The Rovela blog
Practical guides on building, running, and growing a successful online store.
Restaurant Menu Management Software: 2026 Buyer's Guide
Compare restaurant menu management software for 2026 — real costs, modifiers, hidden plugin fees, and how to manage your menu online without the app stack.
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July 4, 2026
Shopify Alternative for Clothing Brands: 2026 Guide
Compare the best Shopify alternatives for clothing brands — real costs, fashion-critical features, and a true-cost framework to pick the right platform.
July 4, 2026
How Much Does a Clothing Store Website Cost in 2026?
How much does a clothing store website cost? A full 2026 breakdown of platform, app, photography, and fulfillment fees — plus how to spend less.
July 4, 2026
How to Start a Clothing Line: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to start a clothing line the smart way — from niche and budget to sourcing, pricing, and getting your first sale online.
July 4, 2026
How Much Does a Restaurant Website Cost in 2026?
A clear breakdown of what a restaurant website really costs — from DIY builders to online ordering systems — plus how to skip the plugin bills.
July 3, 2026
Online Ordering System for Restaurants: 2026 Guide
Compare online ordering systems for restaurants, dodge 30% delivery fees, and set up pickup and delivery ordering you actually own. Real costs and steps inside.
July 3, 2026
Subscription Business Models: A Practical Guide
The three subscription business models explained — replenishment, curation, and access — with real examples and how to pick the right one for your store.
July 3, 2026
How Does Recurring Billing Work? A Clear Guide
Recurring billing explained in plain terms — how subscription cycles, failed payment recovery, and dunning management actually work behind the scenes.
July 3, 2026
How to Start a Subscription Box Business in 2026
A step-by-step guide to launching a profitable subscription box business — from picking a niche to fulfillment, software, and real startup costs.
July 3, 2026
Best Restaurant Website Builder: 2026 Comparison
Compare the best restaurant website builders for 2026 — with online ordering, real cost breakdowns, and honest pros and cons for every option.
July 2, 2026
How to Add Custom Product Options (The Complete Guide)
Learn how to add custom product options — text fields, surcharges, conditional logic, and personalization — without drowning in plugins or developer bills.
July 2, 2026
Turnkey Dropshipping Store: Worth Buying in 2026?
Thinking about buying a turnkey dropshipping store? Here's what these done-for-you setups really cost, what you get, and a smarter way to launch fast.
July 2, 2026
Product Configurator Pricing: What You Actually Pay
A clear breakdown of product configurator pricing — monthly app fees, hidden costs, and how to avoid paying for a customizer plugin you don't need.
July 2, 2026
Native vs Plugin Product Configurator: Which Wins?
Deciding between a native vs plugin product configurator? See the real costs, speed, and conversion trade-offs before you install another app.
July 2, 2026
Subscription App Pricing: What You'll Really Pay
A clear breakdown of subscription app pricing — base fees, transaction cuts, and hidden plugin costs — so you know what recurring billing actually costs.
July 1, 2026
Turnkey Ecommerce Store Cost: What You'll Pay
Wondering what a turnkey ecommerce store really costs? See real prices, hidden monthly fees, and a cheaper way to launch fast without the retainer trap.
July 1, 2026
Custom Ecommerce Features: Build or Buy in 2026?
Do you really need custom ecommerce features, or will built-in ones do the job? A practical guide to deciding what to build, buy, or skip.
July 1, 2026
Pre-Made Ecommerce Store vs AI: Which Wins in 2026?
Comparing a pre-made ecommerce store vs AI-generated storefronts? Here's the real cost, ownership, and speed breakdown to help you pick right.
July 1, 2026
Are Turnkey Ecommerce Stores a Scam? Honest Guide
Some turnkey ecommerce stores are legit businesses. Many are traps. Here's how to spot the red flags and vet a store before you spend a dollar.
June 30, 2026
15 Questions to Ask an Ecommerce Agency Before You Sign
The essential questions to ask an ecommerce agency before signing — vetting checklist, red flags, contract terms, and how to evaluate any proposal.
