Starting an online store feels exciting, but the moment you add a product, the bills start rolling in. Knowing exactly where your money goes can save you from nasty surprises later. Below you’ll find the biggest cost buckets and some simple ways to keep them under control.
Domain and SSL. A good domain name usually costs £10‑£15 a year. An SSL certificate (the lock icon) is often free with many hosts, but premium options can add £30‑£50 annually. Both are essential for trust and Google ranking.
Web hosting or platform subscription. If you choose a hosted solution like Shopify, expect £25‑£80 per month depending on the plan. Self‑hosted WordPress with a cheap shared host can be as low as £5‑£10 a month, but you’ll need to factor in security plugins and backups.
Payment processing fees. Credit card processors typically charge 2.4% + £0.20 per transaction. Some gateways offer lower rates for higher volume, so compare a few before you settle.
Design and theme. Free themes are fine for a start, but a premium theme can cost £30‑£100 one‑time. Custom design work from a freelancer often starts around £300‑£500.
Inventory and fulfillment. Buying stock up‑front ties up cash. If you use dropshipping, you avoid that cost but pay higher per‑item fees. Shipping labels, packaging, and returns can quickly add up, so budget at least 5‑10% of sales for logistics.
Apps and plugins. Most platforms offer extensions for email marketing, reviews, or SEO. Many are free, but premium add‑ons can be £5‑£30 per month each. Pick only those that directly boost sales.
Marketing and advertising. Running Facebook or Google ads is the fastest way to get traffic, but expect a minimum of £200‑£300 a month for a modest campaign. Email tools like Mailchimp have free tiers, but larger lists need a paid plan.Accounting software. QuickBooks or Xero cost around £10‑£15 a month and keep your finances tidy. It’s worth the expense if you want to avoid messy spreadsheets.
Legal and taxes. Registering your business, getting a VAT number, or hiring a tax advisor can be a one‑off or recurring cost. Budget £100‑£300 for initial setup.
Now that you see where the money goes, the next step is to create a simple budget spreadsheet. List each cost, the frequency (monthly or yearly), and an estimated amount. Add a buffer of 10% for unexpected fees. Review the sheet every quarter and adjust as your store grows.
Bottom line: the biggest expense isn’t the platform, it’s the ongoing marketing and fulfillment costs. Keep your core costs low, spend smart on ads, and watch your profit margin improve. With a clear picture of online store expenses, you can focus on selling instead of stressing over bills.
Building an eCommerce website isn’t just about launching a store—it’s about keeping it up and running smoothly. This article breaks down the real costs behind launching and maintaining an online store, from initial design to monthly bills. You’ll learn what to expect, where you might want to save or splurge, and simple tips that can help you dodge surprise expenses. It’s packed with down-to-earth advice and real numbers, not just vague guesses. Get the honest breakdown before you jump into eCommerce.
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