An online store costs more than a brochure site because it is software, not just pages: payments, stock, shipping and security all have to work. This guide gives real 2026 figures for Ireland across the main approaches, explains the ongoing fees people forget, and shows what pushes the price up or down.
How much does an eCommerce website cost in Ireland?
In 2026, most Irish online stores cost €2,500 to €8,000 to build, with simple hosted-platform shops at the lower end and larger or custom builds higher. On top of the build, budget for ongoing platform fees, payment processing and hosting. The figure depends on the platform, the number of products, and how much custom design and functionality you need.
What does each approach cost?
The platform shapes both the build cost and the running costs. The table shows typical 2026 ranges in Ireland.
| Approach | Build cost | Ongoing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | €2,000 to €6,000 | From ~€30/mo + fees | Fast launch, simple management, no hosting worries |
| WooCommerce (WordPress) | €2,500 to €6,000 | Hosting + plugins | Flexibility if you already use WordPress |
| Custom build | €6,000+ | Hosting + optional care | Speed, control and no per-sale platform fees |
Get a figure for your exact store with a free quote, or see our eCommerce web design service. We compare the platforms in custom store vs Shopify.
What affects the cost of an online store?
Four things drive the price: the number of products, the platform, the design, and any special functionality. A 20-product shop is far cheaper than a 2,000-product catalogue with variants. Subscriptions, bookings, integrations with accounting or shipping, and bespoke design all add cost, while a clean, focused store keeps it down.
- Catalogue size: more products and variants mean more setup.
- Platform: hosted vs custom changes both build and running costs.
- Design: a template launch is cheaper than a bespoke brand experience.
- Functionality: subscriptions, integrations and custom features add up.
What are the ongoing costs of an eCommerce site?
Beyond the build, expect a platform fee (Shopify from around €30 a month, or hosting for WooCommerce/custom), payment processing of roughly 1.4% to 2.9% plus a small fixed fee per transaction, a domain, and optional maintenance. These running costs are normal and worth budgeting for, because a neglected store is a security and sales risk.
Does Shopify or a custom store cost less over time?
Shopify is cheaper to start but charges monthly, and sometimes per-sale, fees that add up as you grow. A custom store costs more up front but has no platform fees, so for a busy, growing shop it can work out cheaper over a few years. For a small or new store, Shopify's low entry cost usually wins first.
Why are some eCommerce quotes so cheap?
A very cheap online store is usually a stock template with minimal setup, no real optimisation of the checkout, and hidden monthly costs. It can work for testing an idea, but it rarely converts well or scales. With eCommerce, a poorly built store quietly loses sales every day, so the cheapest option often costs the most in lost revenue.
How much should a small business budget for a first store?
A small Irish business can launch a solid, focused store from around €2,500 to €4,000, plus running costs. Start with a tight product range and the essentials done well, then reinvest as sales grow. Pair it with a fast, mobile-first build so the store converts from day one rather than leaking sales.
For a sense of what that buys at the more demanding end, our DT One case study covers a Cavan menswear shop where the catalogue ran to well over a thousand size and colour combinations, each with its own stock count checked at the bag, the cart and again at payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online store more expensive than a normal website?
Usually yes, because it includes payments, stock, shipping and security on top of the pages. A brochure site in Ireland often runs €800 to €3,000, while a store typically starts around €2,500. See our guide to general website costs in Ireland.
Are there transaction fees on every sale?
Yes. Payment processors charge roughly 1.4% to 2.9% plus a small fixed fee per transaction, and some platforms add their own per-sale fee. These are normal and worth factoring into your pricing rather than treating as a surprise.
Can I start small and add features later?
Absolutely, and it is often the smartest approach. Launch with core products and a clean checkout, then add features like subscriptions or integrations once sales justify them. A good build is structured so it can grow without a costly rebuild.
Want a real price for your online store? Tell us what you plan to sell and we will send a clear, itemised quote. Get your free quote, or read the full eCommerce web design guide.