How much does it cost to have a Shopify store?

If you are thinking about launching your own online store, Shopify is probably one of the first platforms that comes to mind. It’s beginner-friendly, powerful, and trusted by millions of entrepreneurs around the world. But before you get into it, there’s one question that needs answering: how much does it cost to have a Shopify store? The monthly plan is just the start. There are also themes, apps, and hidden costs that affect your total Shopify store budget.

This is why many new sellers underestimate the real Shopify store cost. Whether you are on a tight budget or ready to invest in a more advanced setup, understanding the full picture can help you plan better and avoid surprise expenses later.

In this guide, we will break down every possible cost so you know exactly what to expect. If you are wondering is starting a Shopify store worth it, you’ll have a much clearer answer by the end of this read.

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How Much Does It Cost To Have A Shopify Store?

When people ask how much does it cost to have a Shopify store, the short answer is: it depends on your choices. Shopify offers flexible pricing that can work for both beginners and growing businesses, but the final cost of a Shopify store goes beyond just the monthly plan. Let’s break it down.

1. Shopify Pricing Plans (Monthly Costs)

One of the first things people ask when looking to launch an online store is, How much does it cost to have a Shopify store? The good news is that Shopify offers flexible pricing plans that cater to businesses at different stages. Whether you are just starting or running a full-scale eCommerce operation, there’s a plan that fits your needs.

Let’s take a closer look at the three main Shopify plans:

a. Shopify Starter – $5/month

This is Shopify’s most affordable plan, designed for sellers who want to sell through social media or messaging apps. It doesn’t include a full online store, but it does allow you to:

Sell products with a simple checkout link.
Share buy buttons on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other platforms.
Keep your startup costs extremely low
If you only need a lightweight option to start selling quickly, this plan is a great way to test the waters before upgrading to a full Shopify store.

b. Basic Shopify – $39/month

This is the most popular starting point for new sellers. It includes all the essential features you need to run an online store:

Online store with unlimited products.
Two staff accounts.
Basic reporting tools.
Access to Shopify’s standard customer support.
Standard transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢ per online sale using Shopify Payments).

If you are just testing your business idea or selling a small number of products, this plan often offers the best value for your money. It keeps your Shopify store cost manageable while still giving you the tools to operate professionally.

c. Shopify $105/month

This plan is ideal for growing businesses that need more flexibility and deeper insights. It includes everything in the Basic plan, plus:

Five staff accounts.
Professional reports.
Lower credit card fees (2.6% + 30¢ with Shopify Payments).
Better international selling options.

If you are processing a moderate volume of sales, this plan can actually save you money through lower transaction fees. It’s also a good choice if you want access to better reporting tools to track your store’s performance in more detail.

d. Advanced Shopify $399/month

This plan is designed for larger businesses or high-volume stores. It includes:

Fifteen staff accounts.
Advanced custom reporting.
The lowest transaction fees.
(2.4% + 30¢ with Shopify Payments).
More advanced international pricing controls and shipping features.

This plan is best suited for sellers who need deeper customization, better analytics, or have a team managing the store. While the price may seem high, for many established businesses, the features and fee reductions justify the cost.

PRO TIP : A handmade jewelry store started with $50/month and grew into a $10k/month business. Starting small doesn’t limit your potential, focus on testing your products and learning from early sales.

So, Which Plan Should You Choose?

The best plan depends on where your business is right now. If you are just getting started, the Basic plan is more than enough to launch your store. As your sales grow, upgrading to a higher plan can save you money in processing fees and offer more features to support your business.

If you are still wondering is starting a Shopify store worth it, the flexibility of these plans is one of the reasons so many entrepreneurs choose Shopify. You can start small and upgrade as your business grows, which helps keep your costs under control.

2. Theme/Design Costs

When planning your online business, one of the most important aspects of your Shopify store is its visual appeal and overall user experience. Your website’s design isn’t just about style, it affects how people browse, shop, and trust your brand. When considering the Shopify store cost, it’s essential to include the price of your theme and any necessary design work.

