The Real Costs of Building a Shopify Store

Introduction¶

When people think about building a Shopify store, they usually ask about the monthly platform fees. But the real costs go much deeper than just your Shopify subscription.

At Futurmedia, we break down every cost you should factor in—including time, apps, themes, and hidden expenses that most people overlook.

1. Shopify Subscription Fees¶

• Basic Shopify: £29/month
• Shopify: £79/month
• Advanced Shopify: £299/month

For a full breakdown, check our Shopify cost guide.

2. Shopify Themes¶

• Free themes: £0
• Premium themes: Typically £150–£350 (one-off)
• Custom designs via agency: Typically £1,500–£10,000+

Our Shopify agency can build bespoke designs that go beyond what off-the-shelf themes can offer.

3. Shopify Apps¶

Apps can quickly stack up your monthly costs. Typical examples:

• Product reviews: £10–£50/month
• Subscription tools: £20–£70/month
• Currency converters, pop-ups, upsells: £5–£30/month each

Pro Tip: Many apps offer free trials, but be mindful of long-term costs.

4. Time Costs (Often Overlooked)¶

• DIY build time: Typically 50–100+ hours
• Learning curve: Shopify is intuitive, but building a polished store takes time
• Testing and troubleshooting: Can be frustrating without experience

Working with Futurmedia’s Shopify agency saves you significant time and ensures a faster, smoother launch.

5. Ongoing Costs¶

• Domain name: £10–£20 per year
• Email marketing tools: Typically £10–£50/month
• Optional app upgrades and new feature rollouts

6. Opportunity Cost¶

The real cost isn’t just money—it’s time not spent on:

• Product development
• Marketing and growth
• Customer acquisition

When you handle everything yourself, you may save money upfront but risk losing growth opportunities.

DIY vs. Shopify Agency: Cost Comparison¶

FAQs: Real Shopify Store Costs¶

Q: What are the hidden costs of building a Shopify store?
A: Hidden costs often include apps, time investment, premium features, and trial upgrades that become paid subscriptions. Our Shopify agency can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

Q: Is working with a Shopify agency more expensive?
A: The upfront investment is higher, but it saves time, reduces mistakes, and sets your store up for better conversions and faster growth.

Q: Can I save money by starting DIY and hiring an agency later?
A: Yes, but it can lead to additional rework costs later. Starting with a Shopify agency like Futurmedia ensures you get it right from the start.

Ready to Build Smarter?¶

If you want to avoid hidden costs and wasted time, book your free Shopify strategy call now.

Or learn more about our Shopify agency services here.