Best E-commerce Platforms for Creatives with Zero Commission

The digital marketplace is experiencing unprecedented growth, offering businesses vast opportunities to connect with global audiences. 

For many entrepreneurs, particularly creative professionals, small businesses, and startups, the initial investment and ongoing operational costs can present a significant barrier to entry. This is where the concept of zero-commission e-commerce platforms emerges as a transformative solution.

The increasing appeal of "zero commission" models signifies a notable shift in market dynamics, where entrepreneurs are increasingly prioritizing cost predictability and greater command over their revenue streams. This marks a departure from traditional variable, percentage-based platform fees.

Businesses are actively seeking to mitigate financial uncertainty by opting for fixed costs over variable ones, allowing for more effective resource allocation and strategic planning without the concern of escalating platform fees as sales grow.

Furthermore, these platforms are democratizing online selling, making it more accessible and financially viable for a diverse range of entrepreneurs, from nascent businesses to hobbyists. 

We have laid out 11 of the best ecommerce website builders for your business that charge zero commission.

What Exactly Are E-commerce Website Builders?

An e-commerce website builder is a specialized platform or service that furnishes the necessary tools and infrastructure to create, manage, and expand an online store. 

These platforms are carefully designed to be customizable and intuitive, empowering businesses to sell products or services online without requiring extensive coding expertise.

These online store builders serve various business types, each benefiting uniquely from their capabilities:

• New Businesses: For those just starting, these platforms are an excellent option for cutting costs while maintaining high standards of functionality, quality, and performance.
• Growing Startups: These platforms deliver immediate, tangible advantages and features vital for showcasing products and scaling operations efficiently.
• Hobbyist Sites: Individuals transforming side projects into significant income streams find these builders invaluable.
• Dropshipping Sites: For dropshipping businesses, these platforms offer unique solutions compatible with their specific models.

Why Choose a Zero-Commission E-commerce Platform?

Opting for an e-commerce platform that does not charge commissions can profoundly influence a business's financial health, operational autonomy, and strategic market position.

A zero-commission model is defined as a business framework where the platform provider abstains from charging a percentage fee on each transaction processed through their system. 

Instead, they typically levy a flat subscription fee, a one-time setup charge, or offer premium features at an additional cost.

Financial Advantages:

• Increased Profit Margins: By eliminating commission fees, businesses can retain a significantly larger portion of the revenue generated from each sale.

• Predictable Costs: With fixed subscription or setup fees, businesses can more accurately forecast their operating expenses.

• Enhanced Revenue Control: The absence of commission deductions grants businesses complete autonomy over their pricing strategies and revenue streams.

Operational Benefits:

• Greater Flexibility and Customization: Many zero-commission models offer highly customizable solutions that can be tailored to specific business requirements.

• Full Control Over Operations: Some models provide access to the platform's source code and intellectual property rights.

• Simplified Vendor and Customer Management: Without commission fees complicating transactions, businesses can streamline their processes for managing vendors and customers.

Strategic Benefits:

• Scalability: As businesses expand and transaction volumes increase, the fixed cost structure remains stable, making growth management simpler without the apprehension of escalating fees.

• Competitive Advantage: Businesses can offer more competitive pricing to customers while maintaining healthy profit margins, thereby distinguishing themselves in a crowded market.

• Improved Vendor Relationships: Vendors are often more inclined to partner with platforms that do not impose commission fees, as this approach allows them to retain more of their earnings.

Understanding "Zero Commission" vs. Payment Processing Fees

This distinction is arguably the most critical aspect to comprehend when evaluating "zero-commission" e-commerce platforms. 

The term "zero commission" typically signifies that the e-commerce platform itself does not levy a percentage cut on your sales. However, it is imperative to understand that payment processing fees are almost always separate and unavoidable.

• Platform Commission (or Transaction Fees): This refers to the fee charged by the e-commerce platform for facilitating the sale. On a "zero-commission" platform, this particular fee is absent or 0%.

• Payment Processing Fees: These are fees imposed by third-party payment gateways (such as Stripe, PayPal, RazorPay, etc.) to process credit card transactions and transfer funds to a business's bank account. These fees are standard across virtually all online financial transactions, irrespective of the chosen e-commerce platform.

Top 10 E-commerce Platforms with Zero Commission

Here's a detailed examination of some of the leading e-commerce platforms that prioritize allowing businesses to retain their profits, with a focus on their commission structure and overall value.

