What’s the Cost of Running a Shopify Store?

Running an online store has become more accessible than ever with the emergence of platforms like Shopify. With its ease of use and plethora of features, Shopify is an excellent option for those looking to start an e-commerce business. However, like any other business, there are costs involved in running a Shopify store. In this article, we'll break down the costs associated with running a Shopify store, so you can plan accordingly.

Shopify Plans

One of the primary costs associated with running a Shopify store is the platform's monthly subscription fees. Shopify offers several plans ranging from $9/month for the Lite plan to $299/month for the Advanced plan. Each plan has different features and limits on things like the number of staff accounts and transaction fees. For most small businesses, the Basic Shopify plan at $29/month is an excellent starting point as it comes with everything you need to run a successful online store, including a free SSL certificate, abandoned cart recovery, and discount codes.

Domain Costs

Another cost to consider is your domain name. Shopify allows you to purchase a domain through their platform, which typically costs around $14/year. However, if you already own a domain, you can connect it to your Shopify store for free.

Transaction Fees

Shopify also charges transaction fees on each sale made through the platform. The fees vary depending on your subscription plan, with the Basic plan charging 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction. However, if you use Shopify Payments as your payment gateway, these fees are waived. Keep in mind that some payment gateways charge additional fees on top of Shopify's transaction fees.

Themes and Apps

To customize your store's design and functionality, you'll likely want to invest in a Shopify theme and apps. Themes typically range from free to a few hundred dollars, depending on the level of customization you're looking for. Similarly, apps can add a significant cost to your Shopify store, with some apps charging monthly fees or per transaction fees. While not all apps are necessary, they can help streamline your business operations and improve customer experience.

Other Costs

Aside from the costs mentioned above, there are a few other expenses to keep in mind when running a Shopify store. For example, you'll need to pay for product photography, shipping materials, and potentially warehousing and inventory management fees. Marketing costs, such as advertising and social media campaigns, should also be factored into your budget.

In conclusion, running a Shopify store involves several costs, including monthly subscription fees, domain costs, transaction fees, and the cost of themes and apps. To run a successful online store, you'll need to consider these expenses and budget accordingly. By understanding the costs involved, you can ensure that your Shopify store is profitable and sustainable in the long run.