A. Free Themes

Shopify offers a selection of free themes in its theme store. These are professionally designed, mobile-friendly, and easy to set up, even if you have no technical background. Free themes like Dawn, Craft, or Refresh cover the basics well and are a great option for sellers who want to keep startup costs low.

You will still be able to customize colors, fonts, and layouts without needing to touch code. For many new sellers, wondering is starting a Shopify store worth it, beginning with a free theme keeps things simple while still looking polished.

B. Paid Themes ($100–$350 One-Time)

If you want more features, advanced customization, or a more unique layout, Shopify’s paid themes can be a smart investment. Prices typically range from $100 to $350, which is a one-time cost. These themes often include:

More layout and style options.
Enhanced product filtering and navigation.
Built-in features like upsell sections, countdown timers, or image zoom.
Ongoing theme updates and customer support.

Investing in a premium theme can help your store stand out and offer a smoother shopping experience, especially if you are selling a larger product range or targeting a specific audience. It adds to the overall cost of a Shopify store, but many store owners find the added value is well worth the price.

C. Custom Design: Hiring a Developer or Designer

If you want something completely unique or need specific features that aren’t available in a theme, hiring a professional designer or developer is another option. Custom design work can start at a few hundred dollars and go up to several thousand, depending on the complexity and who you hire.

This is usually something to consider once your store is generating consistent revenue or if you’re launching a high-end brand from day one. While it significantly increases the Shopify store cost, it gives you full control over the look and functionality of your website.

So, how much does it cost to have a Shopify store when it comes to design? It really depends on how far you want to go. Free themes work well for many new stores, but as your business grows, investing in a paid or custom design combined with custom SEO services can elevate your brand and shopping experience. Finding the right balance between budget, branding, and search visibility is key.

3. Payment Processing Fees

When calculating the real cost of a Shopify store, payment processing is something you can’t afford to overlook. Every time a customer makes a purchase, a small fee is deducted from the transaction. These charges might seem minor at first, but they can add up fast, especially as your sales grow.

A. Shopify Payments

If you use Shopify Payments, which is Shopify’s built-in payment processor, the transaction fees depend on your pricing plan. For example:

On the Basic plan, you will pay 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction.
On higher plans like Shopify and Advanced, the rates are slightly lower, which helps reduce your costs over time.

Shopify Payments is the easiest option to set up, and it integrates smoothly with your store. Plus, using it means you avoid extra fees that come with third-party processors.

B. Third-Party Payment Gateways

If you prefer to use services like PayPal, Stripe, or others instead of Shopify Payments, you will face an additional fee of 0.5% to 2% on top of your regular transaction costs. That means if you are not using Shopify Payments, you are paying twice: once to the gateway and again to Shopify.

This is an important factor to consider when asking yourself, How much does it cost to have a Shopify store each month. For many store owners, sticking with Shopify Payments is the more cost-effective route.

C. Other Hidden Costs

There are also some behind-the-scenes fees you might not expect:

Currency conversion: If you sell internationally, you might pay extra for currency exchange.
Refunds: Shopify doesn’t refund the original transaction fees when you refund a customer.
Chargebacks: If a customer disputes a charge and wins, you could be hit with a fee, usually around $15 per case.

These small charges can chip away at your profits if you’re not tracking them closely. As your business grows, understanding and managing these fees becomes essential.

What Affects The Cost Of Building a Shopify Store?

When people start asking how much does it cost to have a Shopify store, they often focus on the monthly plan, but there’s a lot more to consider. The total cost of a Shopify store also depends on how you build it, what features you add, and how much support you need. Below are some common elements that can impact your overall budget.

