With the growing popularity of online shopping, choosing the right type of online store is becoming a key element of business strategy. The variety of options available can be overwhelming, so it’s worth understanding the basic types of online stores and what characterizes them. Whether you’re a small business owner taking your first steps in e-commerce or a large company planning to sell on a large scale, knowing the specifics of different platforms will help you make the best decision. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of online stores, their functionalities, and the costs associated with creating and maintaining them.
Types of online stores
Online stores can be divided into different types depending on their size and functionality, which directly affects the costs of their creation. Small online stores is an ideal solution for entrepreneurs who are just starting their e-commerce adventure. They usually offer basic features such as product management, integration with payment systems and the ability to customize the look of the site to the brand's needs. The cost of creating such a store is around PLN 3,500-4,500 net, which makes it an affordable choice for smaller companies.
On the other hand standard online stores offer more advanced sales management and product presentation capabilities. They are designed to handle a larger number of products and may include additional features such as a blog, social media integration, or advanced analytical tools. Their construction cost is usually from PLN 4,500 to PLN 7,000 net. For large companies that plan to sell thousands of products, the best solution is large online stores. These platforms require advanced technological solutions and personalization, which translates into higher costs – from PLN 9,000 to even PLN 30,000 net. Choosing the right type of store depends on the specifics of the business and the available budget.
The cost of creating an online store according to its size
The cost of creating an online store can vary greatly depending on its size and complexity. For small stores that typically offer a limited number of products, the costs can range from 3500-4500 PLN net. These types of stores are ideal for beginner entrepreneurs who don't need advanced features. For this price, you can expect basic functionality, such as:
- implementation of a CMS system for content management,
- full responsiveness of the site (RWD),
- integration with online payments and delivery methods,
- legal requirements such as GDPR and SSL certificate.
For medium and large online stores, costs increase with the need for more advanced features and a larger number of products. A standard online store that supports up to several hundred products can cost from 4500 to 7000 PLN net. On the other hand, large stores that require dedicated solutions and can handle thousands of products can cost up to 9000 to 30000 PLN net. Factors contributing to these differences include:
- the need for integration with wholesalers and accounting systems,
- adapting the appearance and functionality to the individual needs of the customer,
- introduction of advanced marketing tools.
Technologies used to create online stores
Choosing the right technology to create an online store is key to its functionality and cost. There are various e-commerce platforms available on the market that offer a variety of options. WooCommerce is one of the most popular options, especially for those who already use WordPress. It is open source, which means there are no monthly subscription fees, but it does require some technical knowledge to fully utilize its potential. WooCommerce is ideal for small and medium-sized stores, offering a wide range of plugins and themes that can be customized to suit your needs.
On the other hand PrestaShop and Magento are more advanced platforms that will work well for larger stores with an extensive assortment. PrestaShop is valued for its intuitiveness and support for multiple languages and currencies, making it an ideal choice for international sellers. Magento, on the other hand, offers extremely extensive product and order management features, but its implementation can be expensive due to the need to engage specialist programmers. For those who prefer ready-made solutions without the need to manage a server or source code, platforms such as SaaS, such as Shopify or WIX, can be an attractive option. They offer ease of use and a quick store launch in exchange for monthly subscription fees.
Costs of running an online store
Maintaining an online store is not only a one-time expense related to its creation, but also regular costs that you must include in your budget. One of the basic elements is hosting, which is the place on the server where all of your store files are stored. The cost of hosting may vary depending on the package and provider you choose, but it usually ranges from 200-800 PLN per year. It is worth paying attention to parameters such as disk space or the frequency of performing backups. Another important expense is domain, which is the web address of your store. Its cost is approximately 80-140 PLN per year, although you can often find promotions in the first year.
You can't forget about the certificate SSL, which ensures the security of data transferred between the customer and the store. It is necessary for conducting online sales and affects customer trust and positioning in search engines. The cost of an SSL certificate is from 100 to 300 PLN per year. When choosing service providers, it is worth considering not only the price, but also the quality of service and availability of technical support. Here are some tips:
- Compare offers from different suppliers – check what exactly they offer in their packages.
- Pay attention to other users' opinions – the experiences of others can help you make a decision.
- Choose flexible solutions, which will allow you to easily scale as your business grows.
With proper planning and selection of service providers, you can optimize the costs of maintaining your online store while ensuring its reliable operation.
We invite you to read our comprehensive guide on website costs, you can find the article here: How much does a website cost?
Integrations and additional functionalities
Integrating an online store with various systems and tools can significantly increase its efficiency and facilitate sales management. One of the most important aspects is connecting the store with wholesalers, which allows for automatic product downloads and stock updates. This saves you time and minimizes the risk of errors related to manual data entry. The cost of such integration depends on the selected e-commerce system, such as WooCommerce, PrestaShop or Magento, and the complexity of the import file (most often XML, CSV or JSON). Usually, prices range from PLN 800 to PLN 1,500 net for each wholesaler.
In addition to integration with wholesalers, it is worth considering implementing additional functionalities that can increase sales efficiency. These include online payment systems that allow customers to make transactions quickly and safely. Many platforms offer free modules for integration with popular payment operators, but some may require the purchase of an additional module for around PLN 100-200 net and an implementation cost of around PLN 100 net. Other useful features include marketing tools, such as integration with social media or advertising campaign management systems. These solutions can help reach a wider audience and increase sales.
