Ecwid - the practical guide.

Ecwid (now part of Lightspeed) is a lightweight ecommerce platform that bolts a store onto any existing website, blog, or social profile via an embeddable widget. Unlike Shopify, it doesn't require you to migrate your site - you keep your CMS and add Ecwid as the cart and checkout layer. It also supports standalone Instant Sites and selling on social, marketplaces and POS.

Small businesses, solopreneurs, hobby sellers and content creators who already have a website (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, etc.) and just want to add ecommerce without rebuilding. Particularly useful for service businesses adding products on the side. Less relevant for serious DTC brands wanting full platform control.

Free plan with up to 5 products and basic features. Venture around $25/month, Business around $45/month, Unlimited around $105/month, scaling product limits, sales channels and features. Annual billing typically discounts ~25%. No transaction fees on Ecwid's end - you only pay your payment processor.

Right when you want to add a store to an existing site cheaply and quickly without migration. Strong for hobby sellers and side-projects. Wrong fit when ecommerce is your primary business model and you'd benefit from a dedicated platform (Shopify, BigCommerce).

Embedded experience can feel less polished than a native Shopify storefront. Theme customisation is limited compared to dedicated platforms. App ecosystem is smaller than Shopify's. As your store grows, you may outgrow the bolt-on model and need a full migration.