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Google Adwords、Seo、Facebook营销，社交营销等实操营销课程
The reason behind this trend is clear: the platform dividend period is over, and brand privatization has become the new growth engine.
According to data from 21st Century Business Herald, citing Zheshang Securities, the market size of China’s cross-border e-commerce independent websites reached 3.4 trillion RMB in 2024, accounting for 35% of the B2C market. 【21st Century Business Herald 2025】
More and more sellers have realized:
“Traffic isn’t ours, and neither is customer data.”
Therefore, building an independent website (DTC model) has become a must-learn skill for Chinese exporters and cross-border merchants.
However, the next big question arises — where should the site be built, and which platform is the best fit?
With so many options available, beginners often feel overwhelmed.
This article breaks down the seven major website-building platforms most widely used by Chinese sellers, analyzing them across three critical dimensions: functionality, cost, and operational support — to help you choose the right one for your business stage and goals.
1.Three Core Criteria for Selecting an Independent Site Platform
For first-time builders, the main differences between platforms can be evaluated across three dimensions:
| Dimension | Description | Impact on Beginners |
| Feature Flexibility | Template variety, plugin availability, integration with payment/logistics systems | Affects functionality and scalability |
| Cost Structure | Includes setup fees, annual fees, transaction commissions, and plugin costs | Directly affects profit margins |
| Operational Support | Localized language support, payment options, SEO tools, and onboarding resources | Determines whether the site can run effectively |
2.In-Depth Comparison of the Seven Major Independent Site Platforms
[1] Shopify — Best for sellers aiming to go global, fast
Overview:Based in Canada, Shopify is currently the world’s most widely used SaaS e-commerce platform, powering over 2 million online stores globally — from DTC brands to B2B corporate sites.
Pros:
Quick setup with rich templates: Hundreds of ready-made templates make it easy for non-technical users.
Robust app ecosystem: Over 7,000 plugins cover almost any e-commerce function imaginable.
Strong payment integration: Supports global options such as PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify Payments.
Reliable performance: Global servers ensure speed and security.
Cons:
High plugin costs: Many features require paid apps, which can quickly add up.
Limited Chinese support: Although a Simplified Chinese interface exists, tutorials and support remain English-first.
Customization limits: Template flexibility is lower than in open-source systems.
Pricing:
Basic: $39/month
Shopify: $105/month
Advanced: $399/month
Plus (Enterprise): from $2,000/month
(Transaction fees 0.5%–2% depending on payment channel)
Support: 24/7 live chat and phone support in English; Chinese sellers can access localized assistance via Shopify China or third-party partners.
Best for: Sellers with sufficient budget who want to launch quickly and target global markets.
Not for: Sellers who need deep customization or must strictly control costs.
2. Wix — Ideal for sellers focused on branding and visual presentation
Overview:Founded in Israel, Wix is a drag-and-drop visual website builder with over 200 million users worldwide.
Pros:
True drag-and-drop editing: “What you see is what you get,” no coding required.
Visually stunning templates: Perfect for brand storytelling and creative showcases.
Built-in SEO and marketing tools: Includes SEO assistant and email marketing integration.
Cons:
Limited e-commerce capacity: Better suited for small-scale sellers; lacks B2B depth.
Weaker logistics/payment integration: Cross-border tools are fewer than Shopify’s.
Potential slow loading times: Google reports that a one-second delay can reduce conversions by 7%.【Google Support】
Pricing:
Light: $17/month
Core: $29/month
Business: $39/month
Business Elite: $159/month
Support: Email and community support; real-time chat for higher-tier plans.
Best for: Design-focused sellers, creative product lines, and small boutique brands.
Not for: Cross-border sellers requiring high stability and large-scale transaction capacity.
3. osCommerce — For technical teams seeking full customization
Overview:Launched in 2000, osCommerce is one of the earliest open-source e-commerce platforms, supported by a strong global developer community.
Pros:
Fully open-source: Freedom to modify any code and tailor complex features.
No monthly fees: Only pay for hosting and domain.
Extensive plugin library: Over 9,000 extensions available.
Cons:
High technical barrier: Requires HTML/PHP knowledge.
Outdated interface: UI/UX less polished than modern SaaS tools.
Security burden: Must handle your own hosting, updates, and anti-hacking measures.
Cost: Free to use, but expect $100–$500/year for hosting, SSL, and tech support.
Support: Community-driven forums; no official 1-on-1 service.
Best for: Brands with internal developers or IT resources.
Not for: Solo entrepreneurs without technical expertise.
4. PrestaShop — Best balance between cost and flexibility
Overview:An open-source platform from France, PrestaShop powers over 300,000 websites globally.
Pros:
Highly scalable: Multi-language and multi-currency support ideal for cross-border sellers.
