Shopify is a leading platform for building online stores, trusted by millions worldwide. But here’s the big question: how much does it cost to have a Shopify store?
The cost of a Shopify store starts at $5/month for the Starter Plan, while advanced options like Shopify Plus can exceed $2,300/month. Additional costs for themes, apps, and transaction fees may apply based on your store’s needs and features.
For new entrepreneurs, navigating Shopify’s pricing can feel tricky. Monthly plans, transaction fees, and add-ons like themes or apps can add up fast. You might overspend or miss out on essential features without a clear plan.
The good news? Shopify’s flexible pricing lets you start small and grow as your business expands. Whether you’re running a small side hustle or scaling into a global brand, there’s a Shopify plan for you.
We’ll break down Shopify’s costs step by step so you can choose the right plan and make the most of your investment. Let’s dive in!
Shopify Store Costs: What to Consider
Creating a Shopify store is exciting, but understanding the costs is crucial before getting started. These costs go beyond basic Shopify fees and include everything from themes and apps to transaction fees and marketing.
Here are the key things to consider:
- Shopify Plan Pricing: Choose from Basic to Advanced plans, with prices ranging from $5 to $299/month.
- Themes and Templates: Free or premium themes ($0-$350) affect your store’s look and user experience.
- Apps and Plugins: Add functionality with apps, which can cost $0 to $50/month or more.
- Payment Processing Fees: Shopify charges transaction fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per sale unless you use Shopify Payments.
- Domain and Hosting Costs: Domain names cost $10–$20/year, while hosting is included in Shopify’s plans.
- Custom Design and Development: Hiring professionals for custom features can cost $500 to $10,000.
- Marketing and SEO Tools: Essential for traffic and sales, marketing costs range from free tools to $500/month or more.
- Maintenance and Updates: Keeping your store optimized requires ongoing time and costs, often $50–$200/month.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Shopify Website?
To provide a clear picture, here’s a detailed table summarizing the total costs involved in running a Shopify store, covering both fixed and variable expenses:
| Cost Component | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Shopify Plan |
$5-$2,300+/month |
Covers platform access and features depending on the selected plan. |
|
Domain Name |
$10-$20/year |
Basic domains cost less, while premium domains can exceed $1,000 for brandable names. |
|
Themes |
Free-$350 |
Shopify offers free themes, while premium themes provide enhanced customization and features. |
|
Apps and Plugins |
Free-$200/month |
Used for marketing, analytics, SEO, and more; advanced apps can cost more. |
|
Transaction Fees |
0.5%-2% per transaction |
Depends on whether you use Shopify Payments or a third-party gateway. |
|
Marketing |
$500-$10,000/month |
Includes SEO, Google Ads, social media campaigns, and email marketing tools. |
|
Custom Design |
$1,000-$50,000 |
Optional cost for hiring developers to create a unique store layout and features. |
|
Maintenance |
$50-$500/month |
Ongoing updates, bug fixes, and performance monitoring. |
Running a Shopify store involves both fixed and flexible costs. While your monthly plan forms the base expense, additional costs like marketing, apps, and customizations depend on your store’s size and goals.
Let’s dive deeper into each cost category to help you budget effectively and make the most of your Shopify store.
Shopify Pricing Plans Explained
Shopify offers flexible pricing plans to fit businesses of all sizes, from beginners to enterprises. Here’s a quick overview of the plans and their costs:
| Plan | Monthly Shopify Cost | Ideal For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Basic |
$25/month |
Solo entrepreneurs |
10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, POS Lite, localized global selling in 3 markets. |
|
Shopify |
$65/month |
Small teams |
5 staff accounts, 10 inventory locations, advanced support, localized selling in 3 markets, POS Lite. |
|
Advanced |
$399/month |
Scaling businesses |
15 staff accounts, 10x checkout capacity, enhanced support, localized selling in 3+ markets, POS Lite. |
|
Shopify Plus |
$2,300+/month |
Complex enterprises |
Unlimited staff accounts, 200 inventory locations, priority support, 40x checkout capacity, wholesale/B2B. |
Each plan includes a $1 trial for your first month and that makes it easier to start and explore Shopify’s tools. Now, let’s dive deeper into what each plan offers and how it aligns with your business needs.
