If you are thinking of opening your own online store, Shopify is an option worth considering. With its reputation as a reliable and user-friendly e-commerce platform, many entrepreneurs wonder: how much does it cost to sell online with Shopify in 2025? In this guide, we explain Shopify's pricing structure, the additional costs you may face, and how to choose the plan that best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify offers several plans starting from €5 per month, catering to different types of businesses.
- Additional costs such as domains and apps can increase your monthly expenditure.
- Transaction fees vary depending on the payment method you choose.
- It is important to assess your needs before selecting a Shopify plan.
- Shopify remains one of the most competitive options in the e-commerce market.
Shopify Pricing Structure in 2025
Understanding Shopify's pricing structure is essential for any entrepreneur looking to launch or expand their online business. At Imagine Business, we know that choosing the right plan can make the difference between success and stagnation. That’s why we offer a detailed guide to the prices and options available on Shopify for 2025, focusing on how to maximise your investment and optimise your resources.
Available Monthly Plans
Shopify offers a variety of plans designed to suit different stages and needs of your business. From the Starter plan, ideal for those just starting out, to the Advanced plan, for businesses with higher sales volumes and more sophisticated requirements, each option has its own features and prices. It is crucial to carefully evaluate which plan aligns best with your goals and budget.
Here is a summary of the most common plans:
- Starter: Perfect for adding sales functionalities to an existing website or blog. Ideal if you already have a webpage and want to start selling products.
- Basic: The entry-level plan for creating a complete online store. Includes essential tools for managing products, orders, and customers.
- Shopify: Offers additional functionalities for business growth, such as advanced reporting and lower transaction fees.
- Advanced: Designed for expanding businesses that require advanced reporting, shipping, and customisation features.
Price Comparison
To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparative table of the monthly prices of Shopify plans in 2025:
| Plan | Approximate Monthly Price | Main Features
Shopify offers different pricing options, and it is important to understand that the subscription price is not the only expense to consider. Transaction costs, apps, and marketing are factors that can significantly influence your total investment. Therefore, it is essential to plan and budget carefully for all aspects of your online business.
Current Promotions
Shopify often offers promotions and discounts for new users. For example, you might find extended free trial offers or discounts on the first months of subscription. Shopify pricing plans may vary, so it is important to stay alert for these opportunities to reduce your initial costs. At Imagine Business, we keep you updated on the latest promotions so you can make the most of your investment.
Monthly Costs of Selling with Shopify
Understanding the monthly costs of Shopify is key to managing your online business. At Imagine Business, we help you find the perfect online business, and knowing these costs is a fundamental part of that decision. Shopify plans vary in price and features, adapting to different needs and stages of your venture.
Starter Plan
The Starter Plan is an economical option for those who are just starting to sell online. It is ideal if you already have a webpage or use social media to promote your products. This plan allows you to integrate sales functionalities directly into these platforms, facilitating order and payment management.
- Price: Approximately €5 per month.
- Ideal for: Entrepreneurs who are testing the market or who do not need a complete online store.
- Limitations: Limited functionalities compared to more advanced plans.
Basic Plan
The Basic Plan is a step up, offering a complete online store with essential functionalities for managing your business. This plan is perfect if you are looking for a comprehensive solution to sell your products online.
- Price: Around €36 per month (monthly payment) or €27 per month (annual payment).
- Main features: Complete online store, product management, payment processing, basic reporting.
- Transaction fees: Vary depending on the payment method used.
Shopify Plan
The Shopify Plan is a more robust option, designed for growing businesses that need advanced functionalities. This plan offers more detailed reports, marketing automation, and lower transaction fees.
- Price: Approximately €105 per month (monthly payment) or €79 per month (annual payment).
- Main features: Advanced reports, marketing automation, priority support.
- Transaction fees: Lower than the Basic Plan.
Choosing the right plan will depend on your specific needs and the size of your business. Consider your sales volume, required functionalities, and available budget before making a decision. At Imagine Business, we advise you to find the best option for your online business.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the monthly fee for Shopify, there are other expenses you need to consider to calculate the total investment in your online store. These costs can vary widely depending on your needs and the type of business you have at Imagine Business. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Domain
The domain is your address on the internet, much like the registration of your car, but for your online store. Although Shopify gives you a free subdomain (yourname.myshopify.com), having your own domain (yourname.com) adds much more professionalism and trust for your customers. Registering a domain usually costs between €10 and €15 per year. At Imagine Business, we help you find the perfect domain for your business.
