited Payment Gateways: While Stripe, PayPal, and a few others are supported, the options are more restricted compared to Shopify or WooCommerce.

❌ Fewer Advanced Integrations: Businesses that need extensive customization or third-party app ecosystems may feel constrained.

4. Etsy: Handmade & Niche Goods

Best For: Handmade, vintage, and niche product solopreneurs.

Etsy remains the go-to marketplace for solopreneurs selling handmade, vintage, or highly niche products.

Instead of building traffic from scratch, Etsy provides instant exposure to millions of active buyers searching specifically for unique and creative goods.

For solo sellers testing the waters, Etsy offers a low barrier to entry with global reach.

Pricing: No upfront monthly cost. $0.20 per listing + 6.5% transaction fee per sale.

Features:

• Marketplace with Built-In Traffic: Unlike standalone e-commerce platforms, Etsy comes with an established audience of buyers who are actively browsing for handcrafted and specialty products.

• Product Listing Tools: Simple, user-friendly listing features let you upload photos, set pricing, and add descriptions without needing technical know-how.

• Integrated Payments: Built-in Etsy Payments makes transactions seamless, supporting multiple currencies and secure checkout.

Pros:

✅ Instant Access to Millions of Buyers: Etsy’s audience is already primed to shop for handmade, vintage, and creative goods, making it easier for solopreneurs to attract sales without major marketing spend.

✅ Great for Testing New Ideas: Perfect for validating product concepts before investing heavily in production or a standalone store.

Cons:

❌ High competition & limited branding control: With thousands of similar shops, standing out can be tough, and Etsy limits how much you can customize your storefront.

❌ Fees add up quickly: Between listing fees ($0.20 per item), transaction fees (6.5%), and optional advertising, profits may shrink if margins aren’t managed carefully.

5. BigCommerce: For Fast Scaling

Best For: Growth-focused solopreneurs ready to scale aggressively.

BigCommerce is built with growth-hungry solopreneurs in mind.

Unlike lightweight platforms that may require a migration once your business expands, BigCommerce offers enterprise-grade features right out of the gate. It’s a powerful option for solo founders who see their store as more than a side hustle.

Pricing: Starts at $39/month for the Standard plan.

Features:

• Enterprise-Grade Scalability: BigCommerce is designed to handle larger product catalogs and higher sales volumes without slowing down, making it a long-term partner for ambitious solopreneurs.

• SEO-Friendly Tools: Advanced SEO features, including customizable URLs and built-in optimization, help your products rank better and attract organic traffic.

• Built-In Multi-Channel Selling: Easily connect your store with Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and more, giving you exposure across multiple platforms without juggling separate systems.

Pros:

✅ Great for Solopreneurs Expecting Rapid Growth: With scalability built in, you won’t outgrow the platform anytime soon, making it ideal for those with a clear growth trajectory.

✅ No Transaction Fees: Unlike many competitors, BigCommerce doesn’t take a cut of your sales, which can translate to significant savings as your revenue increases.

Cons:

❌ Higher Monthly Cost: Plans start higher than budget-friendly platforms, and the cost can be steep for solopreneurs just starting out.

❌ Not as Beginner-Friendly as Wix/Squarespace: The advanced features can feel overwhelming for first-time sellers with limited technical experience.

6. WooCommerce: Flexibility for WordPress Users

Best For: WordPress-savvy solopreneurs who want maximum flexibility, control, and scalability

WooCommerce is the best customizable e-commerce option for solopreneurs who already love (or plan to use) WordPress. It transforms any WordPress site into a fully functional online store, offering a community of developers and plugins.

For solo founders who want full control over their store’s design, features, and growth, WooCommerce is the ultimate DIY platform.

Pricing: Free plugin + hosting (typically $10–$25/month), add-ons can increase the total.

Features:

• Open-Source Plugin: As a free plugin, WooCommerce can be installed on any WordPress site, giving solopreneurs total ownership over their store without being tied to a closed ecosystem.

• Endless Customization: From payment gateways to product pages, WooCommerce offers thousands of plugins and themes so you can tailor your store exactly to your needs.

• Huge Developer Community: A global network of developers ensures constant innovation, plugin support, and troubleshooting resources, making it easier to find help.

