Methodology
This page explains how the calculators work and how far you can trust the numbers.
How the calculators work
Each calculator takes your inputs, applies the fee rules below and shows every line of the result. Nothing is hidden in a formula you cannot see. Break-even orders are rounded up to a whole order. Monthly figures spread yearly costs over twelve months.
Where the fee figures come from
Fee figures are held in a single data file. We cross-checked them against published pricing and independent summaries dated between May and July 2026. We have not confirmed them line by line against each platform’s official page, and platforms change fees without notice, so treat them as estimates. The data was last reviewed on 10 November 2026.
Figures in use
- Shopify plans (US, per month, annual or monthly billing): Basic 29 or 39, Grow 79 or 105, Advanced 299 or 399 (US dollars).
- Shopify online card rates: Basic 2.9%, Grow 2.7%, Advanced 2.5%, plus $0.30 per order.
- Etsy: $0.20 listing, 6.5% transaction, 3% + $0.25 payment processing, Offsite Ads 15% capped at $100.
Official pages: Shopify pricing and Etsy fees.
Currencies
Fees are quoted in US dollars. The euro and pound options use approximate conversion rates and are estimates.
What we do not model
Taxes, duties, fees in other countries, discounts, tiered or promotional pricing, and your own time. Hosting prices in the website calculator are placeholders: enter the price you are quoted.
Corrections
If a figure is out of date, email hello@startupcostlab.com with a link to the official page.