Ecommerce Development Cost: 2026 Pricing Guide
Ecommerce builds range from $1,500 for a Shopify starter store to $80,000+ for enterprise platforms. Platform choice, catalog size and integrations drive the cost — fixed-scope pricing caps it.
2026 cost ranges (USD)
| Project type | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Starter store (theme + basic customisation) | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Business store (custom theme, apps, integrations) | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Custom storefront (headless / Hydrogen) | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Enterprise platform (multi-store, ERP, 3PL) | $25,000 | $80,000+ |
| Shopify → custom migration | $8,000 | $25,000 |
| CRO / checkout optimisation | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| Ongoing support | $300 | $1,200 / mo |
Indicative planning bands, not quotes. A fixed price arrives with the written scope after discovery.
What drives the cost
| Driver | Typical effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Catalog size | 1,000+ SKUs with variants and custom attributes adds 1–3 weeks for data modelling and import |
| Integrations | ERP, 3PL, CRM and payment gateways each add 1–3 weeks and $1,000–$5,000 |
| Design complexity | Custom UX with unique flows adds 2–4 weeks vs a structured theme approach |
| Platform choice | Shopify Plus starts at $2,000+/mo; custom avoids platform fees but has higher upfront cost |
| Migration scope | Moving from Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento adds 2–6 weeks for data and redirect mapping |
Common questions
How much does ecommerce development cost?
A defined ecommerce build costs $5,000–$15,000 through a fixed-scope agency for a business store, or $25,000+ for enterprise platforms with ERP and 3PL integrations. Starter stores on Shopify can launch for $1,500–$5,000. The range depends on catalog size, integrations and platform choice.
Is Shopify or custom ecommerce cheaper?
Shopify is cheaper upfront (theme + apps: $500–$5,000) but accumulates monthly costs (plan + apps + transaction fees). Custom costs more upfront ($10,000–$30,000) but the three-year total cost of ownership is often lower — no platform fees, no app bloat. For high-volume stores, custom pays for itself within 18–24 months.
What is the cheapest way to launch an online store?
Start with a Shopify theme and minimal customisation ($1,500–$5,000), validate product-market fit, then invest in custom when volume or UX demands it. Fixed-scope agencies let you stop after any working release, so you never commit to a full build before seeing value.
Do you charge hourly or fixed for ecommerce?
Core builds are fixed-price per milestone — finance approves a known number before work starts. Ongoing support is monthly rolling. Reviews and CRO audits are short fixed-price engagements — not open hourly retainers.
How long does an ecommerce build take?
A business store takes 5–10 weeks from discovery to launch. Custom storefronts and migrations take 8–16 weeks across multiple milestones. Each milestone delivers working software, so you see value before the full budget is committed.
Content last reviewed October 2026.
Related services
Where This Decision Lands
If the answer is we still need the work done, these are the service pages that state scope, price and fit.
- Ecommerce DevelopmentLive store + operations guideStore typically 3–6 weeks after catalog, copy and payment setup are ready
- Business Website DevelopmentLive site + editing guideBrochure-to-lead-gen site typically 2–5 weeks after content is ready
- UI/UX & Product DesignFigma design system + interactive prototypeDesign sprint typically 2–4 weeks; prototype and developer handoff walkthrough included
Other cost guides
The rest of the pricing picture
Every band on this site comes from one published table, so the number you read here is the number everywhere else. These guides break the same table down by region and project type.
Software development cost in the USA
Price ranges for web apps, SaaS, mobile and ecommerce in USD, plus the cost drivers that move the number.
Open the guideSoftware development cost in the UK
The same table in GBP, with UK vendor onboarding, VAT treatment and the London overlap window.
Open the guideSoftware development cost in Australia
AUD bands, GST-inclusive pricing, and the Australian Privacy Act context for offshore delivery.
Open the guideSoftware development cost in Canada
CAD bands, GST/HST/PST treatment by province, and the Quebec Law 25 question.
Open the guideSoftware development cost in India
The same table in INR, for businesses across India including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Open the guideMobile app development cost
MVP through enterprise app, native versus cross-platform, and the store-release costs that sit outside the build.
Open the guideSee the full pricing table in USD, GBP and INR.
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