How much does it cost to buy a Shopify store?

Are you wondering how much does it cost to buy a Shopify store?

In the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, establishing a successful online store can be a lucrative venture. However, launching an e-commerce business from scratch can take time and effort, with numerous challenges, such as inventory management, fulfillment, and store setup.

For aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a faster entry into online retail, acquiring a pre-built Shopify store can be an enticing option. In this article, we will explore a range of crucial factors associated with purchasing Shopify stores.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the e-commerce realm or a seasoned entrepreneur looking for expansion, this comprehensive guide will provide invaluable insights into the costs, benefits, and potential of acquiring a pre-built Shopify store.

How much does it cost to buy a Shopify store?

1. Buying an Established Shopify Store

• Marketplaces like Flippa offer established Shopify stores for sale.
• Costs vary based on the store’s assessed value.
• Established stores can range from under $10,000 to over $100,000.

2. Purchasing Prebuilt Shopify Stores

• Consider prebuilt niche stores from platforms like Bebiggy.
• Prices for prebuilt stores typically range from $119 to $1000.

The Growing Popularity of Pre-Built Shopify Stores

The e-commerce landscape has recently witnessed a notable shift towards adopting pre-built Shopify stores. The growing number of company owners and entrepreneurs aware of the benefits of this turnkey approach to online shopping is responsible for this transition.

The following are some key factors driving the rise of pre-built Shopify stores:

• Time and Effort Efficiency: Pre-built Shopify stores come fully equipped, saving entrepreneurs from the hassles of starting from scratch.
• Accessible Entrepreneurship: Pre-built stores break down barriers to entry for aspiring business owners. These platforms cater to a diverse audience, from newcomers looking for their first venture to experienced entrepreneurs.
• Built-In Features: Pre-built Shopify stores offer built-in features, ranging from professionally designed templates to payment gateways and inventory management tools.

BeBiggy: Your One-Stop Shop for Pre-Built Stores

BeBiggy is a prominent player in the pre-built Shopify store industry, establishing itself as a leading provider. The platform offers an extensive range of fully optimized online stores, addressing various niches and market segments. BeBiggy’s contribution to the popularity of pre-built stores can be outlined through several key aspects.

Diverse Niche Selection

BeBiggy is your ultimate destination for pre-built Shopify stores, offering an extensive selection of niche-specific options. Whether you’re interested in fashion, technology, health, or any other field, BeBiggy provides a diverse array of pre-built stores tailored to your preferences.

Customization and Brand Identity

At BeBiggy, they understand the importance of brand identity. While they offer pre-built stores, they empower entrepreneurs to personalize and tailor these stores according to their unique brand identity and vision.

Cost-Effective Solutions

BeBiggy’s pre-built stores come with a significant cost advantage. Traditional online store setups can be costly, often involving web development, design, and feature integration expenses.

BeBiggy eliminates these upfront costs, offering a cost-effective solution that suits both newcomers and experienced entrepreneurs looking to expand their e-commerce ventures.

Ongoing Support and Resources:

BeBiggy is committed to the long-term success of its clients. Their platform offers valuable resources, guidance, and support to ensure entrepreneurs are well-equipped to navigate the world of e-commerce.

This ongoing support is essential for those new to online business and beneficial for experienced individuals seeking to optimize their operations.

Wide Range of Product Catalogs:

One of the key strengths of BeBiggy is the wide range of product catalogs available within their pre-built stores. Entrepreneurs can explore many product categories and find the perfect fit for their business, catering to the varied interests and demands of the market.

Affordability and Accessibility:

BeBiggy’s pre-built stores are characterized by affordability and accessibility. They break down the entry barriers for those seeking to venture into e-commerce, making it an inclusive platform suitable for a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs.

Here are some stats about BeBiggy:

• BeBiggy offers generic and custom turnkey dropshipping stores.
• Generic stores are budget-friendly and start at just $119.
• Custom stores are available for those seeking tailored solutions, starting at $499.
• BeBiggy allows you to automate your business for added convenience with an additional monthly fee of $29.

