HOW MUCH IS SHOPIFY?

Shopify has become one of the world’s leading eCommerce platforms because it allows anyone to set up an online store quickly, scale efficiently, and manage all aspects of digital sales from one dashboard. But when you start exploring Shopify, one of the first questions that comes up is cost. Understanding Shopify’s pricing structure is crucial for deciding whether it’s the right fit for your business. This article breaks down Shopify’s plans, fees, add-ons, and hidden costs to give you a complete view of what you’ll really pay.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a cloud-based eCommerce platform that lets users create, design, and manage online shops without needing web development experience. It handles hosting, security, payment processing, and sales management all within one ecosystem. The platform supports everything from small hobby businesses to global brands, offering a scalable model that grows with you.

Its appeal lies in its simplicity. You can launch a store within hours using built-in templates, drag-and-drop editing, and automated features for inventory, taxes, and shipping. Shopify also integrates with thousands of third-party apps to extend functionality across marketing, analytics, and fulfilment.

Shopify Pricing Overview

Shopify’s pricing model is subscription-based, meaning you pay a monthly fee for access to the platform’s core tools and features. Prices vary depending on the plan you choose, your business size, and your specific needs.

As of 2025, Shopify’s main pricing tiers in the UK are as follows:

1. Basic Shopify – £25 per month

Ideal for startups or small shops testing the waters of online retail.
You get:

• Two staff accounts

• Unlimited product listings

• 24/7 customer support

• Basic reporting tools

• Standard shipping discounts

This plan suits small operations or early-stage entrepreneurs who want a simple way to sell products online without major investment.

2. Shopify – £65 per month

The most popular plan for growing businesses.
You get everything in the Basic plan plus:

• Five staff accounts

• Professional reporting

• Better shipping rates

• Lower transaction fees

• Enhanced eCommerce automation options

This plan suits stores making consistent sales and looking to scale their customer experience and back-end operations.

3. Advanced Shopify – £344 per month

For established businesses with higher volumes of sales and staff.
You get:

• Fifteen staff accounts

• Advanced reporting and analytics

• Third-party calculated shipping rates

• The lowest transaction fees

• Custom automation workflows

Advanced Shopify is designed for larger eCommerce businesses managing complex logistics, multiple sales channels, and large teams.

4. Shopify Plus – From around £1,580 per month

This is Shopify’s enterprise-level solution for brands turning over high six or seven figures annually.
Shopify Plus offers:

• Dedicated account management

• Exclusive APIs and integrations

• Priority support

• Custom checkout and automation

• Scalability for international operations

The price varies depending on your business needs and contract terms. It’s aimed at established brands that need deep customisation and global reach.

Additional Shopify Costs

The monthly plan is only part of Shopify’s cost structure. Several additional expenses can affect your total spend depending on how your store operates.

Transaction Fees

Shopify charges a fee for each sale made through your store. These vary by plan:

• Basic: 2%

• Shopify: 1%

• Advanced: 0.5%

If you use Shopify Payments (Shopify’s built-in payment gateway), these fees are reduced or eliminated, but you’ll still pay card processing rates, usually around 1.5% + 25p per transaction for UK cards.

Domain Name

Your Shopify store includes a free subdomain (for example, yourstore.myshopify.com), but most businesses prefer a custom domain. You can buy one through Shopify for around £11 per year or purchase from a domain registrar and connect it.

Themes and Design

Shopify provides free themes, but many brands upgrade to paid themes for better functionality and visual appeal. Premium themes typically cost between £150 and £300 as a one-time fee.

Apps and Integrations

The Shopify App Store contains thousands of add-ons that enhance your store. Some are free, but many require monthly subscriptions, ranging from £5 to £100 or more depending on complexity. Common examples include email marketing tools, SEO optimisation apps, and inventory management systems.

Email and Marketing Tools

Shopify Email allows up to 10,000 emails per month for free, after which you pay a small per-email rate. Integrations with tools like Klaviyo or Omnisend often incur extra subscription costs for advanced automation and analytics.

