The topics of costs, fees & prices are essential considerations for any business, especially in the world of e-commerce. A deep understanding of these financial aspects is crucial for budget planning, product pricing, and the overall business strategy, as well as choosing the right shop system. Whether it’s about setting up an online shop, selecting a platform like Shopify, or investing in marketing and advertising – a clear awareness of all associated costs helps businesses make informed decisions, maximize profitability, and promote sustainable growth.

Shopify Costs, Fees & Prices – The Complete Overview with Example Calculation for Shopify Monthly Costs

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a crucial step for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to sell their products online. Shopify, one of the leading platforms on the market, offers a comprehensive solution for building and managing an online shop. However, before deciding on Shopify, it is important to have a clear understanding of the associated costs, fees, and prices. These financial aspects play a significant role in budget planning and can significantly influence the profitability of an online business.

From monthly package prices to transaction feesandadditional costs for apps and services – the topic of Shopify costs, fees, and prices is complex. A thorough examination of these cost points not only helps in choosing the right Shopify plan but also in assessing investments in the platform for efficient business management and growth promotion. In this context, the following overview offers valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions to provide potential users with a sound basis for decision-making.

Understanding Shopify Costs, Fees, and Prices in E-commerce

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that enables businesses to build and operate online stores and points of sale. Shopify offers various pricing plans tailored to the needs and size of businesses. Prices may vary depending on the specific requirements of the business and the additional services chosen. Here is an overview of the basic Shopify plans and what they include (as of April 2023):

1. Shopify Basic: This is the entry-level plan, designed for smaller businesses or start-ups. It offers all the basic features needed to launch an online store, including an online storefront, a blog, the ability to sell unlimited products, and support for two staff accounts. The cost for Shopify Basic is typically around $29 per month.
2. Shopify: The standard Shopify plan offers advanced features compared to the Basic plan, including support for five staff accounts, professional reports, and the ability to create gift cards. The cost for the Shopify plan is usually around $79 per month.
3. Advanced Shopify: This plan is designed for growing businesses with advanced needs. It offers enhanced reporting features, support for up to 15 staff accounts, and better shipping rates through third-party providers. The fees for Advanced Shopify are typically around $299 per month.
4. Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus is for large enterprises and offers advanced features specifically tailored for high volumes and extended requirements. Pricing for Shopify Plus is individual and generally starts at around $2,000 per month.

In addition to the Shopify fees for each plan, there may be additional charges, such as fees for using external payment providers, additional apps or special integrations and services. Shopify also offers a 14-day free trial for new users to explore the platform before committing to a plan.

It is important to check the latest information on Shopify pricing and features directly on the Shopify website, as these may change and regional differences may apply.

to the Shopify pricing overview*

Shopify Monthly Costs: Consider additional costs and monthly fees!

When using Shopify, in addition to the monthly fees for the chosen plan, additional costs may arise, particularly in connection with payment providers and apps. These additional costs vary depending on the specific needs and configuration of your online store. Here is a concrete list of possible additional costs you should consider:

Become more visible on Google & Social Media?

Contents of this article

Toggle

In a free strategy consultation for data-driven online marketing, we uncover your untapped potential, review any existing ad accounts if necessary, examine your SEO ranking and visibility, and determine which strategy is appropriate for your budget and which active measures will lead to more inquiries or sales.

✅ More visibility & perception through targeted placement
✅ More visitors > prospects > customers > revenue
✅ Reach target groups scalably with SEA
✅ Act and grow sustainably with SEO
🫵 Maximum success with our hybrid strategy

💪 More than 15 years of experience across industries in over 1,000+ projects demonstrable!

Request a marketing strategy consultation now

and become sustainably visible!

Additional Costs for Payment Providers

• Shopify Payments: If you use Shopify Payments, the additional transaction fees that Shopify charges for using external payment providers are waived. However, credit card fees apply, which vary depending on your Shopify plan. For example, fees for Shopify Basic might be around 2.9% + 30 cents per online credit card transaction.
• External Payment Providers: If you choose to use an external payment provider (such as PayPal, Stripe, etc.), Shopify charges a transaction fee in addition to the payment provider's fees. This fee ranges from 0.5% to 2% per transaction, depending on your plan.

Additional Costs for Shopify Apps – Not to Be Underestimated!

The costs for apps vary greatly depending on functionality and provider. Here are some examples of popular Shopify apps and their approximate costs:

1. Email Marketing Apps:
   • Klaviyo: From about $20 per month, depending on the number of contacts.
   • Omnisend: Free basic version available; premium plans start at about $16 per month.
2. SEO Apps:
   • SEO Manager: Approx. 20 US dollars per month.
   • Plug in SEO: Free basic version available; premium version costs about 20 US dollars per month.
3. Social Media Integration:
   • Outfy: Costs depend on usage, with a pay-as-you-go model; packages start at about 15 US dollars per month.
4. Warehouse Management and Fulfillment:
   • Stocky: Free for Shopify POS Pro users.
   • ShipStation: Starting at around $9 USD per month, depending on the features required.
5. Customer Service and Live Chat:
   • Tidio Live Chat: Free basic version available; premium plans starting at around 18 US dollars per month.
   • Zendesk: From around 5 US dollars per month per agent.

