Online shop creation costs
- Online shop creation costs: What expenses should companies expect?
- Implementation costs
- How does the connection to the ERP system affect the costs for online shops?
- How much should you spend on functional enhancements for the shop?
- Design, content, photos, videos
- Other factors that influence the costs of setting up an online shop
- Help from specialists in creating an online shop
- FAQ
People feel the need to buy something new. In an age when online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, you can buy everything you need from home. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can fill your basket and pay for your goods conveniently online. Online shops offer customers greater convenience, as orders can be placed around the clock. Shipping methods are also well thought out. Everything is done to ensure customer satisfaction. It all looks so cool and easy.
However, anyone who decides to open a web shop will encounter several difficulties. The following questions immediately arise: “Who can help with the creation?”, “Which shop system is best?” and “How much does an online shop cost?” In our article, we explain what you need to consider and what online shop costs you can expect.
Creating an online shop Costs: What expenses should companies expect?
It doesn't matter whether a large corporation or a medium-sized company wants to enter the online retail market. The costs for creating an online shop depend on the size of the shop, its complexity, the range of functions, and the e-commerce platform.
For small, very simple online shops, you should expect to spend between $5,000 and $14,000. Medium-sized web shops with a customized design and minor functional adjustments cost between $15,000 and $30,000.
If you are planning a large e-commerce project, you will need to get used to higher online shop costs. These vary between €50,000 and €100,000. Sometimes the expenses can be even higher if numerous functions are integrated.
It is not possible to determine the exact amount in advance because many details will emerge during the process. However, you can use the prices quoted as a guide and plan your budget accordingly. Consulting a specialist in web shop development is the best decision in this case.
Online shop costs: small web shops
Creating small shops usually involves low costs. A simple shop system (Shopify, WooCommerce) is used for this purpose. These online shops offer up to 20 products, have standard functions, and a fairly simple design that can be customized as needed. However, complete changes are impossible. This means that configurators and extensions cannot be implemented in them.
You can start with a small online shop if you don't have a large budget or just want to test a product. This is also a good decision if you offer easily configurable, easy-to-understand items. These are perfect for selling in smaller web shops, and the costs for an online shop are not high. This way, you benefit twice. As your business grows, the shops you have set up can be expanded in the future.
Online shop creation costs: How much does a medium-sized online shop cost?
If you want a slightly larger web shop, you should expect to spend more. Shops of this type usually have a custom design. Some extensions, such as a configurator, can be integrated into them. However, you will have limitations. Above all, medium-sized online shops cannot be fully connected to ERP. Complete integration requires additional expenditure.
As far as the costs for creating an online shop are concerned, they start at €15,000 and rise to €30,000. Much depends on the choice of e-commerce platform. The costs for the shop system also vary. In addition, monthly fees are charged for the use of some shop systems. It is therefore advisable to find out how much an online shop costs per month before making your choice.
If the design and various functionalities need to be developed or adapted, you should contact agencies for online shops for help. This makes an online shop even more expensive.
Costs of creating an online shop – Large online shops
If you are planning a large e-commerce project, you should expect to spend at least $50,000. This price includes custom design, configurators, and integration with third-party systems.
However, there is no upper limit for the price. The creation of an online shop can also exceed $100,000. Several factors should be taken into account here. We have already mentioned that a lot depends on the shop system. A large budget is required to develop a professional website, add functions, and design it. You also have to pay for updates and support. This means that the running costs can be higher.
| Size | Scope of Functions, Features | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Small Shops | Offer up to 20 products; standard functions; simple design | 5,000 – 14,000 Euro |
| Medium Shops | Custom design; limited extensions; no full integration with ERP | 15,000 – 30,000 Euro |
| Large Shops | Tailor-made design; third-party system integration; high scalability | 50,000 – 100,000 Euro |
Implementation costs
Do you want to implement your shop? You should have a clear understanding of the costs to be expected for your own online shop. A distinction is made between fixed, variable costs, and extensions.
You should set up and configure the shop system, set up themes, extensions, and payment methods. The associated expenses are called fixed costs. The creation of functions and the testing of processes also require certain costs, which are fixed. Mail servers are configured and set up for shipping confirmation. The costs for this, as well as product templates, consideration of suitable backup systems, and all possible adjustments related to the ordering process, administration, and customer area are also considered fixed. The costs for setting up an online shop are around $4,000.
Depending on how flexible and extensive the shop is, there will be some costs involved. These are variable and depend on the number of subpages and product quantity, as well as the connection to third-party systems. The smaller the range of products, the faster the shop and the lower the implementation costs.
