Shopify‘s billing is transparent and recurring. After your first month, you will be charged the standard monthly subscription fee for your chosen plan, plus any applicable transaction fees and charges for apps or themes you‘ve added. There is no special long-term pricing or hidden fee structure that kicks in after the initial period; you pay the same recurring rates.
Understanding Your Recurring Ecommerce Costs
Your first month on any platform, whether it‘s Shopify, BigCommerce, or Squarespace, often involves initial setup costs. However, the ongoing monthly expense is what truly defines your operating budget. This cost is a combination of platform access, payment processing, and the tools you need to run your business effectively.
Monthly Subscription Fee: This is your fixed, recurring charge for using the Shopify platform. It is charged every 30 days from your sign-up date. The cost depends entirely on your active plan: Basic ($39), Shopify ($105), or Advanced ($399).
Transaction Fees: These are recurring variable costs. If you do not use Shopify Payments, you will pay an additional transaction fee on every order (ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%, depending on your plan). These fees are deducted from your sales revenue.
App Subscriptions: Nearly all apps in the Shopify App Store charge on a monthly recurring basis. Costs for essential apps for email marketing, reviews, or SEO typically range from $10 to $50 each per month. These fees are billed separately by the app developers but are a core part of your monthly overhead.
Payment Processing Fees: This is the cost of accepting credit cards. Using Shopify Payments, you‘ll pay a rate per transaction (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ for online cards on the Basic plan). These are not a “fee” from Shopify but a standard cost of doing business, similar to fees charged by payment gateways on WooCommerce or Wix.
Potential Theme Fees: If you purchased a premium theme, it is a one-time cost and will not recur after the first month. Your theme will continue to function without any additional monthly charges.
FAQs
Does Shopify offer a discount after the first month?
No, Shopify does not offer a standard discount after the first-month promotional trial ends. You will be charged the full, regular monthly rate for your chosen plan upon renewal.
How do I avoid Shopify transaction fees after the first month?
The only way to avoid Shopify’s additional transaction fees is to use Shopify Payments, their built-in payment gateway. All other third-party gateways (like PayPal or Authorize.net) will incur the extra fee on top of their own processing rates.
What is the cheapest Shopify plan after the trial?
The most affordable plan for a live store is Shopify Basic at $39 per month. This plan includes all the essential features to start selling online.
Are Shopify apps a monthly charge?
The vast majority of apps operate on a monthly subscription model. You will be charged for them each billing cycle. Some may offer annual plans for a slight discount, but the cost typically recurs.
Can I change my Shopify plan after the first month to save money?
Yes, you can downgrade or upgrade your plan at any time from your admin panel. Your next billing cycle will be prorated based on the change. This allows you to align your costs with your business needs.
Final Thoughts
After your first month, Shopify‘s pricing becomes predictable. You are charged a standard monthly subscription for your plan, plus any variable costs from transactions and apps. This transparency allows for accurate budgeting and financial planning.
When evaluating this cost, consider the value of an all-in-one, hosted solution that handles security, updates, and scaling for you—a benefit that contrasts with the hands-on management required for open-source platforms like WooCommerce or PrestaShop. Your recurring Shopify investment is the foundation for a secure, scalable online business, letting you focus on growth rather than technical maintenance.