Quick Answer: A standard Shopify store in Australia takes 4–8 weeks to build from start to launch.
A basic theme-based store can be completed in 2–4 weeks.
A custom Shopify build typically takes 6–10 weeks.
Platform migrations from WooCommerce or other systems take 4–8 weeks depending on complexity.
These are the realistic timelines from HHP Design — based on 15+ years of building Shopify stores for Australian businesses.
Shopify Build Timelines by Project Type
| Project Type | Typical Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Theme Setup | 2–4 weeks | New businesses launching their first store |
| Standard Custom Build | 6–8 weeks | Established businesses wanting a professional, branded store |
| Complex Custom Build | 8–12 weeks | Stores with custom functionality, large catalogues, or integrations |
| Platform Migration | 4–8 weeks | Moving from WooCommerce, Magento, Neto, eBay, or Etsy |
| Store Redesign | 4–8 weeks | Existing Shopify store requiring a full design overhaul |
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown: What Happens When
Phase 1: Discovery and Brief (Week 1)
Every project starts with a discovery call and a detailed brief. We discuss your business goals, target customers, products, and requirements. From this, we prepare a written scope of work, timeline, and quote.
What can slow this phase: Clients who haven’t yet decided on their product range, business name, or domain.
Phase 2: Design (Weeks 1–3)
We either customise a Shopify theme to match your brand, or design custom page layouts from scratch. You review and approve mockups before development begins.
What can slow this phase: Delayed feedback on design mockups. Prompt feedback keeps your project on schedule.
Phase 3: Development (Weeks 2–6)
Products are set up, payment gateways and shipping are configured, apps are installed, and the design is implemented across all page types.
What can slow this phase: Product data that isn’t ready. We provide a content checklist at the start of every project.
Phase 4: Review and Revisions (Weeks 5–8)
You review the complete store and provide feedback. We implement revisions. Most projects include two rounds of revisions in the quoted price.
Phase 5: Launch (Final Week)
We connect your domain, run final tests across devices, and launch. We provide a post-launch checklist and monitor the store in the days after going live.
What Can Delay a Shopify Build?
The most common causes of project delays are on the client side. Have these ready before your project starts:
- Product content: High-quality product photos and written descriptions. No content = no products = no store.
- Brand assets: Your logo in high resolution (SVG or PNG), brand colours, and fonts.
- Copy and text: Homepage text, About Us, return policy, shipping policy.
- Domain access: Login details for your domain registrar.
- Payment gateway details: ABN and bank account details for Shopify Payments.
- Decisions: Prompt feedback at each review stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a basic Shopify setup take?
A basic Shopify store using a pre-built theme with customisation typically takes 2–4 weeks. This covers theme setup, branding, product loading, payment and shipping configuration, and basic SEO setup.
How long does a WooCommerce to Shopify migration take?
A WooCommerce to Shopify migration at HHP Design typically takes 4–8 weeks. Stores with large catalogues or complex integrations may take longer due to URL redirect mapping and SEO preservation work.
Can HHP Design build a Shopify store in under 2 weeks?
In some cases, yes. If your project is straightforward and you have all content ready, a basic store can be completed in 1–2 weeks. Contact us to discuss your timeline requirements.
What do I need to prepare before starting a Shopify build?
Have your product photos, product descriptions, logo, brand colours, and any written content (About Us, policies) ready before the project starts. Content delays are the most common cause of extended timelines.
Does HHP Design provide a written timeline for every project?
Yes. Before any work begins, we provide a written scope of work with a clear project timeline. Our Sydney team keeps you updated throughout so there are no surprises.