How to Compare Wix vs Shopify Using Zapier Automations

Choosing between Wix and Shopify can feel overwhelming, but Zapier can help you test, compare, and automate both platforms so you can pick the right one with confidence.

This step-by-step how-to is based on the detailed comparison in the Wix vs Shopify guide, adapted into a practical workflow you can follow.

Step 1: Clarify your store goals before using Zapier

Before you connect anything with Zapier, you need clarity on what your online store must do. The source comparison explains that Wix is a flexible site builder with solid ecommerce, while Shopify is a purpose-built ecommerce platform.

List your priorities:

Do you need deep ecommerce features or a general business website?
How important is design flexibility vs. checkout power?
Do you plan to sell in person, online, or both?
What apps do you already use for marketing, CRM, and support?

Write down a short requirement list so you can design your Zapier workflows around what matters most.

Step 2: Set up trials on Wix and Shopify before adding Zapier

The article shows that the best way to compare Wix and Shopify is to try both. Create trial accounts on each platform.

Create a Wix account. Choose a template that fits your brand, and enable the ecommerce tools.
Create a Shopify account. Use the onboarding flow to add products and basic store details.

Do not connect Zapier yet. First, make sure each platform can handle your basic catalog, pages, and checkout needs.

Step 3: Map the tasks you will automate with Zapier

The original comparison highlights areas like product management, orders, and marketing where each platform behaves differently. Turn those into automation opportunities with Zapier.

Common tasks to map include:

Adding new customers to your email marketing list.
Sending order data to your CRM or help desk.
Syncing form submissions with a spreadsheet.
Notifying your team about new high-value orders.

For each task, write two versions:

“When this happens in Wix, I want…”
“When this happens in Shopify, I want…”

This makes it easy to create test Zaps on both platforms and see which store works best with your stack.

Step 4: Connect your first Wix automation with Zapier

Now you can start testing Wix with Zapier. This will help you see how well Wix integrates with your existing tools.

Prepare Wix for Zapier

Inside your Wix account:

Enable the store and checkout features.
Create at least one test product.
Set up test payment methods and shipping where needed.

Create a basic Wix Zapier workflow

Sign in to your Zapier account.
Click Create and choose Zaps.
Select a Wix trigger event, such as New Order or New Contact.
Connect your Wix account to Zapier when prompted.
Add an action step, such as sending the contact to your email tool or CRM.
Test the Zap using a sample order or contact from Wix.
Turn the Zap on and create a fresh test order.

Pay attention to:

How easy it is to connect the Wix data you need.
Whether all required fields are available in Zapier.
Any manual work you still have to do outside the workflow.

Step 5: Connect your first Shopify automation with Zapier

Next, repeat a similar test on Shopify using Zapier. This mirrors the way the article compares both platforms on equal footing.

Prepare Shopify for Zapier

Inside Shopify:

Add a few sample products and organize them into collections.
Configure shipping, taxes, and payment methods.
Place at least one test order using Shopify’s test settings.

Create a basic Shopify Zapier workflow

In Zapier, click Create and make a new Zap.
Choose a Shopify trigger like New Order, New Customer, or Updated Order.
Connect your Shopify store to Zapier when asked.
Add the same type of action you used for Wix (for example, send to the same CRM).
Test the Zap with a sample Shopify order.
Turn the Zap on and run another real or test order.

Compare the experience with Wix:

Does Shopify expose more or fewer data fields in Zapier?
Is it easier to handle discounts, taxes, or fulfillment details?
Does the workflow feel smoother for high-volume orders?

Step 6: Use Zapier to test marketing workflows on both

The source comparison emphasizes how marketing and growth tools matter when choosing between Wix and Shopify. You can simulate your marketing stack using Zapier.

Typical marketing Zaps to try

When a new customer orders, add them to your newsletter list.
When an abandoned checkout is detected (where supported), add a lead to your CRM.
When a customer spends above a threshold, tag them as VIP in your email tool.

Create parallel Zaps for Wix and Shopify so both platforms send data into the exact same downstream apps. Then compare:

Which platform gives you cleaner customer and order data through Zapier.
How easy it is to build segments, tags, or workflows based on that data.
Whether one store requires more manual cleanup than the other.

Step 7: Evaluate operations and reporting with Zapier

The article explains that operations, inventory, and reporting are core differences between Wix and Shopify. You can use Zapier to make those differences visible.

Operations Zaps to build

Send new orders to a team chat tool for quick visibility.
Log orders in a spreadsheet or database for custom reporting.
Create tasks in a project manager when refunds or returns are created.

Run these Zaps for a small batch of real or test orders on each platform. Then review:

How consistent the data looks in your reports.
Whether fulfillment details, variants, and notes sync as expected.
Which platform makes it easier to maintain accurate records using Zapier.

Step 8: Compare costs, then optimize with Zapier

The Wix vs Shopify article breaks down pricing differences, including apps and transaction fees. When you layer Zapier on top, factor in:

Your Zapier plan cost for the number of tasks you will run.
Whether Wix needs extra apps that can be replaced by automations.
Whether Shopify apps plus automations still fit your budget.

Create a simple cost table:

Platform subscription cost.
Essential apps cost.
Estimated Zapier usage and cost.
Time saved from automations (even a rough estimate).

This gives you an honest view of the total system instead of just comparing Wix vs Shopify in isolation.

Step 9: Decide and then scale your store with Zapier

Once you have run your tests, reviewed automations, and checked costs, choose the platform that best matches your workflow. Then deepen your use of Zapier.

Ideas to scale with Zapier

Automate post-purchase surveys and review requests.
Sync inventory across additional sales channels where possible.
Set up multi-step Zaps that update CRM, email, and analytics from a single order.
Create error alerts for failed payments or fulfillment issues.

For more strategy beyond these tactical steps, you can explore ecommerce automation and optimization guidance from specialists like Consultevo, and combine it with the insights from the Wix vs Shopify article.

Next steps for making the most of Zapier

Using Zapier as a testing and automation layer lets you compare Wix and Shopify in a real, data-driven way instead of guessing. Build small, focused Zaps, run realistic tests, and measure how each platform fits your tech stack.

Once you pick your store, keep refining your Zapier workflows so your ecommerce business stays lean, connected, and easy to manage as you grow.

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