Shopify agencies help businesses launch and grow online stores, offering everything from basic setups to advanced integrations with ERP, POS, logistics tools, and custom applications. The best agencies don’t just build websites—they help build scalable e-commerce businesses.

Shopify agencies in Switzerland charge between CHF 5,000 to CHF 50,000 for full website development, depending on the project scope. Basic Shopify services, such as store setup, can cost around CHF 1,500 to CHF 5,000, while advanced customisation and app development may exceed CHF 50,000. Ongoing Shopify services, like maintenance and SEO, are typically charged at CHF 100 to CHF 200 per hour. Shopify fees, including subscription and transaction charges, are separate from agency costs.

Type of Store/Support Needed	Recommended Approach	Estimated Cost Range
DIY store with basic theme and limited products	Build it yourself	CHF 0–500 (Shopify fees only)
Simple store with some support (no integrations)	Hire a Shopify Expert/freelancer	CHF 500–5,000
Custom store with design or third-party integrations	Work with a Shopify agency	CHF 5,000–20,000+
Complex or scaling e-commerce setup (ERP, POS, Plus)	Full-service agency with retainer	CHF 20,000–100,000+

Pricing models: How Shopify agencies charge

Before diving into what influences your project’s cost, it’s helpful to understand how Shopify agencies structure their pricing. Most agencies use one or a combination of the following models:

Pricing Model	Description	Typical Range
Hourly rate	Billing based on time spent on specific tasks (design, development, etc.)	CHF 60–180/hour
Fixed project	A set price for defined deliverables (e.g. setup, migration, custom theme)	CHF 2,400–100,000+
Monthly retainer	Ongoing services like support, CRO, and updates	CHF 600–3,600/month

These pricing models can be combined depending on the scope—for example, a fixed-fee build followed by a retainer for ongoing optimisation.

Factors influencing the cost

1. Store setup and Shopify payments

Setting up a basic Shopify store with payment and tax configuration is usually the most accessible entry point for agency collaboration. Services may include:

• Shopify Payments setup
• Swiss or EU VAT rules and tax display configuration
• Guidance on selecting a Shopify plan (Basic, Advanced, Plus)
• Optimisation of transaction fees and payment gateways

Expect CHF 2,400–6,000 for foundational configuration. Choosing Shopify Plus adds licensing costs but can significantly reduce long-term transaction fees and improve flexibility.

Tip: If you’re evaluating which plan is right for you, we recommend reading our in-depth article on Shopify Plus benefits.

2. Customisation, design, and developer time

The more custom your Shopify website, the higher the cost. Basic themes with minor edits are budget-friendly, while bespoke interfaces designed by a Shopify developer or Shopify expert increase both time and price. Expect:

• CHF 6,000–15,000 for advanced UX/UI design
• Higher hourly rates for certified experts or frontend specialists

Tip: Explore in this article about the best Shopify stores how they use the platform’s high customisation capability to deliver outstanding customer experience.

3. Shopify app integrations and backend development

Integrating third-party or custom-built Shopify apps can add substantial value—but also cost. From subscription services to loyalty programs or multi-language support, each app:

• May require custom setup (CHF 1,000–5,000 per integration)
• Might include ongoing monthly fees
• Needs testing, optimisation, and compatibility checks

An experienced agency will also help reduce tool overlap and select apps with the best ROI.

4. Data migration and international compliance

If you’re moving from Magento, WooCommerce, or another CMS, a structured migration is essential. Costs vary based on:

• Number of products, customer records, and order data
• Complexity of tax setups, especially VAT in multi-region stores
• The need for redirects, SEO preservation, or loyalty program migration

Expect CHF 3,000–10,000 depending on scale and legacy platform.

Tip: if you’re unsure whether you should move from your existing platform, have a look at our in-depth comparison between Shopify vs WooCommerce vs BigCommerce.   

5. Marketing and conversion optimisation

Marketing strategy and implementation is often built into ongoing retainers or sprint-based pricing. Services include:

• Paid performance campaigns (Google, Meta)
• Email automation and segmentation
• SEO audits and content optimisation

Retainers usually start at CHF 600/month and scale with your growth targets.

