Having an Online Shop Created: Costs, Providers & Platforms 2026
What does a professional online shop cost? Shopify, WooCommerce or custom? The complete guide for your e-commerce decision.
Jonas Höttler
Having an Online Shop Created: Costs, Providers & Platforms 2026
You want to sell online, but the technical implementation overwhelms you? No problem. In this guide, you'll learn what a professional online shop costs, which platform suits you, and how to find the right provider.
Table of Contents
- What Does an Online Shop Cost?
- The Most Important Platforms Compared
- Agency, Freelancer or DIY?
- The Typical Process of a Shop Project
- Avoiding Common Mistakes
- FAQ
What Does an Online Shop Cost?
Costs vary enormously - from €500 for a simple builder shop to €100,000+ for an enterprise solution.
Cost Overview by Shop Type
| Shop Type | One-time Costs | Monthly Costs | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder (Jimdo, Wix) | €0 - €500 | €20 - €50 | Hobby, test, <20 products |
| Shopify Basic | €500 - €3,000 | €30 - €100 + 2% fee | Beginners, quick start |
| WooCommerce | €2,000 - €15,000 | €50 - €200 | Flexibility, own control |
| Shopify Plus | €10,000 - €50,000 | €2,000+ | Large shops, enterprise |
| Custom Development | €20,000 - €100,000+ | €500 - €2,000 | Special requirements |
The Most Important Platforms Compared
Shopify
Best for: Quick start, marketing-focused teams, D2C brands Costs: €30-€300/month + setup €500-€5,000
WooCommerce (WordPress)
Best for: Content + commerce, SEO focus, full control Costs: Hosting €20-€100/month + setup €2,000-€15,000
Shopware
Best for: German companies, B2B, medium to large shops Costs: €0-€2,500/month + setup €5,000-€30,000
Agency, Freelancer or DIY?
DIY
- Budget under €1,000
- Time to learn available
- Simple shop (<50 products)
Freelancer
- Budget €2,000 - €10,000
- Clear requirements
- Standard functions sufficient
Agency
- Budget from €5,000
- Complex requirements
- Long-term support desired
Conclusion
A professional online shop is an investment that pays off quickly with proper planning. Start with clear goals, choose the right platform, and plan realistically.
At Balane Tech, we develop e-commerce solutions that sell - from WooCommerce to custom development. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
FAQ
What's better: Shopify or WooCommerce?
Shopify for quick start and little technical effort. WooCommerce for more control, better SEO, and no ongoing platform fees.
How long does it take to create an online shop?
Simple shop: 2-4 weeks. Medium shop: 6-12 weeks. Complex shop with integrations: 3-6 months.
Can I expand my shop later?
Yes, with most platforms. WooCommerce and Shopware are particularly expandable. Shopify has limits.
