Store Math

The tool shelf / Comparisons

Choose software for the work you actually do.

What each tool does, who it suits, and what to check before paying. Jobber is included for service-based businesses rather than online retail stores.

Some buttons are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are approximate AUD estimates; check the provider for current plans, billing terms and GST.

AT A GLANCE

The short list

ToolBest forApprox. monthly AUD
ShopifyBeginners and growing stores who want everything managed for them.$56.00
Hostinger (WooCommerce hosting)Hands-on owners who want WooCommerce flexibility at a low monthly cost.$15.00
XeroAustralian sole traders and small retailers lodging BAS.$35.00
SemrushStores relying on Google traffic who want to research keywords and fix site issues.$215.00
JobberService businesses (cleaning, trades, installs) rather than product stores.$60.00
01 / store platform

Shopify

All-in-one hosted store builder with checkout, payments and themes built in.

Who it suits

Beginners and growing stores who want everything managed for them.

Pricing note

Basic plan roughly A$56/month billed monthly (cheaper yearly). Check Shopify for current AU pricing.

Estimated monthly: $56.00

Pros

  • Fast to launch, no hosting or updates to manage
  • Shopify Payments supports AUD and Afterpay
  • Huge app and theme ecosystem

Cons

  • Monthly fee plus app costs add up
  • Extra transaction fees if you skip Shopify Payments
  • Less control than self-hosted
02 / hosting

Hostinger (WooCommerce hosting)

Budget-friendly managed WordPress hosting that suits a small WooCommerce store.

Who it suits

Hands-on owners who want WooCommerce flexibility at a low monthly cost.

Pricing note

Business WordPress plans roughly A$10–$20/month depending on term. Renewals cost more.

Estimated monthly: $15.00

Pros

  • Low entry price on multi-year terms
  • One-click WordPress and WooCommerce install
  • Free SSL and daily/weekly backups on most plans

Cons

  • Best prices require long upfront terms
  • Renewal rates are higher
  • You manage plugins, updates and security
03 / accounting

Xero

Cloud accounting with BAS, GST tracking, bank feeds and inventory basics.

Who it suits

Australian sole traders and small retailers lodging BAS.

Pricing note

Plans start around A$35/month (Ignite). Check Xero AU for current pricing.

Estimated monthly: $35.00

Pros

  • Built for Australian GST and BAS
  • Connects to Shopify, WooCommerce and banks
  • Accountants and bookkeepers widely use it

Cons

  • Cheapest plan has transaction limits
  • Inventory features are basic
  • Price rises have been frequent
04 / seo

Semrush

SEO toolkit for keyword research, competitor analysis and site audits.

Who it suits

Stores relying on Google traffic who want to research keywords and fix site issues.

Pricing note

Pro plan around US$140/month (about A$215). Free trial often available.

Estimated monthly: $215.00

Pros

  • Deep keyword and competitor data, incl. Australia
  • Site audit finds technical SEO problems
  • Tracks rankings over time

Cons

  • Expensive for a brand-new store
  • Steep learning curve
  • Billed in USD
05 / field service

Jobber

Quoting, scheduling, invoicing and payments for service-based businesses.

Who it suits

Service businesses (cleaning, trades, installs) rather than product stores.

Pricing note

Core plan roughly US$39/month (about A$60). Check Jobber for current pricing.

Estimated monthly: $60.00

Pros

  • Quotes, jobs and invoices in one place
  • Client portal and online payments
  • Good mobile app for on-the-road work

Cons

  • Not built for selling physical products
  • Priced in USD
  • Higher tiers needed for teams