Legal aspects of running an online store
When running an online store, it is extremely important to meet legal requirements that ensure the safety of both the seller and the customer. Every online store must have statute, which clearly defines the rules for purchases, returns and complaints. This is a document that not only protects the interests of the store owner, but also builds trust among customers. Another essential element is privacy policy, which informs users about how their personal data is processed. In the context of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), store owners must ensure that all data-related processes comply with applicable regulations.
Preparing appropriate legal documentation often requires consultation with specialists, which involves additional costs. The cost of creating regulations or a privacy policy by a law firm can range from PLN 300 to PLN 900 net, depending on the scope of the documents needed. However, it is worth investing in professional support to avoid potential legal problems in the future. Remember that well-prepared documents are not only a legal obligation, but also an element that builds the credibility of our store. Here are some key aspects that should be included in the documentation:
- Payment Policy – what methods are accepted and how the payment process works.
- Delivery and Returns – detailed information on delivery costs and the procedure for returning goods.
- Complaints – how to submit complaints and what are the deadlines for considering them.
- Consent to the processing of personal data – what data is collected and for what purpose.
Marketing and promotion of the online store
Promoting an online store is not only about increasing visibility, but above all, effectively attracting customers. One of the most important elements of a marketing strategy is SEO, or search engine optimization. Thanks to appropriately selected keywords and content optimization, your store can achieve higher positions in Google search results. This in turn translates into more traffic to the website and potentially higher sales. It is also worth investing in Google Ads advertising campaigns, which allow for precise targeting of recipients and quick achievement of results. The costs of such campaigns may vary depending on the industry and competition, but a well-planned strategy can bring significant benefits.
We can't forget about power social media, which are a great tool for building relationships with customers and promoting products. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow you to create engaging content that can attract the attention of a wide audience. It is also worth considering working with influencers who can help you reach new customers. Of course, each of these methods involves certain costs, so it is important to carefully analyze the budget and choose the activities that will be most effective for your business. Remember that effective promotion is an investment that can bring long-term benefits.
How much does it cost to create an online store? Summary
The article discusses the variety of online stores, which can be divided into small, standard and large, depending on their functionality and construction costs. Small stores are ideal for beginners, offering basic functions at an affordable price. Standard stores provide more advanced sales management capabilities, and large stores require advanced technologies and personalization, which is associated with higher costs. Choosing the right type of store depends on the specifics of the business and the available budget.
The costs of maintaining an online store include hosting, a domain, and an SSL certificate, which are necessary for its proper functioning. Additionally, integrations with wholesalers and online payment systems can increase sales efficiency. It is also important to meet legal requirements by preparing regulations and a privacy policy. Effective store promotion is based on SEO, advertising campaigns, and social media activity, which allows you to attract more customers and increase sales.
- Online stores can be divided into small, standard, and large, which affects their cost and functionality. Small stores are ideal for beginners with a limited budget.
- The cost of creating an online store depends on its size and complexity. Small stores cost from PLN 3,500 to PLN 4,500 net, standard stores from PLN 4,500 to PLN 7,000 net, and large stores can reach up to PLN 30,000 net.
- The choice of technology is important for the functionality of the store. WooCommerce is popular for smaller stores, while PrestaShop and Magento are more advanced and suitable for larger platforms.
- Maintaining a store involves regular costs, such as hosting (PLN 200-800 per year), domain (PLN 80-140 per year) and SSL certificate (PLN 100-300 per year).
- Integration with wholesalers and payment systems can increase the efficiency of the store. The cost of integration depends on the selected e-commerce system and can range from PLN 800 to PLN 1,500 net for each wholesaler.
- Legal aspects are essential to running an online store. Owners must take care of the regulations, privacy policy and compliance with GDPR. The cost of preparing legal documentation is from PLN 300 to PLN 900 net.
- Store promotion includes SEO, Google Ads campaigns and social media activities. Investing in these areas can increase visibility and attract new customers.
FAQ
What are the most common mistakes made when creating an online store?
One of the most common mistakes is not adapting the store to mobile devices, which can discourage users using smartphones. Another problem is the lack of optimization of the page loading speed, which affects the user experience and positioning in search engines. It is also important not to neglect legal aspects, such as regulations or privacy policy.
Can I create an online store on my own without the help of specialists?
Yes, there are many platforms that allow you to create an online store yourself without any advanced technical knowledge. Platforms like Shopify and WIX offer intuitive tools for building a store. However, if you plan on more advanced features or customization, you may want to consider working with professionals.
What are the hidden costs of running an online store?
In addition to the obvious hosting and domain costs, there may be additional expenses for software updates, technical support, and marketing. It is also worth considering the costs associated with integration with payment systems or wholesalers, as well as any fees for additional modules and plugins.
What are the best SEO practices for online stores?
Well-optimized product descriptions and categories are essential. Using the right keywords and taking care of the page loading speed are also important. Internal linking and acquiring valuable external links also contribute to better positioning in search results.
Is it worth investing in Facebook advertising campaigns?
Facebook ad campaigns can be very effective, especially if your target audience actively uses the platform. With precise targeting, you can reach specific customer segments and increase brand awareness and sales.
What are the benefits of using SaaS platforms for e-commerce?
SaaS platforms like Shopify and WIX offer ease of use and a quick launch of a store without having to manage a server or source code. They also offer regular updates and technical support in exchange for a monthly subscription fee.
How can I increase conversions in my online store?
To increase conversion, it is worth taking care of a transparent purchasing process and an intuitive user interface. Additionally, customer reviews and product recommendations can be helpful. Personalization of the offer and temporary promotions can also encourage making a purchase.
