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Shopify supports over 4.61 million businesses globally and facilitates over $300 billion in sales annually. It also claims a 10% e-commerce market share in the US and 6% in Western Europe.
Given Shopify’s growing popularity, it’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs want to launch a store on the platform. However, understanding Shopify's costs in 2025 and beyond can be confusing because of changing features and fees. Many business owners find themselves overwhelmed by unexpected costs, such as transaction fees and app expenses, which can significantly impact their bottom line.
This article aims to clear up the confusion by explaining current Shopify store pricing and offering tips to make the most of your investment in Shopify.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create and manage online stores. Founded in 2006, Shopify provides an easy-to-use interface with customizable templates, which makes it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
Key Features:
- Storefront Customization – Select from a wide range of themes and tools to create a unique and professional online storefront that reflects your brand.
- Product Management –Add, organize, and manage products with detailed descriptions, pricing, and inventory tracking.
- Integrated Payment Processing – Shopify supports multiple payment gateways, allowing businesses to process transactions efficiently and securely.
- Sales Channels – Expand your reach by selling across various channels, including social media platforms, online marketplaces, and in-person using Shopify's point-of-sale system.
- Analytics and Reporting – Access detailed insights and reports to track sales, customer behavior, and overall business performance.
Shopify's flexible options make it suitable for startups, small businesses, and large enterprises, each benefiting from different plans tailored to specific needs. Both for those launching a new store and those scaling an existing one, Shopify provides the tools necessary to succeed in the digital marketplace.
Overview of Shopify Pricing Plans in 2025
Shopify offers various pricing plans designed to meet the needs of businesses at different stages. Here's a closer look at each option:
| Plan | Billed Monthly | Billed Annually | Key Features | Best For |
| Basic | $39/month | $29/month | Online store, unlimited products, basic reports | Startups and small businesses |
| Grow | $105/month | $79/month | Gift cards, professional reports, better shipping discounts | Growing businesses |
| Advanced | $399/month | $299/month | Advanced reports, third-party shipping, lowest transaction fees | Larger businesses with high sales volume |
| Shopify Plus | From $2,300/month | From $2,300/month | Advanced customization, scalability, dedicated support | Large enterprises |
Select the right Shopify subscription pricing to align with your business goals and budget. This choice ensures access to the necessary tools for success in the dynamic e-commerce world and empowers your business to grow and thrive in a constantly evolving market.
Shopify Free Trial Period
- Duration – Typically 14 days, but can vary based on promotions.
- Recommended for – New users exploring Shopify.
Shopify’s free trial allows potential users to experience the platform without any initial cost. During this period, you can set up your store, explore design options, and test out various features. This trial is ideal for evaluating Shopify’s suitability for your business needs and allows you to make an informed decision before you choose a paid plan.
Basic Shopify Pricing
- Price – $39/month and $29/month (billed annually), with transaction fees of 2.9% + 30¢. Annual plan available at $29 per month.
- Recommended for – Startups and budget-conscious businesses.
The Basic Shopify plan is ideal if you want to launch your first online store. Despite being Shopify’s most affordable option, it offers essential tools to establish and run an e-commerce site. You can list unlimited products, enjoy features like abandoned cart recovery, a blog engine, SSL security, and manage your store with two staff accounts.
Standout Features:
- Up to 77% shipping discount
- 10 inventory locations
- 24/7 chat support
- Localized global selling (3 markets)
- POS Lite
Why Choose Basic Shopify?
Choose Basic Shopify if you aim to start an e-commerce business on a budget. It provides the necessary tools to build a functioning store without the advanced features of higher plans. It’s perfect for solo entrepreneurs looking to keep costs low while having access to essential e-commerce capabilities.
Shopify Grow Pricing
- Price –$105/month and $79/month (billed annually), with transaction fees of 2.7% + 30¢.
- Recommended for – Small to medium businesses expanding their reach.
The Grow plan is tailored for businesses that are scaling. It includes all Basic features plus advanced reporting, gift cards, and better shipping discounts. This plan supports growth with enhanced analytics and customer engagement tools.
