eCommerce Costs – Real Numbers Behind Running an Online Store

Thinking of launching an online shop? Most people picture the product and the sales, but the money side can catch you off guard. Below you’ll see the main cost buckets, where hidden fees hide, and simple ways to stay under budget.

One‑time vs Ongoing Expenses

First up, split costs into two groups. One‑time expenses are things you pay once to get the store live. That includes a custom design, domain name, and any premium plugins or themes you need. Expect to spend anywhere from £500 to £5,000 depending on how fancy you want it.

Ongoing expenses keep the lights on after launch. Hosting, SSL certificates, and payment‑gateway fees fall here. A solid shared hosting plan starts at around £5‑£10 per month, while a managed VPS can run £30‑£60. Payment processors typically charge 2% + £0.20 per transaction – factor that into product pricing.

Don’t forget marketing. Google Ads, Facebook ads, and email tools add a recurring line item. Small shops can start with £100‑£200 a month, but scaling fast can push that into the thousands.

Tips to Keep Your eCommerce Budget Under Control

Use a platform that matches your skill level. If you’re comfortable with WordPress, WooCommerce gives you a free core and many low‑cost extensions. For total beginners, a builder like Shopify adds a flat monthly fee (£25‑£79) that bundles hosting and security.

Buy only the plugins you truly need. Test free versions first; many premium tools offer a trial period. When it comes to design, a pre‑made theme can shave off thousands compared to a custom mock‑up.

Automate shipping calculations and inventory updates with free or cheap apps. The less manual work you do, the lower your labor cost.

Track every expense in a simple spreadsheet. Seeing the numbers side by side helps you spot overspend early and adjust your strategy before it hurts your cash flow.

Finally, read real‑world breakdowns. Our post “eCommerce Website Cost: What It Really Takes to Run One” walks through a full budget example, showing where most stores overspend and what you can trim without hurting performance.

By planning ahead, separating one‑off and recurring costs, and choosing tools wisely, you can launch a profitable online store without breaking the bank.