There are a lot of options to consider when building your first e-commerce site. Sometimes, it can get confusing. Some websites perform like Ferrari, while others perform like Honda. One option or another, if you’re a start-up trying to create a website the cost will range from $20,000 to $500,000.
This cost will depend on how you want your website to perform and the company you choose to assist you in developing it. In this guide we help calculate your ecommerce website development cost so that you can create a realistic budget for your business.
What is an E-commerce Site?
An E-commerce Site is a mix between an online vending service and a fully designed website. Products are sold on the site and are marketed towards the company’s target audience (i.e., 20-30-year-olds, male/female, etc.).
When you create your eCommerce site, you have to decide who you’re selling your products too. Once you’ve done that, you can start creating a budget and finding a development company that will make it according to your requirements and needs.
Quick Advice When Creating Your eCommerce Website.
The first thing you need to ask is “What are my goals?”. Having a general idea as to what you’re trying to accomplish will increase the success of your page. Additionally, it gives you expectations that your development company needs to meet. Set up S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable, Time-Based) goals to help your hired company work effectively.
Cost.
This table explains the average ecommerce website development cost. Use it as a reference when creating your site so you know what to expect:
| Small | Mid-Size | Enterprise | |
| Design | $5,000 | $10,000-$15,000 | $35,000-$50,000 |
| Programming | $2,000 | $15,000-$30,000 | $50,000-$75,000 |
| Data Imports | $0 | $3,000-$5,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
| Integrations | $500 | $8,000-$10,000 | $15,000-$20,000 |
| SEO (annual) | $12,000 | $34,000 | $50,000 |
| Hosting (annual) | $500 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Total Average Cost: | $20,000 | $75,000-$99,000 | $165,000-$220,00 |
Remember, you have to establish a reasonable budget for your ecommerce website development cost. If you’re just getting started, $20,000 is a good deal for a basic website. However, if you have a good crowdfunding campaign or have the money, your website can go for around $75,000 – $220,000 if you want more high-end features (automated response, ai technology searches, increased data size).
What Determines the Cost?
- Design – i.e., If you’re getting your site custom made, it’s going to cost more than using a template.
- Data Imports – Do you need customer data or other forms of data imported to your site?
- Outsourcing – You can reduce the e-commerce website development cost by using developers outside the U.S.
- Company Reputation – Getting service from an experienced, reputable company tends to cost more.
- Market Integration – Integrating your e-commerce market with ERP or 3rd parties might cost you thousands.
Keep these factors in mind when creating your first e-commerce site. While you can take the economical route and outsource it, you’ll want to check the company first. See if their work matches their credentials and make sure that they complete your project on time.
Conclusion.
Your website depends on your capital, resources. And it relies on your ability to hire developers that can complete your project requirements (without lacking quality either). To conclude, get your website costs figured out so you can start obtaining sales and growing your business!