Premium Themes
Shopify offers a good number of free themes, but if you want your store to have a unique and distinctive design, a premium theme can be a good investment. Premium themes often offer more customisation options and advanced functionalities. At Imagine Business, we sell Shopify themes and templates that will help you stand out from the competition. Prices for premium themes vary, but they usually range from €50 to €300.
Apps and Plugins
Apps and plugins are like small tools that add extra functionalities to your Shopify store. There are apps for everything: marketing, SEO, shipping management, customer service... Some are free, but the more powerful ones are usually paid. The cost of apps can vary widely, from a few euros per month to hundreds. It is important to choose the apps you need wisely to avoid skyrocketing your costs.
Choosing the right apps is crucial. Don’t be tempted to install many apps just for the sake of it. Carefully analyse your needs and choose those that truly add value and help improve your business. Remember that each app you install can affect your store's performance, so it’s better to opt for quality over quantity.
Here are some examples of additional costs:
- Email Marketing: From €20/month (depending on the number of subscribers).
- SEO Apps: Between €15 and €50/month.
- Customer Support Chat: From €29/month.
Transaction Fees
It is important to understand the transaction fees when calculating the costs of selling online with Shopify. These fees are a percentage of the value of each sale and vary depending on the Shopify plan you have and the payment method you use.
Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments is Shopify's integrated payment gateway. If you use it, you generally get lower transaction fees. For example, in the Basic plan, you might pay around 2.1% + €0.30 per transaction. In more advanced plans, such as the Shopify plan or the Advanced plan, these fees are usually lower. Using Shopify Payments simplifies payment management and can reduce your costs.
Alternative Payment Methods
If you decide to use a payment gateway other than Shopify Payments (such as PayPal, Stripe, etc.), Shopify will charge you an additional transaction fee. This fee is a percentage of the sale value and is added to the fees already charged by the external payment gateway. These fees vary depending on the plan you have:
- Starter Plan: Not applicable, as it does not have an online store.
- Basic Plan: 2% per transaction.
- Shopify Plan: 1% per transaction.
- Advanced Plan: 0.5% per transaction.
Processing Fees
In addition to Shopify's fees, payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe also charge their own processing fees. These fees are usually a percentage of the sale value plus a small fixed amount. It is important to consider these fees when choosing a payment gateway, as they can significantly affect your profit margins. For example, if you sell themes and templates from Imagine Business, you need to consider these fees.
It is crucial to evaluate which payment methods your customers prefer and how the fees of each option will impact your profitability. Sometimes, offering more payment options can increase sales, but it can also increase transaction costs. Carefully analyse the numbers to make the best decision for your business.
Which Shopify Plan is Right for You?
Choosing the right Shopify plan is fundamental to the success of your online store. Not all businesses are the same, and Shopify knows this. That’s why it offers different plans tailored to different needs and budgets. At Imagine Business, we understand that this decision can be overwhelming, so let’s break it down so you can make the best choice.
Needs Assessment
Before rushing to choose a plan, take a moment to think about what you really need. How many products do you sell? What traffic volume do you expect? Do you need advanced features like detailed reports or marketing automation? Identifying your needs will save you money and prevent long-term frustrations.
Here are some key questions you should ask yourself:
- How many products do I have in my catalogue?
- What is my estimated monthly sales volume?
- Do I need 24/7 technical support?
- What type of reports do I need to analyse my business?
- Do I plan to sell internationally?
Recommendations by Business Type
Shopify offers several plans, each with its own features and prices. Here are some general recommendations:
- Starter Plan: Ideal if you are starting out and only need to sell through social media or an existing website. It is an economical option to validate your business idea.
- Basic Plan: Perfect for small online stores that are starting to grow. It offers the necessary tools to manage your store, process payments, and handle shipping.
- Shopify Plan: Recommended for growing businesses that need more advanced automations, such as abandoned cart recovery and gift card creation. This plan is suitable if you have a stable customer base and considerable sales volume.
