E-Commerce Solutions

Platforms such as Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix provide ready-made solutions that are easy to configure and launch.

However, their convenience often comes with significant limitations that affect control, ownership, and scalability.

Advantages:

✅ Quick setup requiring minimal technical expertise
✅  Prebuilt templates and integrated payment systems for convenience

Limitations:

❌  Hosting generally based in the US or outside EU countries
❌  Lack of ownership – your shop and data belong to a third-party provider
❌  Limited customisation options and rigid templates
❌  Vendor lock-in – migrating your store requires a complete rebuild
❌  Transaction fees – commissions up to 2% per sale
❌  Restricted scalability – limited to provider’s infrastructure
❌  Legal and regulatory concerns – often outside Swiss or EU jurisdiction
❌  Outsourced support – limited or non-personalised assistance

Developing your own platform using open-source technologies such as WooCommerce, Magento, or PrestaShopoffers full control over your online business environment.

Open-source e-commerce platforms offer freedom, scalability, and compliance — all while maintaining complete data ownership.

DIGITALABS supports companies in developing secure, high-performance online stores, ensuring that every solution meets the highest standards of usability, security, and regulatory conformity.

Advantages:

✅ Full ownership of data, content, and transactions
✅  Unlimited customisation to match evolving business needs
✅  No hidden transaction fees or revenue sharing
✅  Scalability and freedom to choose your hosting provider
✅  Compliance with Swiss and EU privacy and e-commerce regulations

Considerations:

❌ Technical expertise is required for setup, customisation, and maintenance
❌ Ongoing updates, backups, and security must be managed proactively
❌ Hosting costs and server configuration are your responsibility

For Swiss SMEs, choosing Swiss-based hosting ensures data sovereignty, privacy compliance, and protection under national law.

At first glance, proprietary platforms appear more convenient and affordable.

However, in practice, they introduce hidden costs, transaction fees, and regional limitations (e.g. inability to use Swiss payment gateways or local currencies).

For businesses seeking long-term independence, data security, and scalability, an open-source or custom-coded ad hoc solution remains the most strategic choice.