Ecommerce Stack
Shopify True Cost: Year 1 Breakdown
What you actually pay in your first year on Shopify (not just $39/mo)
$83/mo
Base monthly cost
$468–$3500
Realistic year 1 total
3
Tools in this stack
What's in this stack
Transaction fees
At $5,000/mo revenue: ~$175/mo in payment processing (2.9% + 30¢ × ~150 orders)
Hidden costs to budget for
- ⚠Theme: $0 (free) to $350 (premium) — one-time
- ⚠Apps (reviews, upsells, SEO): $30-100/mo average
- ⚠Domain: $14/year
- ⚠Transaction fees at $5K/mo revenue: ~$175/mo
- ⚠Shipping labels/packaging: varies
- ⚠Total realistic year 1 at $5K/mo revenue: $2,500-3,500
Strengths
- ✓Predictable base cost
- ✓Can start with zero apps and add as needed
- ✓Free themes are decent for starting
Weaknesses
- –App costs are the hidden multiplier
- –Transaction fees add up at volume
- –Theme upgrade often needed for conversions
Who this stack is for
Best for: Planning your budget before committing to Shopify.
Not ideal for: N/A — this is an informational cost page.
Considering the alternative?
Compare with: WooCommerce True Cost: Year 1 Breakdown →Sources: www.shopify.com, apps.shopify.com
Last updated: 2026-05-26. Prices may change — always verify on official sites before purchasing.