June 30, 2026
Ecommerce Agency for Small Business: Worth the Cost?
Wondering if an ecommerce agency for small business is worth it? Compare real costs, pros, cons, and affordable alternatives that get you selling faster.
June 30, 2026
Ecommerce Agency Retainer Pricing: What You'll Pay
A clear breakdown of ecommerce agency retainer pricing, monthly costs, and the cheaper alternative that's quietly replacing the retainer model.
June 30, 2026
Custom Ecommerce Website Cost: Full 2026 Breakdown
A real, line-by-line breakdown of what a custom ecommerce website costs in 2026 — plus a faster, cheaper way to launch without sacrificing ownership.
June 30, 2026
Custom Ecommerce vs Platform: Which Wins in 2026?
Custom build or off-the-shelf platform? A clear, numbers-first breakdown of cost, speed, control, and risk to help you decide what to build your store on.
June 29, 2026
Do I Need a Shopify Developer? Honest Answer
Do I need a Shopify developer? Find out when to build a store yourself, when to hire a pro, what it really costs, and the middle-ground options most guides skip.
June 29, 2026
Ecommerce Agency vs In-House: Which Wins in 2026?
Ecommerce agency vs in-house: real cost numbers, agency types, pros and cons, and a decision framework to help you choose the right setup for your store.
June 29, 2026
Shopify App Developer Cost: What You'll Really Pay
Shopify app developer cost ranges from $50/hr to $50,000+ per build. See real rates, where to hire, hidden fees, and a smarter alternative.
June 29, 2026
Hire a Shopify Liquid Developer: Costs & Alternatives
What a Shopify Liquid developer really costs, when you actually need one, and the AI alternative that skips the code entirely.
June 29, 2026
Shopify Partner vs Freelancer: Which to Hire in 2026
Shopify Partner vs freelancer — costs, risks, and reliability compared, plus a faster way to launch a store without hiring anyone at all.
June 28, 2026
Ecommerce Developer Interview Questions: A Hiring Guide
The best ecommerce developer interview questions to vet skills, spot red flags, and hire the right builder. A practical checklist for store owners.
June 28, 2026
Hire a Developer for Your Existing Ecommerce Store
Need to hire a developer for your existing ecommerce store? Compare costs, how to vet candidates, freelancers vs agencies, and a faster way to fix or migrate.
June 28, 2026
Do I Need a Developer to Build a Website?
Wondering if you need a developer to build a website or online store? Here's an honest breakdown of when to hire, when to DIY, and what's changed.
June 28, 2026
Offshore Ecommerce Developer Rates: 2026 Cost Guide
A clear breakdown of offshore ecommerce developer rates by country, what drives the price, and how to know when hiring a dev is worth it at all.
June 28, 2026
Freelance Ecommerce Developer vs Agency: Which Wins?
Freelance ecommerce developer vs agency: real costs, timelines, and risks compared — plus a faster, cheaper way to launch your store.
June 27, 2026
WooCommerce Developer Cost: The Real 2026 Breakdown
WooCommerce developer cost explained for 2026: build rates, plugin fees, hiring tips, and the ongoing maintenance bill most merchants underestimate.
June 27, 2026
Ecommerce Developer vs AI Builder: True Cost Compared
Ecommerce developer vs AI builder: compare real costs, timelines, SEO, and ownership to decide whether to hire a developer or use an AI store builder.
June 27, 2026
Ecommerce Website Maintenance Cost: Real 2026 Numbers
A clear breakdown of ecommerce website maintenance cost in 2026 — hosting, apps, developer retainers — plus a practical way to slash your monthly bill.
June 27, 2026
WooCommerce Hosting Cost: The Real Price Breakdown
WooCommerce is free to download, but hosting an online store on it isn't. Here's the real WooCommerce hosting cost — month by month, year by year.
June 26, 2026
How to Export WooCommerce Products (Full Guide)
A practical guide to exporting WooCommerce products, customers, and orders to CSV — plus how to migrate your whole store without losing data.