- Advanced Plan: The best option for large stores that sell internationally and need advanced analysis and reporting tools.
Choosing the right plan is like choosing the foundation of your house. If the foundation is solid, the rest is built more easily. Don’t rush, carefully analyse your options, and choose the plan that best fits your current and future needs.
Scalability of Plans
One of the great advantages of Shopify is its scalability. You can start with a basic plan and, as your business grows, upgrade to a higher plan to access more features and tools. Don’t worry about getting stuck. Shopify allows you to adapt to changes and continue growing at your own pace. At Imagine Business, we help you find Shopify themes and templates that fit every stage of your business.
Benefits of Using Shopify
Shopify has become a leading platform for e-commerce, and it’s no coincidence. For Imagine Business, where we focus on selling online businesses and Shopify themes, understanding its advantages is essential to provide the best service to our clients.
Ease of Use
One of the biggest advantages of Shopify is its intuitive interface. You don’t need to be a programming expert to create and manage your online store. The platform is designed so that anyone, regardless of their technical level, can start selling quickly. This is especially useful for entrepreneurs who are starting out and don’t want to complicate themselves with technical aspects.
Available Integrations
Shopify stands out for its ability to integrate with a wide variety of tools and services. From payment gateways like Shopify Payments to email marketing platforms, social media, and analytics tools, Shopify allows you to connect your store with everything you need to manage your business efficiently. This flexibility is crucial for Imagine Business, as it allows us to offer customised solutions to our clients.
- Integration with social media to sell directly on Facebook and Instagram.
- Connection with email marketing tools to automate campaigns.
- Syncing with accounting software for easier financial management.
Technical Support
Shopify offers 24/7 technical support, which means you will always have help available if you have any problems or questions. Whether through chat, email, or phone, the Shopify support team is ready to resolve any issues you may have. For Imagine Business, this is a great relief, as we know our clients will always have backup in case they need it.
Having efficient technical support is vital for any online business. Knowing that you can resolve any problem quickly gives you the peace of mind to focus on growing your business.
Marketing and Advertising Costs
Marketing is crucial for the success of any online store, especially if you sell Shopify themes and templates, or even established online businesses, as we do at Imagine Business. Without a well-defined marketing strategy, it is difficult to stand out in such a competitive market. Let’s look at the associated costs.
Social Media Advertising
Social media is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer highly targeted advertising options. For Imagine Business, this means being able to direct ads to entrepreneurs looking to buy online businesses or designers needing high-quality templates.
- Facebook Ads: Ideal for targeting by interests and behaviours.
- Instagram Ads: Perfect for visually showcasing themes and templates.
- TikTok Ads: Useful for reaching a younger audience and demonstrating the ease of use of our products.
The cost of advertising on social media varies widely depending on the platform, targeting, and budget. However, it is important to allocate part of your budget to these campaigns.
SEO and Content
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is essential for your online store to appear in the top search results on Google. Creating quality content, such as guides and tutorials on how to use Shopify themes and templates, helps attract organic traffic. Good SEO can significantly reduce reliance on paid advertising.
- Keyword Research: Identifying what users are searching for.
- On-page Optimisation: Improving the content and structure of the website.
- Link Building: Obtaining links from other websites.
Investing in SEO is a long-term strategy that can yield a very high return on investment. Creating useful and relevant content for your audience is key to positioning yourself as an expert in the sector.
Email Marketing
Email marketing remains a very effective tool for keeping in touch with your customers and promoting new products. At Imagine Business, we use email marketing to inform about new themes, templates, and online business opportunities.
- Building an Email List: Offering something in exchange for subscription.
- Segmenting the List: Sending personalised messages to each segment.
- Automating Campaigns: Scheduling automatic sends for different actions.
The cost of email marketing depends on the platform you use and the size of your email list. However, it is an investment that usually generates a good return.
Cost Analysis for New Entrepreneurs
For those venturing into the world of e-commerce, understanding the initial and ongoing costs is fundamental. At Imagine Business, we help entrepreneurs find already established online businesses and Shopify themes ready to use, which can significantly reduce the initial investment compared to starting from scratch. A solid financial plan is the foundation for a successful business.
