Starting an online store has never been easier, and Shopify is a platform that stands out from the rest. But what is the true cost of Shopify and will the platform scale alongside your business?
Let’s break down all the fees and expenses so you can budget properly for your online business.
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Shopify Subscription Plans: Breaking Down the Options
Shopify offers several pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of different sizes. Here’s what each plan costs in 2025.
Basic Shopify: $39/month ($29/month when paid annually)
This entry-level plan provides all the essentials for new businesses, including:
- Online store with blog and unlimited products
- 2 staff accounts
- 24/7 support
- Up to 10 inventory locations
- Basic reports
Shopify Grow: $105/month ($79/month when paid annually)
This mid-tier plan includes everything in Basic, plus:
- More comprehensive reporting
- Lower transaction fees
- Professional reports
- Additional staff accounts
Advanced Shopify: $399/month ($299/month when paid annually)
This plan offers advanced features for scaling businesses:
- Advanced report builder
- Lowest transaction fees
- Third-party calculated shipping rates
- More staff accounts
Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month
Enterprise-level solution for high-volume merchants with custom pricing based on business needs.
Shopify Starter: $5/month
A limited plan that allows selling through social media and messaging apps but doesn’t include a full online store.
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Transaction and Payment Processing Fees
Beyond monthly subscription costs, Shopify charges fees on each sale. These fees vary based on your plan and payment processor choice.
Shopify Payments (Shopify’s built-in payment processor)
When using Shopify Payments, you’ll pay:
- Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction
- Shopify Grow: 2.7% + 30¢ per online transaction
- Advanced Shopify: 2.5% + 30¢ per online transaction
For in-person transactions using Shopify POS:
- Basic Shopify: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
- Shopify Grow: 2.5% + 10¢ per transaction
- Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 10¢ per transaction
Third-Party Payment Integrations
If you choose not to use Shopify Payments, you’ll pay additional transaction fees on top of your payment processor’s fees:
- Basic Shopify: 2.0% per transaction
- Shopify Grow: 1.0% per transaction
- Advanced Shopify: 0.5% per transaction
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Using Third-Party Payment Processors with Shopify
Shopify strongly encourages merchants to use their built-in Shopify Payments system, and for good reason—from their perspective. When you use third-party payment processors instead of Shopify Payments, you’ll face additional transaction fees on top of your payment processor’s own fees.
Why Shopify Pushes Their Payment Solution
Shopify incentivizes using their payment solution by forcing additional fees on 3rd-party PSPs.
The fee structure makes it clear: using Shopify Payments saves you money while staying on the platform. For a Basic Shopify store processing $10,000 monthly, avoiding the additional 2% transaction fee “saves” you $200 each month–a substantial amount for small businesses.
Shopify Payments vs. Stripe
Many merchants consider switching to Stripe for payment processing, not realizing that Shopify Payments is actually powered by Stripe as a white-label solution. This means you won’t see performance improvements or additional features by connecting directly with Stripe instead of using Shopify Payments.
The technology behind both services is identical, with Shopify Payments offering the same reliability and security as Stripe but with deeper integration into the Shopify ecosystem. This integration provides a more seamless experience for both merchants and customers. Transactions, refunds, and payouts are managed directly within your Shopify admin panel.
The Cost Consideration
While third-party payment processors might offer lower per-transaction fees than Shopify Payments (which charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on the Basic plan), the additional Shopify transaction fees often negate these savings. For example:
- Using Shopify Payments on Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, no additional fees
- Using another processor on Basic Shopify: Your processor’s fee PLUS an additional 2% Shopify transaction fee
The math rarely works out in favor of third-party processors unless they offer significantly lower rates, which is uncommon for small to medium-sized businesses.
When Third-Party Processors Make Sense
Despite the additional costs, there are legitimate reasons to consider third-party payment processors:
- If you sell products prohibited by Shopify Payments but allowed by other processors
- If Shopify Payments isn’t available in your country
- If you need specific payment features not offered by Shopify Payments
- If your business has special requirements for payment processing
In these cases, the additional transaction fees become a necessary cost of doing business on the platform.