Pros:

✅ No Monthly Subscription: The core plugin is free, your only essential recurring cost is hosting, which keeps initial setup affordable.

✅ Complete Control: Unlike closed platforms, WooCommerce gives you the freedom to customize every part of your store, from design to functionality, without restrictions.

Cons:

❌ Requires WordPress Knowledge: If you’re not comfortable navigating WordPress, setup and ongoing management can feel intimidating.

❌ Costs Add Up with Plugins & Hosting: While the base plugin is free, premium plugins, themes, and reliable hosting can push monthly costs higher than expected.

Additional Options Worth Considering 

If your focus is digital products, software, or lean startup operations, these platforms can give you everything you need, without the financial overload.

Platform	Pricing Model	Product Focus	Best Use Case
Gumroad	Free to start + 10% fee (drops to 3.5% + 30¢/sale on paid plan)	Digital downloads (eBooks, courses, audio, art)	Creators who want quick, simple product launches without a full storefront
Lemon Squeezy	Starts at 5% + 50¢ per sale (MoR model)	SaaS, software licenses, subscriptions	Software founders needing global tax compliance handled automatically
Shift4Shop	$0/month if using Shift4 Payments (standard plans from $29/month)	Physical & digital products, general e-commerce	Lean US-based solopreneurs looking for a cost-effective launchpad

We’ll quickly cover what each of these platforms offer: 

1. Gumroad: Best for Digital-First Creators

Gumroad is a creator-friendly platform that makes it ridiculously easy to sell eBooks, courses, audio files, art, and other digital downloads. With instant delivery and a clean checkout experience, it’s tailored for solopreneurs who value speed and simplicity. 

You don’t need to worry about building a full-fledged online store, just upload your product, set a price, and start selling.

2. Lemon Squeezy: Ideal for SaaS & Software Founders

Lemon Squeezy is more than just a store builder, it’s a merchant of record (MoR), which means it takes care of global tax compliance, VAT, and sales taxes on your behalf.

This makes it ideal for solopreneurs selling SaaS tools, software licenses, or subscription-based products. 

3. Shift4Shop: For Lean US-Based Startups

Shift4Shop offers a no-monthly-fee plan for US-based merchants who use its payment processor. It comes with a wide range of built-in features that would normally require paid add-ons elsewhere.

For scrappy solopreneurs testing the market without wanting to rack up high subscription costs, Shift4Shop provides a cost-effective launchpad.

All of the above specialized platforms are perfect when you need speed, simplicity, or tax compliance handled out of the box, without the heavy lift of a full-scale e-commerce solution.

Comparison Table: Features, Pricing, & Ideal Use Cases

Platform	Monthly Price	Transaction Fees	Best For	Ease-of-Use	Scalability	Hidden Costs	Badge
Shopify	$39+	2.9% + 30¢	Physical/digital	★★★★☆	★★★★★	App costs	All-in-One Winner
Wix eCommerce	$27+	2.9% + 30¢	Creative stores	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	Limited integrations	Budget-Friendly
Squarespace	$36+	3% (Basic)	Services/Hybrids	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	Extensions	Best for Services
Etsy	$0 + listings	6.5% per sale	Handmade goods	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	Fees pile up	Marketplace Access
BigCommerce	$39+	None	Scaling stores	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Theme/app add-ons	Scale-Ready
WooCommerce	Free + hosting	Varies	WordPress users	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	Plugin costs	Best Flexibility

Hidden Costs and Platform Quirks

The real cost of e-commerce platforms is often in the fine print, and for solopreneurs managing every dollar, these hidden expenses can make or break profitability.

Before committing to a platform, here are the key quirks and costs you should factor into your budget:

• Payment Processing Fees: Almost every platform charges ~2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. These add up fast as your sales volume grows and eat into your margins.

• Currency Conversion: Added layer of cost for non-US sellers targeting US buyers. Based on the platform and payment processor, you could be paying an extra 1–3% just to convert payments into your home currency.

• Apps & Plugins: WooCommerce or Shopify users often spend $50–$200 monthly on add-on features like abandoned cart recovery, email marketing, or advanced reporting.

