Wix Online Shop in Review - Experiences with WixStores

In the Wix Online Shop Test, we took a closer look at the features of WixStores. We explain how to step by step create your own online shop and what advantages and disadvantages arise when using the modular system in the field of E-Commerce.

With WixStores, the comprehensive website builder offers its users the opportunity to create their own online shop. As with creating your own website, you can also rely on the comfortable and easy-to-use modular system, which we extensively introduced to you in the Wix test. WixStores also offers additional E-Commerce specific configuration options, such as managing products or setting payment, shipping, and tax information.

To use WixStores, only a regular Wix account is needed. So, if you have already used the website builder before, you can simply log in to Wix with your email address and password and start creating your own online shop directly. The features of WixStores are also available to free accounts. With the free version of the builder, you can already test the most important functions.

Those who want to use a full-featured Wix online shop with their own domain and ad-free experience must opt for a paid plan. The Wix eCommerce plan costs around £16 per month, while the Wix VIP plan is around £24 per month. The latter also offers prioritised premium support from the provider.

Also, find out how Wix vs. Jimdo Online Shop performs in the E-Commerce sector.

Wix Online Shop Test - Step by Step to Your Own Online Shop

Here you will learn about our experiences with WixStore and the exact process of creating your own online shop.

To use WixStores, you first need to sign up with a Wix account on the provider's website. Then click on "Create New Site" and select the option "Online Shop" when asked "What type of website do you want to create?"

Now you have the option to choose between creating your online shop using the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI or building the online shop in the classic Wix Editor.

Create an online shop with the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI

If you opt to create the Wix online shop using the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI, you will need to answer a few questions about your planned web presence:

General questions will be asked, such as the type of online shop to be created, the additional elements needed on the website, the website name, and possibly the location of the company. You will also need to answer questions about the design of the planned online shop, such as the design style to be used.

You can then choose a suitable design template:

You can then make individual design changes in the editor:

Create an online shop with the classic Wix Editor

If you choose to create the Wix online shop using the classic editor, you only need to select a design template:

You can then make individual design changes in the editor as well:

Managing the shop with WixStores

Whether you choose the path through the classic editor or the artificial design intelligence Wix ADI, the shop management for configuring your own online shop is the same for both options. Through the menu items "My Shop" or "Manage Shop", you will access the control centre where all relevant settings can be adjusted:

An assistant guides users step by step through the configuration process to ensure no important settings are overlooked.

First, the individual products need to be added. This includes distinguishing between digital products offered for download and regular physical products. In addition to the classic product description, images and videos can also be uploaded to showcase the products. Furthermore, other important product attributes such as prices or stock levels are defined.

Next, the payment methods are configured. Wix offers the option to enable payment with credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal support or set up manual payment methods such as bank transfer and cash on delivery.

Further along the process, shipping regions and shipping cost calculation can be configured, various VAT options can be set, and invoicing can be managed.

The key strengths of WixStores

Easy to use

The biggest strength of WixStores is its ease of use. With the intuitive drag-and-drop system, even users with less technical knowledge can quickly navigate and customise their online shop according to their preferences. The digital assistant helps users throughout the setup process to keep track of all important shop functions, resulting in a functional online store.

Extensive design options

The Wix online shop offers a wide range of design templates tailored to various themes and product ranges, which can be easily customised. This allows users to find the perfect starting point for their website and then adjust it according to their own preferences using the editor.

Clear pricing

The pricing model of WixStores is transparent and fair. In addition to the option to get a first impression completely free of charge, one of the two premium plans provides unrestricted access to all builder functions. There are no additional hidden costs, such as sales commissions or fees.

The main weaknesses of WixStores

Not suitable for large stores

WixStores is primarily suitable for creating small and less complex online shops. The platform is mainly targeted at freelancers and small businesses looking to venture into e-commerce for the first time. The system is not designed for professional e-commerce merchants with extensive product ranges or large customer bases.

Custom adjustments required for legal compliance

The legal framework for operating an online shop in Germany is relatively extensive and complex, not least due to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into effect in 2018. As Wix is a provider from abroad, the online shops created with the builder in the basic version are not fully compliant on all levels. To achieve legal certainty, further individual adjustments are therefore necessary.

Fixed system with limited functionality

Since Wix is a fixed website builder system, it offers only a relatively limited functionality overall. When creating a Wix online shop, one is dependent on the provider's predefined framework. Extending the functionality is only possible through official plugins. It is not possible to migrate the created online shop to another system.

Test conclusion on WixStores

Our experiences with the Wix online shop in the test have shown that it is an interesting system with different strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, WixStores allows for the easy creation of a functional online shop without the need for extensive technical knowledge or a large budget. On the other hand, the system quickly reaches its limits in terms of functionality. For initial forays into e-commerce and for small shops run by self-employed individuals and freelancers, the offering is indeed interesting. However, professional online retailers will quickly need to look for more comprehensive alternatives.