The verdict in three sentences
For a first store, Shopify starts at 32 EUR/month and covers 80% of an SMB's needs with no heavy upfront cost. A custom WooCommerce build costs 9 000 to 25 000 EUR to build, but removes platform fees and keeps the catalog fully extensible. The right choice depends on your order volume and customization needs, not a technical preference.
SaaS or custom: the real comparison
The instinct is to compare sticker prices. The correct method is to compare total cost of ownership (TCO) over 3 years, transaction fees included.
| Criterion | Shopify (SaaS) | Custom WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Launch cost | 0 to 2 500 EUR (theme + setup) | 9 000 to 25 000 EUR |
| Monthly subscription | 32 to 384 EUR | Hosting 40 to 120 EUR |
| Platform fee | 0.5 to 2% per sale | 0% |
| Time to launch | 2 to 4 weeks | 5 to 9 weeks |
| Annual maintenance | Included (excl. apps) | 8 to 12% of build |
| Customization | Limited to apps | Full |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
Key point: Shopify platform fees (0.5 to 2%) stack on top of bank fees. At 300 000 EUR of annual card volume, 1% equals 3 000 EUR/year that vanish with a custom build.
Transaction fees: the hidden cost
Every card payment carries fees. In 2026, for an SMB, the order of magnitude is stable.
| Item | 2026 cost (order of magnitude) |
|---|---|
| EU card fees | 1.4 to 1.9% + 0.25 EUR |
| Non-EU card fees | 2.7 to 2.9% + 0.25 EUR |
| Shopify Basic platform fee | 1.0% |
| Shopify Advanced platform fee | 0.5% |
| Card payment failure rate | 3 to 6% |
| 3D Secure | Mandatory, included |
3-year TCO
| Scenario (150 000 EUR card/yr) | Shopify Advanced | Custom WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | 2 000 EUR | 16 000 EUR |
| 36-month subscription | 4 608 EUR | 0 EUR |
| 36-month hosting | 0 EUR | 2 880 EUR |
| Platform fees 3 yrs | 2 250 EUR | 0 EUR |
| Maintenance 3 yrs | 900 EUR (apps) | 5 760 EUR |
| 3-year total | 9 758 EUR | 24 640 EUR |
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At this volume, Shopify stays cheaper. Custom becomes worthwhile beyond 400 000 EUR of annual card volume or when a business integration (ERP, PIM) is essential.
Mini case study
Thomas, who runs a design furniture SMB, targets 250 000 EUR of e-commerce revenue/year with a 320-SKU catalog. On Shopify Advanced he pays 128 EUR/month + 0.5% platform fee = 1 250 EUR/year, plus 1.6% card fees = 4 000 EUR/year. Total platform + fees: 6 786 EUR/year. On a custom build at 18 000 EUR, with no platform fee, his annual fees drop to 4 000 EUR (card only) + 1 800 EUR maintenance. The 986 EUR/year gap repays the build premium in 16 years: Shopify remains the right call until he passes 400 000 EUR of revenue.
FAQ
What is the minimum budget for a credible store in 2026? Plan 2 000 to 4 000 EUR for a well-configured Shopify (premium theme, optimized funnel) or a 9 000 EUR minimum for a quality custom WooCommerce.
How much does WooCommerce hosting cost? Performant managed hosting costs 40 to 120 EUR/month depending on traffic, i.e. 480 to 1 440 EUR/year.
How fast can my store go live? A Shopify takes 2 to 4 weeks; a custom WooCommerce needs 5 to 9 weeks depending on catalog size and integrations.
Do Shopify fees add to bank fees? Yes. The 0.5 to 2% platform fee stacks on the 1.4-1.9% card fees, unless you use Shopify Payments which waives them.
When should I switch to custom? Beyond 400 000 EUR of annual card volume, or as soon as an ERP/PIM integration or complex pricing logic becomes necessary.
Let's scope your project. Share your catalog, target revenue and integrations: we price Shopify and custom side by side. 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.