Basic Plan ($25/month)
The Basic Plan is great for solo entrepreneurs or small startups looking to launch their first online store.
It provides essential tools to set up your store and start selling quickly. With 10 inventory locations and 24/7 chat support, you’ll have the basics covered to manage your store efficiently.
This plan supports localized selling in up to 3 markets, allowing you to reach customers in different regions.
Additionally, it comes with Shopify POS Lite, making it easy to process in-person sales if needed. At just $1 for your first month, it’s an excellent way to start without significant upfront costs.
Key Features:
- Monthly shopify cost: $25.
- Card rates: 2% for 3rd-party payment providers.
- Manage inventory across 10 locations.
- 24/7 chat support for assistance.
- Localized selling in 3 markets.
- Includes Shopify POS Lite for in-person sales.
Shopify Plan ($65/month)
The Shopify Plan is ideal for small teams ready to scale their online business. It includes all the features of the Basic Plan but adds more advanced tools, such as support for 5 staff accounts and improved customer service.
With localized selling in 3 markets and 10 inventory locations, this plan is excellent for businesses looking to expand their reach.
The lower card rates (1% for 3rd-party payment providers) make it a cost-effective choice for businesses processing higher transaction volumes. This plan is perfect if you’re running a growing team and need robust management tools.
Key Features:
- Monthly cost: $65.
- Card rates: 1% for 3rd-party payment providers.
- Includes 5 staff accounts for team collaboration.
- Manage inventory across 10 locations.
- 24/7 chat support for improved assistance.
- Localized selling in 3 markets.
- Shopify POS Lite is included for offline sales.
Advanced Plan ($399/month)
The Advanced Plan is designed to scale businesses requiring more power and flexibility. It offers enhanced features like 10x checkout capacity, support for 15 staff accounts, and advanced global selling capabilities.
This plan lets you add additional markets for $59 per month and that makes it perfect for expanding internationally.
With enhanced 24/7 chat support and advanced analytics, you’ll have all the tools needed to make data-driven decisions and deliver a seamless shopping experience. It’s a premium choice for businesses handling extensive inventories or high sales volumes.
Key Features:
- Monthly cost: $399.
- Card rates: 0.6% for 3rd-party payment providers.
- Support for 15 staff accounts.
- 10x checkout capacity for high traffic.
- Enhanced 24/7 chat support.
- Localized selling in 3 markets, with additional markets at $59/month.
- Includes Shopify POS Lite for in-person sales.
Shopify Plus (Starting at $2,300/month)
Shopify Plus is the ultimate solution for large enterprises with complex needs. It’s built to handle high transaction volumes, support global selling in 50 markets, and offer advanced customization options.
With unlimited staff accounts and 200 inventory locations, it’s ideal for businesses operating at scale.
This plan also includes priority 24/7 phone support, customizable checkout with 40x capacity, and the ability to sell wholesale or B2B.
Shopify Plus empowers enterprise-level businesses to grow without limits. That makes it the best choice for companies with unique requirements.
Key Features:
- Starting cost: $2,300/month (3-year term).
- Competitive card rates for high-volume merchants.
- Unlimited staff accounts for large teams.
- 200 inventory locations for global operations.
- Customizable checkout with 40x capacity.
- Localized selling in up to 50 markets.
- Includes Shopify POS Pro for in-person retail at 200 locations.
- Dedicated support and advanced reporting tools.
Other Costs of Building a Shopify Store
While Shopify’s pricing plans are upfront, additional expenses might not be immediately apparent. These hidden costs can significantly impact your overall budget.
These extras, from premium themes to specialized apps, enhance your store but come at a price. Other ongoing costs, like transaction fees and marketing tools, are crucial for your store’s long-term success.
We’ll uncover these hidden costs and explain how they contribute to building and maintaining a Shopify store that stands out and performs well. Let’s dive in!
