Creating an e-commerce website is a significant investment for any business, especially in the vibrant and competitive Malaysian market. The cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the platform you choose, the complexity of your website, the features you need, and any additional services such as design or custom development. This article explores how much the best e-commerce website builder in Malaysia should charge to create a fully functional online store, providing a comprehensive breakdown of costs and considerations.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Before diving into specific numbers, it’s essential to understand the key factors that influence the cost of building an e-commerce website:

1. Platform Choice: The cost can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a popular global platform like Shopify or a local platform like EasyStore or SiteGiant.
2. Website Complexity: The number of products, categories, and custom features can increase the complexity and, consequently, the cost.
3. Design Requirements: Custom designs and themes can be more expensive than using pre-designed templates.
4. Integrations and Add-ons: Additional functionalities such as payment gateways, shipping integrations, and marketing tools can add to the cost.
5. Maintenance and Support: Ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and customer support also need to be considered.

Cost Breakdown for Popular E-commerce Platforms

Shopify

Overview: Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms globally, known for its ease of use and comprehensive features.

Costs:

• Basic Plan: $39/month (approx. MYR 172)
• Shopify Plan: $105/month (approx. MYR 462)
• Advanced Plan: $399/month (approx. MYR 1,757)

Additional Costs:

• Transaction Fees: 2.0% for Basic, 1.0% for Shopify, and 0.5% for Advanced plans if not using Shopify Payments.
• Themes: Free and premium themes ranging from $140 to $180 (approx. MYR 616 to MYR 792).
• Apps: Depending on the functionality, apps can range from free to $200/month (approx. MYR 880).

Estimated Total Initial Cost: For a small to medium-sized business, the initial cost (including a premium theme and essential apps) could range from MYR 2,000 to MYR 5,000. Ongoing monthly costs would be between MYR 200 and MYR 2,000, depending on the plan and additional services.

Wix eCommerce

Overview: Wix is known for its drag-and-drop website builder, making it an excellent choice for those with minimal technical skills.

Costs:

• Business Basic: $23/month (approx. MYR 102)
• Business Unlimited: $27/month (approx. MYR 119)
• Business VIP: $49/month (approx. MYR 217)

Additional Costs:

• Premium Templates: While many are free, some premium templates can cost around $20 to $50 (approx. MYR 88 to MYR 220).
• Apps: Additional functionalities can range from free to $30/month (approx. MYR 132).

Estimated Total Initial Cost: For most small businesses, the initial setup cost, including a premium template and essential apps, could range from MYR 500 to MYR 1,500. Ongoing monthly costs would be between MYR 100 and MYR 300.

EasyStore

Overview: EasyStore is a Malaysia-based e-commerce platform tailored to local businesses.

Costs:

• Basic Plan: MYR 59/month
• Business Plan: MYR 129/month
• Pro Plan: MYR 299/month

Additional Costs:

• Themes: Free and premium themes available.
• Apps and Integrations: Costs vary, but many essential apps are included in the higher-tier plans.

Estimated Total Initial Cost: For a small to medium-sized business, the initial cost could range from MYR 500 to MYR 2,000. Ongoing monthly costs would be between MYR 60 and MYR 300, depending on the plan and additional services.

SiteGiant

Overview: SiteGiant is another Malaysia-based platform known for its robust multi-channel selling capabilities.

Costs:

• Standard Plan: MYR 1,999/year (approx. MYR 167/month)
• Professional Plan: MYR 3,999/year (approx. MYR 333/month)
• Business Plan: MYR 7,999/year (approx. MYR 667/month)

Additional Costs:

• Themes: Typically included in the plan.
• Apps and Integrations: Many are included, but some advanced features may cost extra.

Estimated Total Initial Cost: For most businesses, the initial cost would range from MYR 2,000 to MYR 5,000. Ongoing annual costs would be between MYR 2,000 and MYR 8,000, depending on the plan and additional features.

Custom Development Costs

For businesses needing a highly customized website or unique features, hiring a web developer or an agency may be necessary. This can significantly increase the cost.

Custom Development Costs:

• Freelance Developers: Rates typically range from MYR 50 to MYR 200 per hour.
• Web Development Agencies: Project-based pricing can range from MYR 10,000 to MYR 50,000 or more, depending on the complexity and scope.

Estimated Total Cost for Custom Development: For a medium complexity e-commerce website, expect to spend between MYR 15,000 and MYR 30,000 for initial development. Ongoing maintenance and updates could cost an additional MYR 1,000 to MYR 5,000 per year.

Additional Costs to Consider

1. Domain Name: Typically around MYR 50 to MYR 100 per year.
2. SSL Certificate: Often included in e-commerce plans, but can cost around MYR 100 to MYR 500 if purchased separately.
3. Marketing and SEO: Budgeting for digital marketing, SEO, and social media promotion is essential. Costs can range from MYR 1,000 to MYR 10,000 per month, depending on the strategies employed.
4. Content Creation: Professional product photography, copywriting, and graphic design can add to the initial setup costs. This can range from MYR 1,000 to MYR 5,000.

Conclusion

The cost of building an e-commerce website in Malaysia can vary widely based on the platform chosen, the complexity of the site, and additional features required. For a small to medium-sized business, using platforms like Shopify, Wix eCommerce, EasyStore, or SiteGiant can provide a cost-effective solution with initial costs ranging from MYR 500 to MYR 5,000 and ongoing monthly costs between MYR 100 and MYR 2,000. For businesses requiring extensive customization, hiring developers or agencies can push the initial investment significantly higher. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business needs, budget, and growth plans.