Platform Lock-In
To truly take advantage of lower payment processing fees without Shopify’s additional transaction fees, you would need to leave the platform entirely. Competing e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce allow you to use any payment processor without additional fees, potentially saving thousands annually for high-volume stores.
However, this decision involves weighing these savings against Shopify’s ease of use. For many merchants, the convenience and integrated nature of the Shopify ecosystem outweigh the potential savings from lower payment processing fees elsewhere. But for scaling businesses, it’s clear that an off-platform solution is more cost-effective.
Additional Costs to Consider
Aside from the built-in costs to running a Shopify store, there are external factors to consider as well.
Domain Name
A professional domain costs around $20+ annually. While Shopify offers a free myshopify.com subdomain, most businesses prefer a custom domain for branding purposes.
Apps and Extensions
The Shopify App Store offers thousands of apps that extend your store’s functionality. App costs range from free to $200+ per month depending on features and complexity.
Design and Templates
Shopify provides free and premium themes:
- Free themes: $0
- Premium themes: $180-$350 (one-time purchase)
- Custom design: $500-$5,000+ (depending on complexity)
Email Marketing
While basic email notifications are included, advanced email marketing might require additional apps or services.
Setup and Maintenance Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for running a business on Shopify.
The minimum cost to start a Shopify store includes:
- Subscription plan: $39/month for Basic (or $1 for the first month after the 3-day free trial)
- Domain name: $20/year (approximately)
- Basic theme: $0 (using a free theme)
Total minimum startup cost: ~$60
For a more professional setup with premium features:
- Basic Shopify plan: $39/month
- Domain name: $20/year
- Premium theme: $180-$350
- Essential apps: $50-$100/month
- Professional design help: $500-$3,000
Total professional setup cost: $789-$3,509
Ongoing costs to maintain your Shopify store include:
- Monthly subscription: $39-$399 (depending on plan)
- App subscriptions: $20-$200+ (depending on needs)
- Payment processing fees: ~3% of sales
- Marketing costs (varies widely)
A typical small business spends between $50-$150 per month on Shopify maintenance beyond the subscription fee.
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Is Shopify Worth It?
Shopify is without a doubt a powerful e-commerce platform. It’s packed with features and can take your business to new heights.
The downside is that Shopify is expensive. Paying a flat rate makes things simple. However, you’re paying for tools you don’t use and features you don’t need.
Shopify is great when you’re just starting out and need to get up and running quickly. In the long term, being trapped in one ecosystem that nickels-and-dimes you is never good for longevity.
Can I Open a Good Shopify Store with $150?
Yes, you can launch a basic but functional Shopify store with $150. This budget covers:
- First month of Basic Shopify: $39
- Domain name: $20
- Free theme: $0
- Remaining budget for essential apps: $91
While this won’t get you a highly customized store, it’s enough to start selling online with a professional appearance.
Cost-Saving Tips for Shopify Store Owners
- Pay annually to save up to 25% on subscription costs
- Use the basic package first and upgrade later as you need.
- Start with free themes and upgrade later as profits increase
- Be selective with apps – only install what you truly need
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Shopify offers flexible pricing that scales with your business. For beginners, the Basic plan at $39/month provides enough value with all essential features needed to start selling online.
As your business grows, you can upgrade to more advanced plans with lower transaction fees and additional features.
The true cost of running a Shopify store depends on your specific needs. With the right approach, Shopify can be an affordable and powerful solution for businesses of all sizes.
If you’re just starting out, Shopify’s pricing structure allows you to start small and grow your investment as your business expands. The key is to begin with only what you need and add features as your revenue increases.
As you scale, you’ll likely want to shift away from the platform so you can negotiate your fees, plug into functions you need, and toss out ones you don’t.
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Shopify Costs FAQ
Is there a cost associated with starting a store on Shopify?
Yes, starting a Shopify store involves costs. While Shopify offers a 14-day free trial to test the platform, you’ll need to choose a subscription plan after that. The minimum startup cost includes a monthly subscription ($29-$39 depending on billing cycle), a domain name (around $20/year), and potentially theme costs if you want a premium design.