Other Existing Platforms To Buy a Shopify established Store

Here are some platforms that allow you to buy a Shopify store:

1. Flippa

Shopify stores can be purchased and sold on Flippa, a well-known online marketplace. You may search by industry, revenue, and other characteristics, and it offers a vast selection of stores.

Here are some important stats related to Flippa:

• Flippa is a platform with over $41 million worth of business listings hosted monthly.
• The platform sees a monthly influx of 3 million visitors across mobile and desktop devices.
• To date, Flippa has facilitated the sale of more than 300,000 digital assets worldwide.
• The platform boasts a user base of 3 million individuals from various parts of the world.
  

2. Empire Flippers

Empire Flippers is another popular marketplace for buying and selling online businesses. It specializes in brokering the sale of profitable businesses and has a team of experts who can help you find the right store for your needs.

Here are some important stats related to Empire Flippers:

• In 2022, Empire Flippers achieved a revenue run rate of $4.1 million.
• Empire Flippers has a remarkable track record of successfully selling thousands of websites, boasting an impressive selling success rate of1%.
• In 2022, they sold a total of 315 businesses. This figure represents a 97% decrease compared to the previous year (2021), but it’s a significant 15.81% increase compared to 2019.
• The platform’s pricing structure includes platform fees starting at $39 and success fees starting from 4%.

3. Shopify App Store

To search and purchase pre-built Shopify stores, you can use several apps available in the Shopify App Store. Flipped, Store Swap, and Exchange by Shopify are a few of these apps.

Here are some important stats related to the Shopify App Store:

• The Shopify App Store features a diverse selection of over 8,000 applications, with the majority of them, more than half, available for free.
• The Shopify App Store operates with a revenue-sharing model where they take a 20% share of sales made through the store’s applications.
• Shopify boasts a large user base, powering over 28 million live stores or Shopify users, indicating its widespread usage in the e-commerce industry.

Tips for buying a Shopify store from a platform

When buying a Shopify store from a platform, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Read the platform’s terms of service: Before buying a Shopify store from a platform, read the platform’s terms of service. This will help you to understand the platform’s fees and policies.
• Research the seller: If you are buying from a marketplace, be sure to research the seller before you buy it. This will help you to get a better understanding of the seller’s reputation.
• Contact the platform: If you have any questions about the platform or the buying process, don’t hesitate to contact the platform. The platform should be able to answer any questions you have.

Pros and Cons To Buy an established Shopify Store

Pros

1. Established Business: You acquire a pre-existing business with a proven track record, including traffic, sales, and revenue.
2. Time-Saving: Skip the time and effort required to start a store from scratch, such as building a brand, developing a website, and attracting initial customers.
3. Instant Revenue: Start generating income immediately, as the store likely has existing customers and sales.
4. Reduced Risk: Established stores often have established supplier relationships and operational processes, reducing the risk of startup challenges.
5. Access to Data: Gain insights from historical sales and customer data, allowing for more informed decision-making.
6. SEO Benefits: Older stores may have an SEO advantage with existing backlinks and search engine rankings.
7. Established Customer Base: Pre-built stores often come with an existing customer base, saving you time and effort in acquiring customers.
8. Proven Revenue Streams: These stores have a track record of generating revenue, reducing startup uncertainty.
9. Operational Efficiency: Since many pre-built establishments are efficiency-optimized, you may concentrate on strategy and growth instead of putting up the fundamentals.
10. Time Savings: Acquiring a pre-built store can accelerate your entry into the e-commerce market, enabling you to start selling almost immediately.