1. Pixpa: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Creatives
2. WooCommerce: Best E-commerce Website Builder for WordPress Users
3. Square Online: Best E-commerce Website Builder for POS System
4. Ecwid by Lightspeed: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Adding a Store to Any Site
5. Big Cartel: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Artists
6. PrestaShop: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Open-Source Customization
7. Sellfy: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Digital Products
8. Branchbob: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Easy Setup
9. SITE123: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Quick Website Creation
10. Drupal Commerce: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Advanced Custom Solutions
11. Shift4Shop: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Feature-Rich Enterprise-Grade Solutions

1. Pixpa: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Creatives

Pixpa is an all-in-one platform specifically designed for creatives. It enables them to build stunning portfolio websites, client galleries, and seamlessly integrated online stores. 

It is ideal for visual professionals who wish to showcase their work beautifully while effortlessly selling prints, digital downloads, services, and physical products. 

Its intuitive interface facilitates a professional online presence without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Pricing model: Pixpa operates on a subscription-based model, offering various plans that include e-commerce functionality. 

Pixpa offers flexible pricing tailored for creative professionals. While there's no permanent free plan, a 15-day free trial is available. 

Paid plans, billed biannually for savings, include Basic at $3.60/month, Creator at $7.20/month, Professional at $10.80/month, and Advanced at $15/month.

Based on the premise of this article, Pixpa maintains a zero-commission structure on sales. This means users pay a flat monthly or annual fee, ensuring they retain 100% of their sales revenue without any additional percentage-based platform commission on transactions.

Pros:

• Tailored for creatives with stunning portfolio and client gallery features.
• Integrated e-commerce for seamless selling of physical goods, digital products, and services.
• User-friendly interface requiring no coding.
• All-in-one solution for website, store, and client proofing.
• No platform commission on sales.

Cons:

• No free plan available, but a 15-day free trial gives access to complete set of premium features before committing to a paid plan.

2. WooCommerce: Best E-commerce Website Builder for WordPress Users

WooCommerce is a robust, open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress that transforms any WordPress website into a fully functional online store. 

It is ideal for businesses already utilizing WordPress or those seeking maximum control, flexibility, and scalability over their online store, particularly users with some technical proficiency or access to development resources.

Pricing model: The core WooCommerce software is free to download and install, and it does not charge any transaction fees or commission on sales. 

However, users are responsible for associated costs such as web hosting (which can start from approximately $6.45/month with providers like Bluehost), domain registration, SSL certificates, and any premium themes or extensions they choose to implement.

Pros:

• Completely free core software with no platform transaction fees.
• Offers ultimate control and customization due to its open-source nature.
• Vast ecosystem of free and paid extensions (plugins) for extensive functionality.
• Strong SEO capabilities, building upon WordPress's reputation as a leading CMS.
• Scalable to accommodate businesses of any size.

Cons:

• Requires a separate hosting plan and domain, which adds to the overall cost.
• Can have a steeper learning curve and necessitates some technical knowledge for setup and ongoing maintenance.
• Performance may be slow with an excessive number of plugins or inadequate hosting.

3. Square Online: Best E-commerce Website Builder for POS System

Square Online is a user-friendly e-commerce platform that seamlessly integrates online sales with Square's widely used Point of Sale (POS) system. 

It is ideal for new entrepreneurs, small businesses, and physical storefronts aiming to expand into online sales or manage both online and in-person transactions from a single, unified system.

Pricing model: Square Online provides a free plan with no monthly fees, enabling businesses to commence online selling immediately. 

This free plan includes a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, which is distinct from a platform commission. 

Paid plans, such as the Plus plan at $29/month and the Premium plan at $79/month, offer enhanced features and a slightly reduced processing fee on the Premium plan (2.6% + $0.30).

Pros:

• Offers a genuinely free plan for online selling.
• Features excellent integration with Square POS for unified inventory and sales across online and offline channels.
• Provides a user-friendly interface with customizable themes, requiring no coding.
• Includes built-in SEO tools and integrations with Google and Meta for broader reach.
• Supports diverse fulfillment options: shipping, in-store pickup, and local delivery.

Cons:

• Payment processing fees are applied to all transactions.
• The free plan includes Square branding and limited advanced features, necessitating an upgrade for full potential.
• Customization options may be more limited compared to highly flexible builders.

4. Ecwid by Lightspeed: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Adding a Store to Any Site

Ecwid by Lightspeed is a versatile e-commerce solution designed to enable businesses to integrate a store into any existing website, blog, or social media platform. 

It is ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs who already possess an online presence and wish to incorporate e-commerce functionality without undertaking a complete site rebuild. It also excels in multichannel selling.

