Gambio to Shopify
Migrating from Gambio to Shopify moves your store from a German PHP/MySQL platform to a fully managed eCommerce solution. In 2025, merchants choose Shopify for managed hosting, security, and migrations run from Shopify admin using apps like Cart2Cart. No Gambio server or database access is required when using a migration app; everything runs from your new Shopify store.
This guide covers Gambio 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 Gambio?
Security and Updates
The Gambio Pain: Self-managed PHP/MySQL; you handle security patches and upgrades. Legacy versions can be risky.
The Shopify Gain: Shopify handles security and hosting. Migration runs from Shopify admin; no Gambio server access needed.
Hosting and Performance
The Gambio Pain: You manage hosting, MySQL, and scaling.
The Shopify Gain: Hosting, CDN, and scaling included. Run migration and daily ops from one admin.
Modules and Features
The Gambio Pain: Module ecosystem is regionally focused; global apps and integrations can be limited.
The Shopify Gain: Global App Store and multi-channel. Migration apps connect to Gambio (bridge or DB) and run from Shopify.
Developer Availability
The Gambio Pain: Fewer Gambio specialists outside DACH; maintenance can be costly.
The Shopify Gain: Large developer and app ecosystem worldwide. Migrate using a Shopify app.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
Gambio uses MySQL; migration apps may connect via database or a bridge.
- Gambio version: Confirm your migration app supports your version (Gambio 3, 4, or 5).
- Access: Migration from Shopify admin typically uses a bridge or MySQL connection.
- Product variants and attributes: Gambio product options map to Shopify options and variants.
- Categories: Gambio categories map to Shopify collections.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
Gambio products, customers, and orders map to Shopify when using a migration app run from Shopify admin.
Product Data Mapping
| Gambio (Source) | Shopify (Target) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| products_id | id | Use SKU for mapping. |
| products_name | title | Direct transfer. |
| products_model / variants | variants[].sku | SKU at variant level. |
| products_price | variants[].price | Per variant. |
| products_description | body_html | HTML; images re-hosted. |
| categories | collections | Gambio categories to Shopify collections. |
| products_attributes / options | options and variants | Options become Shopify variants. |
Customer and Order Data
| Gambio Field | Shopify Field | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| customers_email_address | email | Unique identifier. |
| customers_password | password (on create) | Password reset required. |
| orders_id / order 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 Gambio (bridge or DB), 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 Script
Gambio MySQL + Shopify Admin API
- Pros: Full control.
- Cons: Developer time, 40+ hours typical.
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 (Gambio):
Ensure the migration app can connect (bridge or DB credentials as required).
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 Gambio as source. Enter store URL and credentials as instructed.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Run from Shopify admin: Select products, customers, orders; start migration. Product options map to variants.
- Create 301 redirects: Use the app to map old Gambio URLs to new Shopify URLs.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customer communication: Notify customers; they will need to reset passwords.
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
- Product options: Gambio product options map to Shopify variants; verify in the app.
- Multi-language: If you use multiple languages, plan how they map to Shopify markets or locales.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Use the migration app from Shopify admin to map old Gambio URLs to new Shopify URLs and preserve SEO.
Ready to Move to Shopify?
Migrate from Gambio to Shopify using an app run from your Shopify admin. No server access or coding. Get products, customers, orders, and SEO redirects in one flow.