When evaluating form and survey builders for ecommerce, it's essential to consider tools that align with your business needs. Formstack and Google Forms are two prominent options, each offering distinct features, pricing models, and user experiences.
Formstack
Formstack is an enterprise-grade form builder and workflow automation platform designed to streamline data collection and management.
Features
- Form Building: Offers a no-code, drag-and-drop interface for creating customizable forms.
- Workflow Automation: Automates processes such as data routing, approvals, and notifications.
- Document Generation: Enables automated document creation from form submissions.
- eSignature Collection: Facilitates secure digital signature collection within forms.
- Integrations: Connects with over 300 applications, including CRM systems, payment processors, and marketing tools.
Pricing Model
Formstack offers tiered pricing based on features and usage:
- Forms Plan: Starting at $99 per month, includes 1 builder user, 25 forms, and 1,000 submissions per form.
- Suite Plan: Starting at $299 per month, includes 3 builder users, 100 forms, and 5,000 submissions per form.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing tailored to organizational needs, offering advanced features and dedicated support.
Annual billing provides a discount equivalent to two months free. (formstack.com)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive Features: Combines form building, workflow automation, document generation, and eSignature collection.
- Scalability: Suitable for small businesses to large enterprises.
- Security and Compliance: Offers HIPAA compliance and advanced security features.
Cons:
- Pricing: Higher cost may be prohibitive for small businesses or startups.
- Complexity: The breadth of features can result in a steeper learning curve.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Formstack is ideal for medium to large ecommerce businesses requiring advanced form functionalities, workflow automation, and integration capabilities. It's particularly beneficial for organizations needing secure data handling and compliance with industry standards.
Google Forms
Google Forms is a free, user-friendly tool for creating simple forms and surveys, suitable for basic data collection needs.
Features
- Form Creation: Provides a straightforward interface for building forms with various question types.
- Collaboration: Allows multiple users to edit forms simultaneously.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Google Sheets for data analysis.
- Customization: Offers basic customization options for form appearance.
Pricing Model
Google Forms is free for personal use, with unlimited forms and responses. For business use, Google Workspace plans start at $7 per user per month, offering additional features like custom email domains and enhanced storage. (sasanova.com)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Free for personal use; affordable for businesses.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interface suitable for users without technical expertise.
- Integration: Direct integration with Google Sheets facilitates data analysis.
Cons:
- Limited Features: Lacks advanced functionalities like workflow automation and eSignature collection.
- Customization Constraints: Limited options for branding and form design.
- Security and Compliance: May not meet specific industry compliance requirements.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Google Forms is best suited for small ecommerce businesses or startups needing a simple, cost-effective solution for basic form and survey creation without the need for advanced features or integrations.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Formstack | Google Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Form Building | No-code, drag-and-drop interface with advanced customization | Simple interface with basic customization options |
| Workflow Automation | Advanced automation capabilities for data routing and approvals | Not available |
| Document Generation | Automated document creation from form submissions | Not available |
| eSignature Collection | Secure digital signature collection within forms | Not available |
| Integrations | Over 300 integrations, including CRM systems and payment processors | Integrates with Google Sheets; limited third-party integrations |
| Pricing | Starts at $99 per month; annual billing offers two months free | Free for personal use; Google Workspace plans start at $7 per user per month |
| Security and Compliance | HIPAA compliance and advanced security features | Standard Google security; may not meet specific industry compliance standards |
Which to Choose
When deciding between Formstack and Google Forms for your ecommerce business, consider the following:
Choose Formstack if:
- You require advanced form functionalities, such as workflow automation and document generation.
- Your business needs to comply with industry standards like HIPAA.
- You have the budget to invest in a comprehensive form and survey solution.
Choose Google Forms if:
- You need a simple, cost-effective tool for basic form and survey creation.
- Your business operates on a tight budget and doesn't require advanced features.
- You are already using Google Workspace and prefer seamless integration with Google Sheets.
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you're evaluating options for form and survey builders, Zigpoll is also worth a look. Zigpoll is a Shopify survey app offering post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys, with zero-party data collection and a clean, Shopify-native setup.