Domain Costs for a Shopify Store
Your domain name is your store’s digital address, like www.yourstore.com. It’s one of the first things customers notice, and it plays a big role in building trust and credibility. A strong domain name helps your store look professional and makes it easier for customers to find and remember you.
For most businesses, a basic domain name costs around $10 – $20 per year. These are standard, straightforward names that work well for smaller stores or startups. However, if you want something premium- like a short, catchy, or highly brandable name- you may need to invest significantly more, with premium domains often costing $1,000 or more.
Shopify simplifies the process of buying and setting up a domain. You can purchase your domain directly through Shopify’s platform, so you don’t need to manage complex settings or deal with third-party providers. They handle the technical setup for you, saving time and effort.
Keep in mind that domain costs aren’t a one-time expense. You’ll need to renew your domain annually to keep it active, with renewal fees typically similar to the original purchase price. A good domain name is an investment in your brand’s identity and online presence, so it’s worth choosing carefully.
Theme Costs for a Shopify Store
Your store’s theme sets the tone for your entire online presence. It’s what customers see when they visit your site. That makes it a key part of their shopping experience. A well-designed theme can make your store look professional, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. It helps you attract and retain customers.
Shopify offers a range of themes to suit different needs and budgets. Free themes are great for beginners or small businesses just starting out. They’re simple, clean, and practical, offering the essential features to launch your store quickly. These mobile-friendly themes ensure your site looks great on smartphones and tablets.
Premium themes are a fantastic option if you want your store to stand out or reflect a specific style. These cost between $140 and $350 and have advanced customization options. You can tweak colors, layouts, and features to align with your brand. Many premium themes are customized to specific industries like fashion, electronics, or beauty.
Beyond aesthetics, premium themes often include features like faster load times, better SEO optimization, and built-in tools for customer engagement. They also ensure a seamless shopping experience across all devices, which is crucial in today’s mobile-driven market.
Apps and Plugins Costs for a Shopify Store
Apps and plugins are a great way to add extra features to your store, such as improving SEO, managing inventory, or handling email marketing. Shopify’s App Store offers both free and paid options so you can find the right tools to suit your needs.
Many basic apps are free and can help with simple tasks. However, some apps can cost up to $200 per month if you need more advanced features. For example, an SEO app can help improve your store’s ranking on Google, while a marketing automation tool can help you reach out to customers more efficiently.
Choosing the right apps is essential. You can keep your business running smoothly without overspending by carefully selecting tools that fit your store’s needs. The right apps can boost your store’s functionality and improve your customers’ experience.
Transaction Fees for a Shopify Store
Transaction fees are a key cost to consider when running a Shopify store. These fees are applied to every sale you make, and the amount depends on the Shopify plan you choose.
For example, the Basic Shopify fees are 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, while the Advanced Shopify Plan reduces this to just 0.6% per transaction. As your sales grow, upgrading to a higher-tier plan can save you significant money in the long run.
If you use Shopify Payments, Shopify’s built-in payment processor, these transaction fees are the only ones you’ll need to pay. Shopify Payments is a convenient, all-in-one solution that simplifies processing credit card payments directly through your store.
It also ensures faster payouts and easier management since everything happens within Shopify’s platform.
However, if you opt to use third-party payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe, you’ll face additional charges. Shopify applies an extra fee for these gateways, often around 2% per transaction, on top of the gateway’s own fees. This can add up quickly for stores with high sales volumes.
For businesses with frequent sales or larger order values, choosing a plan with lower transaction fees can make a big difference to your bottom line. While higher-tier plans like the Advanced Shopify Plan have higher monthly costs, the savings on transaction fees often outweigh the expense, especially as your store scales.
Understanding transaction fees and choosing the right plan is crucial for maximizing profits.
Marketing Costs for a Shopify Store
Marketing is the engine that drives traffic to your Shopify store and turns visitors into paying customers. It’s not just an optional expense- it’s essential for growing your business and staying competitive in the crowded eCommerce world.
