Shopify to Gambio
Migrating from Shopify to Gambio represents a strategic move from a hosted SaaS platform to a free, open-source solution. In 2025, with Shopify's monthly costs and Gambio's zero-cost model with German market focus, some merchants are making the switch for better cost control and European market specialization.
This comprehensive technical blueprint covers Shopify's REST Admin API structure, field mappings to Gambio's MySQL database, and step-by-step migration execution.
1. The Strategic Pivot: Why Leave Shopify?
💰 Zero Cost Platform
The Shopify Pain: Shopify charges monthly fees ($29-$299) plus transaction fees (0.5%-2%) unless using Shopify Payments. Costs accumulate over time.
The Gambio Gain: Gambio is completely free. You only pay for hosting ($10-$100/month) and domain. No platform fees or transaction fees.
🚀 German Market Focus
The Shopify Pain: Shopify is US-focused. German payment methods, tax compliance (VAT), and market-specific features require additional setup.
The Gambio Gain: Gambio is German-built with strong support for German payment methods, VAT compliance, and German market requirements.
🛠 Open-Source Flexibility
The Shopify Pain: Shopify is a closed platform. You're limited to Shopify's features and cannot modify core functionality.
The Gambio Gain: Gambio is open-source. Full access to PHP code, unlimited customization, and ability to modify core functionality if needed.
⚡ Full Control
The Shopify Pain: Shopify controls hosting, updates, and platform changes. You have limited control over infrastructure.
The Gambio Gain: Complete control over hosting, server configuration, and platform customization. No vendor lock-in.
2. The Pre-Migration Architecture Audit
Shopify is a hosted SaaS platform with REST Admin API, while Gambio is a self-hosted PHP platform using MySQL database.
- Shopify Plan: Are you on Basic, Shopify, Advanced, or Plus? API rate limits differ by plan.
- API Access: Shopify provides REST Admin API. Generate API credentials in Shopify admin.
- Gambio Version: Are you planning Gambio GX2, GX3, or GX4? Database structures differ between versions.
- Product Structure: Shopify products map to Gambio products, but Gambio uses osCommerce-based structure.
- Images: Shopify images are on Shopify CDN. Need to be downloaded and re-uploaded to Gambio image directory.
3. Exact Data Mapping: The Blueprint
Shopify's REST Admin API structure maps to Gambio's MySQL database structure.
🛍 Product Data Mapping
| Shopify Field (Source) | Gambio Field (Target) | Notes & Logic |
|---|---|---|
Product.id |
products.products_id |
Gambio generates new IDs. Use SKU for mapping. |
Product.title |
products_description.products_name |
Direct string transfer. |
ProductVariant.sku |
products.products_model |
Shopify SKU is at variant level, Gambio at product level. |
ProductVariant.price |
products.products_price |
Price per product in Gambio. |
Product.body_html |
products_description.products_description |
HTML content. Images need re-uploading to Gambio image directory. |
Collection |
categories |
Shopify collections become Gambio categories. |
Product.options and ProductVariant |
products_attributes |
Shopify variants map to Gambio product attributes. |
👥 Customer Data Mapping
| Shopify Field | Gambio Field | Critical Logic |
|---|---|---|
Customer.email |
customers.customers_email_address |
Unique identifier. |
Customer.password |
customers.customers_password |
Requires password reset. Shopify uses bcrypt. Gambio uses MD5 or other hashing. Customers must reset passwords. |
CustomerAddress |
address_book |
Shopify addresses map to Gambio address book. |
📦 Order Data Mapping
| Shopify Field | Gambio Field | Mapping Logic |
|---|---|---|
Order.name (order number) |
orders.orders_id |
Preserve Shopify order number in Gambio order ID or order number. |
Order.financial_status, Order.fulfillment_status |
orders.orders_status |
Map Shopify's dual status system to Gambio order statuses. |
Order.total_price |
orders.order_total |
Direct mapping with currency conversion if needed. |
4. The Toolkit: Selecting Your Vehicle
Option A: Automated Cloud Migration (Recommended)
Tools: Migration Shop, LitExtension, Cart2Cart
Specialized tools that connect via Shopify Admin API and Gambio database.
- ✅ Pros: Handles database complexity, preserves relationships, creates redirects.
- ❌ Cons: Cost scales with data ($200 - $500).
Option B: Custom Script
Tools: Shopify Admin API + Gambio Database
- ✅ Pros: Full control, can customize mapping.
- ❌ Cons: Requires developer ($100-$200/hr), 40+ hours.
5. Execution Protocol: Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Environment Preparation
1.1. Prepare Target (Gambio):
Install Gambio. Ensure database access. Enable maintenance mode during migration.
1.2. Prepare Source (Shopify):
Generate API credentials in Shopify admin. Create private app with read permissions for products, customers, and orders.
Phase 2: The Connection Setup
2.1. Gambio Access:
Provide Gambio database credentials. Gambio uses MySQL database with osCommerce-based structure.
2.2. Shopify API:
Use Admin API access token from Shopify. Migration tool authenticates via Shopify REST Admin API.
Phase 3: Migration Execution
- Use Automated Tool: Recommended for handling Shopify API and Gambio database mapping.
- Create 301 Redirects: Critical for SEO preservation.
Phase 4: Post-Migration
4.1. Customer Communication:
Notify customers about the migration. They'll need to reset passwords.
4.2. Verify Products:
Check all products migrated correctly. Verify images, prices, and variants.
6. Financial Breakdown: Cost of Migration (2025)
Custom Script
Developer Time
Automated Cloud
Average Cost
Agency Service
Starting Cost
7. Troubleshooting & SEO Preservation
Common Challenges
- Database Structure: Gambio uses osCommerce-based MySQL structure. Requires careful mapping from Shopify's simpler structure.
- Product Variants: Shopify variants need mapping to Gambio product attributes.
- API Rate Limits: Shopify Admin API has rate limits. Migration tools handle this automatically.
The 301 Redirect Strategy
Shopify URLs differ from Gambio URLs. Automated migration tools create redirects, but verify in Gambio admin or use a redirect module.
Ready to Eliminate Platform Fees?
Migrating from Shopify to Gambio provides a completely free platform with German market focus. Shopify's API access makes migration straightforward, and you'll gain the flexibility of open-source software.