June 26, 2026
Shopify vs WooCommerce Ease of Use: Honest Guide
Shopify vs WooCommerce ease of use, compared honestly: setup difficulty, learning curve, and which platform a beginner can actually run without a developer.
June 26, 2026
Is WooCommerce Worth It in 2026? An Honest Review
Is WooCommerce worth it? A balanced 2026 review of the real costs, pros and cons, scalability limits, and better alternatives for serious sellers.
June 26, 2026
WooCommerce Security Issues: Risks You Can't Ignore
WooCommerce security issues come from plugins, weak hosting, and missed patches. Here's what puts your store at risk and how to lock it down.
June 26, 2026
Shopify Transaction Fees Explained (2026 Guide)
A clear breakdown of Shopify transaction fees, payment processing costs, and how to stop bleeding money on every sale you make.
June 25, 2026
How Long Does Shopify Migration Take? A Real Timeline
How long does Shopify migration take? Real timelines by store size, the steps involved, platform-specific quirks, and how to migrate without downtime.
June 25, 2026
Shopify Migration SEO: Keep Rankings After You Move
A practical guide to Shopify migration SEO — how to map redirects, preserve rankings, and move your store without losing a single visitor.
June 25, 2026
Shopify Migration Service vs DIY: Which Wins?
Weighing a Shopify migration service vs DIY? Compare real costs, risks, and timelines to pick the move that keeps your sales — and SEO — intact.
June 25, 2026
The Real Cost to Run an Online Store in 2026
A clear breakdown of the true cost to run an online store — platform fees, apps, payment cuts, and the hidden bills that quietly eat your margin.
June 24, 2026
Shopify Alternative for Small Business: 6 Top Picks
Hunting for a Shopify alternative for small business? Compare real costs, transaction fees, and built-in features to find the best, cheapest store builder.
June 24, 2026
Shopify Plus Pricing: The Real Cost in 2026
Shopify Plus pricing starts at $2,300/month — but the real bill runs much higher once apps, fees, and agencies stack up. Here's the full breakdown.
June 24, 2026
Free Shopify Alternative: 7 Cheaper Ways to Sell
Looking for a free Shopify alternative that won't bleed you on apps and fees? Compare the real costs of 7 options — and what "free" actually means.
June 24, 2026
Rovela vs BigCommerce: Which Store Builder Wins?
A side-by-side look at Rovela vs BigCommerce on pricing, features, and total cost — and which one actually fits a growing store.
June 24, 2026
How to Accept Payments on Your Online Store (2026)
A plain-English guide to accepting payments on your online store — from picking a processor to fees, security, and getting paid faster.
June 23, 2026
Best App to Sell Products Online (2026 Guide)
Compare the best apps to sell products online by real cost, built-in features, and ease of use — including marketplaces and social selling — to find your fit.
June 23, 2026
How to Start an Online Store on Your Phone
Learn how to start an online store on your phone — pick products, compare mobile platforms, build your store, and start selling without a computer.
June 23, 2026
Ecommerce Website Launch Checklist: Test Before Go-Live
A step-by-step ecommerce website launch checklist to test checkout, mobile, SEO, and emails before go-live — so day one is boring in the best way.
June 23, 2026
Where to Get Products to Sell Online: 7 Real Sources
Where to get products to sell online: 7 proven sourcing methods compared by cost, margin, and effort. Find the right inventory source for your store.
June 23, 2026
How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Online Store
A practical guide to picking the right domain name for your online store — from name ideas and .com vs .store to registration and going live.
June 22, 2026
How to Set Up Shipping for Online Store: Step-by-Step
A step-by-step guide to setting up shipping for your online store — zones, rates, carriers, free shipping thresholds, and platform-specific setup.
June 22, 2026
How to Sell Clothes on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to sell clothes on Instagram step by step — set up Shopping, tag products, run shoppable posts, and convert followers into buyers.