From improving your website’s visibility on search engines to running targeted ad campaigns, marketing helps you reach the right audience and increase sales.
Search Engine Optimization for Shopify
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a great starting point. SEO helps your store rank higher on Google, bringing in organic traffic without paying ads.
A basic SEO setup, including optimizing product pages and improving site speed, costs $500 to $5,000 as a one-time investment.
For ongoing SEO services like content creation and backlink building, you can expect to pay $500 to $2,000/month. While SEO takes time to show results, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to attract long-term traffic.
Social Media Marketing for Shopify
Social media advertising is another powerful tool. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to target specific audiences based on their interests, demographics, and behavior.
Small campaigns start at around $500/month, while more extensive campaigns with broader reach can cost upwards of $10,000/month. Social media ads are great for boosting brand awareness and driving immediate sales.
Email Marketing for Shopify
Email marketing tools like Mailchimp or Klaviyo help you connect with customers and build loyalty.
Many tools offer free plans for small email lists, but as your subscriber base grows, you may need to pay $10 to $300/month for advanced features like automation, segmentation, and detailed analytics.
Email campaigns are especially effective for promoting sales, sending abandoned cart reminders, and keeping your audience engaged.
Custom Design Costs for Shopify Store
A custom design can take your Shopify store to the next level by giving it a unique look that truly reflects your brand.
Unlike pre-made themes, custom designs let you modify every detail- from navigation and layout to color schemes and special features. This level of personalization can help your store stand out in a competitive market and create a memorable shopping experience for your customers.
The cost of custom design varies depending on the complexity of your requirements. Basic customizations, such as tweaking a theme or adding a custom logo, can cost around $1,000 to $5,000.
For more advanced custom designs, like creating a completely unique layout with custom functionality, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Larger, enterprise-level businesses often invest in these designs to meet specific needs, such as multi-language support or highly specialized navigation.
Working with a skilled developer or agency ensures that your custom design looks great and works seamlessly. It allows you to incorporate features that align with your business goals, such as product filtering, personalized recommendations, or interactive tools.
While a custom design is an optional investment, it’s especially valuable for stores aiming to create a premium brand image. It can enhance the shopping experience, increase customer trust, and help your store stand out in ways that off-the-shelf themes can’t. If your budget allows, this investment can provide a strong foundation for long-term growth and success.
Maintenance Costs for a Shopify Store
Keeping your Shopify store running smoothly requires ongoing maintenance. It’s not just about launching your store- it’s about confirming that everything works perfectly day after day.
Maintenance involves tasks like updating apps, fixing bugs, monitoring performance, and ensuring that your store remains secure and reliable. These efforts directly impact your customers’ shopping experience and your store’s overall success.
Maintenance costs can range from $50 to $500/month, depending on your store’s size, features, and complexity. You might only need minimal updates and occasional troubleshooting for a smaller store with basic functionality.
Larger stores, especially those with custom designs or extensive integrations, may require more regular upkeep and advanced support, which increases costs.
Regular updates are essential to keep your site secure and fast. Outdated plugins or neglected performance issues can slow down your store, frustrate customers, and even affect your search engine rankings. By staying on top of maintenance, you ensure your store remains functional, professional, and trustworthy.
Investing in ongoing maintenance isn’t just about fixing issues- it’s about preventing them before they happen. Whether you manage maintenance yourself or hire a professional, this investment helps your store deliver a seamless shopping experience and builds long-term customer loyalty.
What Factors Influence Shopify Store Costs?
Costs can vary based on many factors when creating a Shopify store. These factors impact how much you’ll need to budget and how your store will function.
From design choices to inventory size, here’s a closer look at the key elements that influence Shopify store costs.
Customization vs. Templates
One of your first decisions is using a pre-made template or investing in a custom design. Both options have pros and cons, depending on your budget and goals.
Pre-Made Templates: Shopify offers a variety of free and paid templates to help you design your store. These templates are cost-effective, easy to use, and beginner-friendly. They range from $50 to $300- ideal for small businesses or those just starting. While they may not offer complete uniqueness, templates can still provide a professional look for your store.
