Vendure
Self-HostedOpen-source headless e-commerce platform for custom online stores
Overview
Vendure is an open-source headless e-commerce platform built with TypeScript, offering full control over backend and frontend. It decouples admin/API from the storefront, enabling custom experiences via any framework (React, Vue). Key features: multi-channel support, inventory management, order processing, and plugin-based extensions. Deployment options: Docker, npm, or cloud (AWS/GCP). Scalable for small businesses to enterprise, ideal for avoiding SaaS lock-in.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
vendure:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: vendure
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Headless architecture for custom frontends
- Multi-channel & multi-language support
- Extensible plugin system
- Inventory & order management
- Customizable admin dashboard
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Vendure hard to install?
Vendure can be installed via npm or Docker, which is straightforward for technical users. However, building a custom frontend requires knowledge of JavaScript frameworks (React/Vue), so non-developers may need assistance with setup.
? Is it a good alternative to Shopify?
Yes, if you want full control over your store. Unlike Shopify (hosted SaaS), Vendure is self-hosted and headless, allowing complete customization. It’s ideal for businesses avoiding lock-in but requires more development effort.
? Is Vendure completely free?
Yes! Vendure is open-source under the MIT License—free to use, modify, and self-host. No licensing fees apply, though you may incur costs for hosting, third-party plugins, or development resources.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Vendure
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Open-source & self-hostable (no vendor lock-in)
- ⊕ Flexible headless design for unique storefronts
- ⊕ Scalable for small to enterprise-level stores
- ⊕ Rich plugin ecosystem for extensions
Cons
- ⊖ Requires technical skills for frontend development
- ⊖ No pre-built storefront templates
- ⊖ Higher initial setup time vs. SaaS platforms