What Percentage Does Squarespace Charge?

Squarespace offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different types of users, including personal websites, business websites, and e-commerce stores. However, it's important to distinguish between the subscription fees for using the platform and the transaction fees that apply to e-commerce sales. Here's a breakdown of the charges you might encounter:

Subscription Fees

Squarespace’s subscription plans vary based on the features included. As of the most recent information:

1. Personal Plan: $16 per month billed monthly, or $12 per month if billed annually.
2. Business Plan: $26 per month billed monthly, or $18 per month if billed annually.
3. Basic Commerce Plan: $35 per month billed monthly, or $26 per month if billed annually.
4. Advanced Commerce Plan: $54 per month billed monthly, or $40 per month if billed annually.

Transaction Fees

In addition to subscription fees, Squarespace charges transaction fees on sales made through its online stores, but the percentage varies based on the chosen plan:

1. Personal Plan: Not suitable for e-commerce (no built-in e-commerce tools).
2. Business Plan: 3% transaction fee on each sale.
3. Basic Commerce Plan: No transaction fees.
4. Advanced Commerce Plan: No transaction fees.

Payment Processing Fees

Regardless of whether you are on a plan that charges transaction fees, you'll still have to pay payment processing fees to the payment providers (e.g., Stripe or PayPal). These fees are typically around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, though they can vary based on the payment processor's terms and the country where your business operates.

Practical Steps to Minimize Costs

1. Choose the Right Plan: If your primary goal is to run an e-commerce store, opting for the Basic Commerce or Advanced Commerce plans can save you money on transaction fees.
2. Consider Annual Billing: Annual billing can save you a substantial amount on subscription fees compared to monthly billing.
3. Monitor Payment Processing Fees: Check for any potential discounts or fee reductions offered by your payment processor, especially if you have a high volume of transactions.

Additional Considerations

• Extensions and Add-ons: Additional features, like certain third-party integrations, may incur extra costs.
• Promotions and Discounts: Squarespace often runs promotions, especially for new users, which can provide significant discounts on the first year of service.

Limitations

• Hidden Costs: Always review the most current pricing and terms on Squarespace’s website as prices and policies can change.
• Feature Limitations: The lower-tier plans, like the Personal Plan, lack e-commerce features. Ensure your chosen plan meets all your functional and business needs.

By understanding and leveraging the nuances of Squarespace’s pricing structure, you can optimize your expenses, whether you’re building a simple personal website or a full-fledged e-commerce store.