In this article, you’ll discover the following:
- The choice between SaaS (turnkey) and open source (freedom + technicality) largely determines the cost of your store.
- The price of an ecommerce site depends on its size: less than 100 products or more than 1,000, the budget varies from $300 to $60,000+.
- Every elements counts: domain name, hosting, design, payment methods, maintenance, extensions, etc.
- Three possible approaches: create it yourself (economical), go through a freelancer (flexible), or work with an agency (turnkey but expensive).
- SaaS solutions like WiziShop offer time savings, support, securityn and scalability at a lower cost (around $300/year).
When preparing to launch an online boutique and start an ecommerce business, entrepreneurs must keep in mind the backbone of their project: the budget.
Of course, on the internet, you may come across YouTubers and other social media influencers who will tell you that you can succeed without spending any money. But we’re not here to sell you a dream.
However, we can also assure you that a well-managed and intelligently built online store doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars!
Should you outsource to an agency? Use specialized ecommerce management software? Which solution will best suit your budget and ambitions?
There are many combinations of online tools and practices that will save you a lot of money and time and give your business greater flexibility in the long term.
We’ve compiled a detailed list of all the expenses involved in managing an ecommerce site, for all types of businesses, point by point, just for you!
This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to succeed when starting an online boutique, and you will be able to validate (or not) the quotes from your potential partners with full knowledge of the facts!
Read on to find out about all about the various expenses involved in creating boutiques on the internet in our detailed guide.
Type of ecommerce solution: SaaS and open source
At first glance, you might think that the cost of an ecommerce site depends solely on its appearance or the number of products it offers. But in reality, it’s the choice of ecommerce solution and your strategic objectives that carry the most weight.
Before presenting the various budget items related to an ecommerce site, you need to understand the difference between these two concepts: SaaS and open source.
These are two very different approaches, which have a direct impact on your budget, autonomy, workload, and business growth.
So which should you select when you wish to start an adventure in digital commerce? Here is a clear, concrete, jargon-free explanation to help guide you in your decision (with a little infographic to boot!).
SaaS
SaaS stands for “software as a service.” It’s a turnkey model where everything is already set up: you sign up online, choose a template, configure your store, and start selling.
You don’t have to install anything or host anything yourself.
The platform manages all the technical aspects for you (hosting, updates, security, etc.).
The best-known solutions are WiziShop, Wix, and Shopify.
Open source
Open source, on the other hand, is a free model where the code is open and modifiable.
You install the software on your own server, configure everything yourself
(or with a developer), and have complete freedom to customize... but also all the technical responsibility.
The best-known solutions are PrestaShop, WooCommerce for Wordpress, and Magento.
What is the average cost of an online boutique?
As you’ve come to understand, the cost of an ecommerce site is not fixed and will depend on many factors, such as the solution you choose, the tools you use, and the size of your site.
To help you see more clearly, here are some estimates that will give you a better understanding of the differences between open source and SaaS according to your specific needs for your online boutique.
Cost of a small online boutique (fewer than 100 products)
Do you sell a limited selection of products? Perfect. Your needs are simple: a smooth, functional digital commerce site that reassures your visitors and potential customers and allows you to sell effectively.
💰 Annual cost:
- Open-source solution: Website creation + maintenance + plugins → between $800 and $4,000
- SaaS solution: Website creation + maintenance → $24.90 per month, or approximately $300 per year (price based on the WiziShop solution’s annual “Smart” plan)
Cost of a medium-sized online boutique (100 to 1,000 products)
Here, you enter another dimension: more products, therefore more content, more configuration, and more automation. You need a well-structured site, optimized navigation, filters, detailed product descriptions... in short, a solid tool for conversion.
💰 Annual cost:
- Open-source solution: Website creation + maintenance + plugins → between $4,000 and $9,500
- SaaS solution: Website creation + maintenance → $24.90 per month, or approximately $300 per year (price based on the WiziShop solution’s annual “Smart” plan)
Cost of a large online boutique (more than 1,000 products)
At this level, you’re aiming for large-scale internet commerce. Your boutique needs a platform capable of handling a lot of traffic, managing a large inventory, and specific integrations (ERP, CRM, logistics).
In short: a site that’s robust, fast, flexible, and above all, well designed for SEO.