• Fulfillment Fees: If you’re outsourcing shipping through third-party logistics (3PL) providers (ShipBob, Amazon FBA, etc.) expect to pay fees for storage, packaging, and fulfillment. These costs vary widely depending on order volume and product dimensions.

• Tax Management: Selling globally means navigating digital VAT (EU/UK), GST, and US state-level sales tax requirements. While some platforms offer basic tax tools, many solopreneurs need third-party integrations or accounting help to stay compliant.

As a trusted partner for e-commerce founders, doola knows the importance of transparent pricing. While platforms may keep costs buried in fine print, we help you plan ahead by ensuring your formation, compliance, and financial management are crystal clear.

Ready to build smarter and budget better? Check out doola’s services and pricing tiers today.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Business

Use this quick checklist before deciding on a platform, it’ll help you avoid costly pivots down the road:

✅ What are you selling?

Decide whether your business revolves around physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, or services.

Some platforms excel at shipping logistics (Shopify, Shift4Shop), while others are built for digital-first creators (Gumroad, Lemon Squeezy).

✅ How tech-savvy are you?

If you love drag-and-drop simplicity and don’t want to touch code, stick to beginner-friendly platforms.

But if you want deep customization, API access, or integrations, pick a system that gives you full control.

✅ What’s your growth plan?

Are you testing the waters with a side hustle, or do you envision scaling into a multi-product brand with global reach? Y

our choice should balance immediate needs with the long-term roadmap so you don’t outgrow your platform too quickly.

✅ How much DIY are you ready for?

Some platforms thrive on plug-and-play convenience, while others require ongoing upkeep: theme updates, plugin installs, tax setups, and more.

So, think about whether you prefer guided support or you’re comfortable relying on community forums and trial-and-error.

⚡ doola Tip for Do’ers

The market rewards action, not endless research. So get your store live, learn from real-world customer data, and optimize as you grow.

Most platforms let you migrate later with ease, so there’s no need to overanalyze and stall your momentum early on. 

🔖 Related reading: The $100K Scaling Formula: What Top E-Commerce Sellers Are Doing

doola: Integrated E-Commerce Business Setup & Compliance Solutions

Deciding on your e-commerce platform is only half the battle. The other half is making sure your business foundation is rock-solid: legally set up, compliant, and financially ready to scale. 

For non-US solopreneurs eyeing the US market, this can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly where doola steps in, to make your business global-ready from day one.

With doola, you don’t just get tools; you get a full-stack partner for your e-commerce journey:

✅ Company Formation (LLC, C-Corp & more)

Whether you’re testing a new dropshipping idea or building a long-term brand, doola helps you choose the right entity type (LLC, C-Corp, or others) tailored to your growth plans.

Your structure determines taxes, liability, and investor appeal, so getting this right upfront saves headaches later.

✅ EIN & US Banking Setup

Accepting payments in the US is a must for e-commerce founders targeting American customers.

With doola, you get an EIN (tax ID) and access to US bank accounts and payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify Payments, so you can sell seamlessly without borders blocking your growth.

✅ Compliance Filings & State Reports

The paperwork grind: annual reports, franchise taxes, state compliance, can catch founders off guard. doola takes this off your plate, ensuring you remain compliant and audit-proof while you focus on growing sales and scaling your store.

✅ Bookkeeping & Tax Support

From tracking deductible expenses (like shipping, ads, or 3PL costs) to filing US taxes, doola keeps your finances optimized and investor-ready.

Plus, if you’ve fallen behind on your books, doola’s Catch Up Bookkeeping service gets you back on track.

Real-time bookkeeping, tailored specifically for solopreneurs and small e-commerce brands.

Whether you’re selling candles from Berlin, digital art from Mumbai, or SaaS tools from São Paulo, doola makes global e-commerce simple, compliant, and stress-free, so you can focus on creating, selling, and scaling.

Launch Confidently With doola Today!

Building a solo e-commerce empire doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

From picking the right platform to staying compliant, the right support system will save you time, money, and stress.

With doola Total Compliance, you’re not just setting up an online store; you’re laying the foundation for a brand that’s sustainable, scalable, and built to thrive in global markets.

So, why wait? Launch with confidence, grow without limits, and let doola handle the back office while you focus on building your empire.

Get started today!