Cons

1. Higher Initial Cost: Pre-built stores may come with a significant upfront purchase price, which can be a barrier for some buyers.
2. Quality Concerns: Some stores may be on the market due to declining performance or issues requiring significant fixes.
3. Hidden Liabilities: There could be undisclosed issues like unresolved customer complaints or legal concerns.
4. Limited Customization: You might not be able to fully customize the store to your tastes due to preexisting designs and branding.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Shopify Store [Bebiggy Insights]

Bebiggy, a well-known marketplace specializing in purchasing and selling pre-built Shopify stores, consider various factors when determining the cost of a store. These factors encompass:

• Industry: Bebiggy recognizes that the industry a store operates in can impact its cost. Typically, stores within industries like e-commerce may be priced higher than those in different sectors.
• Products: The uniqueness and quality of products available in a store can contribute to its price. Stores featuring high-quality and distinct products often come with a premium cost.
• SEO Performance: Stores that excel in ranking within search engine results pages (SERPs) may command a premium price compared to those with weaker SEO performance.

Here are some related statistics:

• Bebiggy’s pre-built Shopify stores typically range from $119 – $999.
• Budget-conscious buyers can find affordable store options on Bebiggy at $199.

The Price Range for Buying a Shopify Store

The purchase cost can vary significantly based on various factors, including the store’s profitability, income, industry, and quantity of products sold. Generally speaking, the price range for a Shopify store is between a few thousand and millions of dollars.

Here is the minimum price for buying a Shopify store on some marketplaces:

• Bebiggy: $199
• Flippa: More than $5000
• Empire Flippers: $10,000

What is Included in the Purchase Price?

The components included in the purchase price of a pre-built Shopify store can vary depending on the seller, platform, and specific listing. However, when acquiring a pre-built Shopify store, buyers can usually expect the following items to be included in the purchase price:

• Shopify Store Setup: The fundamental structure and design of the online store are usually part of the package. This includes the website’s layout, pages, and navigation.
• Product Listings: The product listings featured on the store, complete with product images, descriptions, and pricing, are typically included.
• Supplier Information: Essential details about product suppliers, which may encompass their contact information and any agreements or partnerships, are usually provided.
• Domain Name: Many pre-built Shopify stores include a domain name in the purchase. This domain is often chosen to align with the store’s niche.
• Social Media Accounts: Sellers often offer any associated social media accounts linked to the business, including Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter profiles.
• Customer Database: In some cases, buyers receive access to the existing customer database, helping with customer retention and marketing efforts.
• Supplier Relationships: If applicable, the buyer may inherit existing relationships with suppliers, which can be advantageous for a smooth transition.
• Inventory Management Tools: Some sellers provide tools or software for managing inventory and orders efficiently.
• Training and Support: Sellers may offer training and support to assist buyers in familiarizing themselves with the business and its operations.

Customization and Additional Costs

1.  Bebiggy

Customization Options

BeBiggy allows buyers to customize pre-built Shopify stores according to their specific preferences and niches. These customization options may include

• Branding and Logo: Tailoring or redesigning the store’s branding and logo to align with the buyer’s vision.
• Product Selection: Adding, removing, or modifying products to suit the buyer’s product line and target audience.
• Design Tweaks: Adjusting the store’s design, layout, color scheme, and overall appearance.
• App Integration: Integrating or removing Shopify apps to enhance the store’s functionality and user experience.

Additional Costs

In addition to the base price of a pre-built Shopify store on BeBiggy, buyers should be aware of potential extra expenses that might affect their budget. These costs can encompass:

• Shopify Subscription: The monthly subscription fees for Shopify vary based on the chosen plan.
• App Fees: Expenses related to third-party apps or plugins that enhance the store’s features and capabilities.
• Domain Renewal: Annual fees associated with renewing the domain name connected to the store.
• Marketing Budget: Funds allocated for marketing and advertising campaigns to drive traffic, engage customers, and boost sales.
• Content Creation: Costs for generating high-quality content, such as product descriptions, blog posts, or images.
• Customer Support: If not included, expenses for managing customer inquiries, returns, and support staff.
• SEO and Advertising Expenses: Budgets for search engine optimization (SEO) and paid advertising to enhance the store’s online visibility and attract potential customers.

The extent of customization and additional costs varies depending on the buyer’s specific requirements and business goals. Open communication with the seller is essential to discuss these options and ensure both parties clearly understand the customization process and any associated expenses.