Pricing model: Ecwid offers a free plan that permits selling up to 5 products. It explicitly states "No transaction fees" and emphasizes that users keep every penny. 

Paid plans commence at $15/month for the "Starter" plan (up to 5 products, $0 transaction fees), $25/month (billed annually) for "Venture" (up to 100 products, $0 transaction fees), and extend to $105/month (billed annually) for "Unlimited" products.

Pros:

• Free plan available for basic selling.
• No platform transaction fees on any plan.
• Highly flexible, allowing seamless integration into any existing website
• Robust multichannel selling capabilities across social media, marketplaces, and mobile.
• Offers automated tax calculations, shipping, and inventory management.

Cons:

• The free plan is limited to 5 products.
• Advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery or phone support are restricted to higher-tier plans.

5. Big Cartel: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Artists

Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform specifically designed for artists, creators, and independent business owners to sell unique products such as art, clothing, and jewelry.

It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for those who wish to launch an online store quickly without technical complexities.

Pricing model: Big Cartel offers a free "Gold" plan for up to 5 products. This plan, along with all other paid plans, explicitly states "No hidden fees" and "no transaction fees" from the platform. 

Paid plans commence at $15/month for "Platinum" (50 products) and $30/month for "Diamond" (500 products), with annual savings available.

Pros:

• Free plan available with no platform transaction fees.
• Extremely easy and quick setup, making it ideal for beginners.
• Designed specifically for artists and makers, offering relevant features.
• Provides customizable templates to reflect brand aesthetic without requiring coding.
• Known for good customer service.

Cons:

• Limited product capacity on the free plan (5 products).
• Offers fewer advanced features and customization options compared to larger platforms.
• Not ideal for businesses with an extensive product catalog.

6. PrestaShop: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Open-Source Customization

PrestaShop is a free, open-source e-commerce solution that offers extensive control and customization capabilities. 

It is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses that require deep customization, possess technical expertise, or are willing to invest in development to precisely tailor their online store to their needs.

Pricing model: The core PrestaShop software is free to download and use, with no platform commission on sales. However, as a self-hosted solution, users are responsible for costs such as web hosting (starting around $5/month), domain registration, and potentially paid modules or themes from its marketplace. A hosted version is also available from €24/month (billed annually).

Pros:

• Free core software with no platform commission.
• Highly customizable due to its open-source foundation, offering full ownership of data and code.
• Robust SEO capabilities to optimize store visibility.
• Strong community support and an extensive marketplace of modules and themes.
• Scalable for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises.

Cons:

• Requires technical skills for setup, customization, and ongoing maintenance.
• Hosting and domain costs are separate expenses.
• Can have a steeper learning curve compared to hosted solutions.

7. Sellfy: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Digital Products

Sellfy is an all-in-one platform specifically designed for creators selling digital products (e.g., e-books, music, online courses, art), subscriptions, and print-on-demand merchandise. 

It is ideal for individual creators and small businesses within the creator economy who require a simple, fast method to sell non-physical goods with integrated marketing tools.

Pricing model: Sellfy offers various plans, with the "Starter" plan beginning at $22/month (billed annually). This plan includes unlimited products and boasts 0% transaction fees from Sellfy. 

Users are responsible for standard payment processing fees (e.g., PayPal/Stripe, typically 2.9% + $0.30). Higher tiers (Business, Premium) provide additional features and increased annual sales caps.

Pros:

• No platform transaction fees on any plan.
• Specialized for digital products, offering instant delivery and content access controls.
• Easy and quick setup, making it ideal for creators without extensive technical skills.
• Includes built-in marketing features such as email marketing and upselling.
• Supports print-on-demand, simplifying merchandise sales.

Cons:

• Pricing tiers are based on annual sales volume, necessitating upgrades as revenue grows.
• Lower plans have maximum product file size limits.
• Less robust for physical product sales compared to general e-commerce platforms.

8. Branchbob: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Easy Setup

Branchbob is an e-commerce platform that prioritizes simplicity and a completely free entry point for building an online store. 

It is ideal for e-commerce beginners, small businesses, and individuals who seek to quickly launch an online shop with minimal upfront costs and without extensive technical knowledge.

Pricing model: Branchbob offers a "FREE Plan" that includes basic e-commerce functions at no cost, allowing for up to 6 physical and 2 digital products. A "PREMIUM PLAN" is available for €12.50/month, offering unlimited products and advanced features.

