How Much Does It Cost to Start a Shopify Store? A Simple Guide



Starting an online store with Shopify is a great way to sell products online, whether you’re selling handmade crafts, digital products, or anything in between. But how much does it actually cost to get started? Let’s break down the expenses so you can plan your budget.

1. Shopify Plans ($39–$399 per month)

  • Shopify offers several pricing plans depending on your needs:

    • Basic Shopify: $39 per month. This plan includes all the essential features for a new online store.
    • Shopify: $105 per month. This plan is for growing businesses and includes more advanced features like professional reports.
    • Advanced Shopify: $399 per month. This plan is for larger businesses and includes advanced features like custom reports and better shipping rates.

  • Most beginners start with the Basic Shopify plan, which has everything you need to launch your store.

2. Domain Name ($10–$15 per year)

  • Your domain name is your website’s address (like www.yourstore.com). If you don’t have one already, you’ll need to buy it. Shopify lets you buy a domain through them, or you can use services like GoDaddy or Namecheap. This usually costs around $10 to $15 per year.

3. Themes and Design (Free to $350)

  • Shopify offers free themes to get you started, but if you want a more unique or professional look, you can buy a premium theme. Premium themes can cost anywhere from $100 to $350, but you can always start with a free theme and upgrade later.

4. Apps and Plugins (Free to $100+ per month)

  • Shopify has a huge app store with tools to help you run your store. Many apps are free, but some have monthly fees. For example, apps for email marketing, advanced analytics, or product reviews might cost $10 to $50 per month. Start with the free apps, and add paid ones as your store grows.

5. Payment Processing Fees (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction)

  • Shopify charges a fee for each sale you make. On the Basic Shopify plan, the fee is 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This means if you sell a product for $100, you’ll pay about $3.20 in fees. These fees vary slightly depending on your Shopify plan.

6. Marketing and Advertising (Optional, $50+ per month)

  • While not required, many store owners spend money on marketing to attract customers. This might include Facebook ads, Google Ads, or social media promotions. You can start small, with a budget of $50 per month, and increase as you see results.

7. Inventory Costs (Varies)

  • If you’re selling physical products, you’ll need to buy inventory. The cost depends on what you’re selling and how much stock you want to keep on hand. This is a variable cost, so it’s good to start small and scale up as your store grows.

Total Initial Investment: $100 to $500+

Starting a Shopify store can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the choices you make. The most significant cost will likely be your Shopify plan, but don’t forget to factor in things like themes, apps, and marketing.

Tips to Save Money:

  • Start with the Basics: Use the Basic Shopify plan and free themes and apps to keep your initial costs low.
  • DIY Design: If you’re comfortable with design, create your own logo and branding to avoid paying for professional services.
  • Test with Small Ad Budgets: Start with a small advertising budget and increase it as you see what works.

Conclusion

Starting a Shopify store is a flexible and affordable way to begin selling online. With an investment of around $100 to $500, you can set up a professional-looking store and start reaching customers. The best part is that you can start small and scale up as your business grows. Happy selling!