SaaS vs Open Source in eCommerce: When (and Why) Should You Consider Keeping Control?

In the world of eCommerce—especially in B2B—the choice between SaaS and Open Source platforms is not just a technical matter: it’s a strategic decision that can shape your business's profitability, sustainability, and control in the long run.

Lately, a simplistic narrative is gaining ground, portraying SaaS as the ideal "plug and play" solution for all models. But this perspective overlooks the real risks of third-party dependency and the loss of control over your technology and data.

SaaS: Short-Term Agility, Long-Term Risk

There’s no doubt that SaaS platforms like BigCommerce or Shopify Plus offer advantages such as:

• Fast implementation
• Outsourced maintenance
• Built-in scalability
• Low upfront costs

But these benefits come at a cost: technological and contractual dependency on the provider. In SaaS models, you don’t own the software or the database. And in eCommerce, that can become a structural weakness.

This is especially true in B2B, where processes often require complex integrations, approval workflows, dynamic pricing, and legacy environments. In such cases, SaaS can be limiting—or even unviable—without heavy customization.

Open Source: A More Demanding Path… but Also a Stronger One

Platforms like Magento (Adobe Commerce) or even WooCommerce, when used with a modern architecture, allow for:

• Full ownership of the tech stack
• Freedom to design your own business logic and workflows
• Deep integration with ERP, PIM, or legacy systems
• Independence from commission-based or vendor lock-in models

Does it require more technical effort? Yes. But in many cases—especially in B2B—that effort is precisely what protects your business and enables differentiation from the competition.

What About Costs?

A common mistake is comparing solutions only by their entry cost. SaaS platforms seem cheaper at first, but:

• The commission-per-sale model can erode your margins over time.
• Adding complex, custom functionalities can become expensive or outright impossible.
• Vendor lock-in makes future migrations difficult.

Open Source has a higher upfront cost, but it allows for better long-term TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) optimization—especially if you have a solid tech team or a committed strategic partner.

It’s Not About SaaS vs Open Source. It’s About Understanding Your Business.

Promoting a one-size-fits-all view as a universal truth can lead companies down the wrong path.

It’s not that SaaS is “bad” or that Open Source is “better.” It’s about aligning your platform with your goals, processes, and long-term vision.

That’s why at our company:

• We only work with one client per vertical and region.
• We bring a long-term strategic perspective, not just a technical one.
• We choose the most suitable technology for each case—not the easiest.

What’s the Best Option for You?

If your business needs speed, simplicity, and follows a standardized operation, SaaS may be a valid solution—at least in the initial phase.

But if your model is complex, B2B, with advanced requirements and a real ambition to build a long-term digital competitive advantage, then it’s worth considering an Open Source solution.

Because sometimes, owning your software and your data isn’t a burden… it’s exactly what guarantees your freedom and future growth.

Want help evaluating the best tech architecture for your eCommerce? Write to us. We’ll help—with no shortcuts or cookie-cutter solutions.