2.  Flippa

Customization Options:

Flippa, a popular online marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, offers potential buyers opportunities to customize purchased online stores. These customization possibilities may include:

• Rebranding: Adapting the store’s branding, including logos, colors, and other visual elements.
• Product Selection: Modifying the product range to cater to specific niches or customer preferences.
• Design and Layout: Adjust the store’s design, layout, and user interface for a personalized look and feel.
• App and Plugin Integration: Incorporating or removing third-party apps and plugins to enhance functionality.

Additional Costs:

Buyers on Flippa should consider various supplementary expenses beyond the initial purchase price:

• Business Transfer Fee: A success fee is assessed by Flippa and is deducted from the business’s ultimate sale price.
• Domain Transfer Fee: If the purchased store includes a domain name, there may be costs associated with transferring ownership.
• Content and Marketing Expenses: Spending plans for marketing, advertising, and content production that will help the company grow and draw clients.
• Legal and Due Diligence Costs: Expenses related to legal assistance, inspections, or financial due diligence during purchase.
• Hosting and Platform Fees: Ongoing expenses for hosting and website platform subscriptions.

3.  Empire Flippers

Customization Options:

Empire Flippers focuses on premium online businesses and allows buyers to tailor their purchased business to meet their specific needs. Customization options may comprise:

• Rebranding and Design: Modifying the business’s branding and design elements to reflect the buyer’s vision.
• Product and Niche Adaptation: Adjusting the product lineup or niche focus to align with the buyer’s expertise and preferences.
• Expansion Strategies: Implementing strategies for business growth, including diversifying product offerings or targeting new customer segments.

Additional Costs:

Buyers considering businesses on Empire Flippers should be aware of various supplementary expenses:

• Success Fee: Empire Flippers charges a success fee based on the final business selling price.
• Legal and Due Diligence Costs: Expenses for legal consultations, thorough inspections, and due diligence processes to ensure a secure business purchase.
• Content and Marketing Budget: Allocating funds for content creation, advertising, and marketing efforts to increase the business’s visibility and customer engagement.
• Inventory or Product Costs: Purchasing inventory or products if not included in the acquisition.

BeBiggy Pricing: Your Cost-Effective Solution for Pre-Built Stores

BeBiggy Pricing stands out as a cost-effective solution for entrepreneurs seeking pre-built Shopify stores. When compared to other platforms, BeBiggy offers a significant advantage in terms of affordability and accessibility:

• Competitive Price Range: BeBiggy’s pre-built stores typically range from $199 and $999, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers, from newcomers to seasoned entrepreneurs. This price range caters to various budgets, ensuring affordability for those looking to enter the e-commerce market.
• Diverse Options: BeBiggy’s diverse selection of pre-built stores allows buyers to find a store that aligns with their budget and business goals. Whether you’re a budget-conscious buyer or looking for a premium option, BeBiggy provides suitable choices.
• Elimination of Upfront Costs: Traditional online store setups can involve significant upfront expenses, including web development, design, and feature integration. BeBiggy eliminates these costs, allowing you to save on initial investment and redirect your capital toward other business needs.
• Inclusive Platform: BeBiggy’s pricing model breaks down barriers for those seeking to venture into e-commerce. The affordability of their pre-built stores makes it an inclusive platform suitable for a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs, including newcomers and experienced business owners.
• Additional Cost Transparency: BeBiggy provides clarity about the cost structure, ensuring that buyers are aware of potential additional expenses such as Shopify subscription fees, app fees, domain renewal costs, marketing budgets, and content creation expenses. This transparency helps buyers budget effectively and make informed decisions.

BeBiggy’s pricing approach aligns with its commitment to offering entrepreneurs accessible and cost-effective solutions for acquiring pre-built Shopify stores, making it a standout choice in the competitive market.

How much does it cost to run an online store per month?

There is no monthly cost to run an online store on BeBiggy. BeBiggy is a data analytics platform that helps Shopify merchants make better business decisions. It offers a free plan that includes all the essentials to start your online store, such as order processing, product management, and customer service.