💰 Annual cost:
- Open-source solution: Website creation + maintenance + plugins → between $10,500 and $60,000+
- SaaS solution: Website creation + annual maintenance → $99.90 per month, or approximately $1,200 per year (price based on the WiziShop solution’s annual “Business” plan)
| Store size | SaaS (ex: WiziShop) | Estimated total annual cost | Open source (ex: WooCommerce for Wordpress) | Estimated total annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small store(< 100 products) | 🔹 Creation and subscription: $300/year 🔹 Maintenance: included | $300 | 🔸 Creation: $500 to $3,000 🔸 Hosting: $50 to $200 🔸 Updates/plugins: $250 to $800 | $800 to $4,000 |
| Intermediate store(100 to 1,000 products) | 🔹 Creation and subscription: $300/year 🔹 Maintenance: included | $300 | 🔸 Creation: $3,000 to $8,000 🔸 Hosting: $200 to $300 🔸 Maintenance/plugins: $800 to $1,500 | $4,000 to $9,500 |
| Large ecommerce site(> 1,000 products) | 🔹 Creation and subscription: $1,200/year 🔹 Maintenance: included | $1,200 | 🔸 Creation: $8,000 to $50,000 🔸 Hosting: $500+ 🔸 Maintenance/plugins: $2,000 to $10,000+ | $10,500 to $60,000+ |
Factors that impact the cost of an online boutique
1. Creator of the ecommerce site
Create your site yourself
This is a popular solution among independent entrepreneurs, beginners, or those who want to maintain control of their project (and their budget).
Thanks to turnkey solutions such as WiziShop, creating an ecommerce site has never been more accessible. For this step, you don’t need to know how to code to build your store: everything is done by drag and drop, the designs are ready to use, and the ecommerce features are already integrated (shopping cart, secure payment, SEO, shopping cart reminders, etc.).
A key advantage: you have an operational online store in a matter of hours. It’s the most economical and fastest option to be able to start your new adventure in online sales!
💰 Costs: None, but it takes time.
Work with a freelancer (flexibility, average cost)
This is often the choice of brands that want a more personalized website without going through an agency.
A freelancer can help you create a custom website, integrate specific plugins, or optimize UX. This is often a good option if you have a little money to spend but want to remain agile.
💰 Costs:
- Website creation: Between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on complexity
- Maintenance / upgrades: hourly rate ($50 to $80/hour on average)
⚠️ Note: You’ll probably need to coordinate several people (developer, designer, SEO expert, etc.) and allow time for discussions, testing, and feedback.
Outsource to an agency (turnkey solution, but more expensive)
This is the choice for companies with a large catalog, specific needs, or a high-value-added ecommerce project.
An agency is an “all-inclusive” solution: strategy, construction, development, marketing. You delegate, and the agency manages everything. But convenience comes at a high cost. And every request for changes can quickly drive up the bill.
💰 Costs:
- Website creation: From $8,000 to $50,000, sometimes more
- Maintenance / upgrades: $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the support provided
⚠️ The problem is dependency. Once your site is delivered, you’ll generally have to return to the agency for even the smallest adjustments. This can hinder your agility, especially if you want to quickly test new marketing ideas.
| Option | Estimated costs | Updates and developments | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create it yourself | 🔹 $24.90 to $99.90/month with a SaaS solution like WiziShop | 🔹 Included in subscription | ✅ Online store in a few hours ✅ No technical requirements ✅ Human support (Business Coach) ✅ Predictable budget | ❌ Less extreme customization ❌ Some limitations in architecture (vs. custom-made) |
| Work with a freelancer | 🔹 $2,000 to $10,000 (creation) 🔹 $50 to $80/hour for maintenance or upgrades | 🔹 On demand (hourly rate) | ✅ Custom-made possible ✅ More flexible than an agency ✅ Less expensive than a 100% custom project | ❌ Coordination to be managed by yourself ❌ Variable delays ❌ Dependence on one or more freelancers |
| Delegate to an agency | 🔹 $8,000 to $50,000+ (creation) 🔹 $2,000 to $10,000/year (maintenance) | 🔹 Included based on contract 🔹 Interventions often billed separately | ✅ Turnkey project ✅ Strategic support ✅ Management of all aspects (UX, SEO, dev, design, etc.) | ❌ High price ❌ Dependence on the agency for developments ❌ Sometimes long delays |
2. Domain name and hosting
Before you even think about design, payment methods, or your product listings, you need to lay the foundations for your ecommerce site: reliable hosting and a clear domain name.
Domain name
This is what your customers will type to access your store. It should be simple, and memorable, and it should reflect your business. A .com, or .store domain name is very easy to reserve these days.
💰 Average cost: Between $10 and $20/year, depending on the extension you choose
Hosting
Your site needs server space to store its content, images, products, etc. This is called web hosting.
- With a solution like WiziShop: Everything is included! You don’t have to look for a host or configure a server. You pay a monthly subscription, and hosting is already included in the package.
