Proprietary vs. Open-Source CMS Platforms
Using a Proprietary E-Commerce Platform
Platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix provide ready-to-use solutions that are easy to set up, but come with major limitations:
✅ Quick setup with minimal technical skills.
✅ Prebuilt templates and payment systems for convenience.
❌ Provider: Hosting services predominantly in the USA
❌ Ownership Issues: Your store and data belong to a third party.
❌ Limited Customisation: You can only use their templates and features.
❌ Vendor Lock-In: Switching platforms requires a complete rebuild.
❌ Transaction Fees: Platforms often take commissions of up to 2% per sale.
❌ Scalability Issues: Resources and features are restricted to what they provide.
❌ Legislation Concerns: Many providers are not under Swiss or EU regulations.
❌ Support: No direct support, often outsourced
Building an Independent E-Commerce Platform
Using Open-Source technologies (like WooCommerce, Magento, or PrestaShop) offers much control over your online store:
✅ Full Ownership: Your data, content, and transactions are yours.
✅ Unlimited Customisation: Adapt your store’s features as your business grows.
✅ No Hidden Fees: Avoid commissions on every sale.
✅ Scalability: Choose a hosting provider that grows with your business.
✅ Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your platform aligns with Swiss and EU standards.
❌ Technical Expertise – Setup, customisation, and maintenance require a skilled developer.
❌ Ongoing Maintenance – Security, updates, and hosting must be managed independently.
❌ Hosting Costs – You must choose and pay for a hosting provider.
Swiss SMEs should prioritise Swiss-based hosting to maintain data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations.
At first glance, proprietary platforms seem cheap and easy, but they come with unexpected costs and fees (in Switzerland, for example, you can’t use Swiss payment gateways or local currency). If you are looking for long-term control, scalability, data security and compliance, an independent ad-hoc (fully coded) or open-source solution is the best choice.
Before starting a Swiss E-commerce business
Important Information to include
- Information about the owner
- Product information
- Cancellation Rights
- The order process
- Order confirmation
Ensure your hosting and data management solutions are compliant with Swiss and EU regulations (GDPR/nFADP).
Popular Open-Source E-Commerce CMS
The choice of an open source CMS (Content Management System) for your e-commerce depends on a number of factors such as scalability, customisation, ease of use (UX), security and integration options.
However, if your e-commerce site is NOT properly developed or associated with an unreliable hosting provider, its potential is considerably reduced. The most captivating platforms therefore become ineffective and unreliable on all fronts.