Here is a breakdown of the features in BeBiggy’s free plan:

• Product management: Create and manage your product catalog, including product descriptions, images, and pricing.
• Order processing: Process and fulfill customer orders.
• Customer support: Manage customer inquiries and provide support.
• Analytics: Track your store’s performance with insights into sales, traffic, and customers.

If you need more features, BeBiggy offers paid plans starting at $29 per month. Additional capabilities like abandoned cart recovery, product suggestions, and marketing automation are included in the pricier tiers.

To start with BeBiggy, you can create a free account on their website. Once you have created an account, you can connect your Shopify store to BeBiggy. Once your store is connected, you can use BeBiggy’s features to manage and grow your business.

Tips for Evaluating and Buying a Shopify Store From Bebiggy

Evaluating and purchasing a Shopify store is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. These helpful hints will help you make an informed decision and guarantee a successful acquisition:

• Define Your Goals: Review the store’s historical data and performance metrics, including revenue, traffic, conversion rates, and customer acquisition costs. This helps you understand the business’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Verify the Supplier: Investigate the supplier’s or seller’s reputation on platforms like BeBiggy. Assess their track record and reliability in providing high-quality pre-built stores.
• Check the Supplier’s Store Portfolio: Examine the other stores in the supplier’s portfolio. This can offer insights into the quality and diversity of their offerings.
• Target a Niche: Choose a niche that aligns with your interests, expertise, and market trends. A niche store may have a more dedicated customer base.
• Explore Industry Trends: Analyze industry trends and product demand within your chosen niche. This ensures that the business has growth potential.
• Determine the Costs: Establish a clear budget for the purchase, customization, and additional costs. Ensure you have sufficient capital for the acquisition.
• Understand the Total Investment: Consider the total investment, including not only the purchase price but also any customization expenses, marketing budgets, and additional costs.
• Inspect Financial Records: Carefully review financial documents and records, including profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and tax records.
• Legal and Ownership Verification: Confirm the legal status, ownership, and rights to assets like domains, trademarks, and content.
• Engage with the Seller: Communicate with the seller to gain insights into the store’s history, challenges, and future potential. Inquire about the reason for selling and any non-compete agreements.
• Traffic Analysis: Understand the traffic sources, such as organic search, paid advertising, social media, or email marketing. Evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of these sources.
• Diversification: Seek businesses with diversified traffic sources to reduce dependency on a single channel.
• Assess Customer Base: Review customer demographics, purchase history, and retention rates. A well-engaged and loyal customer base can be a valuable asset.
• Evaluate the Technology Stack: Assess the technology stack, including the e-commerce platform, hosting, and third-party apps. Make sure they are current and in line with your objectives.
• Understand Customization: Determine the degree of customization the seller or platform allows. This includes rebranding, design changes, and product additions.

How much does it cost to build an e-commerce website from scratch?

Several variables, including the size and complexity of the website, the platform used, and the features and functionality needed, affect the price of building an e-commerce website from scratch. However, you can expect to pay between $10,000 to $250,000 or more.

Here is a breakdown of some of the costs involved:

• Platform: The platform you choose will significantly impact the cost of your website. Even the most basic plans on well-known e-commerce systems like Shopify and WooCommerce may run you several hundred dollars a year.
• Theme or template: Most e-commerce systems include a selection of premium and free themes and layouts. Choosing a paid theme can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to the cost of your website.
• Features and functionality: The specific features and functionality you need will also affect the cost of your website. For example, if you need custom features or integrations, you can expect to pay more.
• Development: If you don’t have the skills or experience to build your own ecommerce website, you will need to hire a developer. The cost of development can vary depending on the developer’s experience and the complexity of your project.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Investing in a pre-built Shopify store can be a rewarding venture, but it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and have strategies in place to mitigate them. Here are common risks and ways to address them:

1. Market Volatility:

Risk: Economic changes or industry trends can impact the store’s performance.

Mitigation: Diversify products and traffic sources to reduce dependency on a single niche or channel.

2. Supplier Reliability:

Risk: Relying on suppliers for product quality, availability, and shipping.

Mitigation: Choose reputable suppliers with a history of consistent service and quality products. Maintain communication with suppliers.

