Can Webflow Really Compete with Shopify for E-Commerce in Australia in 2025?

Yes, Webflow can compete with Shopify for e-commerce in Australia, but only for specific types of businesses. Shopify still leads in scale, local integrations and operational reliability. However, Webflow has evolved into a serious e-commerce platform that now rivals Shopify in design flexibility, CMS power and storytelling ability.

The real question is what your business values most: automation and efficiency, or creativity and control. Shopify remains the safer and faster choice for merchants who prioritise payments, compliance and fulfilment. Webflow, on the other hand, is ideal for brands that want to lead with design and customer experience.

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If you are comparing the two, it helps to look beyond features and think about how each platform aligns with the way you operate. Consider the following before making a decision:

• Local payment options and GST automation: Do you need a platform that manages compliance automatically, or can your team handle configuration?
  
  
• Shipping and fulfilment: Will you rely on deep carrier integrations, or are simple flat-rate setups enough for your products?
  
  
• Brand experience vs operational convenience: Is your priority how the store looks and feels, or how smoothly it runs behind the scenes?
  
  
• Growth and scale: Are you building a niche, design-led store or aiming for a large, high-volume retail operation?
  
  

These factors shape which platform will truly serve your business best in 2025. The rest of this article breaks down each one so you can make that choice with clarity and confidence.

What Is the Main Difference Between Shopify and Webflow?

Shopify and Webflow were created for entirely different purposes.

Shopify is an e-commerce platform built for transactions, inventory management and growth. With thousands of apps and integrations, Shopify makes it easy to sell online with minimal technical setup.

Webflow began as a design and CMS tool, giving creators full control over how a website looks and feels. When Webflow added e-commerce features, it became a hybrid system that combines creative freedom with commercial functionality.

If your business depends on visuals, storytelling and brand identity, Webflow allows you to express that with precision. If you care more about efficiency and operational performance, Shopify will give you fewer problems and faster results.

How Do Payments Work on Shopify and Webflow for Australian Businesses?

Payments are one of the biggest differences between Shopify and Webflow for Australian users.

Shopify Payments is fully supported in Australia. It handles Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay and local buy now, pay later (BNPL) services such as Afterpay and Zip Pay. It also manages GST automatically at checkout, which makes compliance simple for Australian merchants.

Webflow uses Stripe for payments. Stripe works well in Australia but does not include BNPL support by default. You can still offer Afterpay and Zip Pay through Stripe’s integration tools, but it requires manual setup and testing. For stores that rely heavily on flexible payments, Shopify offers a smoother and more native experience.

Which Platform Has Better Payment Integrations and BNPL Support?

• Shopify: Built-in Shopify Payments supports all major cards, digital wallets and BNPL options like Afterpay.
  
  
• Webflow: Relies on Stripe, which needs manual configuration for BNPL and specific payment settings.
  
  
• Verdict: Shopify wins for ease of setup and full Australian compliance.
  
  

People also ask:
Does Webflow support Afterpay in Australia?
Yes, but it needs to be integrated manually through Stripe.

Is Shopify better for BNPL users?
Yes. Shopify Payments includes BNPL options automatically with no extra configuration.

How Easy Is It to Manage GST and Australian Tax Compliance on Each Platform?

Shopify is the clear leader when it comes to GST management. It has built-in tax rules tailored for Australia, meaning GST is calculated and applied automatically once enabled. Every checkout and invoice meets Australian Taxation Office requirements, saving time and reducing human error.

Webflow can also handle GST, but it does so through third-party integrations such as Stripe Tax or Avalara. These are accurate and professional tools, but they require setup and sometimes ongoing configuration. Smaller businesses may find that too technical, while larger teams can easily manage it.

If you want a straightforward approach, Shopify wins. If you are comfortable connecting external tax tools, Webflow can match compliance standards.

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Which Platform Is Better for Shipping and Logistics in Australia?

Shopify’s logistics system is more comprehensive than Webflow’s. It integrates directly with Australia Post, Sendle and DHL. You can print labels, calculate live shipping rates and track deliveries from the same dashboard. Businesses that deal with high volumes or multiple warehouses benefit greatly from this automation.

Webflow offers basic shipping features such as zones and flat rates but lacks direct connections to local carriers. Many Webflow users rely on Zapier or custom APIs to connect with courier services. This can work for smaller operations, but it adds steps and complexity.

If you have a growing or large-scale fulfilment process, Shopify is the more dependable option. Webflow works best for smaller, design-led retailers with simpler shipping needs.

