How Much Does It Actually Cost to Start a Shopify Store? (Hidden Costs Explained)
Starting a Shopify store may look simple and affordable at first—but many new store owners are surprised by the hidden costs that appear along the way. While Shopify is one of the most beginner-friendly eCommerce platforms, understanding the true cost is essential for proper budgeting.
In this blog, we break down the real cost of starting a Shopify store, including the expenses most people don’t talk about.
1. Shopify Subscription Plans
Shopify offers several pricing plans:
Basic Shopify: Ideal for beginners
Shopify: For growing businesses
Advanced Shopify: For scaling brands
💡 Cost Insight:
While the monthly fee looks reasonable, it’s a recurring expense you must pay whether or not your store makes sales.
Hidden Cost: Annual payments can save money, but they lock you in.
2. Domain Name Cost
Shopify provides a free subdomain, but for branding, most businesses buy a custom domain.
Domain cost varies by extension (.com, .store, etc.)
Usually billed yearly
Hidden Cost: Domain renewal fees increase after the first year.
3. Premium Themes & Design Costs
Shopify offers free themes, but many store owners prefer premium themes for better design and conversion optimization.
Premium themes come with a one-time cost
Hidden Cost: Customization may require a developer or designer, increasing expenses.
4. Apps & Plugins (Biggest Hidden Cost)
Apps enhance your store’s functionality—reviews, upsells, email marketing, shipping, and more.
Most apps charge monthly fees
Multiple apps = higher monthly cost
Hidden Cost: App subscriptions can easily exceed your Shopify plan cost.
5. Payment Processing Fees
Shopify charges transaction fees depending on your payment gateway.
Shopify Payments has lower fees
Third-party gateways cost extra
Hidden Cost: Transaction fees add up as your sales grow.
6. Marketing & Advertising Costs
Launching a store doesn’t guarantee traffic. You’ll likely invest in:
Facebook & Instagram Ads
Google Ads
Influencer marketing
Email marketing tools
Hidden Cost: Testing ads without a strategy can quickly drain your budget.
7. Product Costs & Inventory
If you sell physical products, you’ll pay for:
Product sourcing or manufacturing
Inventory storage
Packaging
Hidden Cost: Unsold inventory ties up your money.
8. Shipping & Fulfillment Costs
Shipping is often underestimated:
Carrier fees
Packaging materials
Fulfillment services
Hidden Cost: Offering free shipping reduces your profit margins.
9. Maintenance & Scaling Costs
As your store grows, so do expenses:
Advanced apps
Higher Shopify plans
Speed optimization
Customer support tools
Hidden Cost: Growth requires continuous investment.
Total Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shopify Plan | Monthly recurring |
| Domain | Yearly |
| Theme | One-time |
| Apps | Monthly recurring |
| Marketing | Ongoing |
| Products & Shipping | Variable |
👉 Realistic Monthly Cost: More than just the Shopify subscription.
Final Thoughts
Shopify is a powerful and user-friendly platform, but it’s not “cheap” if you want to run a professional and profitable store. Understanding these hidden costs helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
Starting smart means budgeting not just for launch—but for long-term success.
