"Free" is the most expensive word in software. A platform can advertise a $0 plan and still cost you more than an all-inclusive one — you just pay in different places.
Where the cost hides
- Apps and plugins. If analytics, reviews, tracking and tax each need a paid add-on, the monthly total climbs fast.
- Transaction fees. Some platforms charge extra unless you use their payments.
- Engineering time. Self-hosted "free" means you maintain hosting, security and updates yourself.
Count total cost of ownership
Add up the plan, the add-ons, the payment fees and the hours. Compare that to a platform that includes what you'll actually use.
The CIQRA stance
CIQRA bundles storefront, payments, analytics, tracking and internationalization into the plan — so the price you see is closer to the price you pay. See Pricing.