Why Do Designers Prefer Webflow for E-Commerce Websites?

This is where Webflow shines.

Webflow offers pixel-level control and a visual designer that lets you craft truly unique experiences. You can build custom layouts, animations and interactions that feel tailored to your brand. For industries like fashion, hospitality, design or media, this freedom can directly improve engagement and perception.

Shopify templates are functional but limited. Deep customisation usually requires coding or paid apps. While Shopify has improved with its Store 2.0 update, it cannot match the visual control Webflow provides.

Another key advantage is Webflow’s CMS integration. It combines blogs, landing pages and product listings in one platform, ensuring consistency in content and SEO. This makes it ideal for businesses that see design and storytelling as part of their sales funnel.

People also ask:
Is Webflow better for brand storytelling than Shopify?
Yes. Webflow’s CMS and design flexibility make it stronger for narrative-driven brands.

Can Shopify match Webflow’s design control?
Not completely. Shopify relies on templates and coding for deep customisation.

Which Platform Scales Better for Large Product Catalogues and Multi-Channel Selling?

Shopify is built for scale. It supports thousands of products, manages inventory across multiple channels and integrates with major marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and social platforms. Businesses that plan to grow quickly or manage large catalogues will find Shopify more resilient and efficient.

Webflow supports up to around 3,000 products, which is fine for smaller or boutique operations. You can extend beyond that using headless commerce setups, but it requires advanced configuration. Webflow is not built to handle heavy enterprise-scale catalogues by default.

What Are the Key Scalability Factors to Consider?

• Product capacity: Shopify handles thousands of SKUs, Webflow caps at around 3,000.
  
  
• Multi-channel sales: Shopify connects natively with Instagram, TikTok, Amazon and eBay.
  
  
• Performance: Shopify is optimised for fast, high-traffic checkouts.
  
  
• Flexibility: Webflow suits smaller, design-led stores that value presentation over volume.
  
  

For large e-commerce operations or ambitious expansion, Shopify remains the best long-term foundation. To see how Australian businesses are scaling successfully with Shopify, read our guide From Local to Global: How Australian SMEs Can Scale with Shopify.

When Does It Make Sense for an Australian Business to Choose Webflow Over Shopify?

Webflow is the smarter choice when your brand experience matters more than operational speed. It is ideal for creative agencies, consultants, digital service providers and niche retailers who want a highly personalised and visually engaging website. Webflow allows you to combine storytelling, marketing and e-commerce in one seamless system.

Shopify is the better option when efficiency and scalability are priorities. If your business relies on fast setup, automated fulfilment and complex integrations, Shopify will outperform Webflow in the long run.

In short, Webflow suits brands that sell emotion and creativity. Shopify suits businesses that sell at scale.

People also ask:
Who should choose Webflow over Shopify?
Businesses that prioritise brand storytelling and custom design.

When is Shopify a better choice?
When scale, logistics and automation are central to your operations.

Conclusion

Webflow has become a credible contender for e-commerce in Australia. It rivals Shopify in design flexibility and creative control, offering businesses a distinctive way to express their brand online. Shopify, however, continues to dominate when it comes to logistics, payments and compliance.

If your success depends on storytelling and aesthetics, Webflow is a powerful tool. If your growth depends on efficiency and scale, Shopify is still the best option. The right choice depends on how your business creates value and how you want customers to experience it.

At b2bwebsites, we help Australian businesses make confident choices about their online platforms. Whether you’re leaning toward Webflow or Shopify, our team can help you build a site that connects your brand story with measurable growth.

Need help choosing or improving your website? Let’s create a platform that works for you.

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FAQs

Does Webflow automate Australian GST?
Partially. It can do so through Stripe Tax or Avalara but needs manual setup.

Is Shopify better for BNPL in Australia?
Yes. Shopify Payments supports Afterpay and Zip Pay natively.

Can Webflow handle large catalogues?
It supports around 3,000 products. For more than that, Shopify performs better.

Which platform offers better SEO performance?
Webflow offers greater technical control, while Shopify automates most essentials. If you’re focused on visibility and adapting to Google’s latest AI-driven changes, discover how Shopify performs in our guide Is Shopify SEO-Ready for Google’s AI Overviews in Australia?.

Can I migrate from Shopify to Webflow?
Yes, but you must plan redirects carefully to protect rankings. If you’re planning to move your store to Shopify instead, check out our detailed guide on Migration to Shopify: Best Practices for a Smooth Transition to make the process easier and error-free.