Shopware vs. Shopify
Shopware's Fair Usage Policy shakes up the market – is switching worthwhile?
Shopware's new Fair Usage Policy is causing uncertainty.
We compare honestly:
What can Shopify do better – and what does it really cost?
Shopware vs. Shopify: Time for an honest decision
In e-commerce, standing still is not an option. Those who want to sell successfully need a platform that grows with their business – and does so reliably. But this is exactly where Shopware is currently causing uncertainty: With the new license model and the so-called Fair Usage Policy, the rules of the game are fundamentally changing.
The pricing structure is suddenly unclear, scalability is limited, and many retailers are asking themselves: Is it still worth staying with Shopware – or is now the right time to switch to a modern, growth-friendly platform like Shopify?
This page gives you a clear overview of both systems – and helps you make an informed decision for your business.
Fair Usage with Shopware:
Unclear Rules, Unpredictable Costs
Shopware aims to ensure fair use of its open-source solution
– requiring a contribution to funding for high revenues.
Many users perceive the new regulation as opaque.
The following points are usually criticized:
- Unclear revenue definition and composition
- External channels are included (Amazon, eBay, POS)
- No early warning when threshold is reached
- Intransparent data collection
- "Fairness" is vaguely formulated
What has really changed in Shopware
Shopware was long considered a flexible, German system for ambitious online shops. However, its direction has noticeably changed recently – primarily due to the introduction of the so-called Fair Usage Policy, which is already causing criticism within the community.
What does this mean in practice?
Shopware's Fair Usage Policy requires merchants with high annual revenues to switch to a paid plan. This not only takes into account revenues from the online shop but also sales through marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay, as well as POS systems, provided they are connected via Shopware. This can be problematic for merchants, as they already pay fees to the marketplaces, and now additional higher costs for Shopware could arise.
The Result:
Many shop operators suddenly no longer know how their running costs are developing. Those who grow could be penalized for it in the future. This is a massive disadvantage especially for ambitious brands. If you want to avoid the disadvantages of the Fair Usage Policy, you now have to carefully consider which systems you want to connect to Shopware.
The following challenges are also added:
- Licenses with partially significant monthly fees
- Hosting must be arranged externally
- High technical maintenance effort
- Important features only available in expensive enterprise versions
Shopware remains powerful – but may be more suitable if you have a strong in-house development team and are willing to invest more as your revenue grows.
Who is Shopware still interesting for?
Shopware isn't inherently bad – but it's not the best choice for everyone
Despite all the challenges, there are scenarios in which Shopware can demonstrate its strengths. Especially for very specific B2B requirements or complex product logics, the system can be useful – if you have the necessary developer resources internally.
Shopware also scores with its API openness when it comes to special ERP connections or unusual checkout processes. But: These advantages come with a high price – not only monetarily, but also in terms of effort, maintenance and uncertainty.
Our conclusion: For most D2C brands, startups, and growth-oriented companies, Shopify is the better choice today.
Shopify – The platform for modern e-commerce teams
A system that helps you grow – not slows you down
Shopify has become the world's most popular e-commerce platform in recent years
– and for good reason.
While other systems struggle with complexity, licensing models, and technical hurdles, Shopify primarily offers one thing: clarity.
No hidden costs.
No fair usage policies.
No incomprehensible licenses.
Instead, you will get:
- A transparent pricing model with monthly plans
- Hosting, maintenance and updates included
- Intuitive operation without technical know-how
- A huge app ecosystem for all use cases
- The ability to scale internationally – without technical re-engineering
Especially for growing D2C brands, Shopify is the platform of choice. Fast time-to-market, strong performance, and a global ecosystem of tools and agencies to support you.
Why NEVER STOP is Your Shopify Agency
From idea to launch – we provide comprehensive support
At NEVER STOP Innovations, we rely 100% on Shopify – because we know that it enables our customers to sell faster, more efficiently, and more successfully.
Whether you're switching from Shopware or starting new: We'll turn your Shopify store into the growth engine of your business.
