Cheap Shopify Themes: Why They Often Cost More Than You Think
$50 Template today, $80/mo in apps tomorrow — let’s do the math
If you’re just getting started with your store, cheap Shopify themes can seem like a dream. With prices as low as $30 (or even free), it’s tempting to grab something quick and budget-friendly so you can launch fast.
But here’s what most new store owners don’t realize: cheap Shopify themes often end up costing you more in the long run—both in money and time.
Let’s break down what’s really included in those budget-friendly templates… and what’s not.
The Real Appeal of Cheap Shopify Themes
When you’re starting a business, every dollar counts. It’s totally normal to want to save where you can. And with Shopify’s theme marketplace and third-party sellers offering templates for $30–$100, cheap Shopify themes seem like an easy win.
And honestly? If you’re just testing the waters or aren’t ready to invest yet, starting with a free Shopify theme like Dawn is a solid option.
But before buying any low-cost template from Etsy or other marketplaces, there’s one thing you need to understand…
The Truth About Cheap Shopify Themes
Here’s the truth most people don’t tell you…
Most cheap Shopify themes sold on Etsy or third-party sites, even the ones priced at $50-$70 – are just repackaged free themes.
They’re usually built on Shopify’s Dawn theme (or another free theme), lightly styled with Canva banners – and then resold. You’re not actually getting new features or custom functionality. Just a prettier wrapper.
Just to be clear… not every under-$100 theme falls into this category. Some designers (myself included!) offer real, built-in features and thoughtful design at an accessible price point.
The issue isn’t the price tag – it’s when you’re paying $50–$70 for a lightly styled version of a free Shopify theme, with no added tools, support, or performance. And let’s be honest – if a theme is always “on sale,” it probably never had premium value to begin with. Real premium themes don’t need to use fake countdown timers or constant discounts to sell – the features speak for themselves.
So if you’re not ready to invest in a premium theme yet — that’s okay! But instead of spending money on a dressed-up free theme, go straight to the source and use one of Shopify’s official free themes like Dawn, Craft, or Refresh. They’re clean, reliable, and… free.
Otherwise, you’re essentially paying $30–$80 for a few homepage banners you could make in Canva yourself — while still missing all the tools you actually need to grow.
If you can’t invest yet, skip the $50 reskins and stick with Shopify’s official free themes until you’re ready.
The Real Cost of a Cheap Shopify Theme
Want a wishlist? Countdown timer? Email popup? Blog features? Cart upsells?
You’ll need apps… and Lots of them.
Here’s what that really looks like:
| Features | Requires App? | Typically Month Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wishlist | ✅ Yes | $9.99/mo |
| Countdown Timer | ✅ Yes | $8.99/mo |
| Cart Upsells | ✅ Yes | $12.99/mo |
| Email Signup Popup | ✅ Yes | $7.99/mo |
| Product Reviews | ✅ Yes | $14.99/mo |
| Announcement Bars | ✅ Yes | $5.99/mo |
| Estimated Monthly Total | – | $60-$80/month |
| Estimated Yearly Total | $750+/ year |
That $50 theme just became a $750+ annual investment… and you’re juggling 6+ different apps.
What’s Actually Included in a Premium Shopify Theme?
Let’s be real — most cheap Shopify themes give you just enough to get by. You get a homepage, product grid, maybe a banner or two… a scrolling text bar, and that’s it.
But a true premium theme doesn’t just look good — it should work harder for you, right out of the box.
Here are just some of the features included in my Shopify themes (no monthly apps needed):
- Mega Menu with Featured Images — elevate your navigation and showcase products visually
- Built-in Link-in-Bio Page — no need for third-party tools to organize your social links
- Slide-Out Cart Drawer — proven to increase conversions with fewer clicks
- Cart Upsells + Free Shipping Progress Bars — boost average order value in seconds
- Auto-Rotating Announcement Bars — perfect for promos, shipping updates, or restocks
🛍 Product Page Perks:
- Product Personalization Fields — let customers add names, notes, or options without apps
- Clickable Color Swatches — show colors visually (not just in a dropdown) for a more elevated, intuitive shopping experience
- Live Inventory Status — create urgency and build trust
- Product Add-Ons / Upsells — cross-sell directly on the product page
- Auto-Scrolling Product Image Galleries — premium-style experience that feels high-end
- Countdown Timers — built in for launches, promos, or urgency
📦 Conversion Boosters:
- Wishlist — no app, no monthly fee
- Email Signup Popups — list growth, simplified
- Popup Sales Notifications — add social proof to drive confidence
- Shoppable Blog Posts — a unique way to turn your content into conversions
- Quick Add to Cart Buttons — improve browsing speed and mobile sales
💬 Content & Design:
- Responsive Fading Slideshows — modern and clean, no clunky image carousels
- Scrolling Text Sections & Marquees — playful accents that add charm
- Before & After Sliders — perfect for skincare, photography, or transformation visuals
- Featured Reviews Section — highlight your best feedback on any page
- Premium Contact Forms — add dropdowns, checkboxes, date pickers, and more
- Blog Filters — improve content organization and boost SEO (rarely included in themes!)
🎯 Most of these features would cost you $100–$200/month in apps alone if you bought a cheap Shopify theme… and that’s if those apps even exist.
Cheap Now vs. Smart Later
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with starting simple — but there’s a difference between starting small and staying stuck.
If you’re not ready to invest yet, skip the resold $50 templates and stick with Shopify’s free themes. They’re clean, supported, and honestly better than most “cheap” options out there.
But once you’re ready to actually grow — to build a brand that feels elevated, performs beautifully, and doesn’t rely on a pile of apps — that’s when investing in a premium theme makes all the difference.
Instead of patching features together and hoping it all works, you get:
- A polished, high-converting design
- Built-in tools that save you money and time
- Confidence that your store is designed to scale with your success
Smart store owners don’t just save money — they build with intention.
Final Thoughts: When to Upgrade
If you’re just getting started, there’s zero pressure to go premium right away. Start smart. Use a free Shopify theme, get to know your audience, and test your product.
But when you’re ready to level up — to build a store that feels cohesive, polished, and built to grow — that’s when it’s time to invest in something that does more for you.
Because here’s the truth:
One of the biggest mistakes I see?
Store owners spending $50 on a template…
Then $80/month trying to make it functional.
One client ditched $65/month in apps the day she switched to the Bajor Theme — and hasn’t looked back since.
Because premium design isn’t meant to be a bargain bin item — it’s meant to work beautifully, convert smoothly, and last long after the “launch day” high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a Shopify theme?
Most premium Shopify themes range from $150–$400, depending on the design and included features. Free themes like Dawn are also available directly from Shopify. Be cautious of third-party templates under $100 — many are just reskinned free themes with no added functionality.
Are cheap Shopify themes worth it?
They might look appealing at first, but cheap Shopify themes often lack essential features. You’ll likely end up paying $60–$80/month for apps just to fill in the gaps.
What features should a good Shopify theme include?
Look for built-in tools like wishlist, upsells, email popups, countdown timers, blog filters, and color swatches — things that help you sell more without paying for extra apps.
Can I start with a free Shopify theme?
Absolutely. If you’re just testing your product or idea, free themes like Dawn or Craft are a great starting point. Just skip the resold versions and download directly from Shopify.
What makes your themes different?
My themes are designed to help you launch faster and convert more — with powerful features built in (no apps needed). That includes wishlist, upsells, personalization fields, shoppable blog posts, mega menus, color swatches, and more — all in one one-time purchase.
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