Creating an online shop
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Opening an online shop starts with a platform choice and a clear scope. The catalogue, payment and delivery are the three points that decide success; design comes next. ## Shopify, WooCommerce or PrestaShop: the right criterion | Criterion | Shopify | WooCommerce | PrestaShop | |---|---|---|---| | Getting started | Very fast | Medium (WordPress) | Medium | | Monthly cost | Subscription + apps | Hosting + extensions | Hosting + modules | | Site ownership | Hosted platform | Full | Full | | Customisation | Good via apps and themes | Extensive, code accessible | Extensive, catalogue-oriented | | Technical upkeep | None | Updates and security | Updates and security | Read our detailed guides on [creating a Shopify shop](/services/e-commerce/shopify/) and [WooCommerce](/services/e-commerce/woocommerce/) before deciding. ## Payments and logistics in Morocco Cash on delivery remains the standard. Card payments go through a local gateway (CMI) or an international one compatible with your platform. For delivery, compare local and international carriers on lead times, weight-based rates and tracking, and plan a simple returns process for your customers. ## Launch, then measure A shop that works does not need to be perfect on day one. Launch with a clean catalogue and reliable payment, measure visits, abandoned carts and acquisition cost, then improve what blocks sales.When this guide is for you
- You already sell on WhatsApp, Instagram or by phone and manual handling no longer keeps up
- You are launching a physical product brand (fashion, cosmetics, food, crafts) and want a sales channel you control
- You want to test a product in Morocco before investing in a marketplace
- You sell digital products or courses and need a catalogue available all year round
- You want orders to come in automatically, with stock tracking and online payments
Step by step
- Framing the project — Define the catalogue, the customer, the payment methods, delivery in Morocco and abroad, and the returns process. Write down what the shop must do on day one and what can wait.
- Platform choice — Compare Shopify, WooCommerce and PrestaShop on total cost over three years, technical ownership and the team's ability to maintain them, not on the advertised price alone.
- Catalogue and product pages — Prepare titles, descriptions, photos and stock, enter legal information, return conditions and a privacy policy, and optimise the product page for mobile.
- Payment and delivery setup — Connect a local (CMI) or international payment gateway, configure cash on delivery, set up delivery zones with local carriers, and test the full order cycle.
- Launch and measurement — Track traffic, abandoned carts, acquisitions and returns, then fix what blocks sales first.
What it costs (in MAD)
| Service | Indicative price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Platform subscription | 0 – 2,800 MAD / month (0 – 199 USD) | WooCommerce is free excluding hosting; Shopify from 399 to 2,800 MAD per month |
| WordPress hosting | 300 – 1,500 MAD / month | Compulsory with WooCommerce, with backups and SSL certificate |
| Theme and design | 0 – 4,000 MAD | A premium theme bought once, or a bespoke design at a higher price |
| Setup by a service provider | 5,000 – 30,000 MAD | Depends on the number of products, integrations and customisation |
| Payment provider | 1.5 % – 3.5 % per transaction | Varies with volume and the type of gateway |
| Apps and plugins (reviews, emails, loyalty) | 0 – 800 MAD / month | Except free WordPress plugins, which need regular upkeep |
Indicative ranges for the Moroccan market in 2026, excluding tax. Prices vary with scope and provider.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a platform on the advertised price rather than the total cost over three years (subscription, apps, hosting, technical maintenance)
- Copying the theme as is without adapting the product page, cart and payment to mobile
- Piling on apps or plugins: each one slows the shop down and can break during an update
- Neglecting product titles and descriptions: they carry your organic search visibility and social shares
- Selling online without legal notices, return conditions and a privacy policy
- Ignoring conversion tracking, which makes any advertising campaign impossible to measure
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a registered business to open an online shop in Morocco?
To take card payments or work with a Moroccan payment provider, yes: it asks for an ICE and a commercial register number. For cash on delivery only, some start before registering, but invoicing and growth soon make formal registration necessary.
Which platform should you choose between Shopify, WooCommerce and PrestaShop?
Shopify to launch fast without technical skills, with straightforward support and international payments. WooCommerce to keep ownership of the site and low hosting costs, provided you maintain it. PrestaShop for a medium to large, multilingual catalogue with customisation needs and a team able to follow updates.
Which payment methods work in Morocco?
Cash on delivery remains dominant for consumers. For card payments you need a local (CMI) or international gateway compatible with the platform; Shopify Payments is not available in Morocco. Also consider PayPal if you sell abroad.
How long does it take to launch an online shop?
A simple shop with 20 to 50 products, a theme and online payment can launch in 2 to 4 weeks. Allow 1 to 2 months if you create the product pages, add apps and organise logistics and returns.
Do you need a developer to create an online shop?
Not necessarily with Shopify: a well-configured theme covers most initial needs. WooCommerce and PrestaShop require more technical skills (hosting, security, updates, plugins), which need to be available in-house or through a provider.
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