- With an open-source solution: It’s up to you to find a host (Bluehost, HostGator, Ionos, etc.), choosing between shared, dedicated, or cloud hosting, and then set everything up.
💰 Average cost: Between $50 and $200/year, or even more if you opt for premium or dedicated hosting
⚠️ Note: Poor-quality web hosting can slow down your site, harm your SEO, or even cause your store to crash during traffic spikes (sales, Black Friday, etc.).
| Criterion | Turnkey solution (ex: WiziShop) | Open source (ex: WooCommerce pour Wordpress) |
|---|---|---|
| Domain name | To be purchased separately ($10 to $20/year) | To be purchased separately ($10 to $20/year) |
| Hosting | ✅ Included in subscription | ❌ Must sign up for it yourself ($50 to $200/year) |
| Technical setup | ✅ None: everything is already ready | ❌ Requires server + CMS installation |
| Servers | ✅ Managed by the platform | ❌ At your expense (or via service provider) |
| Security and backups | ✅ Automatically included | ❌ Set up and monitor yourself |
| Scalability | Automatic (scalable cloud) | Depends on your hosting (RAM, bandwidth) |
| Support in case of failure | Responsive assistance | Varies depending on the host / or yourself |
3. Payment solutions
Accepting online payments is essential but not free.
For each sale, fees are charged by the payment gateway (Stripe, PayPal, etc.). These fees may vary depending on the provider, your sales volume, your industry, or your location.
💰 Estimated cost: Varies based on payment solution
PayPal (U.S. business accounts)
- PayPal digital payments: 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction
- Credit and debit card payments: 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction
Stripe (US)
- Domestic cards: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
- Klarna (Buy Now, Pay Later): 5.99% + $0.30 per transaction
Alma
- No monthly subscription or setup fees
- Commission on sales only: approximately 3.6% excluding tax, variable depending on the number of monthly payments (e.g., 3.6% for two payments, 3.8% for three payments, etc.)
4. Design
Design is much more than just aesthetics. It’s the first impression your site makes. Good design means more reassurance, more professionalism, and therefore more sales.
Without it, you may find potential customers opting to buy from competing businesses instead!
💰 Estimated cost:
- Pre-designed templates: $0 to $300 (one-time purchase). Often free or inexpensive in turnkey solutions such as WiziShop, Wix, or Shopify. Perfect for getting started quickly without breaking the bank.
- Customized website (freelancer or agency): $1,000 to $10,000+. Expensive, but worthwhile if you are aiming for a high-end brand image or a highly distinctive website.
Select a design template to suit your brand by selecting from the various options available on the WiziShop platform.
5. Maintenance and updates
Whether you plan to sell clothing, pet supplies, kids’ toys, or other products, the ecommerce website you build isn’t just a static showcase on the internet. It’s a living web tool that’s constantly evolving.
You add new products, adjust your prices, update your business’s delivery terms or legal notices... And on the technical side, you also need to make sure that everything runs smoothly so you don’t get lost in the maze of the internet.
The risks of poorly maintained websites:
- Security breaches
- Display bugs (especially on mobile devices)
- Slowdowns
- Incompatibility with certain browsers or web tools
- And above all, loss of conversions if the user experience deteriorates
Open source
You have two options here:
- Ensure the health of the site yourself, which requires time, skills, and a good ability to react.
- Call on an external service provider, often in the form of an annual contract or one-off interventions.
💰 Estimated cost: The annual cost of maintenance is between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the site and the level of support desired.
SaaS
At WiziShop, the issue is quickly resolved: updating and optimizing the solution is fully managed.
Security updates, technical developments, mobile compatibility... everything is managed automatically, without you having to lift a finger. You can stay focused on your inventory, your social media marketing as well as other strategies to market your catalog, and your customers while limiting costs. In short, on what generates revenue and grows your business!
| Criterion | Turnkey solution (ex: WiziShop) | Open source (ex: WooCommerce, PrestaShop) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical updates | ✅ Included in subscription | ❌ Must be managed yourself or via an external service provider |
| Updates (CMS, plugins) | ✅ Automatic, without intervention | ❌ Must be done manually, with risk of incompatibility |
| Security and backups | ✅ Managed automatically | ❌ Must be set up and monitored regularly |
| Mobile/browser compatibility | ✅ Continuously optimized by the platform | ❌ Must be tested and adapted to each evolution |
| Technical support | ✅ Included (with human assistance) | ❌ Optional / paid / depends on the service provider |
| Estimated annual cost | Included in monthly subscription | $500 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the site |
6. Number of pages
The size of your website has a direct impact on its cost. Each page to be integrated represents work time, whether you do it yourself, hire a freelancer, or use an agency. It’s both your company’s showcase and your main source of profit: nothing should be overlooked.
