Hire Someone to Set up Shopify Store | Should I Pay Someone?

It is easier to have your job done by freelancers and outsourcing businesses in today’s corporate environment than it is to do it yourself or hire an in-house resource. You may pay people to perform the hard labor while you focus on other vital business duties like vendor on boarding or business growth, whether you’re shopping for groceries, strolling your dog, or creating an online store.

Hiring Someone to Build Your Shopify Store

The article will discuss how much it will cost you to hire someone to set up shopify store from scratch, how much you would have to hire developer to set up Shopify store, what you must consider when looking for someone to build a Shopify store, and How long does it take to set up a Shopify store.

Shopify stores are simple to create. The procedure is basic and uncomplicated. Hiring someone to develop a store for you, on the other hand, necessitates some study.

Breakdown of Shopify Subscriptions and Theme Costs

The cost of building a Shopify store is determined by a number of factors. The most significant are:

Shopify Plan (Subscription Costs)

Shopify is a low-risk tool for anyone who wishes to start an online business. This may be accomplished by opening a free Shopify account. It enables you to use a trial period to see whether the platform is right for you.

You will have access to all of Shopify’s valuable features throughout the trial time. You may use that time to figure out what tools you’ll need to make your site work. If you decide to quit, you may simply remove your account.

• Basic Plan: $29 per month.
• Shopify Plan: $79 per month.
• Advanced Plan: $299 per month.
• Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,300 per month, with custom pricing for enterprise needs.

For more details, you can visit the Shopify Pricing Page.

Shopify Theme (Free vs. Paid Options)

Shopify has a large number of templates. These templates are specifically created to meet the demands of diverse businesses and improve sales.

The best aspect is that these themes are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific requirements.

The store operates well since the Shopify templates are mobile-friendly and responsive. There are, however, certain themes that are not free. The costs are between $140 and $180.

Shopify Apps (Extra Add-on Costs)

There is a good selection of Shopify apps that may be utilized for various company purposes.

There are thousands of shopify apps and utilities on Shopify App Store.
Shopify app development allows you to customize your store and make it more functional and user-friendly for your consumers.

However, not all of these programs are available for free. As a result, you will need to invest a few bucks to acquire a slew of beneficial apps for your business.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Shopify Expert for Store Setup?

The cost of setting up a Shopify store doesn’t follow a single rule. It changes based on who you hire, where they are located, and the features you need.

Below are different scenarios that show how pricing works in real life.

1. Region-Based Cost Differences

Developers in different countries charge very different rates. Here’s how the cost varies by region.

Country	Hourly Rate	Typical Store Setup Cost
USA	$70 – $150/hr	$3,500 – $12,000+
Canada	$60 – $120/hr	$3,000 – $10,000
Australia	$50 – $100/hr	$2,500 – $8,000
UK	$60 – $120/hr	$3,000 – $9,500
Germany	$50 – $90/hr	$2,500 – $7,500
India	$15 – $40/hr	$800 – $4,000
Philippines	$20 – $40/hr	$1,000 – $4,500

Hiring from Asia or Eastern Europe can reduce upfront costs, while North America and UK agencies usually bring higher hourly rates but more direct communication.

2. Experience-Based Costs

Experience level plays a huge role. A beginner may handle only basic setup, while senior developers or agencies can deliver advanced builds.

Experience Level	Hourly Rate (USD)	What You Get	Typical Cost
Beginner Freelancer	$15 – $30/hr	Theme setup, small tweaks	$500 – $1,200
Mid-Level Developer	$30 – $60/hr	App integration, moderate customization	$1,500 – $4,000
Expert Developer	$50 – $100/hr	Advanced customization, automation	$5,000 – $10,000
Agency / Shopify Partner	$80 – $150/hr	Full service + integrations	$15,000+

If you’re just starting, a freelancer may fit your budget. But for complex or long-term projects, agencies or Shopify experts are a better choice.

3. Tech Stack / Feature-Based Costs

Not every store needs the same technology. Some only need theme setup, while others require full-stack development or headless builds.

Setup Type	Features Included	Cost Range (USD)
Basic Theme Setup	Theme install, minor edits, product upload	$500 – $800
Theme + Apps + Integrations	Payment gateway, shipping, marketing tools	$1,000 – $2,500
Custom Theme / Custom App	Unique UI, custom app development	$3,000 – $7,000
Headless Shopify (React, GraphQL)	Enterprise-grade, advanced integrations	$10,000 – $30,000

If your store needs advanced integrations or headless Shopify, costs rise quickly compared to a simple theme-based setup.

4. Business Size / Store Complexity

The size of your store and catalog also affects the final cost.

Store Type	Typical Features	Cost Range (USD)
Startup Store	10–20 products, basic design	$500 – $1,500
Growing Store	50–100 products, customizations	$2,000 – $5,000
Large Store	500+ products, B2B features	$7,000 – $15,000
Enterprise / Plus	Multi-store, global operations	$20,000+

A startup store can go live with a few hundred dollars, while enterprise stores with B2B or multi-store support often cost tens of thousands.

5. Service Model Costs

How you hire matters. Freelancers, agencies, and in-house teams all have different pricing models.