These costs are only approximate values and may change. The actual costs depend on the specific requirements of your shop, the features selected, and the number of users or transactions. It is advisable to check the current prices and features directly on the app providers‘ websites or in the Shopify App Store in order to make an informed decision.

Additional Costs for Payment Providers in Detail

To shed more light on the additional costs for payment providers when using Shopify, it is important to understand that Shopify offers two main ways to process payments: Shopify Payments, the in-house payment service provider, and external payment providers such as PayPal, Stripe, etc. The cost structure varies depending on the selected Shopify plan and the payment provider. Here is a comparison table that illustrates the cost differences:

Shopify Payments Credit Card Fees

Transaction fees for external payment providers

Notes:

• Shopify Payments: If you use Shopify Payments, transaction fees for external payment providers are waived. However, credit card fees apply, which vary depending on your plan. Additionally, fees for international cards and currency conversions may apply.
• External Payment Providers: If you choose an external payment provider, transaction fees charged by Shopify will apply in addition to the provider’s credit card fees. These transaction fees vary depending on your Shopify plan.
• International Cards and Currency Conversion: Additional fees may apply for payments made with international cards and/or currency conversions.

Example

Suppose you have the Shopify plan and use an external payment provider like PayPal for a transaction of $100:

• Without Shopify Payments: You pay the PayPal credit card fees (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢) plus the Shopify transaction fee of 1.0%, which totals approximately 3.9% + 30¢ of the transaction.
• With Shopify Payments: You only pay the Shopify Payments credit card fees of 2.6% + 30¢, with no additional transaction fees from Shopify.

This table provides a general overview of Shopify fees. For more precise information and potential changes, you should consult the official Shopify website and the websites of payment providers.

Shopify Costs per Month: Example Calculation and Cost Calculation

To provide an example calculation for Shopify Basic and Shopify (Standard) for one month with 100 orders to perform, we must consider various cost factors:

1. Monthly fees for the respective Shopify plan.
2. Transaction fees if external payment providers are used.
3. Credit card fees when using Shopify Payments.
4. Average order value (AOV) to calculate credit card fees. For this example, we assume an AOV of 50 USD.

Shopify Fees Per Sale

• Shopify Payments Credit Card Fees:
  • Basic: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for online purchases.
  • Shopify: 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction for online purchases.
• Transaction Fees for External Payment Providers (if Shopify Payments is not used):
  • Basic: 2.0% per transaction.
  • Shopify: 1.0% per transaction.

Example Calculation of Shopify Costs per Month

We assume that Shopify Payments is used to avoid transaction fees for external payment providers.

• Monthly fee:
  • Shopify Basic: 29 USD.
  • Shopify: 79 USD.
• Total revenue from 100 orders (with an AOV of 50 USD): 100 * 50 USD = 5000 USD.
• Total Credit Card Fees (Shopify Payments):
  • Basic: (2.9% of 5000 USD) + (30¢ * 100) = 145 USD + 30 USD = 175 USD.
  • Shopify: (2.6% of 5000 USD) + (30¢ * 100) = 130 USD + 30 USD = 160 USD.

The total costs for one month with 100 orders would therefore be composed as follows:

Shopify Basic

• Monthly Fee: 29 USD
• Credit Card Fees: 175 USD
• Total Costs: 29 USD + 175 USD = 204 USD

Shopify (Standard)

• Monthly fee: 79 USD
• Credit card fees: 160 USD
• Total costs: 79 USD + 160 USD = 239 USD

These calculations serve as a simple example. The actual costs may vary, particularly if additional apps or services are used, or if other payment providers with different fee structures are employed.

The 10 most important and/or most popular additional costs for Shopify apps

Here is a table of the 10 most important and/or most popular additional costs for apps on Shopify, including their function and costs:

This overview is intended to help you better estimate the potential additional costs that can arise from using various apps when operating a Shopify store. The prices mentioned serve as a guideline and are subject to change; it is advisable to check the current prices and features directly on the app providers‘ websites or in the Shopify App Store.

Shopify PLUS Cost Overview and Information

Shopify Plus is the enterprise tier of the Shopify platform, designed for large companies and brands that have a high volume of transactions and advanced customization needs. Shopify Plus pricing typically starts at around USD 2,000 per month, but can vary depending on the specific requirements and revenue volume of the company. A key advantage of Shopify Plus over the standard versions of Shopify is its significantly greater adaptability and scalability.

