Platform comparison

Showplace vs Shopify: which is better for artists?

Last verified 16 October 2026 • Pricing can change, so check the Shopify website before you decide
Built only for artists

A ready-made artist gallery. Add your artworks and Showplace handles the layout, checkout, enquiries and prints.

vs
General ecommerce platform

A full online store for any kind of product, with sales channels, marketing tools and point of sale.

Quick answer: Showplace vs Shopify Shopify is a full ecommerce platform for stores of any size. Showplace is a simple gallery for artists selling their own work. Pick Shopify for a big multi-channel shop, and Showplace for a simple art site that is free to start.

Which should you choose?

Choose Showplace if

You mainly sell your own artwork and want it simple.

  • Add artworks and go: layout, checkout and enquiries are already set up.
  • Start free, then Pro from A$15/mo when you need more.
  • Import from Instagram and sell prints with print-on-demand built in.

Choose Shopify if

You run a bigger shop across many channels.

  • Sell online, on social and marketplace channels, and in person.
  • Run a larger shop with discounts, gift cards and abandoned checkout recovery.
  • Move up to the Advanced or Plus plans as your sales grow.

Feature comparison

Each row is checked against the sources at the end of this page. “Not listed” means the official page does not mention it, not that the feature is missing. General platforms may offer it through apps or add-ons.

  • Yes Included on the listed plans
  • Limited Limited, plan-gated or fee-based
  • No Not included on the listed plans
  • Not listed Not listed on the official page
Feature Showplace Shopify
Built for Artists only Online stores of any kind
Starting price Free plan; Pro from A$15/mo Basic from AU$50/mo on yearly billing (AU$56/mo monthly)
Free plan Yes Up to 30 artworks, 2 images each No No free plan listed on the pricing page
Custom domain Limited Pro plan only Yes Included on listed plans
Commission and fees on sales Yes 0% Showplace commission; payment processor fees apply Limited 2% third-party transaction fee listed; Shopify Payments card rate from 1.7% + 30¢ on Basic
Online checkout Yes Stripe checkout on all plans Yes Online store on Basic
Originals and enquiries Yes Originals and enquiries on Free and Pro Not listed Not listed on the pricing page
Print-on-demand Yes Printful; standard rates on Free, 10% off on Pro Not listed Not listed on the pricing page
Image limits Free: 2 per artwork; Pro: 5 per artwork Not listed Not listed on the pricing page
Watermarks Limited Pro plan only Not listed Not listed on the pricing page
Instagram import Yes All plans Not listed Not listed on the pricing page
Design and templates Yes 4 layouts and 5 themes Not listed Not listed on the pricing page

Screenshots

Homepage or pricing page captures from 16 October 2026. Sites change often, so check the live page for current details.

Showplace homepage with the headline about building an artist website, and a sign-up call to action.
Showplace homepage. Captured 16 October 2026.
Shopify Australia homepage with the headline “Be the next AI all-star” and a Start for free button.
Shopify Australia homepage. Captured 16 October 2026.

Pricing overview

Showplace

  • Free: up to 30 artworks, 2 images per artwork.
  • Pro: from A$15/mo, with unlimited artworks, 5 images per artwork, a custom domain, watermarks and room previews.

Shopify plans (Australian dollars, as displayed):

  • Basic from AU$50/mo on yearly billing (AU$56/mo monthly)
  • Grow from AU$134/mo
  • Advanced from AU$519/mo
  • Plus from AU$3,700/mo

Check which transaction fees apply to your plan on Shopify’s site. Pricing can change, check Shopify’s site before you decide. For Showplace plan details, see how Showplace works.

Start your Showplace gallery

Sign up for free, upload your artwork, and decide on a paid plan later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shopify charge fees beyond card processing?

Shopify’s pricing page lists third-party transaction fees of 2%. Check Shopify’s help pages for when they apply to your store.

Does Showplace charge a commission?

No. Showplace charges 0% platform commission on Free and Pro plans. Payment processor fees still apply.

Does Shopify have a free plan?

The pricing page lists paid plans and a trial offer, not a free plan. Check Shopify’s site for current options.

Can I use my own domain?

Yes. Shopify lists custom domain names in its feature comparison. On Showplace, custom domains are on the Pro plan.

How current is this comparison?

This page lists its sources and a last verified date. Pricing and features can change, so check Shopify’s site before you decide.

Sources

Last verified 16 October 2026. Pricing and features can change.

Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, Art Storefronts and FASO are trademarks of their owners. Their logos and screenshots are shown only to identify each service and do not imply endorsement.