1. Content Creation and Product or Category Setup

Setting up your store’s content is more time-consuming than most people expect. You’ll need the best content marketing ideas, which are:

High-quality product photos.
Well-written product descriptions.
Category pages with clear navigation.
Homepage content, banners, and call-to-action sections.

If you write and upload everything yourself, you can keep costs low. But hiring a copywriter, photographer, or content specialist will increase your initial investment. If you have hundreds of products, setup alone can take weeks and may require paid help.

2. SEO and Marketing

While Shopify provides tools to set page titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags, preparing your site for search engines requires time, and possibly money. Many store owners invest in:

Keyword research tools.
Content writers.
Email marketing platforms.
Social media strategy and design assets.

These things aren’t required to launch, but they do affect long-term performance. When you’re asking is starting a Shopify store worth it, remember that marketing often makes the difference. Investing in tools like Shopify SEO services can improve how your store performs over time, especially as competition grows. It’s not just about launching, it’s about staying visible and attracting the right customers, which is why this area deserves space in your budget.

Additionally, you may also use the SEO cost calculator to find out the SEO cost while starting a Shopify store.

3. Shopify Website Migration Cost

If you already have a store on another platform, such as WooCommerce, Wix, or BigCommerce, and you plan to integrate it with the Shopify platform. Migrating to Shopify isn’t always as simple as clicking a button. Depending on your store size, you may need help transferring:

Product data and customer info.
Blog posts and content.
Order history and reviews.
Redirects and SEO settings.

You can use apps or hire a Shopify expert to handle the transition, but this can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on the complexity.

4. Third-Party Applications

Shopify has a robust app ecosystem that allows you to extend your store’s functionality. While many apps offer free versions, some charge monthly fees. Common app types include:

Upsell and cross-sell tools.
Reviews and testimonials.
Inventory and shipping management.
Live chat or customer service platforms.

Adding multiple paid apps can significantly increase your monthly Shopify store cost. That’s why it’s important to evaluate which ones you truly need from the beginning.

5. Domain Registration

If you want a branded domain name (which you should), you’ll need to purchase one. You can buy directly through Shopify for around $14 per year, or use a third-party provider like GoDaddy, Domain.com, Namecheap. The cost difference is usually small, but owning your domain is essential for credibility and trust.

So, how much does it cost to have a Shopify store when you factor in all these extras? That depends entirely on your goals and how much of the work you do yourself. A simple store can be set up with minimal costs, but a fully polished, high-functioning store will likely require more investment upfront. The key is knowing which areas are worth spending on and which ones you can scale into over time.

If you are still on the fence and asking is starting a Shopify store worth it, remember this: smart planning makes all the difference. Budget wisely, start lean, and build as your business grows.

Shopify Store Cost Detailed Breakdown

Shopify is known for being flexible, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Whether you are doing everything on your own or hiring a professional team, the cost of a Shopify store can vary a lot. Below is a closer look at the most common pricing tiers based on how you plan to build your store.

1. Build It Yourself: $50 – $1,000

If you are a tech expert and don’t mind learning as you go, building your own Shopify store is absolutely doable. You can use a free theme, add a custom domain, get a free SEO trial, and stick to essential apps.

Your main costs here include:

Monthly Shopify plan.
Domain registration.
A few basic paid apps (if needed).

This is the most affordable route and ideal for new sellers testing the waters. If you have been asking how much does it cost to have a Shopify store, this is the bare minimum version. You are trading time and effort for savings, but many people successfully launch this way.

2. Simple Build With a Ready-Made Theme: $300 – $4,500

This is a popular middle ground. You might use a paid theme from Shopify’s theme store (usually between $100 and $350), hire a freelancer to do basic setup and styling, and include a few useful paid apps.

Costs here typically include:

Premium theme.
Custom branding (logos, colors, fonts).
Professional product photos.
App subscriptions.
Light design or setup help.

It’s still a manageable budget, but you’re starting to invest more into quality and efficiency. For many entrepreneurs, wondering is starting a Shopify store worth it, this level offers a professional look without a huge financial risk.