Shopify Plus users have access to a dedicated account manager, extended API rate limits, and the ability to fully customize the checkout process, which can be crucial for high-volume brands. In addition, Shopify Plus offers advanced features for automating business processes, exclusive access to new features, and the ability to manage multiple websites through a single platform. These additional services and the scalability make Shopify Plus an attractive option for growing companies seeking a robust e-commerce solution that grows with and adapts to their needs.

more about Shopify PLUS*

Another article tip on the topic:

Buy the best Shopify themes for e-commerce stores at a low price

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Shopify Pricing:

The costs, fees, and prices of Shopify are common concerns for existing and potential users of the platform. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers on the topic:

1. How much does Shopify cost per month?

Shopify offers various pricing plans tailored to the needs of different business sizes and types. The monthly costs range from $29 for Shopify Basic, to $79 for the Shopify Standard plan, up to $299 for Advanced Shopify. For large enterprises, there is Shopify Plus, whose pricing is customized and typically starts at around $2,000 per month.

2. Are there additional fees with Shopify?

Yes, in addition to the monthly plan prices, additional fees may apply, including transaction fees (if you use external payment providers), credit card fees through Shopify Payments, and fees for using certain apps or additional services.

3. How high are the transaction fees with Shopify?

If you do not use Shopify Payments, transaction fees apply that vary depending on your Shopify plan: 2.0% for Shopify Basic, 1.0% for the Shopify Standard plan, and 0.5% for Advanced Shopify. With Shopify Payments, these transaction fees are waived.

4. Can I use Shopify for free?

Shopify offers a 14-day free trial that allows you to try out the platform before deciding on a paid plan. No credit card is required to start the trial.

5. What are the credit card fees with Shopify?

The credit card fees vary depending on the chosen Shopify plan and whether you use Shopify Payments. For Shopify Basic, the fees are approximately 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction, for Shopify (Standard) it is approximately 2.6% + 30 cents, and for Advanced Shopify approximately 2.4% + 30 cents.

6. Is there a minimum contract term or cancellation period with Shopify?

Shopify does not require a minimum contract term, and you can cancel or change your plan at any time. Billing is monthly or annually, depending on which payment option you choose.

7. Can I operate multiple websites with my Shopify plan?

By default, each Shopify plan is limited to a single online store. Operating multiple shops requires separate Shopify subscriptions. However, Shopify Plus offers features for businesses that need to manage multiple websites through a single platform.

8. Are there hidden costs with Shopify?

While Shopify is transparent about its pricing, users should be aware that additional costs may arise for apps, themes, external payment providers, and certain advanced features. It is advisable to read the fine print and possibly account for additional fees that may arise from operating your online shop.

These questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects of using Shopify and are intended to help make the decision for the right e-commerce platform easier.

Additional: Shopify Retail for store owners with POS (point of sale)

Shopify Retail is an extension of the Shopify e-commerce platform specifically designed to help retailers manage and operate their physical store locations as well as their online commerce. This solution offers a range of features and tools aimed at unifying and optimizing sales processes across various channels. With Shopify Retail, business owners can sell their products both online and in brick-and-mortar stores while benefiting from centralized management of their inventory, order, and customer information.

Some of the key features of Shopify Retail include:

• Point of Sale (POS): Shopify offers a POS system that allows retailers to make sales in physical locations. The system supports various payment methods and can be integrated with hardware such as cash drawers, printers, and barcode scanners.
• Centralized Inventory Management: Retailers can centrally manage their inventory across all sales channels, ensuring consistent stock levels and product availability both online and in-store.
• Customer Data Management: Shopify Retail facilitates the management of customer information and interactions across all channels, enabling personalized customer experiences and fostering customer loyalty.
• Omnichannel Sales: The platform supports omnichannel strategies by enabling retailers to sell their products simultaneously in physical stores, online shops, marketplaces, and via social media.
• Reports and Analytics: Retailers gain access to detailed reports and analytics that provide insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and the performance of sales channels.

Shopify Retail is designed for retailers seeking an integrated solution to manage and optimize their online and offline sales activities. By simplifying processes and providing valuable insights, Shopify Retail helps businesses operate more efficiently and enhance the customer experience.

Test Shopify Retail*

Comparison of costs and fees with other eCommerce shop systems

A comparison table of Shopify’s costs compared to other e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopware, OXID, Magento, plentymarkets, Gambio, and JTL-Shop provides an overview of the basic cost structures of these solutions. It is important to note that the actual costs can vary depending on individual requirements, such as additional features, hosting, design, support, and other services. Here is a simplified comparison based on standard costs without taking such additional factors into account:

Key points for comparison:

• Shopify offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution with various plans that can be easily scaled to meet your business needs. Shopify handles hosting and provides a wide range of apps for additional functionality.
• WooCommerce is a flexible option for existing WordPress websites and is well suited for businesses looking for a customized solution and willing to invest in development and hosting.
• Shopware,OXID eShop, and Magento offer both free and paid versions, with the total costs depending heavily on the additional services and infrastructure necessary to operate and scale the online shop.
• plentymarkets,Gambio, and JTL-Shop are popular options in the German-speaking region, offering different pricing structures and features to meet various business requirements.

This table is a simplified representation of cost structures and should serve as a starting point for a more detailed investigation. Choosing the right platform depends on many factors, including specific business needs, budget, technical requirements, and desired scalability.