Shopify vs Custom Next.js Store Cost (India)
Shopify vs custom Next.js cost in India: at ₹10L/year, SaaS is ₹61,500+ vs ₹39,400 owned. GST, returns, and 0% commission compared.
What it really costs
At ₹10 lakh in annual revenue, Shopify-class SaaS costs Indian D2C brands ₹61,500+ in year one versus ₹39,400 for an owned Next.js store — a gap that widens every year as GMV grows. Full narrative: Shopify vs custom Next.js store cost (2026).
Year 1 / 3 / 5 comparison
| Horizon | Revenue | SaaS | Owned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹10L / yr | ₹61,500+ | ₹39,400 |
| Year 3 | ₹25L / yr | ₹1,84,500+ | ₹68,200 |
| Year 5 | ₹50L / yr | ₹3,07,500+ | ₹97,000 |
Assumptions: SaaS ₹2k/mo + ₹3k apps + 2% GMV; owned ₹25k build + ₹1,200/mo hosting, 0% platform commission.
When Shopify still makes sense
Pre-validation brands with near-zero dev budget, and teams without a technical partner for maintenance, can reasonably start on Shopify. Replatform when GMV, GST, or app rent starts to dominate TCO.
Calculate your break-even
Run the interactive TCO calculator, then book a free fit check.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Shopify cost vs a custom Next.js store in India?
At ₹10 lakh annual revenue, Shopify-class SaaS is about ₹61,500+ in year one versus ₹39,400 for an owned Next.js Growth Store from Smart Byte Labs.
When does Shopify still make sense?
Very early-stage brands testing demand with almost no engineering budget, or teams with no technical partner for ongoing maintenance, can start on Shopify and replatform later.