Ecommerce Stack
WooCommerce Self-Hosted Stack
Maximum control: WordPress + WooCommerce + plugins
$3/mo
Base monthly cost
$180–$1200
Realistic year 1 total
5
Tools in this stack
What's in this stack
Free (open source)
Free
StartUp ($2.99/mo first year)
$3/mo
2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
Free
Free (500 contacts)
Free
Free
Free
Transaction fees
Stripe: 2.9% + 30¢. No platform fee on top (unlike Shopify with third-party gateways).
Hidden costs to budget for
- ⚠Hosting renewal jumps to $14.99/mo after first year
- ⚠Premium WooCommerce extensions: $49-199/year each
- ⚠SSL certificate (free with SiteGround, paid elsewhere)
- ⚠Security and backup plugins: $0-100/year
- ⚠Your time maintaining updates and security
Strengths
- ✓Lowest possible monthly cost
- ✓Full ownership of data and code
- ✓Unlimited customization
- ✓No transaction fees from platform
- ✓Better SEO control than Shopify
Weaknesses
- –Requires technical knowledge or willingness to learn
- –You handle security, updates, and backups
- –Plugin conflicts can break your store
- –Slower time to launch vs Shopify
Who this stack is for
Best for: Sellers who have more time than money, want full control, or have technical skills. Also good for content-heavy stores where SEO matters.
Not ideal for: Complete beginners who want to launch fast, or anyone who does not want to deal with hosting and maintenance.
Considering the alternative?
Compare with: Shopify Full Stack →Sources: woocommerce.com, www.siteground.com, stripe.com
Last updated: 2026-05-26. Prices may change — always verify on official sites before purchasing.