Shopify looks simple at first—₹1,994/month for the Basic plan in India. But once you add Razorpay fees, GST invoicing apps, and shipping costs, the real expense is much higher. This guide breaks down the full monthly cost so Indian sellers know exactly what to expect in 2025.
India Snapshot
- Subscription Plans (2025):
- Basic – ₹1,994/month (2 staff, basic reporting).
- Shopify – ₹7,447/month (5 staff, advanced reports).
- Advanced – ₹30,164/month (15 staff, lower fees).
- Payment Fees: 2% on Razorpay/PayU; drops to 1% on Advanced plan.
- GST Invoice: Yes, Shopify issues GST-compliant invoices.
- Payments: UPI, EMI, wallets, COD supported.
- Shipping: Requires integration with courier platforms; COD fees apply.
Want to calculate your store’s real cost before starting?
Start Shopify India
Breaking Down Shopify’s Real Costs
1. Subscription Fees
The base subscription is predictable—₹1,994 for Basic. But growth usually pushes merchants to the ₹7,447 plan for advanced reporting and lower transaction fees.
2. Payment Gateway Charges
- Razorpay, PayU, and Cashfree: ~2% per transaction.
- EMI adds ~1–1.5% extra.
- Advanced Shopify plan reduces transaction fee to 1%.
Example: On ₹1,00,000 in monthly sales, expect ~₹2,000 in gateway charges.
3. Apps & Themes
Shopify’s app ecosystem is powerful, but many essentials are paid:
- GST invoice apps: ₹500–₹1,000/month.
- Premium themes: One-time $150–$300 (₹12,000–₹25,000).
- Marketing tools: ₹1,000–₹3,000/month.
4. Shipping & COD Costs
Shopify doesn’t provide shipping directly. Instead, you’ll connect with Shiprocket, Delhivery, or BlueDart.
- Average cost: ₹30–₹70 per 500g shipment.
- COD charges: ~2% of order value.
- Returns (RTO) add hidden costs.
Example: Real Monthly Cost for a Small Store
| Item | Approx. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shopify Basic Plan | ₹1,994 |
| Razorpay Fees (₹1L sales) | ₹2,000 |
| Apps (GST invoice, etc.) | ₹1,000 |
| Shipping (200 orders) | ~₹8,000 |
| Total | ₹12,994/month |
Quick Checklist for Indian Sellers
- Budget at least 5–8% of revenue for Shopify + apps + fees.
- Use Razorpay for UPI + COD support.
- Add a GST invoice app early.
- Lock in annual billing for subscription savings.
- Track COD returns to avoid margin loss.
Want a clear idea of your e-commerce expenses before you start?
Use Shopify India with a 3-day trial
In 2025, Shopify remains powerful but not cheap. The subscription fee is only the start—payment charges, apps, and shipping raise the real monthly cost for Indian sellers. If you’re prepared to manage these expenses, Shopify can scale your business smoothly.
