Ecwid to Shopify
Migrating from Ecwid to Shopify moves your store from an embeddable cart to a full standalone eCommerce platform. In 2025, merchants choose Shopify for a dedicated storefront, more apps, and migrations run from Shopify admin using apps like Cart2Cart - connect Ecwid as the source and run everything from your new Shopify store.
This guide covers Ecwid data structure, how it maps to Shopify, and a step-by-step migration path using Shopify apps run from your new store.
1. The Strategic Pivot: Why Leave Ecwid?
Standalone Storefront
The Ecwid Pain: Ecwid is built to embed in existing sites; standalone storefront and branding options are limited.
The Shopify Gain: Full standalone store with your domain, themes, and checkout. Migration runs from Shopify admin.
Apps and Integrations
The Ecwid Pain: App ecosystem is smaller than Shopify; some workflows need workarounds.
The Shopify Gain: Largest eCommerce app store; migration apps install in Shopify and connect to Ecwid from there.
Checkout and Payments
The Ecwid Pain: Checkout customization and payment options are more limited than on Shopify.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify Checkout, Shopify Payments, and many gateways. Migrate once from Shopify admin.
Support and Scale
The Ecwid Pain: Support and scaling depend on plan; advanced features can get costly.
The Shopify Gain: Predictable plans and 24/7 support. Migration apps run inside Shopify admin.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
Ecwid exposes an API; migration apps typically connect from Shopify admin and pull products, customers, and orders.
- Ecwid plan: Confirm API access for your plan; migration apps use it to read data.
- Products and variants: Ecwid products and variants map to Shopify products and variants.
- Categories: Ecwid categories map to Shopify collections.
- Customers: Customer accounts map to Shopify customers; password reset may be required.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
Ecwid products, customers, and orders map to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Data Mapping
| Ecwid (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| product id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
| name | title | Direct transfer. |
| sku (variant) | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
| price (variant) | variants[].price | Per variant. |
| description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| categories | collections | Ecwid categories to Shopify collections. |
| variants / options | options and variants | Variants map to Shopify variants. |
Customer and Order Data
| Ecwid Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| customer email | email | Unique identifier. |
| password | password (on create) | Password reset recommended. |
| order id / total | name, total_price | Preserve order ID; map statuses. |
4. The Toolkit: Selecting Your Vehicle
Option A: Shopify App Migration (Recommended)
Cart2Cart and similar apps in the Shopify App Store
Install the app in Shopify and run the migration from Shopify admin. The app connects to Ecwid via API, maps data, and creates redirects.
- Pros: No coding; runs from Shopify admin; products, customers, orders, SEO redirects.
- Cons: Cost scales with data.
Option B: Custom Integration
Ecwid API + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time.
5. Execution Protocol: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (Shopify):
Create your Shopify store; enable password protection during migration if desired.
1.2. Prepare Source (Ecwid):
Ensure API access is available; have store ID and token ready if required by the app.
Phase 2: Connection from Shopify Admin
2.1. Install the migration app (e.g. Cart2Cart) from the Shopify App Store and open it from your Shopify admin.
2.2. Connect Ecwid as source. Enter store URL and API credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old Ecwid URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customer communication: If you migrated customers, recommend password reset.
4.2. Verify data: Check products, collections, and orders in Shopify admin.
6. Financial Breakdown: Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Development
Developer Cost
Shopify App (e.g. Cart2Cart)
Typical Range
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting and SEO Preservation
Common Challenges
- Ecwid store URL: If you embedded Ecwid on another site, note the Ecwid store ID and use the migration app from Shopify admin.
- Variants: Ecwid variants map to Shopify variants; verify in the app.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Ecwid and Shopify URL structures differ. Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old URLs to new ones and preserve SEO.
Ready to Move to Shopify?
Migrate from Ecwid to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. No coding required. Get products, customers, orders, and SEO redirects in one flow.