An online store that sells 20 T-shirts requires at least the following:
- 1 home page
- 1 “About” page
- 1 “Contact” page
- 20 product pages
- 2 to 4 category pages
- 1 FAQ page, 1 terms-and-conditions page, 1 legal-notices page, etc.
Open source
With open source, each page optimization will have to be managed on a case-by-case basis, whether by coding on your own or by calling on your freelancer/agency (for a fee for each page change or feature addition).
💰 Estimated cost: Time or $50 to $150/page if delegated
SaaS
With SaaS, as with WiziShop, you can easily modify or add pages to your online boutique for free.
The icing on the cake: AI text writing is directly integrated into your unlimited subscription to quickly create content for your site. Even your product listings can be entirely managed by AI thanks to the Pizi solution, using a simple photo taken with your smartphone.
💰 Estimated cost: Time or $20 to $50/page if delegated
7. User experience and mobile optimization
Today, more than 70% of online purchases are made from a smartphone, according to OuterBox statistics.
In other words, if your website isn’t mobile friendly and your features aren’t fluid on all screens, you’re losing sales.
The mobile UX must be flawless on every page of your online store, regardless of the screen size:
- Smooth navigation
- Clear menus
- Fast-loading pages
- Simplified checkout process
- Legible and accessible buttons
Creating a mobile experience worthy of a professional website often requires adjustments (or even a “mobile-first” design with more advanced features) that some agencies charge for separately or that you will have to manage yourself if you’re starting with a CMS that requires coding.
| Mobile UX aspect | Turnkey solution (ex: WiziShop) | Open source (ex: WooCommerce, PrestaShop) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile friendly | ✅ All templates 💰 No additional cost | 🔸 Depends on the theme used (not all are well optimized) 💰 Sometimes costs money |
| “Mobile-first” mobile adaptation | ✅ Site designed for mobile from the start ✅ Tested on all screens | 🔸 Must be developed or adapted manually 💰 $300 to $2,000, depending on complexity |
| Mobile menus and navigation | ✅ Dynamic menus included ✅ Optimized UX without adjustments | 🔸 Must be set up or configured via code 💰 Time or external service |
| Mobile loading speed | ✅ Fast cloud infrastructure ✅ Automatic optimizations | 🔸 Depends on hosting, theme, plugins 💰 Manual optimization or paid plugin |
| Mobile purchase funnel | ✅ Fluid and tested ✅ Simplified payment | 🔸 Must be customized (checkout, buttons, fields, etc.) 💰 Often via extension or specific dev |
| Estimated cost for optimal rendering | 💰 Included in subscription | 💰 $500 to $3,000 if redesign/mobile adaptation required |
All WiziShop templates offer responsive features, meaning they automatically adapt to all screen sizes without you having to tweak the code.
This saves you time and money, ensuring that your content is always optimized for the screen it’s being viewed on.
8. Extensions and plugins
When e-tailers launch their online stores, they don’t necessarily think about “add-on” features at the start.
However, specific needs quickly arise: complex shipping cost calculations, automatic invoices, customer reviews, integration with CRM or accounting software, etc.
This is where the use of plugins and extensions come in. These small modules enhance your site without having to develop everything from scratch. It’s a flexible and scalable solution to support your business’s growth.
Examples of common extensions:
- Real-time delivery tracking
- Integration with marketplaces (Amazon, Cdiscount, etc.)
- Loyalty programs or reward points
- Payment in installments or subscriptions
- Certified customer reviews
💰 In terms of cost, prices vary depending on the application:
- Some plugins are free (often in their basic version).
- Others require payment upon installation (one-time purchase or monthly subscription).
- On average, expect to pay between $10 and $50 per month per app for useful, professional plugins.
