Shopify vs Other Platforms: TCO Calculator
Total Cost of Ownership Calculator
Estimate your eCommerce platform costs, including plans, transaction fees, and app expenses. Compare Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more to find the best solution for your business.
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What Is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
Total Cost of Ownership represents the complete cost of running an eCommerce platform, including subscription fees, transaction costs, app expenses, hosting, and any additional services. Understanding TCO helps businesses make informed decisions about which platform offers the best value for their specific needs and sales volume.
Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce: Cost Comparison
| Platform | Monthly Plan | Transaction Fees | App Cost (avg) | Hosting | Total (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $29-$299 | 2.9% + 30¢ | $40-$100 | Included | $200-$500 |
| WooCommerce | Free | Gateway fees | $50-$150 | $15-$50 | $100-$300 |
| BigCommerce | $39-$399 | 2.9% + 30¢ | $30-$80 | Included | $180-$450 |
Tips to Reduce Platform Costs
Subscription Optimization
- • Choose annual plans for 10-25% discounts
- • Start with lower tiers and upgrade as needed
- • Review your plan usage quarterly
- • Consider enterprise plans for high volume
- • Look for promotional pricing and trials
App & Fee Management
- • Consolidate apps with overlapping features
- • Negotiate lower gateway fees
- • Use Shopify Payments for reduced rates
- • Regular audit of app subscriptions
- • Consider custom development vs. apps
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shopify really cost per month?
Shopify's true cost includes the subscription ($29-$299), transaction fees (2.9% + 30¢), and app costs ($30-$100 average). Most businesses spend $200-$500 monthly total, with effective rates of 3-8% of revenue.
Is Shopify cheaper than WooCommerce?
WooCommerce has lower upfront costs but requires more technical management and hosting fees. Shopify is more expensive but includes hosting, support, and easier management. The choice depends on your technical skills and budget.
What are Shopify transaction fees?
Shopify charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction with Shopify Payments. Using external gateways adds an additional 0.6-2.0% fee. Advanced plans reduce these fees slightly.
How do I calculate my eCommerce platform's total cost?
Add your monthly subscription, transaction fees (sales × rate + transactions × fixed fee), app costs, and hosting. Our calculator automates this and shows you the effective cost as a percentage of revenue.