Getting started
How much does an online store cost? A budget checklist
A subscription is only part of your store budget. Estimate setup, order handling, content and the cost of attracting your first customers.
Comparing stores only by subscription price can produce a misleading budget. Include preparation, order handling and customer acquisition. Separate one-time costs, recurring costs and costs that grow with each order.
Budget before launch
List photography, product copy, branding and any implementation help. Reuse suitable existing materials instead of paying for them again. Track stock and packaging separately: they are not software expenses, but they still affect the cash needed to start.
Calculate ongoing expenses
Add the platform subscription, add-ons, communication tools and technical support. Divide annual expenses, such as domain renewal, by twelve for planning. Check renewal prices rather than only first-year promotions, and compare amounts on the same tax and currency basis.
Estimate the cost per order
Include the product, packaging, payment processing, shipping subsidies and handling. Use your provider's actual fee schedule. A percentage fee may also include a fixed component.
Illustrative planning example, excluding tax calculations: a sale of 120 units minus 55 for stock, 4 for packaging, 3 for payment and 8 for subsidised shipping leaves 50 before advertising, fixed costs and other charges.
Set an acquisition limit
In that example, spending 35 to acquire the order leaves 15 for remaining costs. Do not assume repeat purchases before measuring them. Build a cautious, low-sales scenario as well as an optimistic one.
Compare the complete offer
- Required features and limits.
- Add-on and integration charges.
- Renewal and cancellation terms.
- Time spent on daily administration.
Use the current RIKSLY pricing page for actual prices. This checklist is a planning framework, not a profitability forecast.