Shopify plans and fees, added up honestly
Every comparison of Shopify pricing starts with the plan tiers, which is the least interesting part of the bill. The plan is predictable. What surprises people is everything stacked on top of it.
Here is the whole cost, in the order it tends to arrive.
What you actually pay each month#
| Line | Typical size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Fixed, predictable | The number everyone compares |
| Payment processing | Percentage of every order | Unavoidable on any platform |
| Extra transaction fee | Applies if you do not use Shopify Payments | Often the reason to switch provider |
| Apps | $20–$200 each, monthly | The line that grows quietly |
| Theme | One-off, or free | Small next to the rest |
| Maintenance | 15–25% of build cost per year | Almost never budgeted |
The app bill is the one to watch#
A dozen apps at $20 to $200 each will exceed your plan several times over, and it happens one reasonable decision at a time. Each app was justified on the day it was installed; the aggregate never gets reviewed.
Put a quarterly app review in the calendar before you install the third one. Uninstall anything nobody can name a use for.
Where the plan tier genuinely matters#
- Lower card rates at higher volume — worth modelling against your actual order count.
- Shipping and reporting features that replace an app you were about to buy.
- Staff accounts, if several people need admin access with different permissions.
- Checkout extensibility, which is gated by plan and can decide feasibility outright.
How to model it before you commit#
Take your expected monthly order count and average order value, apply the processing rate, add the plan, add the apps you already know you need, and add 20% of your build cost divided by twelve. That number, not the plan price, is what running the store costs.
Frequently asked questions
Which plan should a new store start on?
The lowest one that supports the features you have already decided you need. Upgrading is easy; paying for headroom you do not use is not.
Are transaction fees avoidable?
The extra Shopify fee is, by using Shopify Payments where it is available. Card processing itself is not avoidable anywhere.
How much should I budget for apps?
Model your known list, then assume it grows. Teams that budget zero for apps end up surprised within a quarter.
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