Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform — and with some repair-focused apps, it can be adapted for repair shops. But how does it compare to RepairBuddy, a WordPress plugin designed specifically for repair businesses?
Let’s break it down by features, pricing, customization, and real-world usability.
📊 RepairBuddy vs Shopify Repair Apps: Feature Comparison
| Feature | RepairBuddy (WordPress) | Shopify + Repair Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | WordPress Plugin (self-hosted) | Shopify (hosted SaaS) |
| Target User | Repair shops needing full control | Ecommerce-first users adapting for repairs |
| Pricing | From $7.99/month or $179 lifetime | Shopify: $39+/month + App fees |
| Online Booking | ✅ Built-in | ✅ With apps (e.g., BookThatApp) |
| Repair Job Workflow | ✅ Ticket-based repair tracking | ❌ Basic or app-dependent |
| Customer Portal | ✅ Branded login + job tracking | ❌ None, unless custom-built |
| POS Integration | ✅ With WooCommerce/3rd party | ✅ Shopify POS (hardware sold separately) |
| Inventory Management | ✅ Part-level tracking per job | ✅ Good for products; limited for repairs |
| CRM/Customer Management | ✅ CRM with follow-ups, tags | ❌ Basic or via 3rd-party apps |
| Multi-Store Support | ✅ Built-in | ❌ One store per Shopify account |
| Customization | ✅ Full WordPress control | ❌ Limited to Shopify’s ecosystem |
| Integrations | WooCommerce, Elementor, SMS, etc. | Shopify App Store, but often paid |
| Mobile Support | ✅ Responsive UI | ✅ Mobile-ready stores |
| Reports & Analytics | ✅ Repair-centric | ✅ Sales-focused |
| Best Use Case | Phone/computer/jewelry/drone repair shops | Ecommerce stores offering minor repairs |
💡 Key Differences
🔹 Shopify + Repair Apps
- Designed for selling products, not managing repairs
- Requires multiple apps (and extra costs) to replicate repair features
- Great if you’re primarily selling devices and want to offer light repairs
- Not ideal for ticket-based workflows or diagnostics
🔹 RepairBuddy
- Made exclusively for repair businesses
- Includes built-in ticket system, customer login, technician workflow
- Far more affordable and scalable for repair-focused operations
- WordPress gives you full control over design, SEO, and content
💰 Pricing Breakdown
| Component | RepairBuddy | Shopify + Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Core Platform | $7.99/month or $179 lifetime | $39+/month (Shopify Basic) |
| Apps | Included | $10–$50/month per app (e.g., booking, CRM) |
| Customer Portal | ✅ Included | ❌ Requires custom dev |
| Lifetime Option | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
🏁 Final Verdict: RepairBuddy or Shopify?
✅ Choose RepairBuddy if:
- You run a repair-focused business
- You want full control and ownership (WordPress)
- You need features like ticket tracking, CRM, inventory by repair
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly solution with lifetime value
✅ Choose Shopify + Apps if:
- You’re running an ecommerce store that sells devices
- Repairs are a minor service offered on the side
- You want to keep everything within Shopify’s ecosystem
- You’re willing to pay for multiple apps and accept platform limits
🧠 Final Thoughts
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Dedicated repair business | RepairBuddy |
| Product sales + light repair service | Shopify with apps |
🚀 Power Your Repair Shop the Smart Way
👉 Start with RepairBuddy — The plugin made by repair techs, for repair techs.
