The verdict in three sentences
In Manchester, a 5,000 GBP ecommerce quote and a 60,000 GBP one rarely describe the same project: the gap lives in what is left out. The costliest traps involve monthly app subscriptions, payment processing fees and who owns the store once it is live. Before comparing totals, normalise every quote to the same scope using the tables below.
Why quotes vary so much
A homeware brand selling lighting, textiles and ceramics needs 150 to 400 products, strong photography, reliable payments and shipping rules for fragile items. Whether the provider starts from an off the shelf theme or a custom build changes the price completely.
| Offer type | 2026 market ballpark | Usually included | Often missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer, stock theme | 5,000 to 10,000 GBP | Setup, theme, 20 products | Data entry, integrations, support |
| Small studio, adapted theme | 10,000 to 25,000 GBP | Adapted design, 100 products, payments | Shipping integration, training |
| Established agency, custom build | 25,000 to 60,000 GBP | Custom design, integrations, testing | App subscriptions, roadmap work |
| SaaS platform plus integrator | 8,000 to 30,000 GBP | Theme, configuration, apps | Monthly fees and transaction costs |
The traps and the clause that protects you
| Trap | Typical quote line | Risk | Clause to demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apps priced as setup only | Install reviews, subscriptions, search apps | 150 to 600 GBP a month you did not budget | List of every app with its monthly cost |
| Payment fees ignored | Payment gateway configured | Processing fees vary by provider and card mix | Written fee schedule from the payment provider before signing |
| Store or accounts owned by the agency | Hosting and licences provided | Lock in, costly exit | Store, domain, hosting and analytics accounts in your company name |
| Product data entry not priced | Client supplied content to be added | 40 to 80 hours of work on your side | Number of products included and price per extra product |
| No maintenance line | Nothing at all | 300 to 1,500 GBP a month negotiated later | Priced support contract with response times |
| Accessibility not mentioned | Responsive design | Lost customers and complaints from disabled users | WCAG 2.1 AA checks on key templates |
| UK GDPR treated as a cookie banner | Cookie banner included | Consent and data retention gaps | Consent setup, privacy notice and processor list documented |
Under UK GDPR, your agency and app vendors usually act as processors: ask for the list and make sure data processing terms exist for each one.
How to normalise quotes
Ask each provider to fill in the same grid: products entered, payment methods, shipping rules, training, 12 months of support, ownership and apps with monthly costs. Then add up the two year cost. A 7,000 GBP quote that skips apps, data entry and support often passes 22,000 GBP over 24 months.
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Priya, managing director of a homeware brand in Manchester's Northern Quarter, receives quotes of 7,500, 18,000 and 48,000 GBP. Over two years, the first adds 3,200 GBP of product entry for 250 SKUs, 220 GBP a month of apps and 400 GBP a month of support, reaching 25,580 GBP. The second includes data entry and apps setup, with 120 GBP of apps and 450 GBP of support monthly, reaching 31,680 GBP. The third reaches 72,000 GBP. The real gap between the first two is only about 6,100 GBP, and the second puts every account in her company's name, so she signs it.
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FAQ
How much does an ecommerce store cost in Manchester in 2026?
The 2026 market ballpark ranges from 5,000 to 60,000 GBP depending on provider type and customisation. A 200 product store with standard integrations often lands between 12,000 and 28,000 GBP.
Are payment processing fees part of the agency quote?
No, they come from your payment provider and depend on your contract and card mix. Ask the provider for a written fee schedule and model them on 12 months of forecast revenue.
Who should own the store and domain?
Your company. Write it into the contract, with all access handed over within 7 days of launch.
Do we really need a maintenance contract?
Yes, apps, themes and payment integrations change constantly. Expect 300 to 1,500 GBP a month depending on response times and included hours.
How do we compare three very different quotes?
Normalise scope, then compute a 24 month cost. A 1 to 6 gap on headline prices often shrinks to 1 to 2 once missing lines are added.
Let's scope your project. Send us the quotes you have and your catalogue, and we will return a comparable scope with an indicative budget and timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
