The verdict in three sentences
Shopify costs little upfront (SGD 40-500/month + 0.5-2 % commission) but bills every month and every sale; a custom build needs SGD 20k-50k to start but carries no platform commission. Over 3 years, custom wins beyond a certain volume — the switchover threshold sits around 350 orders/month at a high average basket. The right choice depends on your volume, not on trends.
The 3-year total cost of ownership (TCO)
Comparing a monthly subscription to a one-off investment only makes sense over time. 2026 estimate for a mid-volume Singapore brand.
| Item (3 years) | Shopify | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | SGD 1k-3k | SGD 20k-50k |
| Platform subscription | SGD 2k-18k | 0 |
| Hosting | Included | SGD 3k-7k |
| Commission on sales | 0.5-2 % of revenue | 0 % |
| Theme / design | SGD 300-600 | Included |
| Apps / extensions | SGD 1.5k-6k | As needed |
| Maintenance | Included | SGD 3k-8k |
The switchover threshold by volume
The more you sell, the heavier the Shopify commission and the more attractive custom becomes. 2026 order of magnitude, SGD 55 average basket.
| Orders/month | Shopify 3-yr cost | Custom 3-yr cost | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | ~SGD 8k | ~SGD 30k | Shopify |
| 150 | ~SGD 15k | ~SGD 32k | Shopify |
| 350 | ~SGD 31k | ~SGD 33k | Break-even |
| 600 | ~SGD 48k | ~SGD 36k | Custom |
| 1,000 | ~SGD 74k | ~SGD 40k | Custom |
Mini case study
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Mei, founder of a fashion brand in Singapore, does 480 orders/month at SGD 57 basket. On Shopify Advanced her fees (subscription + apps + ~1.5 % commission) reach ~SGD 1,500/month. Switching to a custom store at SGD 33k, her recurring costs drop to ~SGD 500/month. The SGD 1,000/month saving repays the custom build in ~33 months, then yields net margin.
FAQ
Is Shopify really more expensive long term? Only at high volume: beyond about 350 orders/month at a high basket, commission and apps push the 3-year cost above custom.
How much is a premium Shopify theme? Between SGD 300 and 600 as a one-off purchase, before customisation.
What budget for a custom redesign? From SGD 20k to 50k in 2026 depending on features, payment integration and design.
Does custom remove all commissions? It removes the platform commission, but payment-method fees (cards, wallets) still apply, around 1.5-3.5 %.
When should I still choose Shopify? To launch fast, test a market, or stay under ~150 orders/month: Shopify remains the cheapest and quickest option.
Let's scope your project. Give us your order volume, average basket and specific needs, and we will calculate your 3-year TCO and the best choice. 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.
