How much does it cost to develop an e-commerce website?

E-commerce website development costs vary significantly based on complexity and features. A basic Shopify store with a premium theme starts around $5,000-$10,000. Custom-designed stores with advanced features typically range from $15,000-$100,000+. Platform migrations (from Magento, WooCommerce, etc.) and enterprise projects sit at the higher end. We provide detailed quotes after a free discovery call where we understand your specific requirements, integration needs, and business goals.

How long does it take a Shopify agency to build a store?

Timeline depends on project scope. A standard Shopify store build takes 6-8 weeks from kickoff to launch. Complex custom developments or migrations can take 12-16 weeks. Factors that affect timeline include: custom design requirements, third-party integrations (ERP, POS, inventory systems), data migration volume, and custom functionality. We provide a detailed project timeline during our discovery phase and keep you updated throughout the build.

How do you develop an ecommerce website?

Our development process involves five key stages: Discovery (understanding your business, customers, and technical requirements), Strategy & Planning (sitemap, user flows, technical architecture), Design (custom mockups focused on conversion), Development (building on Shopify with custom functionality), and Testing & Launch (thorough QA, training, and go-live support). We work collaboratively throughout, ensuring the final store aligns with your business goals and brand identity.

What platform should I use for digital commerce?

We specialise in Shopify and Shopify Plus because they offer the best balance of flexibility, reliability, and ease of management for most Australian businesses. Shopify handles hosting, security, and updates automatically, letting you focus on growing sales. For businesses with specific needs, we'll honestly assess if Shopify is the right fit or if another platform makes more sense.

Can you migrate my existing store to Shopify?

Yes, platform migrations are one of our core services. We've successfully migrated stores from Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, custom platforms, and others. We handle product data, customer information, order history, URL redirects, and preserve your SEO rankings. The process includes thorough testing to ensure nothing breaks during the switch.

Do you offer digital marketing services?

No, we don't provide paid ads management, SEM, performance marketing, digital marketing, email marketing, or ecommerce branding services. As a Shopify agency, our focus is on ecommerce development and commerce platforms rather than marketing or standalone SEO services. Instead, we specialise in building high-performance digital commerce stores, working with businesses and ecommerce agencies who need expert Shopify development partners.

Do you provide ongoing support after launch?

We offer various support and maintenance packages to suit different needs. This can include technical updates, feature additions, conversion optimisation, performance monitoring, and strategic growth support. Many clients start with a comprehensive build and then move to a retainer or one-off block of time for ongoing improvements and support.

Andrew Cox

Andrew Cox is the founder of The Hope Factory. He helps mission-led brands build Shopify stores that look sharp, convert well, and behave themselves technically. When he’s not improving ecommerce experiences, he’s probably testing a new AI workflow, chasing after his kids, or trying to convince his garden to co-operate.