Why Choose EKM Over Shopify: The Smarter UK Ecommerce Choice

Running an online store in the UK is no small feat, especially when you’re juggling local compliance, customer expectations, and the constant demand for innovation. If you’re currently using Shopify or considering it, you’ve probably already bumped into some surprising limitations. Many of which don’t quite align with how things work here in the UK.

That’s where EKM steps in. Built by UK entrepreneurs, for UK entrepreneurs, EKM does what Shopify doesn’t: makes ecommerce easier for British businesses without drowning you in hidden fees or third-party bolt-ons.

Let’s break down why more UK retailers are choosing EKM over Shopify. And how it might just be the smartest switch you could make.

UK-Based Support That Actually Gets You

Let’s be honest. When you hit a snag with your online store, the last thing you need is to explain UK VAT rules to an overseas support agent reading from a script. One key reason I switched a client over from Shopify to EKM in 2023 was their frustration with support. Every query felt like a battle with time zones and vague replies. EKM, on the other hand? They paired us with a dedicated UK-based account manager who genuinely understood small business needs in the UK.

You don’t just get a ticket number. You get someone who’ll pick up the phone, knows your name, and speaks your language (including the business lingo we use over here). That level of service matters when you’re trying to fix an issue before the weekend rush. Or just don’t want to waste an hour trying to explain what a parcel drop is.

Packed With Features Right Out of the Box

One of the biggest gripes with Shopify is how bare-bones it feels unless you’re ready to splash out every month on apps and upgrades. Need advanced reports? That’s an extra app. Want to run abandoned cart emails? Another one. Want to accept UK gift cards? Yep. Add another integration.

With EKM, all those essentials? Already built in.

You won’t be hunting down plugins or worrying whether your key features are going to break the next time there’s an update. It’s a fully-equipped platform on day one. No fuss, no surprises, and importantly, no stacking monthly app fees.

Here’s a quick comparison I made for a client running a medium-sized online store:

• EKM: Built-in email marketing, analytics, reviews, SEO tools, and cart recovery.
• Shopify: Required 5+ paid apps to match the same features. Costing over £60/month extra.

That £60? That could go into marketing or shipping. And honestly, that adds up fast over the year.

Daily Website Improvements Without Lifting a Finger

This one’s a game-changer. EKM has something called Evolution Mode. It’s a dedicated ongoing service where the team regularly reviews and updates your website. Automatically. Imagine having a team looking over your online shop each month to make sure your site is faster, better optimised, and running smoothly.

I saw this firsthand in early 2024 when EKM revamped a client’s category layout to improve customer flow. All without us even asking. We were notified after it was done, and the result? A noticeable bump in conversions the very next week.

No consultants, no extra cost, just proactive improvements baked into your plan.

Say Goodbye to Surprise Fees

Let’s talk money. Shopify’s pricing might look simple at first glance, but once you factor in app subscriptions, custom themes, and transaction fees if you’re not using their preferred processor, things add up. Fast.

EKM keeps things clear. One monthly fee. No extra cost per feature. All themes included. No sneaky charges because you wanted to use Braintree or WorldPay.

Even better, EKM includes UK-specific features like VAT-inclusive pricing, B2B features, and invoicing tools. All ready to go. With Shopify, setting this up often means hiring a developer or juggling more third-party software that eats into your budget.

Built Specifically for the UK Market

Here’s the clincher.

EKM is designed with the UK in mind. Not just translated—tailored.

Need to enter VAT rates for varied product types? EKM has that covered. Connecting to Royal Mail, Parcelforce, or DPD? No fiddly setups or workarounds needed. They’re already integrated. UK card processors like Klarna, Worldpay, or PayPal UK? Smooth sailing.

I helped a retail client migrate to EKM last winter and the process of setting up domestic delivery options was night and day compared to Shopify. On Shopify, we were elbow-deep in shipping profiles and unsupported courier plugins. With EKM, it was literally plug-and-play.

When a platform understands not just ecommerce. But UK ecommerce. Everything starts to run smoother.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a UK business owner, there’s a high chance you’ve been adapting your tools to fit Shopify. What if your ecommerce platform adapted to you instead?

EKM gives you an edge with:
– UK-based, real human support
– All the tools you need. No extras required
– Built-in site updates through Evolution Mode
– Clear, fixed pricing. No hidden extras
– Features tailored for the UK market from the ground up

I’ve worked with dozens of ecommerce businesses, and time and again, switching to EKM has meant fewer headaches, lower costs, and a platform that actually grows with the business.

If you’re tired of making your store fit someone else’s mould, it might be time to explore a platform designed for sellers just like you.

Take the next step and see how EKM stacks up. For your shop, your goals, and your sanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EKM only suitable for UK businesses?

While international sellers can use EKM, it’s specifically tailored for UK businesses. Everything from VAT handling to courier integrations is built for the UK market. That said, it can support global shipping and sales if needed.

How long does it take to migrate from Shopify to EKM?

Most basic to mid-sized Shopify stores can be migrated in a few days. EKM provides a setup team to help you transfer products, data, and design where possible. Expect a guided onboarding process that makes the transition smoother than doing it alone.

Are there transaction fees like on Shopify?

No, EKM doesn’t charge per-transaction fees like Shopify often does when you use third-party payment gateways. You pay one clear monthly fee for your plan, and the payment processing fees go directly to whichever provider you choose (e.g. WorldPay, PayPal).

What’s included in Evolution Mode?

Evolution Mode includes ongoing site improvements such as layout optimisations, updated features, new theme deployments, and performance reviews. There’s no extra charge for this. It’s included in your plan, and carried out by real people with ecommerce expertise.

Can I still customise my store?

Yes! EKM allows you to manage your store design, product layout, colours, logos, and even get custom coding if needed. They also offer free themes designed for UK markets. And you don’t pay extra to use them, unlike Shopify’s premium themes.

Ready for a simpler, smarter ecommerce platform tailored to the UK? You’re just a click away.