The costs are based on the total scope and the automation options involved. If the products and categories are repeated, the costs are lower. You should spend much more on many unique product pages. It is not possible to give specific figures, as they depend on the presentation of the products and the adjustments made, and range from 15 to 100 euros per product.
If you would like to have a Shopware shop built, you should inquire about Shopware costs in more detail.
How does the connection to the ERP system affect costs for online shops?
Prices for web shops without ERP systems
Small businesses and start-ups often opt for web shops without integrated ERP systems. This is a simple solution that requires less website and online shop creation costs, as well as fewer additional expenses for operational processes (accounting, order processing, etc.). These tasks must then be performed manually. Those who are unable to do so need the help of a specialist.
There are shop systems that have some necessary modules integrated. This is a good alternative for beginners, as they start small and then validate the business model. However, this is not practical when order volumes grow. In this case, a better solution should be sought. For an online shop without an ERP system, you should expect to pay at least $5,000. However, the price can also reach up to $15,000.
How much does an online shop with ERP system integration cost?
Webshops with integrated ERP systems are primarily geared toward higher sales. They mainly focus on B2B, B2C, or B2B2C models. Shopware, Magento, and OXID are the platforms most commonly recommended and used by experts for this purpose.
Before choosing an e-commerce platform, you should consider whether a shop system is compatible with the ERP system. Otherwise, you will have to change the shop system due to incompatibility, which will lead to unwanted expenses. Companies that intend to sell products on digital marketplaces (Amazon, eBay) need special solutions with ERP and PIM systems. This ensures smooth communication.
The costs for an online shop with an ERP system are influenced by several factors. Depending on scalability, functions, and licensing, the prices for the ERP system can vary. The one-time setup fee alone costs from $2,000. The cost of developing customized interfaces ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. If special further development is required, the costs are even higher (up to $30,000). The monthly rental fee for a good SaaS ERP system is approximately $150.
How much should you spend on functional enhancements for your shop?
Investments should not only be considered during the creation phase. Extensions and updates are necessary to ensure that your web shop runs smoothly. Complex functional enhancements are usually expensive. In addition, the help of a specialist is required. If you have a modern Shopware shop, for example, you can contact Shopware 6 Agency.
To meet the needs and requirements of customers, the following enhancements are usually required:
Such- und Filterfunktionen
Wenn Ihr Geschäft wächst, es immer mehr Produkte gibt, werden leistungsstarke externe Systeme verwendet. Damit kann man die Suche und Filterung von Produkten optimieren. Durch den Einsatz von KI wird Cross- und Up-Selling ermöglicht. Eine verbesserte Navigation auf der Website trägt zur Steigerung der Conversion-Raten bei. Dann sind die Leistungen von FINDOLOGIC oder FACT-Finder unentbehrlich.
Die Monatspreisen von Such- und Funktionssystemen variieren sich zwischen 350 Euro und 2.000 Euro. Für die Integration sollte man von 3.000 Euro bis 15.000 Euro zahlen.
PIM applications
If the online shop has an extensive product range, PIM systems are necessary. These systems enable the successful management of various media and languages. All product information is collected in one place, which saves time and improves data quality. PIM systems thus serve to efficiently maintain data, improve quality, and control expenditure.
The introduction of a PIM system costs between $15,000 and $60,000. On-premise solutions are even more expensive ($100,000–$250,000). The license costs $28,000–$250,000 per year.
CRM systems
CRM systems are used for the secure management of customer data. While small businesses can manage without CRM, it is more of a must for medium-sized businesses. Affordable versions are available for beginners. The monthly price is approximately $25. There are also scalable systems that provide flexibility. However, they are more expensive.
Payment systems
The payment systems are integrated into the shop system. If necessary, additional systems can also be added via modules. This is very convenient. However, one should not forget the transaction fees, which increase per sale. The costs mainly comprise 2-3% of the transaction turnover.
Plugins, apps, and add-on modules
Prices vary depending on the selected shop system, the required functions, and extensions. Shop providers make the add-on modules available in the app store. You can install the desired plugins via the store. Some shop systems offer free plugins. There are also numerous paid versions. You may also have to pay license fees or subscriptions.
| Additional Features | What Does It Enable? | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Search/Filter Functions | Improved search functionality, website navigation. | 350 – 2,000 Euro (monthly) 3,000 – 15,000 Euro (integration) |
| PIM Systems | Efficient data management; quality improvement; cost control |
15,000 – 60,000 Euro (implementation) 28,000 – 250,000 Euro (annual license fees) |
| CRM Systems | Efficient customer data management | 25 – 150 Euro (monthly) |
| Payment Systems | Digital payment processing | 2–3% of transaction revenue |
| Apps, Plugins, Extra Modules | Feature expansion | Free and paid options (varied pricing) |
Design, content, photos, videos
Web design and themes
Every online shop is created with one goal in mind: to increase sales. That's why you should pay special attention to web design. It should promote sales and make a positive impression on customers. It's important to inspire trust in your customers.
