Shopify Website Design Packages: Good, Better, Bestest Options

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is only half the battle. We know that figuring out how your Shopify store will be designed, built, and supported can feel completely overwhelming. But don't stress—we are here to clear up the confusion with our break down on Shopify website design packages!

Many Australian agencies offer Shopify website design packages structured in tiers, which we affectionately call Good, Better, and Bestest. We use this exact framework at Site Unicorn because it takes away the guesswork. It helps act as a clear guide to match your budget, timeline, and needs. For us, these tiers are just the starting point for a conversation so we can customise a build to fit your business perfectly

This article explains what each tier typically includes, and how our own Site Unicorn builds compare. We want you to feel empowered and confident in choosing the right level for your business.

 

The Good Shopify Website Design Packages: Budget-Friendly Starts for New Store Owners

A Good-tier package is usually aimed at startups, side hustles, or small businesses testing the eCommerce waters. These packages keep costs low while covering the essentials: a clean, functional store with a limited number of products.

Across Australia, you might see basic packages ranging from $480 for a simple 25-product setup, all the way up to $4,000 plus for standard theme configurations.

How Site Unicorn Does "Good"

We believe a "Good" start shouldn't mean cutting corners on quality. Our Good Shopify Site Build is designed to set up perfect foundations so you can start selling quickly. We include:

• Best-Practice Setup: Complete Shopify settings configuration, including SEO and Meta data.
• Essential Pages: Homepage, About Us, Contact Us, and all the essentials so you can start selling quickly.
• Training: Personalised admin training videos recorded directly on your new store, so you know exactly how to manage your inventory and products.
• Dedicated Support: A dedicated project manager, creator, and trainer to ensure you are never left in the dark.

If you have a small catalogue and need to get online quickly on a tight budget without the stress, our Good package is your perfect entry point.

 

The Better Shopify Website Design Packages: Mid-Range with More Design and Functionality

As your product range grows and you need a more polished brand presence, a Better-tier package adds serious value. These packages typically range between $2,500 and $8,000 industry-wide. They often involve a customised theme, more pages, and a basic SEO setup, with a timeline of four to six weeks.

How Site Unicorn Does "Better"

Our Better Shopify Site Build gives you more style and layout options. We step it up by providing:

• More Capacity: Up to 20 product points (which cover simple and variable products).
• Custom Templates: Two product page templates and two product collection page templates.
• Advanced Features: Additional product information setups (like care instructions or ingredients) and blog page templates.
• Dedicated Support: A dedicated project manager, creator, and trainer to ensure you are never left in the dark.

The Better tier is ideal for established small businesses that want a reliable, standout store without the high cost of a fully bespoke solution.

The Bestest Shopify Website Design Packages: Premium Builds for Serious eCommerce Brands

Top-tier packages are reserved for businesses that require advanced functionality, full customisation, and VIP treatment. Industry-wide, premium builds can range from a $15,000+ one-time fee to monthly retainers upward of $9,750 per month.

How Site Unicorn Does "Bestest"

If you have a large catalogue with lots of variations, our Bestest Shopify Site Build is exactly what you need. We provide all the layout customisations and tools to build the Shopify store of your dreams.

• Complex Needs Handled: Perfect for stores needing multiple custom product layouts.
• Zero Hidden Fees: Unlike the retainer models you might see elsewhere, our Bestest package is a fully functional, fixed-cost build. You will never have to play hide and seek with our pricing.

Package Comparison Overview

Here is a quick look at how the industry averages compare to what you should expect from a clear, tiered structure.

Tier	Typical Industry Price Range (AUD)	Key Inclusions
Good	$480 – $4,000	Basic theme setup, essential pages, fundamental payment/shipping config.
Better	$2,500 – $8,000	Customised theme, advanced page templates, greater product capacity.
Bestest	$15,000+ one-time or $9K+/mo	Advanced features, multiple layouts, complex catalogue management.

One-Time Fee vs. Monthly Retainer: What Works For You?

One of the biggest differences among agencies is how they charge. Many agencies use a monthly retainer model for businesses needing continuous development.

At Site Unicorn, our priority is removing your stress. That is why we offer fixed-price, zero-obligation quotes for our site builds and refreshes. This means you always know exactly what it will cost up front, and you get a fully functional store without being locked into a high-cost monthly retainer just to get your site live.

If you do need ongoing help or ongoing website management after launch, we offer flexible hourly management starting at $150/hour, or custom retainers if you want to jump the queue. You are never locked in!

How to Choose the Right Tier for Your Shopify Store

To help guide your choice between Good, Better, and Bestest, start by assessing your product catalogue size and your need for custom layouts. Remember, we use these tiers as a baseline framework—every single build or refresh can be fully tailored to your exact needs during our initial chat.

• Fewer than 20 products and standard features? The Good package is your best friend. Choosing the right theme will be critical.
• Growing catalogue needing distinct templates? The Better package will give you the style options and adaptations you need.
• Large catalogue with complex filtering and multiple product page designs? The Bestest package will handle the heavy lifting.

Are you feeling confident about which tier matches your current business stage?

Industry Timelines and What to Expect

Most agencies provide a timeline ranging from four to eight weeks, depending on complexity.

Our process at Site Unicorn is built around clear communication. We start with a video call to plan your vision. Once the quote is agreed to and contract signed, we get to work building and creating. Along the way we request your approval and input on different things using our project management portal. Finally we test your site, shoot you a preview link, and make any requested edits before giving you personalised training and taking your site live. We keep you informed at every single step so you never have to guess what is happening.

What Packages Usually Exclude

No single package covers everything across the web development industry. Often, ongoing maintenance, advanced SEO, and paid advertising setup are excluded.

We pride ourselves on radical transparency. We never hide what is included and what isn't. Its why our quotes look so big! But we promise they are written in super-easy-to-follow language. While our builds give you the perfect foundations, things like Google and Meta Ads management or ongoing website management are separate services. But don't worry, we offer those too, and we will clearly outline the costs if you need them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a typical Shopify website design package?

Basic packages usually include theme setup, essential pages, and basic navigation. Mid-range packages add customised design elements and more product templates. Premium packages include advanced features and complex layouts. At Site Unicorn, all of our packages include personalised training videos recorded right on your store so you know exactly how to use it.

How much does a Shopify website cost in Australia?

Prices vary widely, from $480 for a bare-bones setup to $15,000+ for premium builds. At Site Unicorn, we provide fixed-price quotes up front so you never face budget surprises.

How long does it take to build a Shopify store?

Timelines range from one to eight weeks across the industry. Our timeline depends on your chosen package and how quickly you get us the information and content we need, but we outline every milestone during our initial planning call.

Do Shopify design packages include ongoing support?

Most industry one-time packages do not. However, we ensure you have the knowledge to run your store through our personalised admin training videos. If you want ongoing support, we offer flexible website management options with no lock-in contracts.

A well-chosen package removes the stress of guessing and sets your online store up for steady growth. If you are ready to find your perfect package and bring your website vision to life, chat to us today! We will be cheering you on every step of the way. 🦄