How Custom Solutions Stack Up on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Choosing the right ecommerce platform isn’t just about features—it’s about long-term value. While SaaS platforms like Shopify Plus and BigCommerce offer quick setup and predictable fees, they can also come with hidden costs, limitations, and scaling friction.
At Power Commerce, we build custom ecommerce platforms designed around your business—not the other way around. For enterprise brands, startups with complex needs, or fast-growing DTC players, our bespoke solution often delivers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over 3–5 years compared to popular SaaS models.
What Is Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
TCO is the sum of all costs associated with operating your ecommerce platform—both visible and hidden. This includes:
- Platform licensing fees
- Transaction or revenue share costs
- Third-party apps or extensions
- Customization and development workarounds
- Operational inefficiencies due to platform limitations
Over time, these costs add up—and in many cases, a custom platform becomes the more efficient and scalable choice.
3-Year Cost Comparison: Power Commerce vs. SaaS Giants
| Platform | Annual License | Revenue Share | 3-Year TCO | Scalability & Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Commerce (Custom) | One-time build + low hosting | None | $$ (fixed & predictable) | Full control, no limits |
| Shopify Plus | $24,000+/yr | 0.25%–0.40% GMV | $$$ (variable) | Limited backend flexibility |
| BigCommerce | $12,000–$25,000/yr | 0.25% GMV (over thresholds) | $$$ (variable) | Customization bottlenecks |
*Estimated costs vary based on sales volume, app usage, and custom needs.
Where Custom Wins: Long-Term Value Drivers
- Zero Revenue Share: You keep your margins. Forever.
- No Plugin Overload: Features are built in—not bolted on.
- Faster Operations: Tailored workflows save internal resources.
- Fully Own Your Stack: No more vendor lock-in or pricing jumps.
With a custom Power Commerce build, your investment pays off over time, not just in feature control but in total operational efficiency and ROI.
Who Should Consider Going Custom?
A custom ecommerce platform isn’t for everyone. But it’s ideal for businesses that:
- Have complex workflows or unique logic
- Need deep integrations across systems (ERP, POS, OMS)
- Plan to scale rapidly across regions, channels, or brands
- Want full control over infrastructure and roadmap
Get a TCO Audit from Power Commerce
Wondering if a custom solution makes sense for your business? Let’s compare real numbers. We’ll review your current setup, project long-term costs, and show you where a tailored platform may outperform SaaS—financially and strategically.