June 22, 2026
Print on Demand vs Manufacturing Clothing: Which Wins?
Print on demand vs manufacturing clothing — compare costs, margins, and risk to pick the right way to source apparel for your online store.
June 22, 2026
How to Photograph Clothing for Online Store: Full Guide
A practical, no-fluff guide to photographing clothing for your online store — gear, lighting, flat lay vs ghost mannequin, and editing — all on a small budget.
June 22, 2026
Monthly Cost to Run an Online Store: Full Breakdown
A clear, line-by-line look at the real monthly cost to run an online store in 2026 — platform fees, apps, payment processing, and the hidden extras.
June 21, 2026
How to Start a Print on Demand Business With No Money
A step-by-step guide to starting a print on demand business with no money — pick products, set up a free store, compare suppliers, and price for real profit.
June 21, 2026
How to Create a Size Chart for Clothing (Step by Step)
Learn how to create a size chart for clothing that fits real bodies, cuts returns, and converts more shoppers — with measurement steps and a free template.
June 21, 2026
How to Build an Online Store for Free (Real Costs)
Most "free" store builders charge you later through apps, fees, and upgrades. Here's how to build an online store for free — and what it really costs.
June 21, 2026
How to Get Customers for Your Online Store for Free
No ad budget? No problem. Here are the free, proven channels that bring real customers to a brand-new online store — and how to land your first sale fast.
June 21, 2026
How Long Does It Take to Start an Ecommerce Business?
A realistic ecommerce launch timeline — from idea to first sale to first profit — plus the steps that actually move the needle and where most founders waste weeks.
June 20, 2026
How to Start an Online Boutique on Instagram (2026 Guide)
A step-by-step guide to start an online boutique on Instagram — set up your shop, source inventory, turn DMs into sales, and scale without losing revenue.
June 20, 2026
How to Start an Online Boutique From Home in 2026
A practical, step-by-step guide to starting an online boutique from home — from picking a niche to launching your store and making your first sale.
June 20, 2026
Dropshipping vs Wholesale: Which Model Wins in 2026?
Dropshipping vs wholesale, broken down by real margins, risk, and effort — so you can pick the right sourcing model before you spend a dollar.
June 20, 2026
How to Start a Pre-Order Online Store (Step by Step)
Learn how to start a pre-order online store, validate demand, and fund inventory with customer cash — without risking thousands on unsold stock.
June 20, 2026
Do I Need a Business License to Sell Online? (2026 Guide)
Wondering if you need a business license to sell online? Here's exactly what's required — licenses, LLCs, EINs, sales tax, and permits — without the legalese.
June 19, 2026
Are Online Boutiques Profitable? The Real Numbers
A clear-eyed look at whether online boutiques actually make money — real profit margins, income ranges, and the costs that quietly eat your revenue.
June 19, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Boutique?
A real, line-by-line breakdown of online boutique startup costs — from inventory to platform fees — plus the cheapest smart way to launch.
June 19, 2026
Ecommerce Business Models: 7 Types Explained for 2026
A plain-English guide to the main ecommerce business models — DTC, marketplace, dropshipping, subscription, wholesale and more — with real examples and profit data.
June 19, 2026
How to Start a Dropshipping Boutique: Step-by-Step
A practical, step-by-step guide to starting a dropshipping boutique with no inventory — from picking a niche to finding suppliers and launching your store.
June 18, 2026
Boutique Name Ideas: 120+ Picks to Inspire Yours
Browse 120+ boutique name ideas — cute, unique, and catchy — with the naming logic behind each, real examples, and a step-by-step guide to naming your shop.
June 18, 2026
How to Start an Online Store Without Inventory
Learn how to start an online store without inventory using dropshipping, print on demand, and digital products — plus the exact steps to launch from home.
June 18, 2026
What to Sell Online: How to Pick a Winning Product
A practical guide to choosing what to sell online — how to research products, validate demand, and find a niche before you spend a dollar on inventory.
June 18, 2026
AI Online Store Builder vs DIY: Which Wins in 2026?
