Thinking about starting your own online store but unsure how much it’s going to cost? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Ember & Grid is: “How much does it cost to launch an eCommerce business?”
The good news? You can get started for less than you think — but knowing what to expect up front will help you budget smart and scale faster.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common costs associated with launching a Shopify-based online store:
1. Shopify Monthly Plan — Starting at $29/month
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, and for good reason. The Basic Shopify plan is just $29/month, and it includes everything you need to launch:
- Secure checkout
- Inventory management
- Mobile-ready design
- Built-in marketing tools
If you need more advanced features like reports or international pricing, Shopify’s higher-tier plans are also available — but most new stores can start with Basic.
2. Domain Name — Around $12/year
You’ll need a domain name (yourstore.com), and most domains through Shopify or registrars like Google Domains cost around $12/year. Choose something brandable and easy to remember.
Pro tip: Buy your domain through Shopify to keep billing simple and connect automatically.
3. Branding and Design (Optional, but Recommended)
You can use free Shopify themes to launch fast — but if you want a custom look and feel (and better conversion rates), investing in professional store design is well worth it.
Our Shopify design services include:
- Custom homepage and product layout
- Optimized mobile experience
- Brand-specific styling
- Built-in SEO best practices
4. Inventory (or Dropshipping)
If you’re selling physical products, you’ll need to purchase inventory — and this can vary wildly depending on what you sell. Expect to spend $500–$2,000+ upfront if you’re holding inventory.
Want to skip the risk? Many new store owners choose dropshipping, where you only buy the product after a customer orders it. This keeps startup costs low.
5. Legal & Business Setup (Optional)
If you want to formalize your store as a business, you may choose to:
- Register an LLC (typically $50–$300, depending on your state)
- Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
- Set up a business bank account
While not legally required to start, these steps help protect you and make your business look more professional.
Total Estimated Startup Cost
Shopify Basic Plan: $29/month
Domain Name: $12/year
Design (optional): $500–$3,000+ one-time
Inventory: $0 (dropshipping) or $500–$2,000+
LLC (optional): $50–$300 one-time
You could realistically launch your online store for under $100/month if you use a free theme and dropship — or invest more upfront for a fully branded and inventory-based store.
Looking for Shopify Success?
At Ember & Grid, we’ve launched hundreds of successful Shopify stores for startups, creators, and brands. Whether you’re starting from scratch or redesigning an existing store, we’re here to help.
View our case studies to see how we’ve helped other eCommerce brands grow.
Explore our services to learn what we offer.
Contact us for a free consultation — no strings attached.
Let’s build something great, together.