Pros:

• Free plan available for basic online selling.
• Very easy to use, enabling quick setup directly from a smartphone.
• Includes essential features like product management, shipping, and payment methods.
• Automates invoice creation.
• Supports multilingual and multi-currency options on the free plan.

Cons:

• The free plan has product limits (6 physical, 2 digital).
• Advanced features like custom domains and branding removal require a paid plan.
• The absence of explicit confirmation regarding "zero commission" for platform fees in the detailed information, though implied by its context as a free builder.

9. SITE123: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Quick Website Creation

SITE123 is an exceptionally user-friendly website builder designed for rapid website creation, including fundamental e-commerce capabilities. It is ideal for individuals and small businesses that require a simple, professional online presence quickly, with minimal technical effort or design skills.

Pricing model: SITE123 offers a free website builder plan that includes hosting and a web editor. It operates without platform transaction fees on sales. Connecting a custom domain necessitates a paid annual plan, starting as low as $10.8/month (paid upfront).

Pros:

• Offers a free website builder plan with basic e-commerce functionality.
• Extremely easy and fast setup, requiring no coding or design skills.
• Includes mobile-friendly design and free hosting.
• Provides basic SEO tools for enhanced visibility.
• Offers 24/7 live support.

Cons:

• The free plan includes SITE123 branding and limited storage.
• Requires a paid plan for a custom domain name.
• E-commerce features are basic, making it less suitable for complex online stores.

10. Drupal Commerce: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Advanced Custom Solutions

Drupal Commerce is an open-source e-commerce framework built upon the Drupal content management system.

It is designed for highly complex, custom e-commerce solutions, making it ideal for large enterprises or businesses with very specific, unique requirements that demand deep integration and bespoke functionality. It requires significant technical expertise for implementation and maintenance.

Pricing model: The core Drupal Commerce software is open-source and free to download, meaning there are no platform commission fees. 

However, its implementation involves substantial development costs, hosting fees (e.g., Centarro Support starts at $500/month), and potential ongoing maintenance, resulting in a high total cost of ownership solution.

Pros:

• Open-source core with no platform commission.
• Offers unparalleled flexibility and customization capabilities.
• Features a robust API for deep integration with external systems.
• Scalable to handle enterprise-level traffic and extensive product catalogs.
• Provides full control over data and code.

Cons:

• Requires advanced technical skills (PHP, Drupal) and dedicated development resources.
• Incurs a high total cost of ownership due to development, hosting, and support expenses.
• Not suitable for beginners or small businesses seeking a ready-to-use solution.
• Presents a steep learning curve.

11. Shift4Shop: Best E-commerce Website Builder for Feature-Rich Enterprise-Grade Solutions

Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) positions itself as an unlimited, enterprise-grade e-commerce platform offering a comprehensive suite of features built into its core software. 

It is ideal for businesses of all sizes, particularly those seeking a feature-rich solution that minimizes the need for additional apps and provides robust tools for growth without high recurring percentage-based fees.

Pricing model: Shift4Shop offers an unlimited, enterprise-grade plan for $39/month. It includes a free SSL certificate and a free domain name.

Pros:

• Feature-rich software with many tools built-in, reducing the need for paid apps.
• Offers an affordable fixed monthly price for an "enterprise-grade" solution.
• Provides extensive free themes and robust SEO tools.
• Includes industry-leading, AI-driven fraud protection.
• Offers 24/7 US-based dedicated support.

Cons:

• No explicit "zero commission" statement in the provided information, though implied by its fixed monthly fee model.
• May be more complex for absolute beginners due to the breadth of features.
• Payment processing fees will still apply.

How to Choose the Right Zero-Commission E-commerce Platform for Your Business

Selecting the ideal e-commerce platform, even among those offering zero commission, necessitates careful consideration of various factors beyond just the price tag.

Features: Evaluate the out-of-the-box features against specific business requirements. It is important to determine if advanced inventory management, marketing automation, or particular integrations are needed. The platform should offer essential functionalities such as cataloging, checkout, and credit card authorization.

Scalability: The chosen platform must be capable of growing with the business. Considerations should include its ability to handle increased traffic, product volume, and evolving functionalities without requiring a complete migration.

Ease of Use: The user's comfort level with technology is paramount. Intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop builders, and clear dashboards are desirable, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Most platforms offer free trials to assess their usability.

Budget: While "zero commission" is an attractive starting point, it is crucial to factor in all potential costs. These include monthly/annual subscription fees, hosting (for self-hosted platforms), domain registration, premium themes, paid apps/extensions, and unavoidable payment processing fees.

