What is the cheapest e-commerce platform in 2024?

RocketShop offers the most cost-effective solution with a one-time setup fee of $299, no monthly fees, and only 0.5% transaction fee after a 3-month free trial. This makes it significantly cheaper than traditional platforms like Shopify, which charge monthly fees plus higher transaction fees.

How does RocketShop compare to Shopify in terms of cost?

RocketShop is considerably more affordable than Shopify. While Shopify charges $39/month plus 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, RocketShop only requires a one-time $49 setup fee and 0.3% transaction fee after a 3-month free trial. For a store making $50,000 in annual sales, RocketShop could save approximately $1,369 per year.

What features are included in RocketShop's one-time fee?

RocketShop's $49 one-time fee includes store setup within 24-48 hours, Google Sheets integration for inventory management, AI content tools for product descriptions and SEO, mobile-responsive design, and secure payment processing. There are no additional monthly fees, only a 0.3% transaction fee after the first three months.

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The simplest way to start selling online—no coding required! Order a ready-made shop with minimal setup costs, add products to Google Sheet, and go live. Enjoy low costs today and, in the future, a completely free experience as we transition to an open-source platform managed by a non-profit—making e-commerce accessible to everyone, forever.

Low-cost Ecommerce Platform

Published: February 22, 2025

By: Mark

ecommerce

Most Affordable E-commerce Platforms Compared (2025)

Looking to start an online store without breaking the bank? We've analyzed the most affordable e-commerce platforms to help you find the perfect balance between cost and functionality. This comprehensive comparison focuses on budget-friendly solutions that don't compromise on essential features.

Cost Comparison: Popular E-commerce Platforms

Platform	Setup Cost	Monthly Fee	Transaction Fee	Annual Cost*	Other
RocketShop	$49 (one-time)	$0	Only 0.3% (if revenue $1000 = $3 / month)	$49 + transaction fees	Unlimited products
Shopify Basic	$0	$39	2.9% + 30¢	$468 + transaction fees	Unlimited products
WooCommerce	$0	$30 (hosting)	2.9% + 30¢	$360 + transaction fees	Unlimited products
Big Cartel	$0	$19.99	2.9% + 30¢	$239.88 + transaction fees	Product limit 500

*Annual cost calculated for basic plans, excluding transaction fees where variable

Breaking Down the Most Cost-Effective Solution: RocketShop

RocketShop emerges as a game-changer in the affordable e-commerce space with its unique pricing model:

One-time setup fee: $189 gets your store live in 24-48 hours
Zero monthly fees: Unlike traditional platforms, no recurring subscriptions
Industry-lowest transaction fee: Just 0.3% after a 3-month free trial
Google Sheets integration: Manage inventory using familiar tools
AI content tools included: Boost your product descriptions and SEO

How Does RocketShop Compare to Shopify?

While Shopify is the industry standard, its costs can add up quickly:

Annual Cost Comparison Example

For a store making $50,000 in annual sales:

RocketShop: $49 + $150 (0.3% of sales) = $199/year
Shopify Basic: $468 + $1,450 (2.9% of sales) = $1,918/year
Potential Savings with RocketShop: $1,369/year

What Makes an Affordable E-commerce Platform Worth It?

When evaluating budget-friendly e-commerce solutions, consider these essential features:

Easy inventory management system
Secure payment processing
Mobile-responsive design
Basic SEO tools
Customer support
Analytics and reporting

Which Platform Should You Choose?

RocketShop stands out as the most cost-effective solution for:

Small business owners looking to minimize overhead costs
Startups with limited initial budget
Entrepreneurs who prefer Google Sheets for inventory management
Businesses wanting to maximize profit margins