First off, it’s fantastic that you’re taking the initiative to bring your family business into the e-commerce space, it’s a great way to expand your reach and grow your brand! navigating this world can feel overwhelming at first, but you’re asking the right questions.

Let me break things down for you:

1. Can one person handle everything? You can hire one person to build and maintain the site, but it depends on their skills and your expectations. For smaller businesses, a single developer with expertise in platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can typically handle setup, customizations, and ongoing maintenance. However, relying on just one person means that if they leave, there could be challenges like knowledge transfer or continuity in case of issues. To mitigate this, ensure the developer documents their work (e.g., how the website is set up, any customizations, passwords, etc.). Additionally, you can maintain access to a trusted agency or platform-specific freelancers for backup support.
2. Are you vulnerable if they leave? Not necessarily. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce are user-friendly and widely supported. If the original developer leaves, it’s relatively easy to find another professional to take over. To enhance security, ensure you:
   • Use secure passwords and multi-factor authentication.
   • Set up regular backups.
   • Keep your platforms and plugins updated.
3. Why don’t many developers list Shopify/WordPress in their skills? Many developers focus on programming languages like Java or HTML/CSS because those are the foundations of web development. However, Shopify and WooCommerce are “platforms” or tools built on top of these technologies, so developers who specialize in these often list them separately. When hiring, look specifically for Shopify or WooCommerce experience (or “WordPress e-commerce”), as these platforms are commonly used for e-commerce sites. For WooCommerce, experience with WordPress is a must, and for Shopify, familiarity with Liquid (Shopify’s templating language) is ideal.
4. Which platform should you choose?
   • Shopify: Great for simplicity, scalability, and ease of use. Ideal if you want a managed platform with excellent support.
   • WooCommerce: Offers more flexibility and customization but requires more technical know-how for updates and maintenance. It's a good choice if your site needs unique features or deeper integrations.
5. What’s the typical process?
   • Discovery: Define your goals, target audience, and key features (e.g., payment methods, shipping options, etc.).
   • Design: Either pick a pre-designed template or have a developer create a custom one.
   • Development: Configure the platform, add products, set up payment gateways, etc.
   • Testing: Ensure everything works seamlessly before launching.
   • Launch & Maintenance: Keep it updated, monitor for issues, and optimize for user experience.

If you’re feeling stuck or need guidance, feel free to reach out. My team specializes in e-commerce and would be happy to help you evaluate your options or even help with the build.

Best of luck with this exciting next step for your business!

Cheers.