When you choose a platform to power your online store, you’re not just picking a piece of software — you’re choosing whose values you’re supporting with your hard-earned money.
That question has become impossible to ignore after Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke’s recent comments, which reveal a deeply troubling vision for democracy.
Shopify’s CEO Wants to Gut Voting Rights
Over the weekend, Lutke engaged in a public exchange on Twitter where he proposed stripping voting rights from pensioners, calling them “dependents” who should have no say in elections, just like minors. When another user suggested a system where voting power would be weighted by income tax paid — meaning the wealthy get multiple votes while the poor get none — Lutke responded with a simple endorsement: “Good system” 1.
Let’s be clear about what this would mean. Under such a model, roughly 50 million Americans — about 30% of the population — would lose the right to vote entirely. The majority of those disenfranchised would be elderly people, students, and those with disabilities who cannot work. Meanwhile, the roughly 800,000 Americans earning over $1 million annually would effectively control the voting power of millions of people.
It’s the kind of thinking that would have felt at home in an era of poll taxes and property requirements — ideas we’ve spent centuries trying to move beyond.
The Board Backs Him
If you’re thinking Lutke’s comments were just an offhand remark, consider that David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), a Shopify board member, publicly endorsed Lutke’s position, stating that Lutke is the “sole seeding reason that there is a Shopify” and that their “care and appreciation couldn’t be greater”. Even Elon Musk chimed in, calling Lutke a “national treasure”.
It’s a revealing glimpse into the mindset at the top of one of the world’s largest ecommerce companies.
An Australian Alternative That Aligns With Your Values
The good news is that you don’t have to support a platform whose leadership champions restricting the democratic rights of ordinary people. There’s a home-grown Australian alternative that offers everything you need to run a successful online store — without the ethical baggage.
Spiffy Stores is a 100% Australian-owned and built ecommerce platform that has been serving small businesses since 2010 2. The team behind Spiffy have years of experience working with major brands and created their own platform after finding existing solutions too difficult to customise for Australian businesses.
Here’s what makes Spiffy Stores a compelling choice:
- Transparent, all-in-one pricing — Plans start at just $25 AUD per month (including GST), with no hidden “app tax.” Most features you’d pay extra for on other platforms, such as product reviews, bundles, gift cards, AI tools and much more come built-in.
- Australian support — When you need help, you can connect directly with the people who build the software, based in Sydney — not an overseas call centre.
- Free migration from Shopify — Already on Shopify? Spiffy Stores will migrate your data for free.
- Integrated AI tools — AI-powered product recommendations, SEO optimisation, and even a full AI chatbot are all included in your monthly fee.
- Local shipping integrations — Full integration with Australia Post, New Zealand Post and Aramex/Fastway Couriers for real-time shipping calculations and fulfilment.
The Bottom Line
Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. When you choose an ecommerce platform, you’re choosing to support the people at the top of that company. Shopify’s CEO has now made it abundantly clear where his sympathies lie — with a system where the wealthy get more say and ordinary people get pushed aside.
Why fund that vision when there’s a proven, affordable, Australian alternative that puts its customers first?
Make the switch to Spiffy Stores — a platform that cares about building up small businesses, not tearing down democratic rights.
Ready to move? Visit spiffystores.com.au to start your 14-day free trial — no credit card required.