The truth is: there isn’t a single fixed price for creating an online store in Saudi Arabia. The cost depends on the platform you choose (WooCommerce, Shopify, or custom development), the size of your product catalog, and even the payment and shipping integrations you want to offer your customers.
👉 In this guide, you’ll discover:
The key factors that determine the cost of an eCommerce store.
A practical comparison between WooCommerce, Shopify, and local options like Zid and Salla.
Hidden costs that many merchants overlook.
How to choose the option that best fits your budget and ambition.
And finally: how Bateel Tech helps you cut costs and maximize returns from day one.
UI/UX Design
The more professional and user-friendly the design, the higher the chances of conversion. A simple, modern layout costs less than a custom, highly detailed design.
Number of Products and Categories
Managing 50 products is not the same as managing 5,000. The larger the catalog, the higher the effort for uploading, organizing, and categorizing.
Security and Protection
SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and firewalls are essential—but their cost varies depending on the required level of security.
Hosting and Server Speed
Shared hosting may cost as little as SAR 50 per month, but a professional store requires VPS or Cloud hosting (SAR 300–1,000 per month).
Integration with Local Payment Gateways
Such as Mada, STC Pay, and Apple Pay—each comes with its own fees and subscriptions.
Shipping Integrations
Connecting with carriers like Naqel, SMSA, and Aramex requires technical work and extra cost.
Technical Support and Maintenance
Some companies charge a fixed annual fee, while others bill by the hour.
Add-ons such as Loyalty Programs or Coupons
These enhance customer experience but require extra plugins or custom development.
Built-in Marketing
Without SEO or ads, your store is like opening a shop on an empty street.
Setup Cost: Requires hosting + plugins (starting from SAR 1,000).
Customization Flexibility: You can add virtually any feature.
Long-term Costs: Continuous updates and maintenance.
Monthly Subscription: Starts from $29 (~SAR 110).
Ease of Use: No advanced technical skills required.
Customization Limits: Less flexible compared to WooCommerce.
High upfront cost (SAR 30,000–50,000).
Best for large projects that need full control.
Competitive pricing (SAR 3,000–5,000).
Local support + direct integration with Saudi payment and shipping.
When to Choose Each Option:
Startup → Zid or WooCommerce.
Growing Business → Shopify.
Large Enterprise → Custom development.
Payment Processing Fees:
Mada: 1–1.5%
Visa/MasterCard: 2–3%
Digital Marketing:
Google Ads: starting from SAR 2,000/month
Snapchat/TikTok Ads: from SAR 500/month
Maintenance & Updates:
Security updates: SAR 500–1,500/year
Future development: varies based on need
Now you know the factors, platforms, and costs… but making the right choice isn’t easy. You could waste time testing multiple solutions and end up paying more than necessary.
💡 That’s where Bateel Tech comes in:
We design custom eCommerce stores with transparent pricing.
We integrate local payment and shipping gateways.
We build a real marketing strategy into your store.
👉 The cost of your online store depends on your choices. The right investment from the start saves you significant money in the long run.
“Start right with a tech partner who understands the Saudi market – Bateel Tech.”
What’s the minimum cost to create an online store in Saudi Arabia?
Starting from SAR 3,000 with WooCommerce or local platforms like Zid and Salla.
Which is better for a Saudi eCommerce store: WooCommerce or Shopify?
WooCommerce offers more flexibility and is ideal for larger stores, while Shopify is easier for beginners.
Are there hidden costs when running an online store?
Yes, such as payment processing fees, hosting, maintenance, and ads.
How long does it take to launch an online store?
From 2 weeks on ready-made platforms to 3 months for custom development.
