The short answer is yes, you can migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify without losing customers or orders. But like everything in e-commerce, the devil is in the details. I've seen it in dozens of migrations in LATAM: when done well, the business doesn't lose a single piece of data. When improvised, the damage can be irreversible.
If you're considering changing platforms and are worried about losing your history, this article is exactly what you need to read before making any decisions.
Why migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify?
WooCommerce is a powerful solution, but it has a huge hidden cost: you are responsible for everything. Hosting, updates, security, plugins that break each other, backups. I've seen it in dozens of stores in LATAM: the owner ends up being the system administrator instead of focusing on selling.
Shopify, on the other hand, is a managed platform. You focus on the business, Shopify handles the infrastructure. The most common reasons to migrate are:
- Superior speed and stability without relying on hosting
- Optimized checkout that converts more
- 24/7 support included in the plan
- More curated and reliable app ecosystem
- Seamless technical scalability
What data can you migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify?
This is the key question. The good news is that almost all of your history is migratable:
✅ Migrates without issue:
- Products (titles, descriptions, images, variants, prices, SKUs)
- Customers (name, email, address, purchase history)
- Historical orders (order number, products, amounts, statuses)
- Collections and categories
- Content pages and blogs
- Active coupons and discounts
⚠️ Requires special attention:
- Customer passwords (for security reasons, they are not migrated — customers must create a new password)
- URLs and SEO structure (requires 301 redirects to avoid losing search rankings)
- Product reviews (depends on the review app you use on Shopify)
- Active subscriptions (require manual migration or with a specialized app)
💡 Want help planning your risk-free migration? At yosoyexperto.com, I guide WooCommerce to Shopify migrations for stores in LATAM with zero data loss.
How to migrate WooCommerce to Shopify step-by-step
There are three main methods. I'll explain each with its advantages and limitations:
Method 1 — CSV Import (manual)
You export your data from WooCommerce in CSV format and import it into Shopify. It's free but laborious, and requires cleaning and formatting the files for Shopify to accept them correctly.
- Ideal for: small stores with fewer than 200 products
- Estimated time: 1 to 2 weeks
- Risk: medium — formatting errors can cause incorrect data
Method 2 — Automated migration tools
Apps like Matrixify (my favorite for complex projects) or Cart2Cart automate the transfer of products, customers, and orders. Shopify also has official documentation on importing at help.shopify.com.
- Ideal for: medium and large stores
- Estimated time: 3 to 7 days for data migration
- Risk: low if configured correctly
Method 3 — Expert-assisted migration
A Shopify specialist handles the entire process: export, data cleaning, import, verification, and SEO redirect configuration. It's the safest option and guarantees zero data loss.
- Ideal for: any store that cannot afford errors
- Estimated time: 2 to 6 weeks (including full setup)
- Risk: minimal
⏱️ Prefer to delegate the complete migration? Check out my hourly packages at yosoyexperto.com/precios — includes data migration, SEO redirects, and initial Shopify setup.
What NOT to do during a WooCommerce to Shopify migration
I've seen it in dozens of migrations in LATAM and these are the most painful mistakes:
- Migrating without first doing a full WooCommerce backup. Always, always, always back up before touching anything.
- Launching Shopify without configuring 301 redirects. You will lose all your SEO positioning overnight.
- Not verifying migrated data before turning off WooCommerce. Check a sample of products, customers, and orders before making the leap.
- Changing the domain and migrating at the same time. Do one thing at a time to be able to identify problems.
- Not communicating the change to your customers. A simple email explaining that you've improved your store builds trust, not confusion.
How long does a WooCommerce to Shopify migration take?
It depends on the size of your store and the method you choose:
- Small store (up to 200 products): 1 to 3 weeks
- Medium store (200 to 1,000 products): 3 to 6 weeks
- Large store (+1,000 products or subscriptions): 6 to 14 weeks
The time doesn't just include moving data. It includes setting up Shopify correctly, customizing the theme, installing apps, testing, and training the team.
Conclusion: yes, you can migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify without losing customers or orders
Migrating from WooCommerce to Shopify without losing customers or orders is completely possible if you follow the correct process. The key is to plan well, use the right tools, and not skip the verification steps.
If your store is your main source of income, don't improvise this decision. A poorly executed migration can cost you customers, SEO ranking, and weeks of work to recover.
Ready to make the switch with peace of mind? Schedule a session with me or hire an hourly package at yosoyexperto.com and we'll migrate your store together, risk-free and with results.
Frequently asked questions about migrating from WooCommerce to Shopify
Will my customers lose access to their account during the migration?
Temporarily yes, because passwords cannot be migrated for security reasons. However, you can send a mass email inviting them to create their new password on Shopify. The process is simple, and most do it without a problem.
Will I lose my Google ranking when migrating?
Not if you correctly configure 301 redirects for all your old URLs to the new ones. Without redirects, you will lose ranking. This is one of the most critical steps in any migration.
Can I have WooCommerce and Shopify active at the same time during the migration?
Yes, and it's recommended. Set up Shopify completely before pointing your domain. This way you can verify everything without affecting your current store.
Are my product reviews migrated to Shopify?
It depends on the review app you use. Judge.me, for example, has an import tool that allows you to bring reviews from WooCommerce. This is one of the points most worth planning in advance.
How much does it cost to migrate from WooCommerce to Shopify?
The cost varies depending on the size of your store and whether you hire help. A basic migration with automated tools can cost between $50 and $200 USD in apps. An expert-assisted migration, between $300 and $1,500 USD depending on the complexity. The return on investment is usually seen in the first few months thanks to improved conversion and reduced technical costs.