What’s the average cost to set up a basic Shopify store?
The average cost to set up a basic Shopify store ranges from $60 to $500. At minimum, you’ll need the Basic Shopify plan ($39/month or $29/month if paid annually), a domain name ($10-$20/year), and potentially some basic apps. For a more professional setup, expect to spend between $250-$500 on initial costs.
Can I open a good Shopify store with $150 as a beginning?
Yes, you can launch a functional Shopify store with $150. This budget would cover your first month of Basic Shopify ($39), a domain name ($20), and leave you with about $90 for essential apps or a basic theme. While not highly customized, this setup allows you to start selling online with a professional appearance.
Can I really open a Shopify store without any money?
Not entirely. While Shopify offers a 14-day free trial that allows you to build your store without immediate payment, you’ll need to subscribe to a plan to launch publicly. The most affordable option after the trial is $1/month for the first three months (current promotion), followed by regular plan pricing. You’ll also need a domain name and potentially some apps to run effectively.
What does Shopify cost per month?
Shopify’s monthly costs in 2025 are:
- Basic Shopify: $39/month ($29/month if paid annually)
- Shopify Grow: $105/month ($79/month if paid annually)
- Advanced Shopify: $399/month ($299/month if paid annually)
- Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300/month
- Shopify Starter: $5/month (for selling through social media only)
What is the Shopify Basic Store cost?
The Basic Shopify plan costs $39 per month when paid monthly, or $29 per month when paid annually. This plan includes essential features like an online store with unlimited products, 24/7 support, up to 10 inventory locations, and basic reports. Transaction fees are 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction when using Shopify Payments.
What are the different subscription plans offered by Shopify?
Shopify offers several subscription plans:
- Basic Shopify ($39/month): For new entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Shopify Grow ($105/month): For small teams with growing businesses
- Advanced Shopify ($399/month): For scaling businesses with advanced needs
- Shopify Plus (from $2,300/month): For enterprise-level businesses
- Shopify Starter ($5/month): For selling through social media without a full online store
What’s the best Shopify plan for a small business?
For most small businesses, the Basic Shopify plan ($39/month or $29/month if paid annually) offers the best value. It provides all essential features needed to run an online store, including unlimited products, blog functionality, 24/7 support, and basic reporting. As your business grows, you can upgrade to the Shopify Grow plan for additional features and lower transaction fees.
What is the monthly cost of maintaining a Shopify website?
The monthly cost of maintaining a Shopify website typically includes:
- Subscription plan: $39-$399 depending on your chosen tier
- App subscriptions: $50-$200+ for additional functionality
- Maintenance services: $50-$1,000+ depending on your needs
Basic maintenance ($50-$200/month) covers essential updates and minor bug fixes, while standard maintenance ($200-$500/month) includes regular backups, theme updates, and performance optimization.
How much does a Shopify store cost to launch and maintain?
Launching a Shopify store costs between $60-$500 initially, depending on your needs. Ongoing monthly maintenance costs include:
- Subscription: $39-$399
- Apps: $20-$200+
- Payment processing fees: ~3% of sales
- Maintenance services: $50-$1,000+ (optional)
A typical small business spends between $100-$250 per month on Shopify maintenance beyond the subscription fee.
What is Shopify’s sales fee structure?
Shopify charges transaction fees on each sale, which vary by plan.
When using Shopify Payments:
- Basic: 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction (2.7% for in-person)
- Grow: 2.6% + 30¢ per online transaction (2.5% for in-person)
- Advanced: 2.4% + 30¢ per online transaction (2.4% for in-person)
When using third-party payment processors, additional fees apply:
- Basic: 2.0% per transaction
- Grow: 1.0% per transaction
- Advanced: 0.5% per transaction
What is the average cost of designing a Shopify store?
Shopify store design costs vary based on complexity:
- Basic design using standard templates: $500-$1,000
- Mid-tier design with some customization: $1,000-$1,200
- Premium custom design: $1,500-$5,000
Design is greatly important in e-commerce, so investing in a professional design often pays off through improved conversion rates.
How much does it cost to build a website on Shopify?
