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The Cost Of A Pre-made Shopify Store Explained:
The cost of buying a Shopify store can vary widely depending on several factors, including the store’s age, revenue, niche, profitability, traffic, and overall potential for growth.
Typically, Shopify stores can range from a few thousand dollars for smaller, less established businesses to several hundred thousand dollars or even millions for larger, more profitable e-commerce operations.
Below, we’ll walk you through a breakdown of the KEY factors that influence the cost and what you can expect to pay for a Shopify store…
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1. Store Size and Revenue
Probably the MOST significant factor affecting the cost of a Shopify store is its revenue and profitability.
A general rule of thumb in the e-commerce world is that businesses are often sold based on a multiple of their annual net profit, typically between 2x to 5x.
Here’s our quick classification of Shopify stores based on sizes and average cost:
Smaller Shopify Stores:
Revenue: Under $50,000/year
Price Range: $1,000 to $25,000+
These are typically newer stores or those that are still in the startup phase.
They might have limited traffic or only a few products, but they can also represent an opportunity for you (the buyer) to scale with the right strategies.
Mid-Level Shopify Stores:
Revenue: Between $50,000 - $250,000/year
Price Range: $25,000 to $150,000+
Stores under this category are usually established businesses that have found a steady customer base and generate consistent revenue.
They often have automated systems for things like fulfillment, customer support, and marketing—making them more attractive to buyers.
Larger Shopify Stores:
Revenue: Over $250,000/year
Price Range: $150,000 to $1,000,000+
As you can easily guess, these are larger stores that generate significant revenue. And as expected, their profit can be priced quite high.
These businesses typically have a more established brand, extensive product offerings, and a large, loyal customer base.
They may also have advanced operations and marketing strategies already in place.
High-End Shopify Stores:
Revenue: Over $1 million/year
Price Range: $1,000,000 to $10 million+
These premium Shopify stores consistently generate high revenue.
They have established themselves as major players in their niche that can be priced in the millions.
These businesses often have diverse revenue streams, a global reach, and come with a proven track record!
2. Profitability (Multiple of Annual Net Profit)
Another critical factor that determines the price of an e-commerce store for sale is the multiple applied to its annual net profit.
The general market norm is that Shopify businesses are valued at a multiple of 2 to 5 times their annual net profit.
However, this can fluctuate based on the business's other characteristics.
For example:
If a Shopify store generates $100,000 in annual net profit, the price might range from:
Low end (2x multiple): $200,000
High end (5x multiple): $500,000
Some key factors likely to affect the multiple include:
Stability of revenue: A business with consistent, predictable income is more valuable than one with fluctuating sales.
Growth potential: If there is significant room for growth, then the multiple may be on the higher end.
Diversified revenue streams: Businesses with multiple revenue sources (e.g., products, subscription models, wholesale accounts) are generally more attractive.
Brand strength: Well-known brands or those with significant social proof tend to have a higher valuation.
3. Business Niche
The niche in which the Shopify store operates can also affect its price.
Some niches are more profitable or scalable than others, and businesses in these areas may command higher prices.
For instance, high-demand, evergreen products (e.g., fitness, tech gadgets, beauty) often generate more revenue.
And they're priced higher than stores in niche or seasonal markets.
Luxury or unique products might come with a higher price tag due to their exclusivity and customer base.
4. Traffic and Marketing
The amount of traffic a Shopify store receives and how it is generated plays a major role in pricing.
Stores that boast high organic traffic or strong paid advertising campaigns that yield consistent results are valued more highly.
This is unlike those that rely on a single marketing channel or have little organic visibility.
This makes sense as organic traffic (through SEO and social media) is typically viewed as more valuable as it tends to be more stable over time.
Paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) might also be a sign of an effective marketing strategy.
However, it can increase risks due to reliance on paid channels.
We Help You Buy / Build, Manage and Scale E-commerce Brands for an EXIT
E-commerce Simplified for Busy Individuals – We handle the buying, building, and scaling, so you can focus on what matters.
Growth-Focused Strategies – From sourcing to marketing, we drive growth and prepare you for a profitable exit.