Custom Design: Custom design is the way to go if you want a fully personalized store that matches your branding. This option involves hiring a developer or agency to build a unique design for your store. Custom designs can include specialized layouts, custom features, and advanced branding elements. However, this level of personalization comes at a higher cost, often ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your needs.
Number of Products
The size of your product catalog plays a significant role in influencing costs. A small store with fewer than 100 products will naturally cost less to set up and maintain than a large store with thousands of items.
Small Inventory Stores: If you’re selling a limited number of products, a basic Shopify plan with minimal add-ons may be sufficient. You won’t need advanced features like complex search filters or product categorization, which lowers costs. Apps and hosting requirements for small inventories are also more straightforward and less expensive.
Large Catalogs: For stores with hundreds or thousands of products, costs increase due to the need for better organization and tools. You’ll likely need apps for inventory management, advanced search filters, and product categorization. Additionally, hosting requirements may grow as your store traffic and data needs increase. This adds to the overall cost, especially if using higher-tier Shopify plans or paid integrations.
Third-Party Integrations
Integrating third-party tools can make your Shopify store more powerful, but they also come with additional costs.
These tools help automate processes, manage customer relationships, and enhance functionality.
ERP and CRM Systems: If your business requires advanced management systems like ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) or CRM (Customer Relationship Management), you’ll need to budget for their integration.
These systems streamline operations by helping you track inventory, orders, and customer details in one place. The cost of these integrations can range from $100 to $500 per month, depending on the tool and level of customization.
Payment Gateways: Shopify Payments is the default option and doesn’t come with extra costs beyond transaction fees. However, if you choose to use third-party payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe, you may incur additional monthly fees or per-transaction costs.
Marketing and Analytics Apps: Apps for email marketing, SEO, or analytics often require monthly subscriptions. While some are free, premium apps with advanced features can cost $50 to $200 or more per month. These integrations are vital for businesses looking to expand their reach and track performance.
Developer vs. DIY
How you build your Shopify store also affects the cost. You can either take the DIY (do-it-yourself) approach or hire a developer or agency to handle the setup.
DIY Approach: If you’re on a tight budget and comfortable working with Shopify’s tools, the DIY route is a great option. Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to build a store without coding. You’ll still need to pay for the Shopify plan, domain, and any apps you choose, but you’ll save on labor costs. For smaller, simpler stores, this approach can keep total expenses under $1,000.
Hiring a Developer or Agency: Hiring a developer or agency may be worth the investment if you want a more polished or custom look. Freelancers typically charge $1,000 to $5,000 for basic customization, while agencies handling more complex projects may charge $10,000 to $50,000 or more. This option ensures your store looks professional and functions smoothly, but it’s a significant expense for businesses with larger budgets.
Cost-Saving Tips for Shopify Stores
Creating a Shopify store doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart strategies, you can keep costs low while building a professional and functional store.
Here are some practical tips to save money without sacrificing quality.
Start Small
If you’re just starting your online business, there’s no need to invest in Shopify’s advanced plans immediately. Begin with the Basic Shopify Plan ($25/month) to access all the essential features for running your store.
This plan includes an online store, inventory management, and secure checkout. Once your sales increase and your business grows, you can upgrade to higher-tier plans with more advanced features.
Scaling gradually helps you avoid paying for features you don’t need upfront. Focus on building a strong foundation first, then expand your tools and services as your customer base grows.
Use Free Themes and Apps
Shopify offers a variety of free themes that are easy to use and customizable. These themes are perfect for creating a professional-looking store without spending extra on premium designs. While premium themes can cost $140 to $350, a free theme provides everything you need to start.
Additionally, take advantage of Shopify’s free apps to enhance your store. For example, apps like Shopify Inbox allow you to chat with customers, while Shopify Email helps you manage email campaigns. These free tools are powerful enough for beginners and save you from paying for advanced apps at the start.