Feature-rich plugins: Over 4,000 modules, approaching Shopify’s flexibility.
Zero transaction fees: No commissions after setup.
Cons:
Complex initial setup: Requires some technical background.
Limited template options: Designs not as visually appealing as Wix.
Server and maintenance required: You’re responsible for uptime and security.
Cost: Free to install; typical annual expenses (hosting + modules) around $200–$800.
Support: Paid technical support available; active community, especially in Europe.
Best for: Mid-level sellers with basic technical ability and limited budgets.
Not for: Total beginners.
5.Ueeshop — China’s leading cross-border SaaS platform
Overview:Founded in 2007, Ueeshop is one of China’s most established SaaS website builders, designed specifically for cross-border e-commerce. It supports sellers in over 200 countries.
Pros:
Chinese interface + local support: Very beginner-friendly.
Strong logistics & payment integrations: Built-in support for PayPal, Stripe, PingPong, 4PX, etc.
SEO-friendly architecture: Optimized for Google indexing and organic traffic.
Multi-language, multi-currency support: Tailored for global buyers.
Cons:
Limited design freedom: Less customizable than open-source solutions.
Some advanced functions require paid upgrades.
Pricing:
Starter Plan: ¥5,500/year + 0.5% transaction fee — for product testing
Private Domain Plan: ¥7,500/year + 0.4% fee — for transitioning Amazon sellers
Advanced Plan: ¥9,500/year + 0.3% fee — for DTC and small wholesale businesses
Enterprise Custom Plan: from ¥68,000 + 0.2% fee — for large brands
Support: 1-on-1 Chinese customer service, online courses, and seller training programs.
Best for: New sellers, traditional exporters, and SMEs seeking fast entry into overseas markets.
Not for: Tech teams requiring deep system customization.
6. Shoplazza — Comprehensive DTC solution for brand-focused sellers
Overview:Shoplazza, a Chinese SaaS platform, positions itself as a “global DTC independent site solution provider.”
Pros:
Global payment coverage: Includes PayPal, Klarna, ShoplinePay, and more.
Built-in marketing suite: SEO tools, Facebook pixel tracking, and email automation.
Advanced analytics: Clear visualization of sales and conversion metrics.
Multi-language, multi-warehouse management.
Cons:
Higher monthly fees.
Some features locked behind upgrades or plugins.
Pricing:
Basic: $28/month + 2% fee
Pro: $99/month + 0.6% fee
Enterprise: $218/month + 0.2% fee
Support: Localized Chinese consultants, dedicated account managers, and training programs for global expansion.
Best for: DTC brand owners and SMEs investing in advertising.
Not for: Sellers with limited budgets or minimal operations.
7. DedeCMS (织梦CMS) — Cost-effective, flexible open-source system
Overview:One of China’s oldest open-source website frameworks, DedeCMS is widely used for corporate sites, content portals, and small e-commerce stores.
Pros:
Free and open-source: Virtually zero software cost.
Highly customizable: Supports multilingual and modular extensions.
Active Chinese community with abundant tutorials.
Cons:
Requires technical know-how: Manual server setup and template installation.
Continuous maintenance needed for security.
Weak cross-border payment integration.
Cost: Free software; average server and maintenance cost ~¥1,000/year.
Support: Community-driven; relies on third-party developers.
Best for: Tech-savvy teams or small exporters with in-house developers.
Not for: Beginners without technical experience.
3.Summary: How to Choose the Right Platform
| Platform | Type | Cost | Technical Level | Strength | Best For |
| Shopify | Global SaaS | High | Low | Stability, large app ecosystem | New sellers, small & mid-size brands |
| Wix | Global SaaS | Medium | Low | Visual design, easy setup | Creative brands |
| osCommerce | Open-source | Low | High | Full customization | Technical teams |
| PrestaShop | Open-source | Medium | Medium | Strong cross-border features | Mid-level sellers |
| Ueeshop | China SaaS | Medium | Low | Localized support | Chinese sellers |
| Shoplazza | China SaaS | Mid–High | Low | Marketing & analytics | DTC brands |
| DedeCMS | Open-source | Low | High | Maximum flexibility | Developer teams |
4. Before You Decide, Answer These Three Questions
What’s your primary goal? — Product display? Brand building? Advertising?
What’s your team setup? — Do you have developers or only operators?
What’s your budget range? — Can you afford annual and plugin costs?
For most Chinese cross-border sellers:
Ueeshop and Shoplazza offer the most localized, beginner-friendly solutions;
Shopify suits global-oriented, brand-focused sellers with solid budgets;
Open-source platforms like DedeCMS or PrestaShop are best for teams seeking full control and flexibility.
Ultimately, there is no “best” platform — only the one that fits your current stage.
In cross-border e-commerce, it’s smarter to start small but steady, rather than chase “big and complex” too soon.