Standout Features:
- Enhanced reporting and analytics
- Better shipping discounts beyond Basic
- Gift cards for customer engagement
- Multiple sales channels integration
- 5 additional staff accounts
- Up to 88% shipping discount
Why Choose the Grow Plan?
Select the Grow plan if your business is growing and you need more advanced features to support that growth. This plan provides enhanced analytics and customer engagement tools, making it ideal for businesses looking to expand their reach and optimize operations.
Advanced Shopify Pricing
- Price –$399/month and $299/month (billed annually), with transaction fees of 2.5% + 30¢.
- Recommended for – High-volume businesses needing in-depth analytics.
Advanced Shopify offers comprehensive tools for businesses with significant sales volume. It includes detailed reports, third-party calculated shipping, and the lowest transaction fees, favoring deeper insights and operational efficiency.
Standout Features:
- Custom report builder
- Third-party calculated shipping rates
- 15 additional staff accounts
- Up to 88% shipping discount
- Lower transaction fees
- Advanced customer segmentation
Why Choose Advanced Shopify?
Consider Advanced Shopify if you operate a high-volume business and need in-depth analysis and lower transaction fees. This plan supports detailed reporting and complex shipping requirements, making it perfect for businesses seeking comprehensive insights and efficiencies.
Shopify Plus Pricing
- Price – Starting at$2,300 per month.
- Recommended for – Large enterprises and complex business models.
Shopify Plus is designed for enterprise-level needs, featuring advanced customizations, unlimited staff accounts, and dedicated support. It suits businesses requiring a robust platform capable of handling massive traffic and sales.
Standout Features:
- Advanced customization options
- 200 inventory locations
- Localized global selling (50 markets)
- Unlimited staff accounts
- Dedicated account management
- Enterprise-grade integrations
- Flexible API access
Why Choose Shopify Plus?
Opt for Shopify Plus if you run a large enterprise with complex needs. It offers advanced customization, unlimited staff accounts, and enterprise-grade support, ensuring scalability and robust functionality to manage extensive operations and sales volumes confidently.
Understanding Shopify’s Hidden Costs
When evaluating the Shopify monthly cost, you should be aware of potential hidden expenses that can affect your budget. Here's a breakdown of some common hidden costs:
Transaction Fees
If you're not using Shopify Payments, transaction fees can range from 0.5% to 2% per sale. For a store processing $50,000 in sales monthly, these fees could add up to $250 to $1,000, significantly impacting profit margins.
Shipping and Fulfillment Costs
Using Shopify's Fulfillment Network or external carriers might involve additional charges for packaging, handling, and storage. Depending on order volume, these costs can range from $3 to $5 per package. For a business shipping 1,000 orders monthly, this could total $3,000 to $5,000, significantly influencing your shipping budget.
Currency Conversion Fees
For international sales, currency conversion fees may apply, typically around 1.5% to 2% per transaction. For businesses with $20,000 in monthly international sales, this could mean additional fees ranging from $300 to $400.
Chargeback Fees
In cases of disputed transactions, Shopify may charge fees ranging from $15 to $20 per chargeback. Stores experiencing frequent chargebacks might face additional costs of a few hundred dollars monthly, especially for high-risk products.
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Discuss your project requirements and get a free estimate.
Optional Shopify Costs
In addition to the hidden costs, you also need to consider optional expenses that can affect your overall investment in Shopify. Here’s an overview of some potential additional costs:
App and Plug-in Costs
Many businesses enhance their functionality with apps. While some are free, premium apps can range from $10 to $200 per month. Depending on your chosen apps, these can significantly increase your Shopify cost per month.
Shopify Theme Development Cost
Opting for a premium theme typically costs between $140 to $180 as a one-time fee. Custom Shopify theme costs may range from $5,00 to $5,000, depending on design scope, complexity, and developer expertise.
Shopify Website Development Cost
For extensive customizations, hiring professional Shopify developers is a common choice. Shopify website development costs can range from $20 to $150 per hour, with full project costs reaching into the thousands for advanced functionality and bespoke designs.
Marketing and Advertising
Your investments in Shopify's marketing tools or external ad campaigns can increase costs. Small businesses might spend $300 to $1,000 per month on digital marketing, while larger campaigns can exceed $5,000 monthly, depending on goals and channels used.
