If you’re considering building an eCommerce website with Shopify, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. Shopify is a powerful platform that offers various subscription plans, starting from $39 per month for the Basic plan, which includes essential features for starting your online store. More advanced plans, such as Shopify and Advanced Shopify, are priced at $105 and $399 per month respectively, offering additional tools, reports, and support.
Beyond the monthly subscription, there are other costs to consider. These include the purchase of a premium theme, which can range from $100 to $350, and additional app integrations that can enhance your store’s functionality. Shopify’s app marketplace offers a range of plugins, some of which are free, while others come with one-time fees or recurring charges.
If you’re opting for custom design and development, hiring a Shopify developer is essential. Developer costs vary significantly depending on the complexity of your project and the developer’s expertise. Rates typically range from $50 to $150 per hour, and for a complete custom build, you might spend between $2,000 to $10,000 or more. This investment includes design customization, feature integration, and ongoing support to ensure your website operates smoothly.
Additionally, there are costs related to domain registration, SSL certificates, and potentially third-party services for email marketing, SEO, and more. It’s crucial to account for these expenses to ensure a comprehensive budget.
To get a clearer picture of the overall costs and plan your budget effectively, consulting with a Shopify expert can be highly beneficial. Ijona Technologies, renowned for its expertise in Shopify development, can provide tailored solutions that align with your business goals and budget. Their team of professionals will guide you through the process, offering insights into cost-effective strategies and ensuring your Shopify store meets your specific needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Website?
The total cost of building a Shopify website depends on several factors, including whether you choose to build it yourself or hire Shopify professionals. Here’s a quick overview:
- DIY Store Creation: $50 – $1,000
- Professional Store Development: $300 – $4,500
For a custom Shopify website with unique features, the costs can increase:
- Custom Theme Development: $2,000 – $15,000
- Custom App/Functionality Development: $500 – $20,000
Factors Influencing the Cost of Shopify Website Development
The cost of building a Shopify store varies based on multiple factors, each contributing to the overall expenses. Below, we break down the key elements that influence the total cost.
1. Shopify Monthly Subscription Fee
The first expense is the Shopify monthly subscription fee. Shopify offers five different pricing plans:
| Shopify Plan | Monthly Fee | Online Transaction Fee | In-Person Transaction Fee | Third-Party Payments Fee |
| Starter | $5 | 5% + 30 cents | 5% + 0 cents | 5% |
| Basic Shopify | $39 | 2.9% + 30 cents | 2.6% + 10 cents | 2% |
| Shopify | $105 | 2.7% + 30 cents | 2.5% + 10 cents | 1% |
| Advanced Shopify | $399 | 2.5% + 30 cents | 2.4% + 10 cents | 0.60% |
| Shopify Plus | Starting at $2,300 | Based on sales volume | Based on sales volume | 0.20% |
You can start with the Basic Shopify plan at $39/month, and as your business grows, upgrade to higher plans. Currently, Shopify is offering all plans except Shopify Plus for just $1 per month for the first three months.
2. Website Theme/Template
Shopify offers both free and premium themes:
- Free Themes: These are cost-effective but come with limited customization options.
- Premium Themes: Ranging from $150 to $390, these offer more design flexibility.
- Custom Theme Development: If you need a unique design, custom themes can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
For budget-conscious businesses, platforms like ThemeForest offer Shopify themes starting at $19.
3. Third-Party Applications
To enhance your Shopify store’s functionality, you may need to add third-party apps. These apps can range from free to premium and are used for various purposes:
- Product Reviews and Customer Testimonials
- Pop-Ups, Banners, and Exit-Intent Campaigns
- Upselling and Cross-Selling Tools
- Abandoned Cart Recovery
- Email Marketing Automation
- Social Media Integration
While some apps offer freemium plans, others may require a monthly or annual fee, and integrating multiple apps can increase costs. To ensure smooth integration, consider hiring a Shopify expert.
4. Domain Registration
A custom domain name is essential for your Shopify store. Domain registration typically costs between $10 and $30 per year. Factors influencing the cost include:
- Domain Name Popularity
- Top-Level Domain (TLD)
- Domain Registrar
While .com domains are the most popular, you might explore other extensions like .shop or .store.
