How Much Does an Online Store Cost in 2026?

An honest breakdown of online store costs in the Netherlands in 2026. From WooCommerce to Shopify to MedusaJS, including subscription vs. one-time pricing.

The short answer: how much an online store costs in 2026

The price of an online store depends on the platform, number of products, and functionality:

With a subscription, hosting, maintenance, updates, and support are included. With a one-time build, you often pay extra for these.

Which platform should you choose?

The platform largely determines the cost and capabilities. These are the three platforms we build with:

WooCommerce (WordPress)

The most widely used e-commerce platform in the world. It runs on WordPress, which means thousands of plugins and themes are available. Ideal if you already have a WordPress site or want maximum flexibility.

Pros: huge ecosystem, fully customizable, no extra transaction fees on top of Stripe. Cons: requires more maintenance, can be slower without optimization.

Shopify (or Shopify Hydrogen)

The easiest platform to start quickly. Everything is hosted, payments are built in, and you're live in hours. Shopify Hydrogen is their headless solution for custom frontends.

Pros: fast launch, no hosting worries, built-in payments. Cons: monthly subscription costs, transaction fees on top of Stripe.

MedusaJS

A modern, open-source headless commerce platform. The best choice if you want maximum control over your frontend and backend, and a unique store experience that differs from standard templates.

Pros: fully open-source, no license fees, maximum flexibility, blazing fast. Cons: requires technical knowledge to set up (that's what we're for).

What determines the price of an online store?

Number of products

More products = more data entry, categorization, and product pages.

Design

A template-based store is cheaper. A custom design that optimizes conversion costs more but sells better.

Functionality

• Payment methods: Stripe, iDEAL, Apple Pay, PayPal
• Shipping methods: integration with PostNL, DHL, FedEx
• Inventory management: automatic stock updates
• Product reviews: customer ratings
• Abandoned cart recovery: automatic reminders
• Multi-language/multi-currency: for international sales

Hidden costs of an online store

These costs are often forgotten with a one-time build:

• Hosting: €20 - €100/month
• Domain name: €10 - €20/year
• SSL certificate: €0 - €100/year
• Maintenance and updates: €50 - €200/month
• Payment gateway fees: percentage per transaction
• Plugin/extension licenses: €0 - €500/year

Total hidden monthly costs: €80 - €400/month on top of the build price.

With a Mesmerized store subscription, hosting, domain, SSL, maintenance, and updates are included.

How to save on your online store

1. Choose a subscription — lower entry, everything included
2. Start small (Starter, up to 50 products) and scale as you grow
3. Provide your own product photos and texts to save design time
4. Choose the right platform — not every store needs MedusaJS
5. Combine with SEO or Meta Ads for bundle discounts (10% off 2, 15% off 3+)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to start an online store?

A store subscription from €149/month is often the most affordable option. Hosting, maintenance, and updates are included.

Which platform is best for my store?

It depends on your needs. WooCommerce is flexible with a huge ecosystem. Shopify is easiest for quick launch. MedusaJS is best for maximum control and speed. We help you choose.

Can I switch platforms later?

Yes, but migrating products, customers, and orders takes time and money. Better to choose the right platform from the start.

How many products can I add?

Starter: up to 50, Growth: up to 200, Scale: unlimited. You can upgrade anytime.

Do you also do SEO for my store?

Yes. We offer SEO as a separate service, or as part of a bundle with 10-15% discount.

Ready for your own online store?

Check out our e-commerce packages or book a free 15-minute call.