Third-Party Integrations
External software for accounting, CRM, or email marketing may involve additional subscriptions, adding to the overall fees for Shopify. These integrations start from $10 per month and may increase with more features and user accounts.
Competitor Comparison: How Does Shopify Stack Up?
Understanding how Shopify compares to other platforms can help you make an informed decision. Here’s a quick look at its pricing and features alongside WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento:
| Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce | BigCommerce | Magento |
| Starting Price | $29/month | Free (additional costs for hosting, etc.) | $29.95/month | Free (with higher costs for hosting and customization) |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, quick setup | Requires WordPress knowledge | Intuitive with built-in features | Requires technical expertise |
| Customization | Wide app ecosystem | Highly customizable via plugins | Extensive built-in tools | Highly customizable, but complex |
| Features | Comprehensive e-commerce tools | Flexible with many plugins | Rich product management and SEO | Advanced and powerful features |
| Design | Modern, sleek themes | Depends on WordPress themes | Solid pre-built options | Highly customizable themes |
| Target Business | Scaling businesses | Technically savvy store owners | In need of rich functionality; Scaling businesses | Large, resource-heavy businesses |
Shopify excels with its user-friendly setup and extensive customization options through a robust app ecosystem. Its comprehensive e-commerce tools and modern design options make it ideal for businesses looking to scale.
How to Minimize Shopify Costs and Boost Profit
Effectively managing your Shopify expenses is crucial for maintaining profitability. Here are some strategies to help you keep costs low and maximize your profits:
- Optimize Your Plan – Choose the Shopify package that best fits your current needs, and periodically reassess as your business grows.
- Utilize Free Apps and Features – Leverage Shopify's free apps and built-in tools to minimize the need for premium app subscriptions.
- Monitor Transaction Fees – Use Shopify Payments to reduce costs associated with external payment gateways.
- Streamline Shipping – Take advantage of Shopify’s discounted rates and partner with carriers for better deals. Efficient packaging and bulk shipping can also help save money.
- DIY Design and Development – Use Shopify’s drag-and-drop tools and free themes to design your store, avoiding costly outsourcing for minor adjustments.
- Review and Optimize Paid Campaigns – Focus on high-performing marketing strategies and adjust or eliminate those that aren’t delivering results.
Final Thoughts: Total Cost of Building a Shopify Website
Building a Shopify website involves various financial components, including Shopify store development cost as well as the prices of themes, apps, and optional integrations. Each element plays an important role in determining the overall budget required.
Compare these factors against your business goals to avoid unexpected expenses. Focus on thorough planning and a clear understanding of Shopify costs to lay a strong foundation for growth and sustainability in the online retail market.
FAQs
How much does Shopify cost?
Shopify offers different pricing tiers to accommodate businesses of varying sizes. The basic plan starts at $29 per month, with advanced options available for larger enterprises. Each tier includes specific features designed to meet different business needs.
How much does it cost to sell on Shopify?
Aside from the subscription fees, the cost to sell on Shopify may include transaction fees, app subscriptions, and optional features. Depending on your specific requirements, these can impact your overall expenses significantly.
What are the Shopify pricing tiers?
Shopify pricing tiers include Basic Shopify, Grow, and Advanced Shopify plans. Each tier offers a unique set of features and benefits tailored to different stages of business growth, allowing flexibility as your needs evolve.
What is Shopify B2B pricing?
Shopify B2B pricing involves more customized solutions for businesses selling to other businesses. While the standard plans remain applicable, additional tools and integrations may be required, affecting overall Shopify rates.
What rates should I consider when using Shopify?
When using Shopify, consider various rates such as subscription fees, transaction fees, and potential costs for additional apps and integrations.
Expert in creating engaging written content. Skilled at analyzing audience behaviors and refining strategies to align business goals with customer interests. Proven ability to craft content that connects deeply with audiences. Passionate about staying current with trends to boost engagement.
Expert in creating engaging written content. Skilled at analyzing audience behaviors and refining strategies to align business goals with customer interests. Proven ability to craft content that connects deeply with audiences. Passionate about staying current with trends to boost engagement.