Initial Investment
The initial investment when starting an online business can vary widely. If you choose to build your store from scratch, costs may include:
- E-commerce Platform: Shopify plans vary, but even the most basic plan involves a monthly fee.
- Domain: Registering a domain is essential for your brand identity.
- Design and Development: If you lack technical skills, you may need to hire a designer or developer.
- Initial Marketing: Investing in advertising to promote your store.
At Imagine Business, we offer an alternative: acquiring an already functioning online business. This can include:
- An existing customer base.
- A website already designed and optimised.
- Inventory (if applicable).
Average Monthly Costs
Monthly costs are crucial for keeping your business running. These may include:
- E-commerce Platform Fee: Shopify charges a monthly fee based on the plan you choose.
- Marketing and Advertising: A continuous budget to attract new customers.
- Website Maintenance: Updates, security, and possible repairs.
- Transaction Costs: Fees for each sale made.
- Customer Support: If you hire staff to assist your customers.
It is important to keep in mind that monthly costs can vary depending on the size and complexity of your business. A detailed analysis of your expenses will help you maintain a healthy cash flow.
Return on Investment
Calculating the return on investment (ROI) is essential for evaluating the profitability of your business. Consider:
- Total Revenue: Sales generated by your online store.
- Total Costs: Sum of all expenses, both initial and monthly.
- Profit Margin: The difference between your revenue and costs.
To improve your ROI, you can:
- Optimise your marketing campaigns to attract more qualified customers.
- Reduce your operating costs by negotiating with suppliers or automating tasks.
- Increase the average order value by offering complementary products or volume discounts.
At Imagine Business, we help you find online businesses with a proven income history, allowing you to have a better idea of the potential ROI before making the investment. This reduces risk and enables you to make more informed decisions.
Comparison with Other E-commerce Platforms
Choosing the right platform for your online store is an important decision. There are many options available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. At Imagine Business, we understand that finding the perfect platform can be a challenge, which is why we offer already created online businesses and ready-to-use Shopify themes. But how does Shopify compare to other platforms?
Advantages of Shopify
Shopify has positioned itself as one of the leading platforms in the world of e-commerce, and for good reasons. Here are some of its main advantages:
- Ease of Use: Shopify is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to create and manage their online stores without needing advanced technical knowledge.
- Wide Range of Applications: The Shopify app store offers a large variety of tools to enhance your store's functionality, from marketing and sales to inventory management and customer service.
- Scalability: Shopify offers different plans that cater to the needs of each business, from small startups to large enterprises.
- Technical Support: Shopify provides 24/7 technical support through various channels, such as chat, email, and phone.
Shopify stands out for its ease of use and robust app ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.
Disadvantages of Shopify
Despite its many advantages, Shopify also has some disadvantages that you should consider:
- Cost: Shopify can be more expensive than other e-commerce platforms, especially if you need to use many apps or if you have a high sales volume.
- Transaction Fees: If you do not use Shopify Payments, you will have to pay transaction fees to Shopify.
- Customisation Limitations: Although Shopify offers a wide variety of themes and apps, it can be difficult to fully customise your store if you have very specific needs.
Alternatives to Shopify
If Shopify is not the right platform for you, there are other alternatives you can consider. Here are some of the most popular:
- WooCommerce: A popular option for those who already have a website on WordPress. It offers a lot of flexibility and customisation, but requires more technical knowledge.
- Wix eCommerce: An easy-to-use platform that offers a wide variety of templates and design tools. It is a good option for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- BigCommerce: A robust platform that offers many advanced features, such as inventory management, marketing, and analytics. It is a good option for large companies and growing businesses.
If you are looking for alternatives to Shopify, we recommend thoroughly researching each platform to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. At Imagine Business, we help you find the perfect online business, regardless of the platform you choose.
E-commerce Trends in 2025
The landscape of e-commerce is constantly evolving, and 2025 will be no exception. For Imagine Business, this means staying on top of the latest trends to offer our clients the best opportunities to acquire online businesses and optimised Shopify templates for the future.
Growth of E-commerce
The growth of e-commerce continues to be unstoppable. Online sales are expected to keep increasing, driven by the convenience and accessibility they offer to consumers. This means that the demand for well-established online businesses and high-quality Shopify templates will continue to grow. At Imagine Business, we are preparing for this increase by offering an ever-growing selection of options for our clients.
