I want to start an eCommerce website, and am trying to find the right platform. Some important criteria are: - Relatively low cost - SFTP access to server - The ability to restrict webroot subdirectory access behind a paywall (not just database entries, like pages or posts in WP) What I want to do is provide subscription access to GIS applications I've created using the ArcGIS WebAppBuilder. The apps are deployed to my webserver simply by uploading them. A user can access them by pointing the browser to the webroot subdirectory address of the folder in which the app's files are located. That's why WP/WooCommerce doesn't seem to be a viable solution. All of their plugins seem exclusively focused on protecting pages & posts. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Probably, Zen Cart could be an option. I've seen this overview of its features recently https://belvg.com/blog/magento-vs-zen-cart.html Do not pay attention to Magento there, it does not seen a right choice for you if you look for the lower cost. But actually I would say it also highly depends on the area where your company operates and market that you target.
It seems to me that Shopify is a very good site design. It has beautiful templates, quite simple instructions and very wide functionality.