3. Traffic Dependence:

Risk: Heavy reliance on paid advertising or one traffic source.

Mitigation: Develop an SEO and content strategy to enhance organic traffic. Explore additional marketing channels.

4. Customer Retention:

Risk: Failing to retain and engage the existing customer base.

Mitigation: Implement customer retention strategies like loyalty programs and personalized marketing.

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

Risk: Non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Mitigation: Regularly audit the store’s legal status and make necessary adjustments for compliance.

6. Quality Control:

Risk: Ensuring product quality and accurate order fulfillment can be challenging.

Mitigation: Monitor and maintain supplier relationships to ensure quality standards are met.

7. Unexpected Expenses:

Risk: Unforeseen costs, such as marketing or customization expenses.

Mitigation: Create a comprehensive budget that includes contingency funds for unexpected expenses.

8. Technology Issues:

Risk: Technical problems with the e-commerce platform or third-party apps.

Mitigation: Regularly update and maintain the technology stack and have access to technical support.

9. Customer Feedback:

Risk: Negative customer feedback or reviews impact the store’s reputation.

Mitigation: Implement a proactive approach to address customer concerns and maintain a positive brand image.

10. Ownership Verification:

Risk: Issues related to domain ownership or rights to digital assets.

Mitigation: Conduct thorough due diligence to verify ownership rights and legal status.

11. Scalability Challenges:

Risk: The store may face difficulties scaling up operations.

Mitigation: Develop a growth strategy and plan for scaling the business.

12. Competitive Market:

Risk: Saturated markets with intense competition.

Mitigation: Focus on product differentiation, unique selling points, and effective marketing strategies.

13. Financial Performance:

Risk: Inconsistent or declining revenue and profitability.

Mitigation: Monitor key financial metrics and implement strategies for revenue growth.

14. Secure Transition:

Risk: Ensuring a smooth and secure transfer process.

Mitigation: Work with experienced professionals to facilitate a secure transfer, including domain and data migration.

15. Data Security:

Risk: Protecting customer data and maintaining data security.

Mitigation: Implement robust data security measures and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

FAQs Related To Buying A Shopify Store

How much does it typically cost to run an online store per month?

Depending on its size and complexity, an online store can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 monthly.

What’s the typical pricing range for creating a Shopify website for clients?

The typical pricing range for creating a Shopify website for clients is $500 to $5,000, depending on the features and functionality required.

Can you provide details on the different Shopify plans available?

Shopify offers four plans: Basic Shopify ($29/month), Shopify ($79/month), Advanced Shopify ($299/month), and Shopify Plus (custom pricing).

What is the monthly cost of using Shopify as an e-commerce platform?

The monthly cost of using Shopify as an e-commerce platform ranges from $29 to $299, depending on your chosen plan.

Where can I find apps and plugins for my Shopify store?

You can find apps and plugins for your Shopify store in the Shopify App Store.

What does the cost structure of an e-commerce business typically include?

The cost structure of an e-commerce business typically includes website hosting, domain name, payment processing fees, marketing costs, and inventory costs.

How does Shopify POS (Point of Sale) benefit businesses?

Shopify POS benefits businesses by allowing them to accept payments in person, track inventory, and manage customer data.

What’s the average cost of building an e-commerce website completely from scratch?

Developing an e-commerce website from the ground up typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000.

Where can I purchase high-quality pre-built stores?

BeBiggy is an excellent option, offering a broad selection of fully optimized Shopify stores to meet your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, establishing an online store comes with various expenses, from hosting and platform fees to marketing and inventory costs. The flexibility and scalability of Shopify make it a popular choice, with various plans to suit diverse needs.

Shopify’s App Store offers numerous tools for enhancing your store’s functionality. When considering the overall cost structure, it’s vital to budget wisely. Additionally, the integration of Shopify POS streamlines both online and offline sales.

While the cost of building an e-commerce website from scratch varies, pre-built stores, like those found on BeBiggy, offer a convenient alternative for entrepreneurs seeking a head start in the e-commerce world.