Who is this route for?
Businesses budgeting fixed and variable store costs before launch.
A workable approach
Model three scenarios: no sales, expected volume and peak volume. This separates fixed costs from costs that grow with revenue.
- Check the current Shopify plan
- Add paid apps and themes
- Calculate payment and transaction fees
- Include packaging, shipping and returns
- Budget for content and support
- Set a maximum acquisition cost
Costs and risks to check
- Confusing introductory and renewal prices
- Free apps that later charge
- Measuring revenue without net margin
Verify the current Shopify plan, transaction fees, app costs, regional availability and legal obligations before buying. The platform supplies infrastructure, not guaranteed customers.
Measure net contribution: subtract product costs, returns, fulfilment, platform costs, payment fees, advertising and tax provision from collected revenue.