Running costs
What you pay Shopify. And what you don't.
Shopify running costs are the plan, card fees, any apps and your domain, paid by you straight to Shopify from your own account. We do not take a cut of your orders. This guide explains each cost in plain English, and where to see the exact figures in your Shopify admin.
Why we explain this
Nobody likes a surprise bill.
Owners are often told a website is cheap, then find costs they were never shown.
Fees hidden in the small print
Card fees and app charges turn up on the bill months later.
Commission dressed up as a service
Some ordering systems take a share of every order, for as long as you use them.
Bills sent to the developer
Some builders keep the account in their own name, so you never see what you are paying for.
The costs
Four things you pay Shopify.
Shopify's fees change from time to time, so we never quote them here. The current figures are always in your Shopify admin.
01
The Shopify plan
A monthly or yearly subscription for the store itself, and Adam talks you through which plan suits your business.
02
Card fees
A small fee on each card payment, taken before the money reaches your bank, at a rate set by your plan and the card used.
03
Apps, if you need them
Some features, such as loyalty or delivery slots, come from apps that are free or charge monthly, and we only add what earns its place.
04
Your domain
Your web address is renewed every year, either through Shopify or wherever you bought it.
05
Where to see it all
In Shopify, go to Settings, then Billing, where every bill and every charge is listed.
06
Card fees per order
Each order shows its own fee under Finance, then Payouts, so you can match it to your bank.
07
No commission from us
We take nothing from your orders; our work is a fixed quote for the build and a monthly plan, agreed with Adam.
08
No surprises
Before you sign, Adam goes through every running cost with you, using Shopify's current figures.
Costs
Running costs, in plain English.
Which Shopify plan do I need for a food business?
Usually one of the smaller plans for a single shop. Bigger plans lower the card fees and add staff accounts and reports, and Adam will suggest one based on what you sell and how many orders you expect.
Can I change my Shopify plan later?
Yes. You can move up or down in Shopify at any time, and the change shows on your next bill.
Is Shopify cheaper if I pay yearly?
Usually, yes. Shopify has generally offered a lower rate for paying yearly, so check the current offer in your admin before you choose.
Why does Shopify charge a fee on card payments?
Every card payment costs money to process, whoever handles it. With Shopify Payments the fee comes off each payment before it reaches your bank.
Are there extra fees if I don't use Shopify Payments?
Yes, there can be. With another payment provider, Shopify may add its own transaction fee on top of that provider's fee, which is one reason we usually set up Shopify Payments.
Do I get the card fee back when I refund an order?
Usually not. The original card fee is normally kept when you refund, so check Shopify's current terms in your admin.
Why is there no commission on my orders?
Because the website is yours. Customers pay you through your own Shopify store, and we are paid for our work, not a share of your takings.
How is my own website different from the delivery apps?
The apps charge commission on every order they send you. On your own website there is no commission, only the card fee on each payment.
Will you ever add a fee to my orders?
No. Nothing we set up takes a share of your orders, and if an app we suggest charges per order, Adam will say so before it is installed.
Where do I see what I pay Shopify?
In your Shopify admin, under Settings, then Billing. You will see the plan, app charges and past bills.
Who pays the Shopify bill?
You do, from your own card on your own account. That way the store never depends on us.
Can my accountant see my Shopify bills?
Yes. You can download every bill from the Billing page, or give your accountant a staff account with limited access.
Still stuck? Message Adam. We are at Listerhills Science Park, Bradford BD7 1HR.
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