Integrations and Apps: Assess how seamlessly the platform integrates with other essential tools a business uses, such as CRM, accounting software, or email marketing. A robust app marketplace can significantly extend functionality.

SEO Capabilities: A platform equipped with strong SEO tools, including customizable URLs, meta descriptions, and blogging features, is vital for driving organic traffic and achieving high search engine rankings.

Security: Protecting sensitive customer data, such as addresses and payment information, is of utmost importance. Features like SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and fraud protection should be prioritized.

Customer Support: Evaluate the availability and quality of support, including live chat, email, phone, comprehensive documentation, and community forums. Timely assistance is crucial for troubleshooting and facilitating business growth.

Payment Options: The platform should support preferred payment methods and offer a seamless checkout experience for customers.

Mobile Responsiveness: Given the prevalence of mobile shopping, a mobile-friendly and responsive design is essential for a positive user experience and strong SEO performance.

Beyond the Commission: Understanding Other Potential Costs

While selecting a zero-commission platform can significantly impact a business's bottom line, it is crucial to be cognizant of other common expenses associated with operating an online store. Many of these are not "hidden" but are frequently overlooked or underestimated by new entrepreneurs.

Hosting & Domain Registration: For self-hosted platforms (e.g., WooCommerce, PrestaShop), businesses will incur monthly or annual costs for web hosting and their custom domain name. Even hosted platforms might charge for custom domains.

Premium Themes & Design: While many platforms offer free themes, opting for premium themes or custom design work can lead to costs ranging from $0 to over $200 for themes, and potentially thousands for bespoke development.

Apps & Extensions: Even on platforms with extensive built-in features, specific apps or extensions may be necessary for advanced functionalities (e.g., advanced analytics, specialized marketing tools, dropshipping integrations). These can carry monthly subscription fees or one-time costs.

Marketing & Advertising: Driving traffic to an online store requires investment in digital marketing efforts, including SEO optimization, social media advertising (e.g., Facebook, Google Ads), email marketing tools, and content creation.

Inventory & Product Costs: This category encompasses the expenses associated with purchasing or producing products, as well as packaging and labeling materials.

Shipping & Fulfillment: Costs related to shipping products, including carrier rates, labels, warehousing, and potentially managing returns. Shipping expenses can fluctuate considerably.

Legal, Business Registration & Insurance: Establishing a business legally, including obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and trademarks, and securing appropriate insurance, can incur both initial and recurring fees.

Website Maintenance & Support: Even with user-friendly platforms, ongoing maintenance, such as updates, backups, and security checks, along with potential professional support, can contribute to overall costs.

Sales Tax & Compliance: Managing complex sales tax regulations, especially for international selling, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, PCI-DSS) can be intricate and may necessitate specialized tools or legal counsel.

Accounting & Reconciliation: Efficiently managing finances, reconciling transactions, and preparing for taxes can involve costs for accounting software or professional services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does "zero commission" mean for an e-commerce platform?

It signifies that the platform itself does not take a percentage of your sales revenue as a fee. Businesses pay a flat monthly or annual subscription, or a one-time fee, for using the platform, but their sales earnings are not subject to an additional percentage cut by the platform.

Do "zero commission" platforms mean I pay absolutely nothing per sale?

No. While the platform will not take a commission, businesses will still incur payment processing fees from third-party payment gateways (such as Stripe, PayPal, or their bank's processor). These fees are standard across nearly all online transactions and are distinct from platform fees.

Are "free" e-commerce platforms truly free?

Many platforms offer free plans, but these often come with limitations, such as restricted product counts, platform branding, the absence of a custom domain, or basic features. 

Open-source "free" platforms like WooCommerce or PrestaShop provide free software, but users are responsible for costs related to hosting, domain, and potentially paid extensions.

Can a business truly scale on a zero-commission platform?

Yes, many zero-commission platforms are highly scalable. Their fixed-cost model simplifies financial planning as sales grow, allowing businesses to retain more profit for reinvestment. However, it is essential to ensure that the platform's features and infrastructure can adequately support growth requirements.

What are some other costs to consider, even with zero commission?

Beyond payment processing fees, common expenses include web hosting (for self-hosted platforms), domain registration, premium themes, paid apps/extensions, marketing and advertising costs, shipping expenses, and professional services for design or maintenance.

Are zero-commission platforms secure?

Reputable zero-commission platforms prioritize security, offering features such as SSL certificates and PCI compliance. However, for open-source solutions, security management often falls to the user. It is always advisable to verify the platform's security measures.