Census: Customer Surveys vs EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exportsfor Shopify (2026)
Census: Customer Surveys and EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports both boast perfect 5/5 ratings, but cater to drastically different needs within the Shopify ecosystem. Census focuses on gathering customer feedback through surveys, aiming to improve understanding of customer sentiment and potentially boost satisfaction and retention. EZ Exporter, on the other hand, is geared towards powerful data extraction and automation, enabling merchants to export various data points like orders, products, and customer information into customizable formats. The core difference lies in their functionalities: Census collects data IN, while EZ Exporter pulls data OUT. Census helps you understand WHY customers are doing what they're doing. EZ Exporter helps you manage and analyze WHAT customers are doing by allowing for deep dives into your store's data. A key differentiator is the sheer number of reviews; EZ Exporter has significantly more reviews (96) indicating wider adoption compared to Census (23). EZ Exporter emphasizes its advanced customization capabilities like calculated fields (Python) and ShopifyQL integration, further cementing its position as a tool for data-savvy merchants.
At a Glance
Census: Customer Surveys
23 reviews
EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports
96 reviews
Detailed Overview
EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports
Customize and automate data exports. Export orders, products, & more to a custom CSV/Excel file.
Key Features
- Create multiple templates for your 3PL, ERP, product feeds, & other use cases.
- Schedule automated exports to email, FTP, SFTP, Dropbox, Google Sheets, & more.
- Use Calculated Fields (Python) to manipulate the data automatically on export.
- Advanced Custom Filters for complex filtering logic.
- Use ShopifyQL to export Analytics reports.
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating Census: Customer Surveys5/5 EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 23 | 96 |
Reviews Census: Customer Surveys23 EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports96 | ||
| Core Functionality | Customer Surveys | Data Export |
Core Functionality Census: Customer SurveysCustomer Surveys EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsData Export | ||
| Target Merchant | Merchants seeking customer feedback | Merchants needing advanced data extraction and reporting |
Target Merchant Census: Customer SurveysMerchants seeking customer feedback EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsMerchants needing advanced data extraction and reporting | ||
| Data Handling | Collects data IN | Pulls data OUT |
Data Handling Census: Customer SurveysCollects data IN EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsPulls data OUT | ||
| Customization | Limited (survey design) | Extensive (calculated fields, custom filters, ShopifyQL) |
Customization Census: Customer SurveysLimited (survey design) EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsExtensive (calculated fields, custom filters, ShopifyQL) | ||
| Automation | Limited (survey distribution) | Extensive (scheduled exports to multiple destinations) |
Automation Census: Customer SurveysLimited (survey distribution) EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsExtensive (scheduled exports to multiple destinations) | ||
| Key Features | Not specified in the provided data | Multiple templates, Scheduled exports, Calculated fields (Python), Advanced Filters, ShopifyQL |
Key Features Census: Customer SurveysNot specified in the provided data EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsMultiple templates, Scheduled exports, Calculated fields (Python), Advanced Filters, ShopifyQL | ||
| Use Case | Understanding customer sentiment, improving satisfaction | Integrating with 3PL, ERP, creating product feeds, analytics reporting |
Use Case Census: Customer SurveysUnderstanding customer sentiment, improving satisfaction EZ Exporter ‑ Data ExportsIntegrating with 3PL, ERP, creating product feeds, analytics reporting | ||
Our Verdict
The choice between Census: Customer Surveys and EZ Exporter ‑ Data Exports boils down to the merchant's specific needs. If the primary goal is to understand customer opinions and improve customer satisfaction, Census is the better choice. It facilitates direct feedback collection. However, if the merchant needs to extract, manipulate, and automate the transfer of large amounts of Shopify data for integration with other systems or for in-depth analysis, EZ Exporter is the clear winner.
EZ Exporter's capabilities, such as scheduled exports, calculated fields using Python, and ShopifyQL integration, position it as a powerful tool for merchants who require sophisticated data management. While both apps have perfect ratings, the greater number of reviews for EZ Exporter and its focus on complex tasks suggest that more merchants find value in its advanced data export capabilities.
Common Questions
Which app is easier to use?
Without hands-on experience, it's difficult to definitively say. However, EZ Exporter's feature set suggests a steeper learning curve due to its advanced customization options. Census, focusing on simpler survey creation, may be more user-friendly for beginners.
Which app offers better long-term value?
It depends on the business's growth strategy. If customer-centric improvements are key, Census provides long-term value. If data analysis and operational efficiency are prioritized, EZ Exporter offers more sustainable benefits as the store scales.
Are there alternatives for either app?
Yes, there are many survey apps besides Census, and many data export apps besides EZ Exporter. The best alternatives will depend on specific requirements regarding budget, features, and support.
Can these apps be used together?
Potentially. You could use Census to gather customer data, and then use EZ Exporter to export that survey data (if Census allows it) along with other store data for a comprehensive analysis. However, their core functions are distinct.
Which app is better for a small startup?
If budget is a major concern and basic feedback is desired, a free survey tool might suffice initially. However, if data integration is immediately necessary for operations, a basic data export tool may be more beneficial. Otherwise, Census might be better at understanding the customers so the startup can better tailor their product/service offering.
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