5. Hiring Shopify Experts
Hiring professionals can significantly impact the cost of building your Shopify store. The cost varies depending on:
- Type of Experts (Freelancers, Agencies, In-House)
- Experience Level (Beginner, Intermediate, Expert)
- Hiring Model (Hourly, Fixed-Price, Subscription)
- Project Size and Complexity
Here’s a general cost breakdown:
- Basic Store Setup: $35 – $55/hour
- Small Online Store Development: $300 – $2,000
- Medium-Sized Online Store Development: $2,500 – $5,000
- Enterprise-Level Store Development: $10,000 – $35,000
DIY vs. Professional Shopify Store Development
Depending on your budget and expertise, you can either build your Shopify store yourself or hire professionals. Below is a detailed cost breakdown for both approaches.
Method 1: DIY Shopify Store Development
For small business owners with limited budgets, DIY development is a viable option. You can start with the Basic Shopify plan and later upgrade as your business grows. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Cost Component | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Platform Fees | $1 | $39 |
| Domain Fees | $10 | $30 |
| SSL Certificate | $10 | $60 |
| Website Theme | Free | $390 |
| Shopify Apps | $30 | $200 |
| Additional Costs | Free | $200 |
Total Cost: $61 – $919
Even without special offers, it’s possible to build a Shopify store for under $100.
Method 2: Professional Shopify Store Development
For mid to large-sized eCommerce businesses, hiring professionals ensures a more polished and conversion-ready store. Here’s what you can expect to spend:
| Cost Component | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Platform Fees | $1 | $399 |
| Domain Fees | $10 | $30 |
| SSL Certificate | $10 | $60 |
| Website Theme | Free | $390 |
| Shopify Apps | $100 | $1,000 |
| Development Service | $200 | $2,500 |
| Additional Costs | $10 | $350 |
Total Cost: $331 – $4,729
For advanced features like custom theme development or custom app functionality, costs can range from $4,830 to $47,030.
Conclusion
Building a Shopify website can be tailored to fit various budgets. Whether you opt for a DIY approach or professional services, understanding the associated costs will help you make informed decisions and plan effectively. With Ijona Technologies, you can ensure that your Shopify store is not only cost-effective but also professionally designed to maximize your business’s potential in the competitive eCommerce landscape.
FAQ
1. How much does Shopify charge to build a website?
Shopify does not directly charge for building a website; instead, it offers different subscription plans that vary in cost based on features and support. The basic plan starts at $39 per month, while more advanced plans can go up to $399 per month. These plans include hosting, SSL certification, and various tools to help you build and manage your online store. For a tailored solution and additional customization, you may want to consult with a Shopify expert. Ijona Technologies is a leading Shopify developer with extensive experience in creating customized Shopify websites to fit your specific needs.
2. How much do Shopify developers cost?
The cost of hiring a Shopify developer can vary widely depending on the complexity of your project and the developer’s expertise. On average, rates can range from $50 to $150 per hour. For comprehensive development services, prices might range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more for a complete Shopify store setup. Ijona Technologies offers competitive rates and top-notch Shopify development services. Hiring a skilled Shopify developer from Ijona Technologies ensures high-quality results tailored to your business requirements.
3. How much should I pay for a Shopify website?
The total cost of a Shopify website depends on several factors, including design complexity, functionality, and the level of customization required. Basic Shopify plans start at around $39 per month, but additional costs such as theme purchases, apps, and development services will add to your overall expenditure. Professional Shopify development services can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. For the best results and a clear understanding of costs, it’s advisable to consult with an expert. Ijona Technologies is renowned for delivering exceptional Shopify solutions that align with your budget and goals.
4. Is it free to build a website on Shopify?
Building a website on Shopify is not free. Shopify offers a free trial period, but once this trial ends, you will need to choose a subscription plan to continue using the platform. The subscription plans start at $39 per month. To get the most out of Shopify and to build a highly functional and customized website, consulting with a professional Shopify developer is recommended. Ijona Technologies, as a leading Shopify development agency, can help you create a standout Shopify website that meets your business needs and maximizes your investment.