⚠️ If you use an open-source solution such as WooCommerce or PrestaShop, be careful not to add too many extensions: the more you add, the greater the risk of slowing down your site and causing bugs or incompatibilities between plugins. Not to mention that each plugin has its own update reasoning…
| Feature / plugin | Turnkey solution (ex: WiziShop) | Open source (ex: WooCommerce, PrestaShop) |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time delivery tracking | ✅ Integrated or easily connectable 💰 Included, according to contract | 🔸 Dedicated plugin to install 💰 $50 to $150/year |
| Marketplace integration (Amazon, Cdiscount, etc.) | ✅ Enableable native connectors 💰 Included or optional | 🔸 Modules to buy + technical configuration 💰 $100 to $300/year |
| Loyalty / rewards program | ✅ Built-in or app-compatible feature | 🔸 Specific plugin (sometimes limited) 💰 $50 to $200/year |
| Payment in installments / subscription | ✅ Integrated with Alma, PayPlug, etc. 💰 Commission fee per sale or flat rate | 🔸 Separate plugin 💰 $50 to $100/year + technical updates |
| Certified customer reviews | ✅ Simple connectors (Trustpilot, Avis Vérifiés, etc.) 💰 Included / inexpensive | 🔸 Manual integration or plugin 💰 $100 to $300/year |
| Plugin updates | ✅ Automatically managed by the platform | ❌ Must be monitored and applied manually |
| Risks of conflicts between plugins | Very low (controlled ecosystem) | ⚠️ Frequent if incompatibility or technical overload is present |
| Average monthly cost | 💰 $0 to $50/month, depending on options activated | 💰 $10 to $100/month cumulative (paid plugins + subscriptions) |
9. Monitoring and technical support
A bug when placing an order, a display that malfunctions on mobile devices, a customer who doesn’t receive their confirmation email...
When you manage an online store, these minor technical issues can quickly become obstacles to conversion or sources of unnecessary stress for your business.
This is where technical support becomes crucial. However, it’s often absent from price quotes. And that’s a problem because without support, every question becomes a waste of time. And every poorly resolved problem is a direct loss of revenue!
When you call on an agency, response times can be long, and technical interventions are often billed separately. As for an open-source CMS, you’ll sometimes have to search forums to find an answer to your problem.
With a SaaS solution like WiziShop, you’re never on your own.
Support is included, responsive, and above all, human. Have a question about your product photography? A doubt about your website’s SEO? A bug with your checkout? Contact the team directly via Maia, the chat bubble that can answer most of your questions instantly with AI, 24/7.
And if you need real support, a Business Coach is here to help. This ecommerce professional knows your store, your project, and your goals. They’re your partner in digital commerce, available to help you every step of the way, based on your level and your own development, from the foundations of your website to the launch of your business!
| Assistance criterion | Turnkey solution (ex: WiziShop) | Open source (ex: WooCommerce, PrestaShop) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical support included | ✅ Yes, via chat, email, phone, or video | ❌ Not automatically included – depends on the provider or forum |
| Average response time | ✅ Fast (a few hours) | ❌ Variable or long, depending on the service provider (freelance, agency, etc.) |
| Human and personalized assistance | ✅ Dedicated Business Coach at WiziShop (follow-up + strategic advice) | ❌ Rarely personalized, except for a specific contract with an agency |
| Access to a knowledge base | ✅ Yes (FAQ, tutorials, videos integrated into interface) | 🔸 Yes, but often scattered on forums / unofficial docs |
| Additional cost for support | ✅ Included in subscription | 🔸 Paid if via technical service provider / support contract ($50 to $150/h) |
| Blockage risk in the event of a bug | 🔽 Low – proactive support | 🔺 High if you’re on your own or without a maintenance contract |
| Overall user experience | ✅ Continuous support = fluidity, serenity, less stress | ❌ Risk of delays, unresolved errors, impact on sales |
In the end, what is the minimum cost of an online boutique?
Drum roll... Here are the minimum costs, “starting at,” for an ecommerce site, depending on the model.
Minimum cost with a SaaS solution (e.g., WiziShop)
- Website creation: $0 (template included or customizable for free)
- Subscription: From $24.90 excl. tax/month, or ~$299/year
- Domain name: Approximately $12/year
- Possible additional costs such as a premium template (optional service) and the integration of external applications (marketplace feed management, for example)
💰 Minimum total cost: Starts at around $310/year
For this price, you get a turnkey store + hosting + management + support + security.
Minimum cost with an open-source solution (e.g., WooCommerce)
- Hosting: Starting at $50/year
- Domain name: Approximately $12/year
- Basic development/configuration: Minimum $500 if you do it yourself with a free theme (otherwise, more with a freelancer)
- Plugins/basic management: Approximately $300/year
💰 Minimum total cost: Starts at around $850/year
For this price, you manage everything yourself.
Becoming an online retailer isn’t just a question of cost when it comes to creating an ecommerce site: it’s a strategic investment. The right tool, at the right price, with the right level of support, can make all the difference between a project that stagnates and an online store that takes off.
The real challenge is finding the right balance between autonomy, cost, performance, and scalability.
Ask yourself this question: which solution will save me time, give me peace of mind, and enable long-term growth?
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