How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Store?

Planning and Preparation

Effective planning is the foundation of a successful online shopping experience, both for store owners and their customers. When you set up your store with a clear strategy, you make it easier for customers to buy online, discover great prices, and find the latest products that match their needs. For new customers, creating an account is a smart move—it allows them to manage orders, track delivery charges, and stay in the loop about the latest sales and exclusive promotions.

A well-thought-out shopping journey helps customers shop with confidence, ensuring they get the most value for their money and never miss out on must-have items. By curating your store’s selection to include a mix of contemporary feel and relaxed boho styles, you can help customers find the perfect furniture and home décor to suit their unique tastes.

Planning ahead also means you can feature top brands and exclusive store offers, making it easy for customers to discover new favorites and enjoy a seamless shopping experience at home. Ultimately, thoughtful preparation ensures your customers always find the perfect items and never miss a great deal.

Initial Budget Range and Key Factors

The cost to launch an online store can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of PLN. The final figure depends on:

• Platform you choose

• Scope and scale of business

• Type of products

• Sales channels

• Marketing strategy

• Internal resources vs outsourcing (e.g., using in-house IT specialists or external agencies)

Choosing the Right Technology

One of the first decisions is selecting a technology:

• SaaS platforms like Shoper or Shopify are the cheapest, starting from ~PLN 69/month. These are quick to launch but offer limited customisation and require ongoing subscription fees.

• Open source platforms like WooCommerce or PrestaShop offer more flexibility but require technical skills or professional developers. Costs range from PLN 2,000 to 30,000 depending on complexity.

• Custom-built (dedicated) stores offer the most flexibility and are suited to large brands or those with specific needs. These can cost PLN 80,000 or more.

Basic Infrastructure Costs

Regardless of the platform, you’ll need:

• Domain – The web address. Typically PLN 70–150/year. Renewal may rise to PLN 100–200. Remember to keep track of your domain renewal date to avoid service interruptions.

• Hosting – Where your store’s files live:

• Shared hosting: PLN 100–300/year (sufficient for basic setups)

• VPS/Cloud hosting: from PLN 50/month (for more demanding sites)

• Dedicated server: several hundred PLN/month (for large stores). Also, note your hosting renewal date to ensure continuous service.

• SSL Certificate – Ensures secure HTTPS connection:

• Free options exist (may require manual renewal)

• Paid certificates start at PLN 100/year, advanced versions can reach PLN 1,000/year

Design and User Experience (UX)

A professional, user-friendly store boosts trust and conversions:

• Pre-made templates: from ~PLN 200. You can choose from a variety of stylish themes to match your brand's identity.

• Custom design: from a few thousand to over PLN 10,000 depending on scope

• UX optimisation: several thousand PLN; valuable investment as nearly 70% of users abandon carts before checkout (source: Baymard Institute)

Product Sourcing and Pricing

Choosing the right products and setting competitive prices are key to attracting and retaining customers. Sourcing items from reputable brands and trusted suppliers ensures your store offers high-quality products that customers can rely on. Shoppers are always on the lookout for great prices, so make it easy for them to save money by highlighting discounts, special promotions, and offering codes or vouchers at checkout.

Encourage your customers to review product features, size, and specifications before making a purchase—this helps them find the perfect items and avoid costly mistakes. Regularly updating your store with the latest products, whether it’s garden essentials, fun toys, or the newest games, keeps your selection fresh and appealing.

Don’t forget to showcase items that make perfect gifts, helping customers find just what they need for any occasion. By focusing on quality, variety, and value, you’ll create a shopping destination where customers can always find the latest must-haves at great prices.

Integrations, Features and Functionality

Your e-store should integrate with:

• Courier systems

• Payment processors

• Email marketing tools

You can also integrate with inventory management tools to help keep popular items in stock and meet customer demand.

Basic integrations may be included in your platform’s subscription. Custom integrations cost PLN 500 to several thousand.

Selling via Allegro or Amazon? This boosts exposure and sales (by 30–40%) but also introduces:

• Platform fees

• Need to adapt your offer to their requirements

Marketing & Promotion

A store without traffic won’t generate revenue. Budget early for:

• Ads on Google/social media: PLN 1,000–3,000 for launch campaigns

• Long-term marketing:

• SEO (search engine optimisation)

• Content marketing (e.g., blog with valuable articles)

Examples of effective campaigns include summer sales, 'deal of the week' promotions, and limited-time offers. These strategies create a sense of urgency and can significantly boost sales by encouraging customers to act quickly.

Stores with a blog generate 55% more organic traffic (source: HubSpot).

Logistics, Fulfilment & Delivery Charges

Two main options:

1. Own warehouse – More control, but includes rent and operations costs

2. Fulfilment service – Outsourcing packing and shipping:

• Average cost: PLN 6–10 per package

• Plus packing materials (PLN 1–3 per parcel)

Additionally, consider allowing customers to place pre-orders for new or upcoming products. This gives them the opportunity to secure their order in advance and can help boost early sales.

Operational Overheads

Running a store includes fixed business costs:

• ZUS contributions (social insurance)

• Accounting services: from PLN 200/month (may vary based on complexity)

Financial Management

Smart financial management is essential for both store owners and customers to get the most out of every shopping experience. By keeping an eye on delivery charges, planning purchases around sales and weekly promotions, and using loyalty programs like Nectar, customers can save money and maximize their rewards. Staying informed about current sales, available discounts, and any exclusions ensures that customers never miss out on a great deal.

For store owners, working with reputable brands such as Sainsbury’s and offering a secure, user-friendly checkout process builds trust and encourages repeat business. Clear information about return policies, delivery charges, and customer support helps shoppers make confident decisions, reducing the risk of costly returns or missed opportunities.

By managing finances carefully and taking advantage of every available promotion, both customers and store owners can enjoy a smooth, rewarding shopping experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Summary of Budget Estimates

While it’s possible to launch a store with just a few thousand PLN, real-world costs vary widely. Examples:

• Sky-Shop: PLN 3,000–10,000

• Investnet:

• Small stores: PLN 2,500–3,500

• Standard features: PLN 3,500–6,000

• Advanced: PLN 20,000+

• Dotspice.com: PLN 7,000–12,000

• Statista (USA): Average startup cost is $15,000 (~PLN 60,000)

All budget estimates are subject to change based on market conditions and specific business requirements.

Final Thoughts

Launching an online store demands careful technical and financial planning. Key decisions include choosing between SaaS, open-source, or custom builds. Importantly, the initial setup is just the beginning.

Budget also for promotion, logistics, and customer service. E-commerce continues to grow, making it a worthwhile but strategic investment. Make sure you are ready for both the challenges and opportunities that come with launching and managing your online store.