Service Model	What’s Included	Cost Range (USD)
Freelancer	Basic setup, flexible hours	$500 – $4,000
In-House Developer	Full-time salary, ongoing availability	$3,000 – $6,000/month
Agency	Team of designers, developers, QA	$5,000 – $25,000/project
Hybrid Model	Mix of freelancers + agency consulting	$2,000 – $8,000

Agencies often cost more upfront but handle everything end-to-end, while freelancers are more budget-friendly but may need extra management.

6. Industry-Specific Costs

Some industries demand unique features, which impacts the setup price.

Industry	Special Requirements	Cost Range (USD)
Fashion / Lifestyle	Visual design, size charts, lookbooks	$3,000 – $8,000
Electronics	Product filters, technical specs	$4,000 – $10,000
Beauty / Skincare	Subscription model, influencer features	$5,000 – $12,000
Grocery / Food	Inventory + delivery integration	$7,000 – $15,000

If your niche needs unique tools (like delivery tracking for grocery), the total budget will rise.

7. Timeframe-Based Costs

How fast you want to launch also changes the price.

Timeframe	Project Type	Cost Range (USD)
2–3 Weeks (MVP)	Basic store, limited features	$1,000 – $2,500
1–2 Months	Standard setup with custom features	$3,000 – $7,000
3–6 Months	Full enterprise build	$10,000 – $25,000+

Fast launches save time but usually cut down on features, while long builds allow more customization and scalability.

8. Support & Maintenance Costs

Finally, think about the ongoing cost after launch.

Service Type	What’s Included	Cost Range (USD)
One-Time Setup Only	No support after launch	Fixed project cost
Ongoing Support	Bug fixes, small changes	$500 – $1,500/month
Full Service Retainer	Continuous growth, scaling support	$2,000 – $5,000/month

Here are some resources for finding freelance Shopify specialists and developers:

Upwork

Fiverr

Shopify Partners Directory

Why Hire a Shopify Expert – Key Reasons

A Shopify expert brings industry knowledge, technical skills, and experience in setting up high-performing stores. Here’s why hiring a professional could be a smart investment:

• Customization & Branding: A Shopify expert can design a unique storefront that aligns with your brand, rather than relying on pre-built templates.
• Technical Setup: Setting up payment gateways, configuring shipping, and ensuring mobile responsiveness can be complex. Experts ensure smooth functionality.
• SEO & Performance Optimization: Professionals optimize store speed, metadata, and mobile usability, making your store search-engine friendly.
• Time Efficiency: Hiring a professional allows you to focus on growing your business rather than spending time troubleshooting technical issues.

How Much Does a Shopify Expert Cost?

Hire Someone to Design Your Shopify Store

There are a lot of pros in the Shopify Expert Marketplace that can help you set up, build, modify, and more. You’ll save time and effort by consulting an expert. These people know what works and what doesn’t on Shopify. Shopify expertise can be of tremendous assistance.

The decision to employ someone to design a Shopify store is totally dependent on your project’s goals. If you need to construct a complicated shop with third-party connectors and a high level of customization, it is best to employ a Shopify agency rather than a freelancer.

If, on the other hand, you want to construct a modest eCommerce site with a few goods and minimal modifications, hiring a freelancer rather than hiring an agency is the ideal alternative.

What to Look For in a Shopify Development Company?

When choosing a company to build your Shopify store, look for proven experience and a solid portfolio. Check if they have worked on similar projects and delivered successful results.

Review client testimonials and ratings to gauge their reliability and expertise. Pick one that offers ongoing support and maintenance services. Choose a company that is responsive and understands your business needs.

Consider their pricing structure to make sure it fits your budget. When you choose the best Shopify development partner, they must have a proven track record of delivering high-quality eCommerce solutions.

Understanding of Your Business

If a Shopify development business has the essential experience to construct a shop on Shopify, they will be able to comprehend your requirements adequately. They can help you if they grasp what your company is all about.

Furthermore, they must understand how to best target the audience. You can also obtain assistance in developing a marketing strategy.

Strong Portfolio of Past Shopify Projects

Shopify developers should showcase their work in a corporate portfolio or as Shopify store designers. The aforementioned Shopify professionals may be highly educated in terms of education and technical competence, but you should also consider if they have the necessary creative knowledge and experience.

You may assess the quality of Shopify professionals’ work by reviewing their portfolios. Examining your portfolio to check if the work style corresponds to your needs you may determine whether Shopify adheres to development standards throughout the project.

Positive Client Reviews and Testimonials

When hiring a Shopify expert or agency, positive client reviews and testimonials are crucial indicators of their reliability and ability to deliver quality work. These testimonials give you a glimpse into the expert’s past performance, highlighting their strengths and the kind of results you can expect.

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Shopify Store?

Shopify is a platform that provides several benefits to all types of enterprises. It is the quickest and most convenient method to sell your products and services online. When it comes to launching a Shopify site, engaging Shopify integration services, or even migrating from another eCommerce platform, you must first do your study and examine the scalability and cost associated with customization and time.

The time it takes to set up a Shopify store is determined by its complexity. Setting up a basic Shopify site with no third-party connections and less than 100 goods can take up to 3-5 days, however setting up a complicated Shopify eCommerce store with 3rd-party plugins or add-ons to your business can take up to 2-4 months.

Conclusion

Shopify stores are simple to create; but, if you find it difficult to do it on your own, you may always hire someone to set up Shopify store. The cost of constructing a fully working shop is determined by a variety of criteria, but because the platform provides essential tools and maximum commercial potential, it hardly disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions