How to start an online store — and how much does it cost?
As more business moves online, an online store has become one of the most popular ways to sell products and services without operating a physical retail space. A digital sales channel still requires investment, however. This article explains the main ways to launch an online store, the decisions involved and the likely costs.
Your own online store — where should you start?
You have the idea, the products are ready and the branded packaging is waiting to be sent to your first customers — but how do you begin selling online? Marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Allegro and OLX are one option, but your own store offers much greater flexibility and room to grow. We explain the reasons in Why start an online store? Your own store vs social media and marketplaces.
There are several ways to create an online store. One popular route is a SaaS (software-as-a-service) platform such as Shoper or Sky-Shop. These services provide a ready-made store for a monthly subscription. You select a template, configure the essential settings and add your content without building the underlying platform from scratch.
Benefits of a SaaS-based online store
SaaS platforms can be an effective way to enter e-commerce gradually. Entry-level plans are relatively inexpensive, implementation is quick and day-to-day operation does not require specialist technical knowledge. After registering, choosing a template and completing the initial configuration, you can start adding products and preparing the store for launch.
The service can usually scale as the business grows. By moving to a higher plan, you may gain additional server resources, capacity and features to accommodate more customers and a larger catalogue.
Technical support and platform maintenance are normally included in the subscription. The provider manages the core infrastructure, software updates and platform availability, reducing the amount of technical work required from the store owner.
The limitations of SaaS platforms
The main trade-off is dependence on the platform provider. You may not be able to introduce every feature your business needs, and some platforms restrict changes to the appearance, checkout or wider functionality. Integrations with external systems and less common payment methods may be unavailable or require additional fees.
The subscription model can also become more expensive over time. A low monthly fee is attractive at the outset, but higher plans, paid add-ons and transaction-related charges can produce a substantial total cost over several years.
SaaS or a custom online store?
The alternative is a custom store, for example one built with WordPress and WooCommerce. It provides much greater control over design, functionality, data and integrations, but requires the appropriate technical expertise to design, build and maintain properly.
A professional WooCommerce store takes considerably more work than configuring a standard SaaS template. The process may cover information architecture, interface design, the purchase journey, custom development, CMS integration, payment and logistics integrations, security and testing. For that reason, a custom online store is best entrusted to an experienced team.
How much does a custom online store cost?
The price depends on the size of the catalogue, the purchasing journey, custom features and required integrations. A simple store or single-product sales page may start at several thousand Polish zlotys. A larger platform with many categories, a 3D presentation or product configurator, and automation for invoices, payments or courier labels can cost tens of thousands — and complex projects may reach several hundred thousand Polish zlotys.
When is a custom online store the better choice?
A custom implementation usually costs more at the beginning and takes longer to deliver than a SaaS store. In return, WordPress and WooCommerce offer far greater freedom to tailor the design, purchasing journey, integrations and management tools to the business.
A custom store is therefore a strong choice when the business needs an individual solution, plans extensive integrations or expects the platform to evolve over time — provided that the initial budget reflects that wider scope.
Summary
Both approaches can work well. A SaaS platform offers a quick, accessible route to market, while a custom WooCommerce store provides greater control and flexibility. The right option depends on the business model, technical requirements, growth plans and available budget.
A custom implementation normally requires a larger initial investment. SaaS is faster and cheaper to launch, but its functionality may be constrained and subscription, add-on and transaction costs continue for as long as the store operates. Over several years, those recurring costs can exceed the price of a well-planned custom platform.
Before deciding, compare the total cost of ownership as well as the initial price. Consider the features you need today, the integrations you may need later and who will be responsible for maintaining the store. If you would like help choosing the right approach, write to us — we will be happy to discuss your plans and recommend suitable tools.
Already running an online store? Read Online-store marketing: where to find customers for practical ideas on increasing sales.