Shopify POS (Point of Sale)

If you sell in-person, Shopify’s POS system allows you to unify online and offline sales. The POS app is free to use, but hardware like card readers and receipt printers may cost extra. Advanced POS features require an additional monthly fee.

Shipping and Fulfilment

Shopify offers discounted shipping rates through partners such as DHL and UPS. The actual cost depends on parcel size, delivery destination, and courier. Many businesses use Shopify’s built-in fulfilment network or third-party logistics providers, which can increase operational costs.

Who Shopify is Best For

Shopify suits a broad range of users, but certain types of businesses benefit most.

• Startups and small retailers: The Basic plan provides everything needed to launch a shop quickly with minimal technical knowledge.

• Growing brands: Medium-sized retailers can take advantage of the core Shopify plan for its reporting, automation, and scalability.

• Large enterprises: Shopify Plus is suitable for brands needing advanced customisation, international capability, and integrations with ERP or CRM systems.

Shopify also works well for dropshipping, print-on-demand, and subscription-based business models.

How Shopify Pricing Compares to Competitors

Shopify’s closest competitors include WooCommerce, Wix eCommerce, BigCommerce, and Squarespace. While Shopify’s monthly cost can seem higher, its value lies in the complete infrastructure it provides.

WooCommerce, for instance, is technically free but requires separate hosting, security, and maintenance, which quickly add up. Squarespace offers lower entry pricing but lacks the depth of Shopify’s app ecosystem and eCommerce features. BigCommerce is powerful but can be more complex to manage.

Shopify strikes a balance between ease of use, flexibility, and scalability, which justifies its price for most serious eCommerce ventures.

Hidden or Overlooked Costs

Many new users underestimate the true cost of running a Shopify store. Beyond the obvious monthly fee, there are additional charges that can catch you off guard:

• Currency conversion fees: If you sell internationally, Shopify adds conversion fees on top of payment processing.

• Marketing and ad spend: SEO, Google Ads, and social media campaigns are essential for visibility and sales.

• App stacking: Installing too many third-party apps can quickly inflate monthly expenses.

• Developer costs: While most features are DIY-friendly, custom integrations or design tweaks may require hiring developers.

Understanding these hidden costs helps you forecast your real operating expenses and make smarter budget decisions.

Pros and Cons of Shopify’s Pricing Model

Advantages

• All-in-one platform with hosting, security, and support included

• Scalable plans to grow with your business

• Strong app ecosystem

• 24/7 customer support

• Reliable uptime and security

Drawbacks

• Monthly costs can increase rapidly with add-ons

• Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans

• Transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments

How to Choose the Right Shopify Plan

When choosing a Shopify plan, consider three key factors: your current sales volume, your expected growth, and your need for advanced features.

If you’re starting out, the Basic plan is a safe and affordable entry point. As sales increase and your operations expand, moving up to the Shopify or Advanced plan gives you access to more automation and analytics, which can directly improve profit margins.

For larger organisations or global sellers, Shopify Plus delivers the flexibility needed for multiple storefronts, international pricing, and bespoke checkout experiences.

Tips for Managing Shopify Costs Effectively

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms because it offers flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. However, costs can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention to your subscriptions, apps, and transaction fees. The key to maximising profitability is to manage expenses strategically from the start. Here are some practical ways to keep your Shopify costs under control while still building a strong online business.

Start Small and Scale Gradually

When you first set up your Shopify store, it can be tempting to invest in advanced features, premium apps, or higher-tier plans right away. However, it’s best to start small and scale as your sales grow. Begin with Shopify’s basic plan, which includes everything you need to launch your store and test your market.

Focus on getting your first sales and learning what features are most important for your business. Once you understand customer behaviour and your store’s needs, you can upgrade or add tools that support those goals. Gradually scaling ensures you only pay for what you truly use, avoiding unnecessary monthly costs that eat into your profit margins.

