Shopify is one of the most well-known ecommerce platforms in the world. But for many Indian small businesses and first-time sellers, Shopify often turns out to be more expensive than expected.

If you’re wondering why Shopify feels costly in India and whether there are better, more affordable alternatives, this guide breaks it down clearly.

The Real Cost of Using Shopify in India

At first glance, Shopify’s pricing may look simple. But once you start using it, hidden and indirect costs add up quickly.

1. Monthly Subscription Fees

Shopify charges a fixed monthly fee, even if:

You are just starting
Your sales are low
You are still testing your business idea

For small Indian sellers, paying a high monthly fee from day one can be risky.

2. Additional App & Plugin Costs

Many essential features on Shopify require paid apps, such as:

Advanced checkout customization
COD management
Indian payment enhancements
Marketing and automation tools

These apps often charge monthly fees, increasing your total cost significantly.

3. Payment Gateway & Transaction Fees

In India:

Shopify Payments has limitations
Sellers rely on third-party payment gateways
Each transaction includes gateway fees

On top of that, some plans also include extra transaction charges, reducing your profit per order.

4. Not Fully Optimized for UPI-First Selling

Indian customers heavily prefer:

UPI payments
Cash on Delivery (COD)

Shopify supports these, but often requires:

Additional setup
Third-party apps
Extra configuration

This adds complexity and cost for Indian sellers.

5. Developer & Technical Dependency

To customize Shopify stores:

You may need a developer
Theme changes can be technical
Advanced features require coding

This leads to extra one-time or recurring expenses.

Why Shopify Doesn’t Suit Most Small Indian Sellers

For many Indian businesses, Shopify becomes:

Expensive to maintain
Complex to manage
Overpowered for basic needs
Costly before profits stabilize

This is why many sellers look for India-focused alternatives.

Better Alternatives to Shopify for Indian Sellers

Bechna (Best Affordable & India-First Option)

Bechna is built specifically for Indian sellers who want:

Low cost
Fast setup
Zero platform commission

Why Bechna is better for Indian sellers:

Affordable monthly plans
No commission on orders
Built-in UPI, cards & COD
Direct bank settlements
No plugins or developers needed
Mobile-first dashboard

You can launch your store in under 2 minutes.

Other Indian Platforms (Limited but Cheaper)

Some Indian platforms offer:

Lower pricing than Shopify
Simple store setup

However, many lack:

Advanced checkout experience
Smooth UI
Scalability

Bechna balances simplicity + professional features.

Cost Comparison: Shopify vs Bechna

Feature	Shopify	Bechna
Monthly Cost	High	Affordable
App Costs	Multiple paid apps	Not required
UPI & COD	Extra setup	Built-in
Platform Commission	No, but high overhead	Zero
Developer Needed	Often	No
Store Setup Time	Hours / Days	Under 2 minutes

Who Should Avoid Shopify?

You may want to avoid Shopify if:

You are a small or local seller
You sell mainly in India
You want low upfront costs
You prefer mobile-based management
You want faster ROI

https://bechna.app/

Why Shopify Is Expensive for Indian Sellers (And Better Options in 2025)