The monthly cost of running a Shopify store is rarely just the base subscription fee. A realistic budget for a functional, growing store typically ranges from $50 to $300+ per month. This includes your plan, apps, and transaction fees. Understanding this breakdown is crucial for any merchant comparing ecommerce platforms like BigCommerce, Wix, or WooCommerce.
Breaking Down the Monthly Shopify Budget
Your monthly investment in Shopify buys more than just a digital storefront; it’s an operational cost for managing and growing your business. While the platform itself is powerful, most stores require additional apps to unlock full functionality, which is where the cost can scale.
- Subscription Plan: This is your fixed base cost. The Basic Shopify plan starts at $39/month. Shopify ($105/month) adds professional reports and better shipping rates, while Advanced Shopify ($399/month) offers advanced analytics and the lowest transaction fees. Choose a plan that matches your sales volume.
- Transaction & Payment Fees: These are variable costs. If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you‘ll pay additional transaction fees on every sale (0.5% to 2.0%). Credit card fees also apply regardless, starting at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on the Basic plan.
- Apps & Integrations: Few stores run on Shopify‘s native features alone. Essential apps for email marketing, SEO, reviews, or upsells typically cost $10-$50/month each. Budgeting $20-$80 monthly for a suite of 2-4 key apps is standard for a growing store.
- Theme Costs: While free themes are available, many brands invest in a premium theme ($180-$350) for better design and conversion features. This is a one-time cost, but it‘s a necessary initial investment for a professional look.
- Marketing Budget: While not a direct Shopify fee, your customer acquisition cost is a core operational expense. Even a small monthly ad spend on Meta or Google ($100-$500) is often necessary to drive traffic and should be factored into your overall business budget.
FAQs
What are the hidden costs of running a Shopify store?
The most common “hidden” costs are transaction fees for not using Shopify Payments, the monthly subscription for necessary third-party apps, and the potential need for a developer to customize your theme beyond basic settings.
Is Shopify cheaper than BigCommerce?
Shopify and BigCommerce have comparable monthly subscription fees. The cost difference often comes down to apps and fees. BigCommerce includes more features natively (like abandoned cart recovery) potentially reducing app needs, while Shopify‘s extensive app ecosystem offers more customization.
Can I run a Shopify store for $0 per month?
Not actively. You can pause your store for a reduced fee, but you cannot process sales. The lowest active cost is the Basic Shopify plan at $39/month, plus any potential app and transaction fees.
How can I reduce my monthly Shopify costs?
Use Shopify Payments to avoid extra transaction fees, carefully audit and remove unused apps each month, utilize free apps where possible, and choose a theme that doesn‘t require heavy customization.
Which Shopify plan is best for a new small business?
The Basic Shopify plan ($39/month) is almost always the best starting point. It provides all the essential features to launch and begin selling without the commitment of a higher-tier plan.
Final Thoughts
View your monthly Shopify cost as an investment in your business infrastructure, not just an expense. While you can start lean, scaling your store will inevitably increase your monthly spend through higher-tier plans and powerful apps. This investment, however, provides access to a world-class platform that simplifies complex ecommerce operations.
By budgeting realistically for subscriptions, apps, and fees, you can leverage Shopify‘s ecosystem to build a profitable and scalable online business, ensuring your monthly costs are always a fraction of your revenue.