Compare
Staaf vs WooCommerce
WooCommerce is free to install, but you run the hosting, plugins and updates yourself. Staaf is a ready store with everything included.
WooCommerce is a free plugin that turns a WordPress website into a shop. It is very flexible, but the plugin is only the start. You need hosting, a theme, payment plugins and someone to keep it all updated and secure.
| Staaf | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | KES 4,999 a month, one plan | Free plugin, plus hosting, domain, theme and paid extensions |
| Fees on your sales | None from us | None from WooCommerce |
| Hosting | Included | You pay for and manage it |
| Updates and security | Done for you | You keep WordPress, the theme and plugins updated |
| M-Pesa | Built in, straight to your own till | Through a payment plugin |
| WhatsApp and Instagram | One shared inbox, next to your orders | Separate plugins or tools |
| Getting started | Sign up and start selling | Set up hosting, WordPress and plugins first |
The real cost
WooCommerce itself is free. The costs come from everything around it: hosting, a premium theme, extensions for things like delivery rules, and often a developer when something breaks. These bills come from different places and add up.
Staaf is one price in shillings with hosting, themes, payments and the inbox included.
Keeping it running
With WooCommerce you are in charge of the website. Plugins need updating, updates sometimes clash with each other, and a slow or hacked site loses sales. Backups are up to you.
On Staaf we look after the hosting, updates and security, so you can spend your time on your products and customers.
Payments
Paystack and Pesapal both have WooCommerce plugins, and you can use the same accounts with Staaf. On Staaf, M-Pesa, cards, bank transfer and cash on delivery are all set up from one settings page, with no plugins to install.