When a client mentions that your custom-built e-commerce website is more expensive than Shopify, several factors should be considered to determine if your pricing is justified or if there could be an overcharge:
Features and Customization: Shopify is a platform with pricing structures that offer a variety of features within its plans. Evaluate the features and customizations of your custom e-commerce solution compared to Shopify. A custom site often offers bespoke functions and integrations that Shopify may not offer. If your solution provides additional value through unique features or scalability beyond what’s available on Shopify, higher costs can be justified.
Long-term Costs: Shopify’s pricing includes an ongoing monthly subscription fee, whereas custom solutions may involve higher upfront costs with potentially lower ongoing expenses. Consider discussing the long-term financial implications with your client, emphasizing that custom solutions may lead to reduced costs over time due to the absence of monthly fees tied to a platform like Shopify.
Ownership and Control: With a custom solution, your client owns their platform outright and avoids reliance on third-party changes, policies, or platform limitations that come with Shopify. This ownership means greater control over design and functionality, which may not be as easily modified within Shopify’s structure.
Target Audience and Business Needs: Consider the specific needs and scale of your client’s business. For a highly specialized business, a custom solution might offer tailored features and capabilities that can significantly enhance business operations and customer experience.
Market Positioning and Competitive Analysis: Compare your pricing with other similar custom e-commerce projects. Are you competitively priced in the market? If not, evaluate your cost structure and service delivery to understand where discrepancies lie.
Supplementary Services: Often, a custom e-commerce site may include additional services like branding, SEO optimization, security features, or personalized support services, which can further justify higher costs. Be sure to communicate the full scope of services offered.
Client Communication: Ensure transparent communication with your client about what they are getting with your custom solution versus what Shopify offers. Highlight the benefits and reasons your pricing may be higher, but also listen to their concerns to see if there could be elements in which you could realign costs without sacrificing quality.

Ultimately, whether or not you overcharged depends on the value proposition you presented to your client compared to what a platform like Shopify can offer. If you find that the value offered justifies the cost, focus on communicating these benefits to your client effectively. If there’s room for adjustment, consider negotiating a solution that aligns the project’s pricing with the client’s expectations while maintaining project viability.