Shopify sells you the store. The apps sell you the rest.
The Shopify plan price is the start of the bill, not the end. WhatsApp messages, server-side Meta tracking and an Indian courier connection are usually apps, each with its own fee. Here is what the same stack costs on SitesPlaced, where it is built in.
Side by side
| Need | Shopify | SitesPlaced |
|---|---|---|
| Base plan | From ~₹2,000/month | Free; ₹199/month (Starter) for domain, branding, AI, analytics, CAPI |
| UPI and card payments | Via a gateway; external-gateway fees may apply | Razorpay, free plan; 0% SitesPlaced commission |
| Cash on delivery | Built in | Built in, free plan |
| WhatsApp order notifications | Usually a paid app | WhatsApp Business API from your own number, ₹499 plan |
| Meta Conversions API | Native Pixel; server-side setup often via app | Pixel + CAPI, deduplicated, ₹499 plan |
| Shiprocket / Shipmozo | Third-party apps | Built in, free plan |
| Themes | Free and paid themes | 16 storefront themes, all free |
| Build from Instagram | No | Yes, paste your handle |
| Edit by chatting (ChatGPT/Claude) | No | Yes, via MCP, free |
Shopify app pricing varies by app and changes often; check the Shopify App Store for current fees. Every SitesPlaced line is verifiable on our pricing page.
When Shopify is still the right call
Large catalogues with complex logistics, multi-currency international selling at scale, or a team that already lives in the Shopify app ecosystem. SitesPlaced is built for the Indian small store: the seller who started on Instagram, sells in rupees, ships with Shiprocket, and needs the integrations to exist without a second monthly bill for each one.
One bill. Or none.
Build free with Razorpay and Shiprocket included. From ₹199 (Starter) for your own domain and Meta ads tracking; ₹499 (Growth) adds WhatsApp alerts.
Build my store free →
