E-commerce Platform Cost Calculator
Compare the true cost of e-commerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce by factoring subscriptions, external transaction fees, and payment gateway rates.
Total Platform Cost Formula
Platform Cost = Subscription + Apps + (Gross Sales × 3rd-Party Fee %) + [(Gross Sales × Gateway %) + (Orders × Fixed Fee)]- Monthly Subscription: Plan tier fee ($29, $39, $79, $105, $399/mo).
- Third-Party Transaction Surcharge: Surcharges (0.5% to 2.0%) applied by certain platforms when not using their native gateway.
- Payment Processing: Credit card interchange (2.9% + $0.30 or negotiated lower tier).
- Effective Take Rate: Total platform and processing fees divided by gross monthly sales.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes all transactions are settled in USD with domestic payment methods.
- Does not include one-time custom theme development or engineering retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shopify charge transaction fees if I use Shopify Payments?
No. Shopify waives its 2.0%, 1.0%, or 0.5% third-party transaction fee when you process payments through Shopify Payments, charging only the standard credit card processing rate.
When should I upgrade to a higher platform tier?
You should upgrade when the fee reduction on credit card processing or third-party transaction rates exceeds the difference in monthly subscription cost.
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