6. Ongoing support and growth strategy

Shopify stores require ongoing improvements—speed, UX, apps, A/B testing, and seasonal campaigns. A good agency will include:

• Regular performance checks
• Technical issue resolution
• Feature implementation roadmaps

Monthly retainers (CHF 600–3,600) typically include consultation, reporting, and support time.

Additional costs to consider

Beyond direct agency services, businesses launching a Shopify store should account for:

Planning for these upfront will give you a more realistic view of total project investment.

When should you have your Shopify page built by an agency?

Shopify is designed to be user-friendly—many entrepreneurs and small businesses successfully build their own stores using Shopify’s intuitive tools and pre-built themes.

So if your goal is to launch a simple, functional store and your budget is under CHF 5,000, it often makes more sense to either build the store yourself or collaborate with a Shopify expert or freelancer. This approach keeps costs low while still giving you access to helpful guidance if needed.

However, once your requirements go beyond the basics—such as needing:

• a custom design or unique brand experience
• integrations with ERP, POS, logistics, or third-party tools
• multilingual storefronts or complex product data
• performance marketing, CRO, or analytics support

…then working with a Shopify agency becomes a smart investment. An agency can deliver the technical execution, strategic insight, and long-term scalability that basic setups can’t offer.

They help you think beyond the launch—laying the groundwork for performance marketing, analytics, automation, and international expansion. With a broader team and deeper experience, an agency ensures your Shopify store isn’t just functional, but future-ready.

How to pick the right agency? 

As mentioned, not every business needs a full-service agency—and not every agency is right for every type of project. Choosing the right partner depends on your store’s complexity, your internal capabilities, and your budget. Here’s how to assess what (and who) you actually need.

1. Start with your scope and complexity

If you’re launching a simple Shopify store—with a small catalogue and minimal features—you likely don’t need an agency. However, if your needs go beyond the basics—custom design, complex features, or system integrations—then it’s worth partnering with an agency that can guide you through the complexity and set your store up for long-term success.

2. Look for platform expertise and relevant experience

Choose agencies with a proven Shopify track record—ideally ones that have worked with businesses at your stage or in your industry. 

Ask for examples of similar projects. Have they worked with similar budgets? Navigated similar integrations? Migrated from the same platform? That context matters.

3. Assess their process, not just their portfolio

A beautiful portfolio doesn’t guarantee a smooth collaboration. Ask about:

• how they define scope and success
• how often they check in with clients
• how they handle delays or unexpected issues
• what post-launch support looks like

A structured, transparent process is especially valuable for teams who are migrating or managing multiple internal stakeholders.

4. Prioritise communication and fit

You’ll be working closely together—so make sure there’s alignment in working style, expectations, and availability. Look for clear, friendly communication and a team that makes you feel like a partner, not just a client in a queue.

Bonus points if they provide training, documentation, or empower your team to take over once the site is live.

5. Clarify pricing, deliverables, and ownership

Good agencies are upfront about what’s included and what’s extra. Be clear about:

• what you’ll get for your budget
• how change requests are handled
• who owns the code, assets, and access post-launch
• whether they require a retainer, or offer flexible support options

And don’t be afraid to ask: “Is this project too simple for an agency?” A good partner will tell you if you’re better off working with a freelancer or starting small.

Conclusion: Let us create your Shopify page

​​At what., we help ambitious brands across Switzerland and DACH build Shopify stores that do more than look good—they’re designed to scale, integrate, and convert.

We’re a full-service Shopify agency with a team of strategists, developers, designers, and e-commerce specialists who know how to turn e-commerce complexity into clarity. Whether you’re launching your first store, migrating from another platform, or scaling into new markets, we’ve likely solved a similar challenge before.

Some of the most respected brands in the region, such as Lush, Medidor, and CWS, trust us to:

• create custom Shopify stores tailored to their brand and business model
• connect Shopify with ERP systems, POS, accounting tools, logistics providers, and more
• handle complex data migrations and international setups
• provide ongoing support, CRO, and performance optimization after launch

We combine technical expertise with strategic thinking—so you’re not just getting a website, you’re building a foundation for long-term growth.

If you’re considering a Shopify project and want to explore what’s possible, get in touch or learn more about how we work. We’d love to hear about your goals.