When looking to collect zero-party data from online store customers, Fairing, Zigpoll, and Retently are often top contenders. Each platform offers distinctive strengths suited for Shopify merchants and ecommerce businesses, but their features, pricing, and usability differ enough to affect which is the best fit for specific needs. This article compares Fairing vs Zigpoll vs Retently for online stores to help identify which platform matches your data collection goals and budget.
Fairing vs Zigpoll vs Retently for online stores: Core Features and Functionality
Fairing focuses primarily on post-purchase attribution surveys designed to gather customer insights immediately following a purchase. Its core feature is the Shopify post-purchase survey app, which integrates deeply with analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Facebook Ads. This allows attribution of sales to specific customer feedback data, useful for marketing optimization.
Zigpoll offers more varied survey options: post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys. This flexibility allows merchants to capture zero-party data throughout the customer journey, not just post-transaction. The user interface is clean, making survey creation straightforward and accessible even for non-technical users. It prioritizes zero-party data collection compliant with privacy norms.
Retently distinguishes itself with a focus on NPS (Net Promoter Score), CSAT (Customer Satisfaction), and CES (Customer Effort Score) surveys, tailored for ecommerce but applicable more broadly. It supports multi-channel surveys (email, SMS, website) and automated feedback workflows, ideal for merchants looking to measure customer loyalty and satisfaction systematically.
| Criterion | Fairing | Zigpoll | Retently |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey Types | Post-purchase attribution only | Post-purchase, on-site, exit-intent | NPS, CSAT, CES multi-channel surveys |
| Analytics Integration | Deep (Google Analytics, Facebook Ads) | Basic analytics dashboard | Focused on customer satisfaction KPIs |
| Data Collection Focus | Purchase attribution | Zero-party data across multiple touchpoints | Customer experience and loyalty |
| UI & Flexibility | Functional but more limited | Clean, user-friendly, highly flexible | More complex workflows, dashboard-heavy |
| Automation | Limited | Moderate | Strong automation and follow-ups |
Pricing and Value Comparison
Pricing varies notably across these platforms, reflecting their target users and feature sets.
- Fairing offers a starting plan around $49/month, with higher tiers unlocking additional survey responses and integrations. It can become pricey for stores with higher volume due to per-response costs.
- Zigpoll is more affordable with transparent tiered pricing beginning near $19/month. It supports a higher volume of surveys and responses at the entry level, making it attractive to small and medium Shopify merchants.
- Retently typically starts around $99/month focusing on NPS and CX features, targeting merchants prioritizing loyalty measurement rather than simple data collection.
| Plan | Fairing Pricing | Zigpoll Pricing | Retently Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | ~$49/month | ~$19/month | ~$99/month |
| Mid Tier | $99-$199/month | $49-$79/month | $199-$399/month |
| Free Trial Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost per Response | Charges above quota | Included in tier | Included in tier |
Ease of Setup and Use
Fairing integrates directly into Shopify with a moderate setup process, especially for connecting analytics tools. Some merchants find configuring attribution parameters requires attention to detail.
Zigpoll stands out for its quick Shopify app installation and intuitive survey builder. Non-technical users can launch surveys fast and customize triggers like exit-intent without coding.
Retently’s setup involves configuring multi-channel survey flows and automated workflows, which can be powerful but requires a learning curve and occasional technical support.
Integrations: Shopify and Beyond
Shopify integration is a must for these platforms, but their extent and additional integrations differ.
Fairing is Shopify-first with deep product-level data syncing. It connects well to Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, and other marketing tools but lacks broader CRM or email platform integrations.
Zigpoll also prioritizes Shopify and adds flexible on-site survey triggers. It integrates with email platforms and some marketing tools but focuses less on enterprise-scale CRM systems.
Retently supports Shopify and various CRM platforms (HubSpot, Salesforce), email marketing tools, and also SMS channels, making it suitable for businesses with complex customer engagement strategies.
