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

When you use a free store builder to launch your online shop it might seem like there are no costs involved at first. You’re not required to pay any subscription or setup fee—but most "free" builders generate revenue via sales commissions. Knowing the fine details can make or فروشگاه ساز رایگان break your bottom line.

Your earnings are reduced by a built-in sales fee—this percentage can vary depending on the platform, the product category, and sometimes even the payment method your customer uses. Another might charge 12% for apparel and 7% for downloadable content. External gateways often come with lower fees than the platform’s own system.

It’s important to read the fine print—many free store builders hide their commission rates in small text. A "no fee" plan can mean a massive cut per order. Small-ticket items become nearly unprofitable under high commission rates.

Check if the platform takes its cut before or after third-party fees. This double deduction can slash your net income. You’re penalized twice—once by the platform, once by the processor. Determine your true take-home amount after all deductions.

You can’t ignore commissions when setting your prices. To keep your margins intact, raise prices to cover the 12% cut. But raising prices too much might make your products less competitive compared to those on other platforms or in physical 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. These can be beneficial if you expect your business to grow, but they require patience and consistent sales to unlock lower rates.

Lastly, be aware of hidden costs that may come with commissions. Upgrading essential tools may cost you monthly. What looks free today can become expensive after a few months.

Commissions shape your pricing, profit, and scalability. Don’t pick the first one you find. 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.