Use Shopify Payments to Avoid Extra Fees

One of the simplest ways to reduce costs is to use Shopify Payments, the platform’s built-in payment processor. If you choose a third-party payment gateway, Shopify charges additional transaction fees on every sale, which can add up quickly.

By using Shopify Payments, you eliminate those extra charges and simplify your bookkeeping since all transactions are managed within one system. It also integrates seamlessly with your store, reducing the likelihood of technical issues or delays in payment processing. If you sell internationally, review Shopify’s currency and region settings to optimise exchange fees and ensure transparent pricing for your customers.

Audit Your Apps Regularly

Shopify’s App Store offers thousands of apps that add features to your store from SEO optimisation and marketing tools to customer support and analytics. While many of these apps are valuable, it’s easy to accumulate unnecessary subscriptions over time.

Set aside time each month to audit your installed apps. Identify which ones you actively use and which overlap in functionality. For example, you may have multiple apps for email marketing, discount management, or product reviews when one could handle all three. Remove any apps that aren’t delivering measurable results.

Many apps also offer free or lower-cost alternatives that achieve similar outcomes. Always check if Shopify has introduced a native feature that replaces the need for a third-party app. Regular audits keep your tech stack lean and your monthly expenses manageable.

Leverage Free Marketing Tools Before Upgrading

Shopify includes several built-in marketing tools that can help you grow your business without extra costs. Use the platform’s built-in SEO options to optimise your product titles, descriptions, and URLs. You can also set up automated email campaigns using Shopify Email, which allows up to a certain number of free sends each month.

Before investing in expensive marketing software or paid advertising platforms, make full use of these free resources. For social media promotion, integrate your Shopify store with Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to generate organic traffic. By mastering free marketing channels first, you’ll learn what strategies deliver the best ROI before spending on premium tools or paid ads.

Monitor ROI on Subscriptions and Tools

Every app, theme, or service you pay for should directly contribute to your business growth or operational efficiency. Regularly monitor the return on investment (ROI) of all paid tools and subscriptions. Look at metrics such as increased sales, time saved, or improved customer satisfaction.

If a tool isn’t delivering tangible results, cancel or downgrade it. Some apps might have been useful during early growth stages but are no longer necessary as your operations evolve. Similarly, avoid long-term contracts until you’re confident a tool is indispensable. Monthly or quarterly evaluations ensure your spending aligns with your business goals.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Annual Plans

Shopify offers discounts for annual subscriptions compared to monthly billing. Once your store is stable and profitable, consider switching to an annual plan to reduce your overall costs. Many third-party app providers also offer discounts for yearly payments.

Additionally, keep an eye on Shopify promotions or seasonal deals that could help you save on upgrades or add-ons. Just ensure you only commit to tools and services that you genuinely need and use regularly.

Use Analytics to Guide Cost Decisions

Data-driven decision-making is key to effective cost management. Use Shopify’s analytics dashboard to track sales performance, customer acquisition costs, and conversion rates. By analysing which marketing channels, products, or tools contribute the most to revenue, you can allocate your budget more effectively.

If you notice that certain paid features or marketing efforts aren’t producing the desired results, reallocate funds toward strategies that consistently deliver returns. Continual analysis ensures every pound you spend contributes to sustainable growth.

Negotiate with App Providers and Service Vendors

Don’t hesitate to reach out to app developers or service providers if you’re considering cancelling a subscription. In many cases, they may offer you a discount, an extended trial, or a lower pricing plan to retain you as a customer. This approach can lead to significant savings, especially if you rely on multiple premium tools.

For larger stores, consider partnering with Shopify Experts or agencies who can advise on bulk pricing, integrations, or cost-efficient solutions tailored to your needs.

The True Value of Shopify

While Shopify isn’t the cheapest eCommerce option, it delivers excellent value for what you pay. Its pricing structure is transparent, scalable, and supported by one of the strongest eCommerce ecosystems available. The combination of ease of use, security, and professional design options makes it an ideal choice for businesses serious about online growth.

When viewed as a long-term investment rather than a monthly expense, Shopify can be one of the most cost-effective tools for building a profitable online store.