AI online store builder vs DIY — a clear-eyed breakdown of cost, speed, and control to help you pick the right way to launch your store.
June 18, 2026
Do I Need an App to Sell Online? The Honest Answer
Wondering if you need a native app to sell online? Here's why a mobile-first store beats a downloadable app for almost every merchant.
June 17, 2026
PWA vs Native App Ecommerce: Which Wins in 2026?
PWA vs native app ecommerce, broken down by cost, reach, and conversion — plus a clear answer to whether your store actually needs an app at all.
June 17, 2026
How to Protect Digital Products From Being Copied
Selling ebooks, templates, or courses? Learn practical ways to protect digital products from being copied — licenses, watermarks, download limits, and more.
June 17, 2026
Mobile Checkout Optimization: A Practical Guide
Mobile shoppers abandon carts at brutal rates. Here's how to fix your checkout with proven tactics that turn taps into paid orders.
June 17, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Ecommerce App?
A clear, numbers-first breakdown of ecommerce app development cost — from design to maintenance — plus a faster, cheaper way to sell online.
June 17, 2026
How to Accept Payments for Digital Products
A practical guide to accepting payments for digital products — picking a processor, handling tax and VAT, and getting paid without losing margin.
June 16, 2026
Custom Clothing Product Configurator: The Complete Guide
How to choose a custom clothing product configurator that lifts AOV without slowing your store — real costs, named tools, and a buyer's framework.
June 16, 2026
Wholesale Ecommerce Website Builder: B2B Buyer's Guide
A practical B2B buyer's guide to wholesale ecommerce website builders — tiered pricing, bulk ordering, net terms, and the real cost of stacking apps.
June 16, 2026
Order Management for an Online Store: A Practical Guide
Order management for an online store, demystified: centralize, automate, and ship without chaos — plus a real merchant scenario and the mistakes to skip.
June 16, 2026
How to Create a Website to Sell Online Courses
Want to create a website to sell online courses without losing 30% to a marketplace? Here's how to build, host, and own your course store the smart way.
June 16, 2026
How to Deliver Digital Products Automatically
Learn how to deliver digital products automatically, send instant download links after payment, and keep your files secure — no manual work required.
June 15, 2026
Clothing Store Website Builder: How to Pick One in 2026
Compare clothing store website builders on cost, speed, and apparel-specific features — plus size charts, virtual try-on, and what actually sells fashion online.
June 15, 2026
Best AI Ecommerce Builder: How to Choose in 2026
A practical guide to choosing an AI ecommerce builder in 2026 — what to look for, how the top tools compare, and where they fall short.
June 15, 2026
How to Accept Payments on Your Website: A Setup Guide
A practical, no-jargon guide to accepting payments on your website — gateways, checkout setup, fees, and security explained for small business owners.
June 15, 2026
Own Website vs Marketplace Selling: Which Wins?
A clear, numbers-first breakdown of own website vs marketplace selling — fees, control, brand, and which one actually grows your business.
June 15, 2026
POS System With Ecommerce Integration: 2026 Guide
Compare the best ways to run a POS system with ecommerce integration, keep inventory synced across channels, and pick the right setup for your store.
June 14, 2026
Best Online Store Builder for One Person Business 2026
Compare the best online store builders for a one person business in 2026 — real costs, must-have features, and the easiest way to launch solo without code.
June 14, 2026
Best Ecommerce Platform for Beginners in 2026
An honest 2026 comparison of the best ecommerce platforms for beginners — Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, and AI builders — with real costs and trade-offs.
June 14, 2026
Squarespace vs Shopify: Which Wins for Selling Online?
Squarespace vs Shopify compared on pricing, fees, SEO, and ecommerce features — plus a smarter, fully featured alternative to both.
June 14, 2026
How Much Does an Online Store Cost Per Month?
Wondering how much an online store really costs per month? Here's the full breakdown — base fees, apps, transaction cuts, and the hidden costs nobody warns you about.
