Before choosing a shop system, the cost aspect must first be considered. There are many different systems for which very different costs can arise. We will take a close look at WooCommerce costs or generally webshop costs in this guide.
WooCommerce Costs (Webshop) – Webshop System Comparison
WooCommerce Costs: Can it even be used for free?
What does a WooCommerce shop cost? The WordPress plugin WooCommerce is available for free, just like the content management system WordPress itself, as it is an open-source project. Thus, the basis of this webshop would be entirely free.
However, there are external factors for which costs will definitely be incurred. This includes the creation of legal texts, which should definitely be handled by a lawyer, and possibly the costs of membership in a retailer association.
If products are shipped physically, the packaging ordinance must also be complied with. A packaging license must even be paid if, for example, used cardboard is used. There are numerous hurdles that the operator of a webshop must consider.
Apart from that, costs for webspace and the domain also arise, of course. It is particularly important to ensure that it is a reputable and professional web host, because after all, this provides the basis for the existence of your webshop.
Small tip: With us, you receive a very well-optimized web hosting offer for only one euro per day!
Costs for Web Design and/or Optimizations
There are a variety of free themes for WooCommerce. However, not all are suitable for legally compliant use, because scripts are loaded in the background, which leads to a violation of the GDPR or similar. We recommend WoodMart as the best WooCommerce theme.
This problem can be solved relatively quickly, but then it must also be ensured that all information is displayed on the product page according to German regulations. This includes shipping information, quantity, VAT, and similar.
It sounds complicated and time-consuming, and that’s exactly what it is. For a service provider like us, however, this is everyday work. If you request our support, we will take care of this. This also includes creating a modern web design.
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In addition, search engine optimization (SEO) is an important element for the success of your business model. Rest assured that we will adapt the content and the theme itself as best as possible to this. SEO is also one of our core competencies.
Costs for Extensions and Technology
Most extensions (plugins) are completely free for WooCommerce, but there are also advanced plugins with additional functions – these are then subject to a fee. It is quite possible that you will also have to use a paid plugin for your project.
There are also plugins that can adjust the conversion rate using simple functions or techniques. At Amazon, Zalando, and similar online shops, it can be observed that there is almost always something new for the user experience. This has its reasons.
What costs are incurred in operating a webshop?
The WooCommerce costs are always manageable and transparent. The basis is free after all, only the webspace costs (hosting) would be a cost factor until it comes to design and extensions. Realizing a webshop for free? That's possible with WooCommerce!
However, money must be invested, because what costs nothing is known to be nothing. After all, you don’t give away products, do you? Therefore, you should not shy away from any costs, especially with regard to the online shop.
Alternative to WooCommerce – Shopify: How high are the costs?
A competitor is Shopify, this shop system is definitely an alternative to WooCommerce. However, this shop builder is not particularly recommended, because flat-rate monthly costs are incurred plus transaction costs of up to two percent.
In addition, the possibilities are rather limited. You want to make a change? This is difficult to realize, because you will not have access to the files with Shopify. At most, you might be able to make adjustments via plugins.
However, the restrictions are a problem with every modular system. You become completely dependent on the provider, and this can be a problem, especially in the scaling phase of your company. However, you do not have this problem with WooCommerce.
WordPress can be customized exactly as you would like it to be. There is no one you depend on, and monthly charges are also eliminated, because the costs for webspace and domain are limited compared to membership fees.
Do you think that a webshop might even be overkill for your business model? Then simply use only the content management system WordPress. You can convey information just as well here and are always flexible and what does a WordPress website without a shop cost? We have summarized the costs in a separate guide.
For legal security and GDPR, we recommend Trusted Shops.
Florian Ibe
CEO & Marketing Consultant
Your contact person: Florian Ibe
DE