Expertly Managed Exits – We build a high-value brand designed for a Lucrative exit.
5. Store Assets and Operations
When evaluating the price of a Shopify store, it’s essential to consider what assets and operations are included in the sale.
These can significantly affect its overall price tag.
Key assets to consider in this case include:
Inventory: Any physical goods that need to be shipped out will definitely increase the purchase price.
Supplier relationships: A store with established partnerships with reliable suppliers or manufacturers can also have significant added value.
Intellectual property: Strong branding, trademarks, and content assets (like email lists, customer databases, or social media followers) can increase the value of a store.
Automated systems: Well-established systems for order fulfillment, customer support, and email marketing can also increase the store’s value because they reduce the operational burden for the buyer.
6. Platform and Technology
When buying a Shopify store, the platform's technology stack and integrations can significantly impact the price.
Shopify businesses utilizing premium themes or custom-built designs tend to feature higher price tags, as these elements enhance the store's aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.
Additionally, advanced apps and integrations—such as automated marketing tools, inventory management systems, or personalized customer service features—can add substantial value.
These tech enhancements streamline operations, improve customer experience, and boost sales potential.
As a buyer, you’ll want to assess whether these integrations match your business needs.
This is crucial since they not only contribute to a higher asking price but may also affect long-term maintenance costs and the scalability of your online business.
7. Other Considerations
Here are some additional factors that can affect the overall price of a pre-made Shopify store:
Owner involvement: If the seller is heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, the business may be priced lower than one with strong management systems that can run autonomously.
Seller reputation: The seller’s track record of business management and customer service can also impact the price, especially if the business has a solid reputation and little to no bad reviews.
Store age: The age of the store can influence its value. Older stores with a proven history of generating revenue are generally priced higher than newer stores, as they are perceived as less risky and more established in the market.
General Price Ranges for Shopify Businesses:
Here’s a breakdown of estimated Shopify store costs based on annual revenue:
To make these figures even easier for you to understand, let's take a look at some examples below:
Example 1: A Small Shopify Store
Annual Revenue: $30,000
Annual Profit: $10,000
Estimated Price (2x to 3x multiple): $20,000 to $30,000
Example 2: A Medium Shopify Store
Annual Revenue: $150,000
Annual Profit: $50,000
Estimated Price (3x to 4x multiple): $150,000 to $200,000
Example 3: A Large Shopify Store
Annual Revenue: $1M
Annual Profit: $300,000
Estimated Price (3x to 5x multiple): $900,000 to $1.5M
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much are pre-built Shopify stores?
Pre-built Shopify stores typically range from $500 to $100,000+, depending on factors like revenue, design, niche, and features. Established, profitable stores with premium apps or custom designs tend to be more expensive.
Is buying a pre-built Shopify store worth it?
Buying a pre-built Shopify store can save you time and reduce the risks associated with starting from scratch. However, the value depends on the store’s performance, niche, and potential for growth. It's a good option if you want to acquire a revenue-generating online business without building from scratch.
Where is the best place to buy a prebuilt Shopify store?
The best places to buy pre-built Shopify stores include online platforms like Exchange by Shopify, Flippa, and Empire Flippers. These marketplaces offer verified listings, ensuring transparency, though it's crucial to do thorough due diligence before purchasing. Additionally, we offer you a carefully vetted section of e-commerce businesses for sale, featuring Shopify stores across various revenue levels, niches, and more.
Conclusion
The cost of purchasing a Shopify store varies depending on key factors like size, profitability, niche, traffic and marketing, and operational systems put in place. A smaller store could cost you anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, while a larger, well-established Shopify business with steady revenue could range from several hundred thousand dollars to over a million.
As a potential buyer, it’s crucial to evaluate a store’s performance, market position, and growth potential to ensure you're making a sound investment. With many years of experience, our team of experts can help you find the perfect Shopify store that matches your unique needs. We’ll handle due diligence on your behalf, assist with scaling, and ensure a 2x-10x return on your investment when it's time to exit.
Want full details on how this works? Click this link and start your journey toward owning a revenue-generating online store today.
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