3. Custom Theme Build: $2,000 – $15,000

At this level, you are working with a designer or agency to build a fully custom Shopify theme from the ground up. You will have full control over how your site looks and functions, but the cost reflects the amount of work involved.

What you’re paying for:

Custom UX/UI design.
Mobile optimization.
Theme development from scratch.
Testing, revisions, and deployment.
Project management and support.

If your brand relies heavily on customer experience, visual appeal, or niche features, this route may be worth it. The Shopify store cost increases significantly here, but so does the potential impact on user experience and conversions.

4. Custom Theme With Advanced Integrations: $5,000 – $20,000+

This level is for larger or more complex businesses. Beyond a custom design, your store might need:

Advanced filtering or product customization tools.
API integrations with CRMs, ERPs, or inventory systems.
Multi-language or multi-currency functionality.
Subscription systems or booking tools.
Custom-built apps or features.

This kind of project requires collaboration between developers, designers, and often third-party service providers. If you are running a growing business and need everything to function at a higher level, this investment can pay off.

For established brands, is starting a Shopify store worth it becomes less about cost and more about creating a platform that can scale efficiently.ations/ custom functionality – $5,00 – $20,000

At the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much does it cost to have a Shopify store. Your budget depends on your goals, your timeline, and how much you’re willing to DIY. The key is to start with what you need most and grow into the rest.

Whether you’re spending $300 or $20,000, what matters most is building a store that helps your business move forward. If marketing is part of your growth plan, be sure to factor in things like SEO service costs as part of your long-term investment.

How Much Should You Pay Someone to Build a Shopify Website?

Hiring a professional to build your Shopify store can save you time, reduce technical headaches, and help you launch with confidence. But how much should you actually expect to pay?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the developer’s experience level, your project scope, and where the developer is located. A simple product-based store using a pre-designed theme will naturally cost less than a fully customized storefront with advanced features or third-party integrations.

Below is a breakdown of typical hourly rates so you can better understand the cost of hiring a Shopify expert, whether you are working with a freelancer or an agency.

Shopify Developer Hourly Rate Comparison

Experience Level	Expert Hourly Rate	Median Rate (Upwork/Freelance)	Average Rate (Global)
Beginner / Junior	$15 – $50/hr	~$20 – $30/hr	~$25/hr
Mid-level Developer	$50 – $100/hr	~$35 – $50/hr	5/hr ~$50 – $65/hr
Senior Developer / Expert	$100 – $200+/hr	~$75 – $100/hr	~$85 – $120/hr
Specialized Shopify Agency	$150 – $250+/hr	Varies by scope	~$125 – $200/hr

What Influences the Price?

Location: Developers in the US, UK, Canada, and Western Europe tend to charge more than those in South Asia or Eastern Europe.
Project complexity: A simple theme setup will cost far less than a custom build with advanced features.
Experience level: Expect higher rates from certified Shopify Experts, especially those with experience on Shopify Plus or enterprise-level builds.
Support and revisions: Ongoing maintenance, revisions, and post-launch support often come at an additional cost.

If you are asking how much does it cost to have a Shopify store and are planning to outsource development, use the table above as a guide to budget realistically. Whether you are hiring a freelancer for a few hours or bringing in an agency for a full custom build, knowing the market rates helps ensure you are paying a fair price for the value you receive.

Is Starting a Shopify Store Worth It?

This is one of the most common questions for anyone thinking about launching an online business. With all the options out there, it’s natural to wonder whether the time, effort, and money that go into a Shopify store will actually pay off.

The short answer? Yes, but only if it aligns with your goals and you’re prepared to treat it like a real business.

Shopify gives you a solid foundation to sell products online with minimal technical hassle. It’s beginner-friendly, highly customizable, and trusted by millions of merchants worldwide. Whether you are selling handmade products, print-on-demand items, digital goods, or running a dropshipping store, Shopify can handle it. You don’t need to be a developer or designer to get started, and you can scale up as you grow.