We offer you:
Strategic Consulting & Shop Conception
Complete Setup - from Theme to Payment Integration
Migration from Shopware to Shopify (incl. data transfer)
Ongoing Support, CRO & Performance Marketing
A sincere partnership of equals
Finde den passenden Plan für dich
Basic
Besonders beliebt
Für kleine Shops
27€
/Monat
Jährliche Abrechnung
36€
/Monat
Abrechnung pro Monat
Gebühren ab:
- Kreditkarten: 2,1% + 0,30 €
- Paypal: 0%
Es fallen die Paypal Gebühren an - Klarna: 2,99 % + 0,35 €
Keine extra Klarna Gebühren - Vorkasse: 0%
- Rechnung: 0%
Funktions-Highlights
- Voller Standard Funktionsumfang*
- 10 Inventarstandorte
- Chat-Support rund um die Uhr
- Nur 1 Zugang - keine Mitarbeiterkonten
² 3 Tage kostenlos testen und danach 3 Monate für 1€
Grow
Für kleine Teams
79€
/Monat
Jährliche Abrechnung
105€
/Monat
Abrechnung pro Monat
Kartengebühren ab:
- Kreditkarten: 1,8 % + 0,30€
- Paypal: 0%
Es fallen die Paypal Gebühren an - Klarna: 2,99 % + 0,35 €
Keine extra Klarna Gebühren - Vorkasse: 0%
- Rechnung: 0%
Funktions-Highlights
- Voller Standard Funktionsumfang*
- 5 Zugänge für Mitarbeiter
- 10 Inventarstandorte
- Chat-Support rund um die Uhr
² 3 Tage kostenlos testen und danach 3 Monate für 1€
Advanced
Für große Unternehmen
289€
/Monat
Jährliche Abrechnung
384€
/Monat
Abrechnung pro Monat
Kartengebühren ab:
- Kreditkarten: 1,6 % + 0,30 €
- Paypal: 0%
Es fallen die Paypal Gebühren an - Klarna: 2,99 % + 0,35 €
Keine extra Klarna Gebühren - Vorkasse: 0%
- Rechnung: 0%
Funktions-Highlights
- Voller Standard Funktionsumfang*
- 15 Zugänge für Mitarbeiter
- 10x mehr Checkout Kapazität
- 10 Inventarstandorte
- Chat-Support rund um die Uhr
² 3 Tage kostenlos testen und danach 3 Monate für 1€
Shopify Funktionsumfang
← Wische, um alle Pläne zu sehen →
| Merkmal | Basic | Grow | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monatlicher Preis | 36 € | 105 € | 384 € |
| Jährlich zahlen | 324€ à 27€/Monat |
948€ à 79€/Monat |
3468€ à 289€/Monat |
| Onlineshop | Voller Funktionsumfang | ||
| Checkout mit bester Conversion-Rate |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unbegrenzte Produkte | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Zusätzliche Mitarbeiterkonten | ✘ | 5 | 15 |
| Shopify Email | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Marketing-Automatisierung | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mehrsprachigkeit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SSL-Zertifikat | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Unbegrenztes Hosting | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Benutzerdefinierte Apps | Begrenzt | ✔ | ✔ |
| Shopify POS Lite | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Shopify POS Pro (79 €/Standort) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
← Wische, um alle Pläne zu sehen →
START
NOW
WITH
SHOPIFY
Shopify – Fair. Clear. Growth-friendly.
Shopify puts an end to surprises
Unlike Shopware, Shopify offers you a fully predictable pricing model, regardless of how much you grow:
- No fair usage clauses
- Clear price tiers for every business level
- Hosting, maintenance, and support included
- Upgrade only when you truly want more
You know what you're getting into from the start – and that's exactly what you need as a growing e-commerce business.
As a leading Shopify agency, we at NEVER STOP Innovations are ready to embark on this new journey with you.
Let's find out right away what we can do for your e-commerce business!
You can also write to us!