You’ve got a great product, a killer brand, and you’re ready to bring it to the world through Shopify. But before you dive in, it’s worth asking: how much does it really cost to run a Shopify store?
Spoiler: it’s not just the monthly plan. While Shopify offers transparent pricing, there are additional costs—transaction fees, apps, and optional extras—that you should factor into your budget. This guide breaks it all down, so you can make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
1. Shopify Plan Costs
Shopify’s pricing is straightforward, with four main plans to choose from:
Basic Shopify
- Cost: $29USD/month billed annually ($39/month billed monthly)
- Best for: New businesses with straightforward needs.
Shopify (Standard)
- Cost: $79USD/month billed annually ($105/month billed monthly)
- Best for: Growing businesses that need more tools and lower transaction fees.
Advanced Shopify
- Cost: $299USD/month billed annually ($399/month billed monthly)
- Best for: Scaling businesses requiring custom reporting and advanced features.
Shopify Plus
- Cost: Starting at $2,300USD/month (custom pricing)
- Best for: High-volume, enterprise-level businesses.
2. Transaction Fees
Shopify charges fees on every sale you make. Here’s what to expect:
- Using Shopify Payments:some text
- Basic: 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction
- Standard: 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction
- Advanced: 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction
- Using a Third-Party Payment Provider:some text
- Shopify charges an additional fee of 2% (Basic), 1% (Standard), or 0.6% (Advanced).
Using Shopify Payments can save you money if it’s available in your region (and yes, it is available in New Zealand).
3. Add-Ons and Optional Costs
Running a Shopify store often involves a few extras. Here’s what you might need:
- Custom Design:
- Want to go beyond a standard Shopify theme? Investing in custom design can elevate your store and create a truly unique shopping experience. While costs vary, this kind of bespoke approach can be the difference between “good enough” and “unforgettable.”
- Consider the Night Manager package for ongoing support and enhancements that ensure your store isn’t just functional but thriving.
- Apps:
- Many apps are free, but some (like email marketing, SEO, or inventory management) come with monthly fees ranging from $10 to $100+.
- Domain:
- If you don’t already own a domain, Shopify allows you to buy one for approximately $14–$25/year.
- Shipping:
- Costs vary depending on your courier, but integrating with NZ Post or Aramex can help keep things streamlined.
- Printers for Shipping Labels:
- If you’re managing a lot of orders, a shipping label printer like a thermal printer can save time and hassle. These typically cost $150–$300 upfront, but they’re a worthwhile investment for faster fulfilment.
4. Hidden Costs to Watch For
Some costs might not be obvious at first glance:
- Marketing Costs: Running ads or email campaigns requires a separate budget, even if you’re using Shopify’s built-in tools.
- Scaling Fees: As your business grows, upgrading your plan or adding apps may become necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Know your plan: Shopify’s plans start at $29USD/month, but additional costs like transaction fees and apps add up.
- Optimise payments: Using Shopify Payments can save you from third-party transaction fees.
- Factor in extras: Apps, custom design, shipping label printers, and shipping should be included in your budget planning.
Talk to Blatant
Running a Shopify store shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. With Blatant’s Night Manager package, you get ongoing support and tailored solutions to keep your store performing at its best. From custom design to proactive optimisation, we help you build a store that works as hard as you do.