Unveiling the Real Cost of Running a Shopify Store

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Shopify?
3. Shopify Packages a. Starter Plan b. Basic Plan c. Shopify Plan d. Advanced Plan e. Shopify Plus
4. Extra Fees on Shopify a. Transaction Fees b. Domain Name c. Third-party Apps
5. Conclusion

How much does it Really Cost to Run a Store on Shopify?

Are you considering starting an online store on Shopify but unsure about the costs? In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with running a Shopify store. From Shopify pricing plans to extra fees, we will cover everything you need to know to estimate your monthly expenditure accurately.

Introduction

Setting up an online store on Shopify is an excellent way to enter the world of e-commerce. However, it's crucial to understand the true cost of running a Shopify store to ensure it aligns with your budget and business needs. Let's dive into the details and explore the different pricing plans offered by Shopify.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a leading eCommerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to create and manage their online stores with ease. With over 4 million e-commerce sites worldwide, Shopify has proven to be a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to migrate your existing store, Shopify offers a user-friendly interface and robust features.

Shopify Packages

Shopify offers five different pricing plans to cater to businesses of various sizes and budgets. Let's take a closer look at each plan and what they offer:

Starter Plan

The Starter plan is designed for new merchants who want to sell their products through social media platforms. With just a few steps, you can launch an online store and start making sales. This plan includes features such as unlimited products, the Spotlight theme, manual order creation, discount codes, abandoned cart recovery, analytics tools, and customer support. The Starter plan costs $5 USD per month.

Basic Plan

The Basic plan is suitable for beginners who are just starting their online business on a tight budget. In addition to the features offered in the Starter plan, the Basic plan includes extra functionalities like setting two staff accounts, product collections and catalogs, custom themes and menus, blog functionality, custom domain, and a free SSL certificate. The Basic plan is priced at $25 USD per month.

Shopify Plan

The Shopify plan builds upon the features of the Starter and Basic plans and provides additional tools to enhance your sales and web presence. It includes everything the lower-tier plans offer, plus features like five staff accounts, international domains and pricing, better shipping discounts, enhanced analytics reports, and integration with Google Analytics. The Shopify plan costs $65 USD per month.

Advanced Plan

The Advanced plan is suitable for medium-sized businesses operating across a vast geographical area. It includes all the features of the lower-tier pricing plans, along with 15 staff accounts, custom analytics tools, unlimited storage, integration with Google Analytics, and custom third-party shipping calculation. The Advanced plan is priced at $399 USD per month.

Shopify Plus

For top enterprises needing a completely customized solution, Shopify Plus offers advanced features focused on marketing and design rather than order management. This plan includes everything in the lower-tier Shopify plans, unlimited staff accounts, Shopify organization admin, specialized apps and channels, macro and micro analytics, launch team support, Shopify Plus Partner Program, and Shopify Plus Academy. Pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 USD per month, tailored to the specific needs of the business.

Extra Fees on Shopify

In addition to the monthly plan fees, there are a few extra fees that you should consider when running a store on Shopify. These include transaction fees, domain name fees, and costs associated with third-party apps.

Transaction Fees

Shopify charges a transaction fee for each sale made on the platform. The rate of the transaction fee varies depending on your Shopify pricing plan. If you want to learn more about Shopify fees and how much Shopify takes per each sale, we recommend checking out our detailed video on the topic.

Domain Name

While you can get a free domain when you register for Shopify, purchasing a domain name can help your store sound more professional and build a long-term brand strategy. It typically costs around $15 USD per year to purchase and maintain a domain name.

Third-party Apps

To enhance various aspects of your business operations, the Shopify App Store offers over 8,000 apps. Depending on your business needs, you may require several apps from the store. It is recommended to start with free pricing plans for beginner-level businesses and upgrade to paid plans as your business grows. This allows you to only pay for the functionalities you need.

Conclusion

Running a store on Shopify comes with various costs, including monthly plan fees and additional fees like transaction fees, domain name fees, and expenses related to third-party apps. It is crucial to evaluate your business needs and budget before selecting a Shopify pricing plan. By understanding the true cost of running a Shopify store, you can make informed decisions and ensure the financial viability of your online business.

Highlights

• Shopify offers five different pricing plans: Starter, Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Shopify Plus.
• The Starter plan is ideal for new merchants selling through social media platforms, costing $5 USD per month.
• The Basic plan provides additional features for beginners on a tight budget, costing $25 USD per month.
• The Shopify plan includes enhanced tools to increase sales and web presence, priced at $65 USD per month.
• The Advanced plan is suitable for medium-sized businesses operating across a vast geographical area, priced at $399 USD per month.
• Shopify Plus is a high-end, enterprise-level plan providing a completely customized solution, with pricing starting at $2,000 USD per month.
• In addition to the plan fees, Shopify charges transaction fees, and purchasing a domain name and third-party apps may incur extra costs.

FAQs

Q: Can I start an online store on Shopify for free? A: While Shopify offers a free trial period, there are monthly plan fees associated with running a store on the platform.

Q: Are transaction fees applicable to all Shopify pricing plans? A: Transaction fees vary depending on your chosen Shopify pricing plan. Higher-tier plans often have lower transaction fees.

Q: Can I change my Shopify pricing plan later? A: Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your Shopify pricing plan at any time to accommodate the changing needs of your business.

Q: What happens if I exceed the staff account limit in my pricing plan? A: If you require additional staff accounts beyond the limit set by your pricing plan, you may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan or pay an additional fee.

Q: Can I use my existing domain name with my Shopify store? A: Yes, Shopify allows you to use your existing domain name by connecting it to your Shopify store. Domain name fees apply if you choose to purchase a new one from Shopify.

Q: What types of businesses benefit most from using Shopify Plus? A: Shopify Plus is primarily suitable for high-volume businesses or enterprises that require extensive customization and have specialized marketing and design needs.