The Hidden Costs of "Free" Online Store Builders > 자유게시판

If you’re launching an e-commerce store with a no-cost platform it might seem like there are no costs involved at first. After all, فروشگاه ساز اینترنتی the platform lets you set up your store without paying a monthly fee or upfront charge—but most "free" builders generate revenue via sales commissions. Knowing the fine details can make or break your bottom line.

Your earnings are reduced by a built-in sales fee—it differs by marketplace, item type, and payment processor. For example, one platform might take 10 percent on clothing items but only 5 percent on digital downloads. Some may charge higher commissions if you use their built-in payment processor versus connecting an external one like PayPal or Stripe.

Don’t overlook the small print—many free store builders hide their commission rates in small text. Some platforms may advertise zero monthly fees but then take 15 to 20 percent per transaction. That kind of cut can destroy profit on inexpensive products.

Another thing to watch for is whether the commission is applied before or after payment processing fees. This double deduction can slash your net income. This can result in a double hit on your profits. Always calculate your net profit per sale by factoring in both the platform commission and any third party payment processing fees.

Your pricing must account for platform fees. To keep your margins intact, raise prices to cover the 12% cut. You risk losing sales if your pricing becomes unattractive relative to Amazon, Etsy, or brick-and-mortar stores.

Some free store builders offer tiered commission structures. For instance, you might pay a higher commission at first but see it drop as your sales volume increases. They’re great for long-term plans but not for quick profits.

Don’t forget about add-on fees tied to the free plan. Upgrading essential tools may cost you monthly. What looks free today can become expensive after a few months.

Understanding commission structures is not just about knowing how much you pay—it’s about knowing how it affects your entire business model. Before choosing a free store builder, compare the commission rates across platforms. Run realistic numbers based on your projected traffic and average order value. A platform that seems free today might cost you more in the long run if its commission structure doesn’t align with your goals.