Shopify is one of the top e-commerce platforms with more than 4.4 billion online stores and 2.1 million users active every day.
If you want to design a Shopify website and start or upgrade your online store, you should know the cost associated with it. Proper budgeting ensures you get the best value for your investment without unexpected expenses derailing your plans.
In this article, we’re breaking down the costs of designing a Shopify website in 2024, from the basic costs to essential integrations and add-ons.
Basic Shopify Costs
Let’s start by exploring the basic costs of Shopify plans and domain names.
Shopify Plans
Shopify offers a range of plans to cater to different types of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises.
Shopify Lite
Shopify Lite is the most basic plan, priced at $9 per month. This plan doesn’t include a full online store but allows you to sell products through social media platforms, a website with a buy button, and in-person via Shopify’s point-of-sale (POS) system.
It’s ideal for small businesses looking to add e-commerce functionality to an existing website.
Basic Shopify
The Basic Shopify plan costs $39 per month. It includes all the essentials for setting up a complete online store, such as unlimited product listings, two staff accounts, 24/7 support, and access to basic reports.
This plan is suitable for new e-commerce businesses needing a straightforward setup.
Shopify
Priced at $105 per month, the Shopify plan offers additional features, including five staff accounts, professional reports, and lower credit card transaction fees.
It’s a good fit for growing businesses that require more advanced reporting and operational capabilities.
Advanced Shopify
At $399 per month, the Advanced Shopify plan provides advanced features like 15 staff accounts, advanced report building, and third-party calculated shipping rates.
Advanced Shopify is designed for larger businesses with more complex needs.
Shopify Plus
The Shopify Plus plan starts at $2,000 per month and is tailored for high-volume merchants and large enterprises. It includes all the features of the lower-tier plans, along with additional benefits such as dedicated account management, advanced customization, and higher-priority support.
This plan is perfect for businesses that need enterprise-level capabilities and support.
Domain Name
A custom domain helps build brand recognition and makes it easier for customers to find and remember your website.
The cost of a custom domain typically ranges from $10 to $50 per year, depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .store, etc.) and the domain registrar. Some premium domains with high-demand keywords can cost significantly more.
Shopify also offers domain registration services, so you can purchase and manage your domain directly through their platform for added convenience.
Design and Development Costs
Now, let’s answer the burning question: how much does Shopify website design cost?
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
One of the primary considerations is whether to take a do-it-yourself approach or hire a professional.
Shopify’s Built-in Themes and Templates
Using Shopify’s built-in themes and templates is a cost-effective way to design your store. Shopify offers a variety of free and premium themes that can be customized to fit your brand’s aesthetic.
Premium themes typically cost $100 to $500 and provide more advanced features and design options. However, the DIY approach requires a significant time investment and comes with a learning curve, especially if you’re not familiar with web design principles.
While this method can save you money, it may take longer to achieve the desired look and functionality for your store.
Professional Designer/Developer
If you prefer a more customized and professional appearance, hiring a designer or developer is the way to go. There are two main options: freelancers and agencies.
Freelancers often charge lower rates, averaging between $30 to $150 per hour, depending on their expertise and experience.
Agencies, on the other hand, offer a broader range of services but come with higher costs. They typically charge between $100 and $300 per hour or offer project-based pricing starting at a few thousand dollars.
Customization
Customizing your Shopify store helps differentiate your brand and create a memorable shopping experience. Custom designs can make your store more appealing to potential customers.
The cost of custom designs and features can vary widely based on the complexity of the customizations.
Simple customizations, such as minor adjustments to a theme, might cost a few hundred dollars. More complex projects, like creating a completely custom theme or integrating unique features, can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Custom themes: Designing a completely unique theme can cost between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on the design’s complexity and the developer’s expertise.
- Feature integrations: Adding custom features like advanced search functionality, unique product pages, or custom checkout processes can range from $500 to $5,000.
- Visual elements: Custom graphics, animations, and interactive elements can cost between $200 and $2,000.
Essential Add-ons and Integrations
You’ll also need to consider integrating essential add-ons and plugins to maximize the functionality of your Shopify store. The Shopify App Store offers numerous apps and plugins designed to extend your store’s capabilities.
Common apps for e-commerce stores include:
- SEO apps: Tools like SEO Manager and Plug in SEO help optimize your store for search engines.
- Marketing apps: Apps such as Mailchimp for Shopify and Klaviyo assist in email marketing campaigns, while tools like Privy and OptinMonster help with lead generation and conversion optimization.
- Inventory management: Apps like Stocky and TradeGecko streamline inventory management.
- Customer support: Apps such as Gorgias and Zendesk integrate customer support features, such as live chat, ticketing systems, and automated responses.
The cost of apps in the Shopify App Store varies. Many apps offer free basic versions with limited features, while premium versions can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per month or more.
Payment Processing Fees
Shopify offers its own payment solution, Shopify Payments, as well as the option to use third-party payment gateways.
Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party Payment Gateways
Shopify Payments is Shopify’s integrated payment processing solution. It simplifies the payment process by eliminating the need for third-party accounts and reducing transaction fees.
With Shopify Payments, you can accept all major credit cards directly in your store, and you’ll benefit from a seamless integration with your Shopify admin.
In contrast, Third-Party Payment Gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net offer more flexibility but can come with higher transaction fees and additional setup steps.
You’ll need a third-party gateway if you require specific features not offered by Shopify Payments or if you operate in a region where Shopify Payments is unavailable.
Transaction Fees
These are the transaction fees on Shopify:
- Shopify payment fees: Transaction fees vary by plan. For example, Basic Shopify charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, while Advanced Shopify offers a lower rate of 2.4% + 30¢.
- Third-Party payment gateway fees: In addition to the gateway’s transaction fees, Shopify charges an additional fee for using third-party gateways, usually ranging from 0.5% to 2% per transaction.
- International transaction fees: If you sell internationally, be aware of additional fees for currency conversion and cross-border transactions.
Bottom Line
We’ve covered the essential costs associated with designing and developing a Shopify website, from the basic Shopify plans and design and development costs to essential add-ons and integrations.
Start by studying the basic Shopify plans and choosing the one that best suits your business needs. Then, consider the costs and benefits of each option when deciding whether to design your site yourself or hire a professional.
Don’t overlook the importance of customizations to make your store stand out, and be prepared for the associated expenses.Additionally, integrating essential apps and managing payment processing fees are critical for running a successful Shopify store. Evaluate the costs of these tools to ensure they fit within your budget while providing maximum value.
