Key Takeaways
- A basic Shopify or WooCommerce store can launch for roughly ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakh; custom platforms start much higher.
- Ongoing costs (platform fees, apps, payment gateway, hosting, marketing) matter as much as build cost.
- Choose the platform based on catalogue size, integrations and growth plans, not only launch price.
Starting an online store in India is easier than ever, but quotes range from ₹15,000 to ₹50 lakh. The difference comes from platform choice, design, features, integrations and scale. Here is a clear breakdown.
Indicative cost ranges
| Store type | Platform | Approx. build cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Starter store (up to 100 products) | Shopify / WooCommerce theme | ₹40,000 – ₹1.5 lakh |
| Branded D2C store | Shopify / WooCommerce with custom design | ₹1.5 – ₹5 lakh |
| Advanced store with integrations | Shopify Plus / headless / Magento | ₹5 – ₹20 lakh |
| Custom e-commerce platform | Custom (Laravel, Node, React, etc.) | ₹8 – ₹40 lakh+ |
| Multi-vendor marketplace | Custom or marketplace framework | ₹10 – ₹50 lakh+ |
These are market indications; actual quotes depend on scope and vendor.
What drives cost
- Custom UI/UX design vs ready theme
- Number of products, variants and categories
- Integrations: ERP/Tally, inventory, shipping, CRM, WhatsApp
- Payment options: UPI, cards, COD, EMI, BNPL
- Mobile apps (Android/iOS)
- Multi-language and multi-currency
- Performance and SEO optimisation
Ongoing monthly and yearly costs
| Cost item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Platform subscription (Shopify) or hosting (WooCommerce/custom) | ₹2,000 – ₹25,000+/month |
| Paid apps/plugins | ₹1,000 – ₹15,000/month |
| Payment gateway fees | Per transaction, typically around 2% for cards; UPI pricing varies |
| Shipping aggregator | Per shipment |
| Maintenance & updates | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000/month |
| Digital marketing | Often the largest ongoing spend |
Which platform fits you?
Compare the platforms in detail in Shopify vs WooCommerce vs custom. In short: Shopify for speed and simplicity, WooCommerce for flexibility on WordPress, custom for unique workflows and scale.
How to reduce cost without hurting quality
- Launch with an MVP: core catalogue, checkout and payments.
- Use a premium theme customised to your brand.
- Add apps only when needed.
- Plan SEO from day one to reduce paid ad dependence; see our e-commerce SEO guide.
Planning a e-commerce project?
Light Animation has designed and built software and websites for brands like Godrej, Saras Jaipur Dairy and Jaipur Traffic Police. Share your requirement and get a free consultation and estimate.
Explore E-Commerce DevelopmentGet a Free QuoteRelated reading: Shopify vs WooCommerce vs Custom · Must-Have E-Commerce Features
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of an e-commerce website in India?
A basic store can cost around ₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh; branded D2C stores ₹1.5–5 lakh; custom platforms and marketplaces from ₹8 lakh to ₹50 lakh or more.
Is Shopify cheaper than a custom website?
Shopify is cheaper and faster to launch. Custom platforms cost more upfront but avoid platform limits and some recurring app fees at scale.
What are the monthly costs of running an online store?
Platform or hosting fees, apps, payment gateway charges, shipping, maintenance and marketing.
How long does it take to build an e-commerce website?
A theme-based store takes 2–6 weeks; a custom platform typically 3–6 months.
