eCommerce Website Design Cost in Australia in 2024?

Updated at: July 30, 2024

Looking to build an eCommerce site in Australia? Explore the comprehensive guide on development costs, from $5,000 to $150,000, and find out which option suits your business best.

With the growing trend of online sales, businesses, whether small or large, are heavily investing in eCommerce websites due to the high return on investment.

In Australia, the average cost of building a functional eCommerce website starts from $5,000 as of 2024. However, this cost can escalate to $50,000 or more for websites requiring greater complexity and flexibility. Surprisingly, some eCommerce websites can be developed for as little as $20!

This variance in cost is due to the two primary methods of website development :

• Using a template-based website builder, OR
• Hiring a dedicated development team.

eCommerce website builders use premade templates to build a website in a matter of minutes. Shopify and WooCommerce serve as examples with their affordable monthly subscriptions. On the other hand, a dedicated team or company like Innovination offers custom website development services in exchange for their time and effort.

This article will further explore multiple queries regarding the development of an eCommerce store like :

1. Which factors influence development costs?
2. Should you hire a development agency or not?
3. What are the additional development costs?

Which factors influence the cost of making an eCommerce website

Dreaming of launching your own online empire? Building an e-commerce website can be the perfect launchpad. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the cost involved. Here’s a roadmap to navigate the key factors that impact your online store’s price tag, ensuring your dream venture stays firmly within budget.

The price depends on a few things:

• Website size: Small websites (up to 100 products) cost the least ($5,000 – $15,000), medium websites (up to 1,000 products) cost more ($15,000 – $50,000), and large websites (up to 10,000 products) cost the most ($50,000 – $150,000).
• Platform: This is the foundation of your website. Popular options like Shopify have monthly fees ($29 – $299), while others like Magento require a bigger upfront cost ($2,000 – $100,000).
• Design: You can choose from pre-made designs (templates) that are cheaper ($20 – $1,000) or have a unique design built from scratch (custom development), which costs more ($5,000 – $50,000).
• Other costs: There are additional things to consider like website hosting (storage space), payment gateways (how customers pay you), and maintenance (keeping your website running smoothly).

It is always crucial to remember that :

• A bigger and more complex website will cost more.
• Planning and budgeting are important to stay on track along with spending.

These costs reflect the features, design, and level of customization you choose for your website. The more features and customization you want, the higher the cost.

Should I hire a web development company?

This is a question every aspiring e-commerce entrepreneur ponders. The answer hinges on the complexity and scale of the vision.

Hiring an eCommerce web development company unlocks the power of customization. Imagine a website tailored to your brand’s unique identity, boasting functionalities designed to streamline your operations and elevate your customer experience. This approach is ideal for businesses with:

• Specific needs beyond standard features – Do you have a unique product line or require a complex inventory management system? Custom development allows for bespoke solutions perfectly aligned with your vision.
• Scalability aspirations – Planning for explosive growth? A custom-built website can accommodate future expansion and integrate seamlessly with additional features as your business flourishes.
• Strong brand identity – A custom website allows you to create a unique online environment that reflects your brand’s personality and resonates with your target audience.

Hiring a web development company allows for a more customized website experience, naturally translating to a wider cost spectrum. Costs can range from a few thousand dollars for basic solutions with essential features to tens of thousands for feature-rich sites with intricate functionalities and advanced design elements.

Choosing between a template-based website builder and hiring a dedicated development team depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Template-Based Website Builders:

• Pros – Cost-effective, quick to set up, and user-friendly. Ideal for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
• Cons – Limited customization options and scalability. Your website may look similar to others using the same templates, which might affect your brand’s uniqueness.

Dedicated Development Team:

• Pros – Highly customizable, scalable, and tailored to your specific business needs. Provides a unique and professional look, ensuring your brand stands out.
• Cons – More expensive and time-consuming. Requires a higher initial investment but offers better long-term returns.

Consider your business size, the complexity of your products, and future growth plans when deciding which option suits you best.

If you’re interested in discovering the best eCommerce website design companies in specific Australian cities, check out our publications on the Top 10 eCommerce website design companies in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, NewCastle and Central Coast to find the best fit for your project.

What are the additional expenses and functions that an eCommerce website requires?

When it comes to building an eCommerce website, one size rarely fits all. Most businesses find they need to enhance their online store with additional features to better serve their customers.

The best eCommerce platforms offer a wide array of applications that you can integrate into your store to extend its functionality and improve the user experience. These apps can range from free to paid, potentially increasing the overall cost of your website.

For instance, the Shopify App Store boasts thousands of apps, many of which are free. Whether you’re looking to incorporate email marketing, sell on social media, add social proof, or enhance your SEO, there’s likely an app for that. These apps can significantly enhance the functionality and performance of your online store.

Paid apps usually operate on a monthly subscription basis. However, you can also develop custom apps tailored specifically to your store’s needs. These custom solutions are typically more expensive, with costs potentially exceeding $5,000, depending on the developer’s experience and rates.

Initial Investment

Starting an eCommerce business involves careful budgeting. While it’s possible to launch a basic online store for as little as $100, most businesses find that a more realistic budget is necessary to get off the ground.

Based on recent research, small business owners typically spend around $40,000 in their first year, with approximately 9% of that budget allocated to online business needs. Shopify merchants, for example, spend an average of $38,000, while those using other platforms spend slightly more, averaging around $41,000.

Long-term Cost Considerations

Turning a profit takes time, so it’s crucial to choose an eCommerce platform that offers the necessary tools without consuming your entire budget. Consider where your business stands now and where you envision it in the future. Selecting a platform that can grow with your business will help ensure long-term success and sustainability.

Investing wisely in your eCommerce platform and related tools can set the foundation for a profitable and scalable online business.

Conclusive Thought

The cost of eCommerce website development in Australia varies widely, starting from $5,000 for simple sites and reaching up to $150,000 for more complex and feature-rich stores. The choice between using a template-based website builder or hiring a dedicated development team significantly impacts both the budget and the outcome.

Template-based solutions like Shopify and WooCommerce offer affordability and quick setup, ideal for small businesses. In contrast, custom development provides a tailored, scalable, and unique online presence, albeit at a higher cost.

Essential factors influencing these costs include platform choice, design, hosting, payment gateways, and maintenance. Ultimately, businesses should carefully assess their specific needs, budget constraints, and long-term goals to select the most suitable development approach. Making informed decisions in these areas will ensure a robust, scalable, and profitable eCommerce venture.