Introduction
Starting an online business can be an exciting venture, but it’s important to carefully consider the costs involved. One of the key expenses for any e-commerce business is the monthly running cost of the platform you choose to host your online store. In this article, we will review the monthly running costs of the top 10 e-commerce platforms for online business start-ups. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch platforms, this information will help you make an informed decision.
1. Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms available today. They offer a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs. The Basic Shopify plan starts at $29 per month, while the Advanced Shopify plan is priced at $299 per month. Shopify also offers additional features and services through their app store, which may incur additional costs.
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress that allows you to turn your website into an e-commerce store. The plugin itself is free to use, but you will need to consider the costs of hosting your website. Hosting prices can vary depending on the provider you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $25 per month for a basic hosting plan.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another popular e-commerce platform known for its scalability and robust features. Their pricing plans start at $29.95 per month for the Standard plan, and go up to $299.95 per month for the Pro plan. BigCommerce also offers enterprise-level solutions for larger businesses, which require custom pricing.
4. Magento
Magento is a powerful open-source e-commerce platform that offers both a free Community Edition and a paid Enterprise Edition. The Community Edition is free to use, but you will need to consider the costs of hosting your website. Hosting prices can range from $5 to $100 per month, depending on your needs and the hosting provider you choose.
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder that also offers e-commerce functionality. Their pricing plans start at $26 per month for the Business plan, and go up to $40 per month for the Advanced plan. Squarespace is known for its beautiful templates and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners.
6. Volusion
Volusion is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that provides everything you need to start and run an online store. Their pricing plans start at $29 per month for the Personal plan, and go up to $299 per month for the Business plan. Volusion also offers custom pricing for larger businesses with specific needs.
7. 3dcart
3dcart is a feature-rich e-commerce platform that offers a range of pricing plans to suit different business sizes. Their plans start at $19 per month for the Startup plan, and go up to $229 per month for the Pro plan. 3dcart also offers additional services such as web design and marketing, which may incur additional costs.
8. Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that also offers e-commerce functionality. Their pricing plans start at $23 per month for the Business Basic plan, and go up to $49 per month for the Business VIP plan. Wix is known for its drag-and-drop editor and extensive app market, which allows you to add additional features to your online store.
9. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is an open-source e-commerce platform that offers a range of features and customization options. The platform itself is free to use, but you will need to consider the costs of hosting your website. Hosting prices can range from $5 to $100 per month, depending on your needs and the hosting provider you choose.
10. OpenCart
OpenCart is another open-source e-commerce platform that offers a range of features and flexibility. The platform itself is free to use, but you will need to consider the costs of hosting your website. Hosting prices can range from $5 to $100 per month, depending on your needs and the hosting provider you choose.
Conclusion
When choosing an e-commerce platform for your online business start-up, it’s important to consider the monthly running costs. While some platforms may offer lower upfront costs, they may have additional fees for features or services. Take the time to evaluate your business needs and budget before making a decision. Remember, the right platform for your business is the one that aligns with your goals and provides the necessary tools to help you succeed.
