Count recurring subscriptions
Include the e-shop platform, domain, email, required apps, accounting and any support contract.
Ormaven Guides · Total-cost guide · 2026-10-08
What does a small online store really cost each month?
A cheap platform plan does not mean a cheap e-commerce operation. Record fixed subscriptions separately from fees that grow with order volume.
A decision checklist based on provider documentation and public guidance. We did not personally test or purchase the listed services.
Decision process
Four steps to a practical choice
Separate order-linked fees
Model payment handling and marketplace fees using expected order volume and real accepted payment methods.
Add work and compliance
Product photos, invoicing, tax setup, returns handling and customer support have costs even if software starts free.
Test one real order in a sandbox
Check taxes, delivery zones, refunds, order emails and data export before publishing a catalog.
Worked example
Model: recurring monthly software & payment costs
Illustrative numbers only — not a current Shopify, Hostinger or processor quote. This excludes inventory, fulfilment, ads, taxes and labor. Confirm regional prices and fees.
€30 platform + €20 apps + €45 payment fees + €10 email = €105/month
Before payment
The final checklist
- Platform plan and renewal period checked
- Payment-provider and platform fees both checked
- Critical extensions priced for 12 months
- Return workflow and VAT evaluated
- Sample order and catalog export tested
Red flags
Common traps
- Treating processing and platform transaction charges as the same thing.
- Ignoring subscriptions to mandatory add-ons.
- Assuming the e-shop platform is responsible for merchant duties.
Service options
Check the provider before committing
E-commerce platformOfficial site
Shopify
Verify the current price, exact features and exclusions with the provider before purchasing.
Verify terms Official siteWeb hostingOfficial site
Hostinger
Verify the current price, exact features and exclusions with the provider before purchasing.
Verify terms Official siteLinks marked Partner link may earn Ormaven a commission. Inactive partnerships lead to the provider's ordinary official site. How partner links work.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is a hosted e-shop automatically cheaper?
Not necessarily. Compare the full operating cost with a self-managed stack, including maintenance and risk.
Do all plans have identical payment fees?
No. Country, plan and selected payment methods can change costs; check current documentation.
Does the platform handle my supplier problems?
Not as the merchant of record. Customer commitments and fulfillment remain the seller’s responsibility.
Checkable sources
Source documents and next reads
No firsthand testing is claimed. Example prices are illustrative rather than live quotes.