A Simple Shopify Alternative for Businesses That Sell on WhatsApp
If you close most of your sales on WhatsApp, you may not need a full Shopify store. A simpler alternative is a catalog link like MyKatalog: customers browse your products and prices, then send you their order on WhatsApp, and you arrange payment and delivery as you already do. A full store makes sense once you need online checkout and shipping.
What a full online store gives you
Shopify and similar platforms are complete e-commerce systems. They handle online checkout and card payments, shipping rates, stock tracking, discount codes, and many apps and themes. That power comes with a monthly subscription and more time spent setting up and running the store.
When a catalog link is enough
Many small sellers already have a sales process that works: customers message them, they confirm availability, agree on payment, and arrange delivery. For these businesses, the missing piece is not checkout. It is a clean way for customers to see everything before they message.
A catalog link fills exactly that gap without changing how you sell.
Full online store vs catalog link
Choose based on how your customers buy today.
| Full online store (e.g. Shopify) | MyKatalog catalog link | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Online payments, shipping, and stock management | Sellers who close orders on WhatsApp |
| Setup time | Hours to days | Minutes |
| Online checkout and card payments | Yes | No, you arrange payment with the customer |
| Orders arrive | In the store dashboard | On WhatsApp, with product and option pre-written |
| Monthly cost | Paid subscription plans | Free for 5 products; Pro $3/month |
| Your own domain | Yes | No, uses a mykatalog.online link |
Start simple, upgrade later
Starting with a catalog link lets you organise your products, learn which ones customers view most, and keep selling on WhatsApp at little or no cost. If you later need online checkout and shipping, you can move to a full store with a clear picture of what sells.
Key takeaways
Full online stores suit businesses that need online payments, shipping, and stock tools.
If you close orders on WhatsApp, a catalog link covers what customers need to see.
MyKatalog is free for 5 products and $3 a month for unlimited products.
You can start with a catalog and move to a full store when you need checkout.
Common questions
Is there a free alternative to Shopify for small businesses?
If you sell through WhatsApp and do not need online checkout, MyKatalog is a free alternative for up to 5 products. Customers browse your catalog and order on WhatsApp.
Can MyKatalog take card payments?
No. MyKatalog shows your products and sends orders to WhatsApp. You arrange payment and delivery directly with the customer.
Related guides
Ready to create your catalog?
Start with your first products, get one shareable link, and send customers straight to WhatsApp when they are ready to order.
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