Running an online business has never been more accessible, and Shopify has emerged as a favorite platform for entrepreneurs eager to dive into e-commerce. But before you click the “start your free trial” button, you might wonder, “How much does it actually cost to run a Shopify store?” Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the subscription fee. Whether you’re starting small or scaling to a massive online empire, let’s break down the real costs of having a Shopify store and help you decide if it’s the right investment for your business.
1. The Basic Shopify Subscription Tiers
Shopify offers several pricing plans, each tailored to different business needs:
Basic Shopify ($39/month): This plan is great for beginners, providing all the essential tools to set up an online store, including unlimited products, 24/7 support, and two staff accounts. It’s the entry point for most entrepreneurs starting small.
Shopify ($105/month): As your business grows, this middle-tier plan adds more advanced features like professional reporting and five staff accounts, making it ideal for scaling businesses.
Advanced Shopify ($399/month): For businesses looking to expand even further, this plan includes enhanced reporting and analytics, as well as lower credit card transaction fees. It’s designed for businesses processing a higher volume of orders.
Shopify Plus (starting at $2,000/month): For large enterprises, Shopify Plus offers custom solutions, including increased control over the store design and access to exclusive apps.
But wait, there’s more! These subscription fees are just the beginning. Let’s explore other costs involved in running a Shopify store.
2. Transaction Fees
Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, their in-house payment gateway. For those not using Shopify Payments, you can expect additional fees of 2.0%, 1.0%, or 0.5% depending on your plan. If your business primarily deals in high-volume sales, these fees can add up significantly over time.
Even with Shopify Payments, though, there’s still a credit card processing fee. For U.S.-based stores, it’s:
2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions on the Basic plan
2.6% + 30¢ for online transactions on the Shopify plan
2.4% + 30¢ for online transactions on the Advanced plan
If you’re dealing with international customers, expect even higher rates for foreign transactions.
3. Themes and Design Costs
Shopify offers free themes, but if you want something more polished and professional, paid themes range from $100 to $350. Many businesses find that a custom theme, tailored specifically to their brand, can be a worthwhile investment. Hiring a professional designer to create a unique look can range from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity.
4. Apps and Add-ons
Shopify’s App Store is full of tools to enhance your store’s functionality—everything from marketing to inventory management, customer support to SEO optimization. While many apps offer free versions, premium ones come with monthly fees ranging from $5 to $100+ per app. If your store needs specific functionalities, these costs can add up quickly.
5. Shipping and Fulfillment
If you’re handling physical products, shipping is another crucial factor. Shopify offers discounted rates with carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL, but you’ll still need to factor in packaging materials and fulfillment costs. Additionally, you may want to invest in apps that integrate with fulfillment centers or manage inventory, which can introduce another set of fees.
6. Marketing and Advertising
No online store can survive without customers, and most Shopify store owners will invest in marketing to drive traffic. This can include:
Google Ads and Facebook Ads: You might spend anywhere from $100 to $10,000+ per month on advertising, depending on your budget and target audience.
Email Marketing Tools: Popular tools like Klaviyo or Mailchimp often charge based on the number of subscribers, starting from $20 per month for smaller lists.
SEO Services: If you’re serious about organic traffic, you might hire SEO experts, with costs ranging from $500 to $5,000+ per month.
7. Additional Costs
Finally, there are a few smaller costs that can sneak up on you:
Domain Name: While Shopify allows you to buy a domain directly, costs typically range from $10 to $30 per year.
SSL Certificates: Shopify includes SSL certificates for free, but if you want additional security or customized SSL options, that may come at a cost.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
So, how much does it cost to run a Shopify store? As you can see, the answer is: It depends on your business goals and the scale at which you’re operating. While Shopify’s base subscription starts at a manageable $39 per month, the additional costs—apps, transaction fees, marketing, and more—can quickly escalate.
However, Shopify’s vast ecosystem, ease of use, and scalability make it a valuable tool for thousands of successful entrepreneurs around the globe. Whether you’re launching a small boutique or scaling to a multi-million-dollar empire, Shopify provides the flexibility and tools needed to succeed in the ever-competitive e-commerce world. In the end, it’s an investment in your business, and like any investment, the more you put into it, the more you’re likely to get out. So, are you ready to build your dream store?
