Choosing the right e-commerce platform is critical. The wrong choice means fighting with payment gateways, currency issues, and features that don't work in the Caribbean.
We've tested the major platforms specifically for Jamaica and Caribbean businesses. Here's what actually works.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce | Wix | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMD Currency | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ⚠️ Limited |
| NCB/Local Banks | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| eZeePayments | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| PayPal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Medium | Easy | Easy |
| Customization | Limited | Full | Limited | Very Limited |
| Starting Price | $29 USD/mo | Free + hosting | $27 USD/mo | $27 USD/mo |
Detailed Platform Reviews
Shopify
$29-299 USD/month
The most popular e-commerce platform globally. Easy to use with a huge app marketplace. However, its biggest limitation for Caribbean businesses is payment processing — Shopify Payments (Stripe) doesn't work in Jamaica, so you're limited to PayPal or third-party options.
✓ Pros
- Very easy to set up
- Beautiful templates
- Reliable hosting included
- Great app marketplace
- 24/7 support
✗ Cons
- No NCB/local bank integration
- Transaction fees on top of payment fees
- Monthly costs add up
- Limited customization
Best for: Businesses primarily selling to international customers who pay via PayPal or international cards.
WooCommerce (WordPress) 🏆 Best for Caribbean
Free (+ $10-50 USD/month hosting)
The most flexible option and best for Jamaica businesses. WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress that turns any website into a full online store. Most importantly, it works with local payment gateways like NCB and eZeePayments.
✓ Pros
- Integrates with NCB, eZeePayments
- No monthly platform fees
- Full customization control
- You own everything
- Massive plugin ecosystem
✗ Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- You manage hosting/security
- Needs technical knowledge or developer
Best for: Serious Jamaica/Caribbean businesses who want local payment options and full control.
Wix eCommerce
$27-59 USD/month
Known for its drag-and-drop builder, Wix added e-commerce features. Easy to use but limited payment options for Caribbean. Works with PayPal but not local banks.
✓ Pros
- Very easy drag-and-drop
- Modern templates
- All-in-one hosting
✗ Cons
- No local payment gateways
- Limited customization
- SEO limitations
- Can't migrate easily
Best for: Small side projects or testing an idea before investing more.
Squarespace Commerce
$27-49 USD/month
Beautiful designs but very limited for Caribbean businesses. Payment options are restricted, and JMD support is minimal. Better suited for US/UK markets.
✓ Pros
- Stunning designs
- Easy to use
- Good for visual brands
✗ Cons
- Poor Caribbean payment support
- Limited currency options
- No local integrations
- Transaction fees
Best for: Artists/photographers selling to international markets only.
The Caribbean Payment Problem
Here's the reality most platform comparisons don't mention:
Stripe doesn't work in Jamaica. This means Shopify Payments, Wix Payments, and Squarespace Payments are unavailable. You're stuck with PayPal (which many local customers don't have) or expensive third-party integrations.
The solution: Use a platform that allows custom payment gateway integration — which means WooCommerce or a custom-built solution. This lets you connect NCB, Scotiabank, or eZeePayments directly.
Our Recommendation
For Jamaica and Caribbean e-commerce businesses:
- Best overall: WooCommerce — most flexible, works with local payments
- Easiest for beginners: Shopify (if you're okay with PayPal-only payments)
- Best value: WooCommerce with professional setup (~$1,500-3,000 USD)
Don't choose a platform just because it's popular internationally. Choose one that works for YOUR customers with YOUR payment options.
Need an E-commerce Store That Works in Jamaica?
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