An impressive, professional design has a positive effect on customers. Some shop systems offer fairly inexpensive themes for a few hundred dollars. However, they are not suitable for every shop, as they can only be partially customized. For individual products, you should create customized designs. The best solution is to consult a qualified web designer. With their help, the web design will be SEO-friendly. Then success is guaranteed. This service costs between $3,000 and $5,000. Complex shop designs can cost up to $50,000. It is not worth skimping on this, because some buyers quickly recognize a high-quality design.
Design your shop window – select suitable photos and videos, write interesting texts
To increase sales opportunities, products should be presented in an attractive way. In most cases, the manufacturer provides its own texts and images. These should be unique and of high quality. Using this content and these photos is advantageous. The product videos are individually designed and professionally edited. This allows you to set your online store apart from the competition. Videos of this type cost from $3,000. To design images professionally, you need between $20 and $250 per image.
It is important to provide detailed product information. If the texts are convincing, the customer will make a positive decision more quickly. They should also be optimized according to SEO criteria. If the website has high online visibility, customers will find it more quickly. Then you will also sell more.
Other factors that influence the cost of setting up an online store
All online store costs depend on a number of factors. In order to make your online store popular with customers and sell your services or products more quickly, you need to focus more on good advertising. This requires the development of the right marketing strategy. The hosting service and legal security are also very important. This can significantly optimize search engine rankings and increase conversion rates. The online store should inspire customer confidence.
Marketing
Eines der wichtigsten Punkte, die die Gesamtkosten stark beeinflussen, ist das Marketing. Eine gute Werbung spielt eine große Rolle für den Webshop. Sie erfordert größere Ausgaben und ist keine einmalige Aktion. B2B und B2C Unternehmen sorgen besonders dafür, dass ihre Shops schnell gefunden werden und zum Einkauf anregen. Dadurch wächst der Kundenstamm und steigt der Umsatz.
Man unterscheidet einmalige Setup-, laufende und monatliche Marketing-Kosten für Steuerung und Ausgaben der Kampagne für den Onlineshop. Damit die Produktinformationen auf verschiedenen Kanälen (Marktplätzen, Preissuchmaschinen) verbreitet sind, braucht man die Kosten. Sie umfassen den Kauf und die Entwicklung von Schnittstellen und Modulen.
Webhosting & Domain
Neben den Webshop-Erstellungskosten entsteht auch der monatliche Mehraufwand für das Hosting. Diese unterscheiden sich nach dem Anbieter und nach der Größe des Shops. Bei kleinen und mittelgroßen Shops beträgt der Preis von 15 bis zu 300 Euro. Für große Lösungen zahlt man einige Tausend Euro.
Ein entscheidender Faktor für das Ranking ist eine Domain. Es ist wichtig, eine richtige Domain auszuwählen. Die Domainpreise variieren von 10 bis 100 Euro jährlich.
Legal certainty
Operators of online shops must pay close attention to legal aspects. Legal certainty encompasses terms and conditions, cookies and data protection, terms of use, and cancellation policies. In terms of costs, you should budget for legal advice, the appointment of a data protection officer, and third-party software for cookies. There are ready-made templates available online that small and medium-sized businesses can use. These costs are incurred on a monthly basis.
To avoid receiving warnings in the event of legal violations, the help of a data protection officer or lawyer is required. The prices for their services range from three to four digits.
Help from specialists in online shop creation
Are you planning to create a web shop? The experienced team of experts at Kenner Soft can help you with this. We offer individual support and professional solutions, are well versed in innovative technologies, and can implement them professionally.
At Kenner Soft, you get a complete service package—from consulting to maintenance. We analyze your business requirements and make customized adjustments, integrate third-party systems and necessary extensions, and offer technical support. Our programmers have been working with Shopware, OXID, and Magento for years, so they can create powerful, attractive online shops with appealing designs. We program excellent web shops with intuitive user interfaces, doing everything possible to improve the user experience, shopping experience, and increase conversion rates.
FAQ
How much does an online shop cost?
Online shops cost between $2,000 and $250,000.
How much does it cost to set up an online store?
Simple online stores with basic functions cost $8,000. A store with a custom design costs between $15,000 and $60,000.
How much does an online shop cost per month?
Depending on the platform and features, an online shop costs between $20 and $400 per month. There are additional costs.
Can you create an online shop for free?
Yes, you can create a shop using a free shop system. However, you will have to accept several restrictions.
