The Real Cost of a Webshop – 2025 Q1 Edition

Alpar Torok

How Much Does an Online Store Really Cost in Early 2025?

If you have a VAT-registered company and want to launch an online store, it is vital to understand all the costs involved. Often, these expenses are underestimated, which can lead to problems later on. Below you will find a list of the main elements to consider:

Domain and Hosting

Website Platform (A solid site for an SME, e.g., the site built for syrup producer Sweet Mountain)

  • WordPress: Lower initial costs, but requires continuous maintenance and security updates. Our agency builds a standard WordPress online store with basic requirements starting at approximately €3,000 + VAT + plugin costs.
  • Shopify: Initial setup cost of approximately €2,000 + apps/plugins. At the time of writing, Shopify fees are €36 or €105/month, including 10,000 free emails/month and unlimited automations.

Accounting/Invoicing Software

Shipping Costs and Payment Processing

  • Payment Processing: Shopify Payments, Netopia, EuPlatesc. We recommend checking their websites for personalized offers.
  • Shipping: Keep in mind additional costs for cash-on-delivery (COD) services.

Legal Website Package

What it includes:

  • GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy.
  • Terms and Conditions.
  • Mandatory ANPC (National Authority for Consumer Protection) elements.

Costs: Between €200 and €500 for consulting and drafting. Do not compromise here; contact a company specialized in e-commerce and GDPR.

Website and Product Content

  • Copywriting: "About Us" page, product descriptions, blog posts, homepage copy.
  • Imagery: Professional product photography, descriptive images, and website graphics.
  • Costs: Content packages can range between €500 and €2,000, but these costs can be reduced if the owner gets actively involved with proper guidance.

The Store is Just the Beginning

A website is a tool, not the complete solution. After the launch, you must invest in:

  • Marketing: Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns.
  • SEO: Continuous optimization and content writing.
  • Maintenance: Regular updates and security monitoring.

Total Estimated Startup Costs

Taking a standard setup into account:

  • Domain and Hosting: ∼€40/year + VAT.
  • Website
    • Website (WordPress): ∼€3,000 + VAT.
    • Website (Shopify): ∼€2,000 + VAT + €36-€105/month.
  • Accounting Software: ∼€7.84/month + VAT.
  • Legal Package: ∼€200-€500 + VAT.
  • Content: ∼€500-€2,000 + VAT.

Note: Some costs can be reduced using AI tools, but remember that time is money. It is important to find a balance between efficiency and available resources.

How Can We Help?

At Dalbe Digital Agency, we have extensive experience in developing high-performance online stores, providing support from planning to implementation and maintenance. Contact us for a detailed discussion. We are always here to help—just ask!

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