That said, success doesn’t happen overnight. To succeed, you will need to put in consistent work, setting up your store, finding the right products, creating engaging content, getting leads for your business, managing customer service, and learning from your data. Like any business, what you put in will affect what you get out.

So, is starting a Shopify store worth it?
If you are willing to plan carefully, commit to the process, and learn along the way, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

Some Additional Cost-Saving Tips

Even though Shopify offers great flexibility, the expenses can add up quickly if you are not keeping an eye on them. Whether you are just starting out or looking to scale smartly, here are a few simple ways to keep your Shopify store costs under control without sacrificing quality.

1. Start with Free Tools and Upgrade Later

You don’t need to buy every premium tool right away. Shopify offers plenty of free resources, from themes to apps, that are perfect for new stores. As your needs grow, you can switch to paid options that offer more features. Starting lean helps you avoid spending on things you might not actually need.

2. Take Advantage of Shopify’s Free Trials

Shopify typically offers a 3-day free trial, and sometimes even extended trials through special promotions. Use this time to set up your store, explore the features, and see if the platform fits your business. It’s a great way to test the waters without committing upfront.

3. Bundle or Use Multi-Feature Apps

Instead of installing separate apps for reviews, email marketing, pop-ups, and upsells, look for apps that offer multiple features in one. This can reduce your monthly fees while still providing you with the tools needed to run your store efficiently.

4. Monitor Monthly Costs Regularly

It’s easy to lose track of small recurring charges, especially when you’re testing different apps or services. Make it a habit to review your Shopify billing statement every month. Cancel the tools you are not using and look for more cost-effective alternatives when possible.

5. Use Free Educational Resources Instead of Paid Courses

Before spending money on high-priced training programs, make use of the free learning materials available. Shopify offers excellent tutorials, help articles, and community forums. YouTube is also filled with helpful walkthroughs. These resources can teach you how to launch and manage your store without adding to the cost of a Shopify store. This is especially useful if you’re still figuring out is starting a Shopify store worth it for your business model.

6. Avoid Over-Customization in the Beginning

Custom design work can be appealing, but it’s rarely necessary for a brand-new store. Starting with a high-quality free or affordable theme is more than enough when you are just getting off the ground. Custom features and complex design should come later, after you have tested your products and proven demand. This approach keeps your Shopify store cost lower and helps you stay focused on what actually drives sales.

7. Choose the Right Shopify Plan Based on Your Needs

One common mistake new store owners make is choosing a higher-tier Shopify plan too early. While advanced plans offer more features, they’re not always necessary in the beginning. If you’re asking how much does it cost to have a Shopify store, remember that the Basic plan is often the most cost-effective option when starting out. Upgrade only when your order volume or specific needs justify it. Choosing the right plan can significantly lower the long-term cost of a Shopify store.

The Final Thoughts

Starting an online store is exciting, but it’s also a decision that requires planning, especially when it comes to money. So, how much does it cost to have a Shopify store? As you have seen, the answer depends on how simple or complex you want your setup to be. While some sellers get started with just the basics, others choose to invest in premium features, apps, and custom designs.

The great thing about Shopify is that it can grow with you. Whether you’re just testing the waters or building a serious business, there’s room to scale up as your needs evolve. If you have been asking yourself is starting a Shopify store worth it, the real value comes down to your goals, effort, and how wisely you budget from the start. With the right approach, even a modest investment can turn into a successful online business over time. Think of Shopify not as a cost, but as an investment in building your online business.

At Tech Savy Crew, we help you build smarter Shopify stores with a clean design, efficient setup, and zero fluff. Whether you are launching from scratch or scaling up, our expert team makes the process smooth, affordable, and tailored to your goals. Let’s turn your Shopify vision into reality, without any confusion.