New Technologies
Several emerging technologies are transforming e-commerce:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Personalising the customer experience, automating customer service, and optimising marketing campaigns.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Allows customers to visualise products in their own environment before purchasing, enhancing trust and reducing returns.
- Blockchain: Greater security and transparency in transactions, which builds consumer trust.
At Imagine Business, we are exploring how to integrate these technologies into our services to offer our clients a competitive edge. For example, we could use AI to recommend Shopify templates that fit the specific needs of each business.
Changes in Consumer Behaviour
Consumer buying habits are changing rapidly. Some key trends include:
- Increased Demand for Personalisation: Consumers expect personalised and relevant shopping experiences.
- Emphasis on Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases.
- Importance of Mobile Experience: Most online purchases are made through mobile devices, so it is crucial to have an online store optimised for mobile.
For Imagine Business, this means we must offer Shopify templates that are highly customisable, have a responsive design, and allow online businesses to highlight their sustainable practices. Additionally, we must ensure our clients have access to the tools and resources they need to understand and adapt to these changes in consumer behaviour.
Additional Resources for Sellers
Guides and Tutorials
If you are looking for detailed information on how to optimise your Shopify store, you are in the right place! At Imagine Business, we understand that success in e-commerce requires continuous learning. That’s why we offer a variety of guides and tutorials designed to help you master all aspects of your online business. From how to choose the perfect Shopify theme to advanced marketing strategies, we have everything you need.
- Step-by-step Guides: Learn how to set up your store, add products, and manage inventory.
- Video Tutorials: Visualise how to perform key tasks and optimise your store.
- Specialised Articles: Delve into topics such as SEO, content marketing, and data analysis.
Don’t stay in doubt. Information is power, and at Imagine Business, we provide you with the tools to make the best decisions for your business.
Shopify Community
The Shopify community is an invaluable resource for any seller. Connect with other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and find solutions to your problems. At Imagine Business, we encourage participation in this community, as we believe that collaborative learning is key to success.
- Discussion Forums: Participate in debates, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
- Facebook Groups: Join specific Shopify groups to connect with other sellers.
- Online and In-person Events: Attend events to meet other entrepreneurs and learn from experts.
Analysis Tools
To succeed in e-commerce, it is essential to analyse the data from your store. At Imagine Business, we provide access to analysis tools that will help you understand customer behaviour, identify trends, and optimise your marketing strategies. Knowing your numbers is the first step to increasing your sales.
- Google Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics with your Shopify store to gain detailed insights into traffic and user behaviour.
- Shopify Reports: Use Shopify's built-in reports to analyse your sales, best-selling products, and other key data.
- Third-party Tools: Explore third-party analysis tools for even more detailed and personalised insights.
Final Thoughts on Shopify Costs in 2025
At the end of the day, selling online with Shopify in 2025 can be a great option for many entrepreneurs. The prices are varied and cater to different needs, from the Starter plan at just €5/month to more advanced options for larger businesses. It is important to consider not only the subscription cost but also the additional expenses that may arise, such as domains and apps. While it may seem like an investment, with just a few sales a month you can cover the costs. So, if you are thinking of launching your online store, Shopify remains one of the best alternatives in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pricing plans for Shopify in 2025?
Shopify offers several plans, including the Starter plan for €5/month, the Basic plan for €36/month, and the Shopify plan for €105/month.
Is it possible to try Shopify before buying?
Yes, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial and promotions such as 3 months for just €1/month.
What additional costs should I consider when selling with Shopify?
In addition to the subscription, consider the cost of the domain, premium themes, and additional apps.
What are Shopify's transaction fees?
If you use Shopify Payments, there are no additional fees. If you use other methods, fees may be 2.1% + €0.30.
Which Shopify plan is best for me?
It depends on your needs. If you only sell on social media, the Starter plan is ideal. For a complete online store, the Basic plan is better.
Is Shopify easy to use for beginners?
Yes, Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface, perfect for those starting in e-commerce.
Can I change my plan at any time?
Yes, you can change your plan at any time as your business grows.
What benefits do I get from using Shopify?
Shopify offers ease of use, many integrations, and technical support to help you manage your store.