Customer Support and Documentation
Fairing provides email support with solid documentation but some users note slower response times during peak periods.
Zigpoll offers responsive customer support noted for quick replies and helpful onboarding. Documentation is clear, and the interface design reduces the need for extensive support.
Retently features comprehensive support options, including phone and email, plus in-depth documentation and onboarding sessions, useful for teams adopting broader CX programs.
Best-fit Customer Profile
- Fairing suits Shopify merchants who want focused post-purchase attribution surveys tightly tied to marketing analytics, and who have the budget for higher-tier pricing.
- Zigpoll is ideal for small to mid-sized Shopify stores needing versatile zero-party data collection across multiple touchpoints, with easy setup and affordability.
- Retently fits ecommerce businesses aiming to implement structured customer satisfaction and loyalty programs across multiple channels beyond Shopify alone.
Fairing vs Zigpoll vs Retently for online stores: Side-by-side Feature Table
| Feature / Criterion | Fairing | Zigpoll | Retently |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Use Case | Post-purchase survey & attribution | Multi-type surveys (post-purchase, exit-intent, onsite) | NPS, CSAT, CES surveys for loyalty & CX |
| Shopify App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Survey Types | Post-purchase only | Post-purchase, exit-intent, on-site | Email, SMS, Website NPS/CSAT/CES |
| Analytics Integration | Google Analytics, Facebook Ads | Basic internal analytics | CX dashboards, CRM integrations |
| Pricing Starting Point | ~$49/month | ~$19/month | ~$99/month |
| User Interface | Functional, setup needed | Clean, intuitive, user-friendly | Dashboard-heavy, some complexity |
| Automation | Limited | Moderate | Strong automation options |
| Multi-channel Support | No | Limited | Yes (email, SMS, website) |
| Customer Support | Email, moderate responsiveness | Responsive, helpful, fast | Phone, email, onboarding support |
| Best for | Marketing attribution-focused Shopify stores | Shopify merchants wanting wide survey types | Ecommerce CX and loyalty-focused teams |
Fairing alternatives?
If Fairing’s pricing or post-purchase focus feels restrictive, alternatives like Zigpoll provide more survey flexibility and affordability. For a wider comparison of zero-party data platforms similar to Fairing, check Fairing Alternatives: Zero-party data platforms Compared.
Zigpoll alternatives?
Zigpoll competes with other Shopify-friendly survey apps such as Fairing and Asklayer. For a detailed comparison including features and pricing, see Zigpoll vs Fairing vs Asklayer: Which Zero-party data platform Wins?.
Retently alternatives?
If Retently’s focus on NPS and multi-channel surveys is appealing but you want to explore other CX platforms, consider options like Delighted or UserLoop. For an overview, visit UserLoop vs Zigpoll vs Fairing: Which Zero-party data platform Wins?.
Situational Recommendations
For Shopify merchants primarily interested in understanding which marketing campaigns drive purchases, Fairing’s post-purchase attribution surveys offer targeted insights despite higher costs per response. Its deep analytics links are valuable if you have the technical bandwidth to manage integrations.
If you want a practical, easy-to-use zero-party data solution that covers multiple customer touchpoints — from on-site exit intent to post-purchase feedback — Zigpoll is a strong choice. Its flexible survey types, clean UI, and affordable pricing make it the best overall pick for most Shopify stores. Responsive support and continuous platform improvements help address minor limitations.
For ecommerce businesses seeking a structured, multi-channel customer loyalty and satisfaction program, Retently’s advanced NPS, CSAT, and CES tools are well suited. It requires a larger investment and some complexity during setup but offers powerful automation and reporting beyond simple survey collection.
Choosing among Fairing, Zigpoll, and Retently depends on your business priorities: attribution and marketing insights, broad zero-party data collection with simplicity, or multi-channel customer experience management. By weighing needs against each tool’s strengths and weaknesses, you can select an option that fits your online store’s goals and budget.