Building a Shopify website costs:
- DIY approach: $39/month (Basic plan) + $20/year (domain) + free theme = ~$60 to start
- Basic professional development: $1,000-$3,000
- Average functionality website: $3,000-$6,000
- Advanced custom store: $6,000-$15,000+
These costs typically include store setup, theme customization, product uploads, and basic configuration.
How much does it cost to redesign a Shopify website?
Redesigning an existing Shopify website typically costs:
- Basic refresh: $500-$1,500
- Moderate redesign: $1,500-$3,000
- Complete overhaul: $3,000-$8,000
The cost depends on the extent of changes needed, the complexity of your product catalog, and whether you need additional functionality added during the redesign.
What is a good price to pay for a Shopify store setup?
A reasonable price for Shopify store setup depends on your needs:
- Basic setup (using templates): $500-$1,500
- Standard setup with customization: $1,500-$3,000
- Premium custom store: $3,000-$8,000
For most small businesses, budgeting $2,000-$3,000 for professional setup provides a good balance of quality and affordability.
How much does Shopify Plus customization cost?
Shopify Plus customization typically starts at $10,000 and can range up to $100,000+ for enterprise-level stores with complex requirements. The monthly subscription fee starts at $2,300, and customization costs depend on specific needs like custom checkout experiences, API integrations, and advanced functionality.
Does Shopify pricing worth it?
Yes, Shopify pricing offers good value for most businesses when just starting out. The platform provides a comprehensive solution that’s typically more cost-effective than building and maintaining a custom e-commerce site.
Can I pay someone to run my Shopify store?
Yes, you can hire professionals to manage your Shopify store. Monthly management services typically cost:
- Basic management: $500-$1,000/month
- Standard management: $1,000-$2,500/month
- Full-service management: $2,500-$5,000+/month
These services can include inventory management, order processing, customer service, marketing, and technical maintenance.
Is the basic Shopify plan worth it?
The Basic Shopify plan ($39/month) is worth it for new entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides all essential features needed to run a professional online store, including unlimited products, blog functionality, abandoned cart recovery, and 24/7 support. The main limitations are higher transaction fees and a maximum of two staff accounts.
Why is it so difficult to make money with Shopify?
Making money with Shopify can be challenging due to:
- Market saturation in many niches
- Marketing costs to drive traffic
- Competition from established retailers
- Ongoing platform and app costs
- Need for product differentiation
Success typically requires a solid business plan, unique products or positioning, effective marketing strategy, and patience as you build your customer base.
What are some low-cost methods for starting a Shopify store?
Low-cost methods for starting a Shopify store include:
- Using the 14-day free trial and $1/month for 3 months offer
- Starting with the Basic plan and free themes
- Taking your own product photos instead of hiring professionals
- Using free or low-cost apps initially
- Handling your own marketing through social media
- Dropshipping to avoid inventory costs
- Paying annually to save 25% on subscription costs
What is the difference between Etsy and Shopify?
The main differences between Etsy and Shopify are:
Shopify is better for building a branded business, while Etsy is easier for beginners selling specific types of products.
Do Shopify apps tend to be expensive?
Shopify apps vary widely in price:
- Many essential apps offer free plans with limited features
- Basic functionality apps: $5-$20/month
- Mid-tier apps: $20-$50/month
- Advanced apps: $50-$200+/month
Most stores use 4-6 apps, with an average monthly app spend of $50-$100. The cost increases as your business grows and requires more advanced functionality.
Can we run a store without buying a Shopify plan?
No, you cannot run a public Shopify store without purchasing a plan. While you can build your store during the 14-day free trial, you’ll need to select a paid plan before launching publicly. The most affordable option is the Shopify Starter plan at $5/month, but this only allows selling through social media and doesn’t include a full online store.
How can we purchase a plan in Shopify?
To purchase a Shopify plan:
- Start a 14-day free trial at Shopify.com
- Build your store during the trial period
- Before the trial ends, select a plan from your Shopify admin dashboard
- Enter your payment information
- Choose monthly or annual billing (annual saves 25%)
- Complete the purchase to activate your plan
You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time through your Shopify admin settings.
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