DIY Setup
Setting up your Shopify store yourself can significantly reduce costs. Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy for anyone to design a store, even without technical skills. You can create product pages, upload images, and organize categories without hiring a developer.
If you need guidance, Shopify’s help center and free tutorials can walk you through the process. The DIY approach can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in development costs for small and simple stores.
Plan Marketing Budgets Wisely
Marketing is essential for attracting customers, but you don’t need to spend a fortune immediately. Start with affordable or free tools like Mailchimp for email campaigns or Yoast SEO to optimize your store’s visibility on search engines. These tools help you build a customer base without heavy upfront investments.
Focus on organic growth first by creating engaging content and promoting your store on social media platforms. Once you’ve established steady sales, consider scaling your marketing efforts with paid ads or advanced tools. A gradual approach ensures you’re not overspending on campaigns before seeing results.
What Are the Long-Term Costs of Running a Shopify Store?
Running a Shopify store comes with ongoing costs that you must budget for. These expenses ensure your store stays functional, competitive, and profitable over time.
Let’s break down the key long-term costs.
Maintenance Costs
Once your store is live, regular maintenance is essential to keep everything running smoothly. This includes updating plugins, managing backups, and assuring your store stays secure. Some apps may require monthly or yearly subscriptions to continue working.
You may also need to upgrade to more advanced tools as your store grows. These costs can range from $50 to $500 per month, depending on the size of your store and the tools you use.
Marketing Costs
Marketing is an ongoing investment to attract new customers and drive sales. This includes SEO to improve your store’s visibility, email marketing to stay in touch with customers, and social media ads to promote your products.
Many businesses also invest in Google PPC ads to reach more shoppers. Marketing costs vary widely, starting at a few hundred dollars a month for small campaigns and going up to thousands of dollars for larger-scale efforts.
Staffing Tools
If you have a team managing your store, you’ll likely need apps to help with tasks like tracking employee performance, managing inventory, or coordinating shipping.
Tools like staff management apps or advanced inventory solutions can range from $20 to $200 per month. These tools make it easier to run your business efficiently, especially as your team grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When considering Shopify for your online store, it’s normal to have questions about the costs involved. Here are some of the most common questions, answered clearly and simply.
The cheapest way to start is with Shopify’s Starter Plan at $5/month. This plan allows you to sell through social media or existing websites without a full online store. You can also use free themes and apps to save on design and functionality. If you want a complete store, the Basic Shopify Plan at $25/month is the most affordable option for launching an online store.
While Shopify’s pricing is transparent, some additional costs can arise depending on your needs. For example, you may need to pay for a custom domain, premium themes, apps, or third-party payment gateway fees. Transaction fees and add-ons like marketing tools can also add to your monthly costs, so it’s important to review all the features you plan to use.
Depending on their features, shopify apps range from free to over $200/month. Essential apps, like SEO or email marketing tools, often have free versions or affordable plans starting at $10-$20/month. Advanced apps, such as analytics or inventory management tools, can cost more. Many apps also offer free trials, so you can test them before committing.
Yes, Shopify is an excellent choice for small businesses. It provides all the tools you need to start, manage, and grow your online store. With affordable plans starting at $25/month, even small businesses can create a professional and functional store. Shopify’s scalable plans and features make it easy to expand as your business grows.
When you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional transaction fees beyond the credit card processing rate (starting at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction on the Basic Plan). However, if you use a third-party gateway like PayPal or Stripe, Shopify charges an additional fee of up to 2% per transaction, depending on your plan. Shopify Payments is often the most cost-effective option for reducing fees.
Conclusion
Shopify’s pricing plans offer flexibility and scalability, an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Starting with the affordable Starter Plan at just $5/month or scaling up to Shopify Plus at $2,300/month, there’s a plan to fit your goals and budget.
By starting small and upgrading as your business grows, you can avoid overspending while accessing the tools you need at each stage.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Let us help you navigate Shopify’s plans and find the perfect fit for your needs.
Contact us today for personalized advice and a custom estimate to build your ideal store!
