Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s an essential move for any e-commerce business looking to stay ahead in a competitive market. With Magento 1 end of life, upgrading to Magento 2 isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.
But what does this migration really cost?
Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 typically costs between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on the complexity and size of the project. Key cost factors include design/theme migration, extension migration, custom function development, data migration, and miscellaneous services.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs associated with each part of the migration process, from design and data to extensions and custom functions, so you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition to Magento 2.
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Magento Migration Cost for Each Part of the Process
Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 isn’t just a simple upgrade; it’s a comprehensive process involving various components, each with its own set of costs. Understanding these individual parts can help you budget effectively and ensure a smooth transition.
Let’s break down the expenses associated with each stage of the Magento migration process.
Design/Theme Migration
When migrating your Magento store’s design or theme to Magento 2, there are three primary approaches, each with different costs and complexities.
1. Use a Ready-Made Magento 2 Theme
Opting for a ready-made theme is the most cost-effective and straightforward method. Many pre-designed themes are available online, typically priced between $50 and $150.
If you need assistance with installation and configuration, hiring a developer will add around $100 to $300 to your budget. However, customization to match your specific needs can increase the cost to anywhere between $300 and $1,000.
Overall, migrating your theme using this method can cost up to $1,500. To save money, consider minimizing customizations or only altering simple elements like colors, logos, and banners.
2. Build a New Theme with the Same Magento 1 Design
This approach retains the design of your Magento 1 site while developing a new theme for Magento 2. It’s a more time-consuming process, usually taking about a month.
The cost for this method ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. It strikes a balance between maintaining your existing design and adapting it to the new platform.
3. Create a New Theme from Scratch
Creating a brand-new theme is the most expensive and resource-intensive option. This process involves hiring a designer to create a unique design for your Magento 2 site, followed by developers building the theme based on this new design.
Due to the increased demand for human resources, this method can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
Extension Migration
Migrating extensions from Magento 1 to Magento 2 requires careful planning because extensions from the old platform are not compatible with the new one due to code conflicts. Here are two primary ways to handle extension migration:
1. Buy and Install New Extensions Available on the Market
Purchasing new extensions is a straightforward approach. The cost of extensions varies widely, typically ranging from $50 to $300.
For specialized extensions, like a Multi-vendor Marketplace, the price can be as high as $1,000. In addition to the cost of the extensions themselves, there are fees for installation and configuration.
The cost to migrate one extension is generally between $75 and $150. For example, if you need to migrate 10 extensions, you could expect to spend between $750 and $1,500 on installation and configuration alone.
2. Develop Custom Functions
Sometimes, the market does not offer extensions that match the specific functionalities needed by merchants. In such cases, businesses must hire developers to create custom functions.
The cost for this can vary significantly depending on the complexity and uniqueness of the required features. Custom development ensures that all necessary functions are retained but can be more expensive and time-consuming than purchasing ready-made extensions.
Custom Function Migration
Migrating custom functions from Magento 1 to Magento 2 follows a similar approach to extension migration, but it comes with its own set of challenges and costs.
If there are available extensions that replicate the custom functions from your Magento 1 site, you can purchase and install these on your Magento 2 site. This method can be a cost-effective way to replicate custom functions without the need for extensive custom development.
When no equivalent extensions are available, you’ll need to hire developers to recreate the custom functions in Magento 2. This process is more complex and can vary significantly in cost, depending on the complexity of the features being developed.
While it’s challenging to provide a precise cost estimate for custom development, it’s important to budget for potentially higher expenses and longer development times.
Data Migration
Data migration is a crucial part of moving from Magento 1 to Magento 2, ensuring that all your essential information—such as products, customer details, and order history—transfers smoothly to the new platform. Magento development companies typically charge for data migration in two main ways:
1. Cost Based on the Amount of Data Migrated
This method is often more suitable for small companies or start-ups with a limited amount of data. The cost is calculated based on the volume of data to be transferred.
While this approach can be more economical for businesses with less data, it may become expensive for larger companies with extensive databases.
2. Fixed Price Data Migration
Some Magento agencies offer data migration services at a fixed price, regardless of the amount of data to be transferred. This fixed price typically ranges from $500 to $1,000.
This option provides cost predictability and can be more advantageous for larger businesses with substantial amounts of data, ensuring they stay within budget without unexpected expenses.
Settings Migration
Migrating settings from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a straightforward yet essential part of the process. This involves transferring configurations related to payment, shipping, language, currency, and email templates to ensure your store functions correctly in the new environment.
Typically, firms can expect to pay around $500 for this service.
By migrating these settings, you ensure that all the foundational aspects of your store are preserved, allowing for a smoother transition and consistent user experience. This investment helps maintain operational continuity and minimizes potential disruptions during the migration process.
Miscellaneous
In addition to the primary components of Magento migration, there are several other fees to consider. These include consulting, project management, setting up the development site, etc.
These tasks are essential for ensuring a smooth and successful migration, especially for larger projects.
The overall cost for these additional services can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the project’s size and complexity. Including these fees in your budget helps cover all aspects of the migration, ensuring a thorough and efficient process.
How the Choice of Magento Migration Company Affects Cost
Selecting the right Magento migration company is crucial, as it significantly influences the overall cost of the migration. Different companies offer varying levels of expertise, service quality, and pricing structures.
Let’s explore how your choice of migration company can affect the cost of your Magento migration.
Geographical Pricing Differences
The cost of Magento migration can vary widely depending on the geographic location of the service provider. Agencies based in the US and the UK generally charge higher fees compared to those in Asian countries.
However, this price difference is largely due to variations in living costs rather than differences in service quality.
Living standards in the US and the UK are among the highest in the world, which translates to higher salaries for developers and, consequently, higher service costs.
Conversely, countries in Asia, such as India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, have lower living costs, allowing agencies there to offer more budget-friendly prices.
Choosing the Right Agency
For large corporations with flexible budgets, opting for a migration company in the US or the UK might be advantageous.
These agencies often stay at the forefront of technological advancements and have large teams capable of handling extensive projects. This can be particularly beneficial for complex migrations requiring cutting-edge solutions.
On the other hand, small to medium-sized businesses might find it more economical to work with agencies in Asia. These companies can provide quality migration services at a fraction of the cost, making them an excellent choice for businesses with tighter budgets.
Understanding the cost dynamics associated with different regions can help you make an informed choice that balances cost and quality.
How Forms of Magento Migration Service Affect Cost
Choosing the form of Magento migration service is a key factor that influences the overall cost. Merchants typically have two main options: an all-in-one package or a custom service. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your needs and budget.
All-in-One Package
This option offers a set price for the entire migration process, making it both cost-effective and time-efficient. By opting for an all-in-one package, merchants can save money and streamline the migration. However, the downside is limited customization.
The package might not cover the development of certain features, and additional customization can incur extra costs. This option is ideal for businesses looking for a straightforward migration without extensive modifications.
Custom Service
A custom service allows for extensive customization, but it comes at a higher price. Merchants can request as many changes and additions as their budget permits, ensuring the final Magento 2 website aligns perfectly with their business needs and expectations.
While this approach offers greater flexibility and a tailored result, it requires a larger investment and more time.
Conclusion
Migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a crucial step for any e-commerce business looking to stay competitive and efficient. The cost of this migration can vary widely depending on several factors, including the components involved, the choice of migration agency, and the form of service selected.
By understanding these factors and carefully planning your migration strategy, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and business needs.
Choosing the right partner for your migration is essential. At Tigren, we’ve been delivering Magento 2 migration services since 2015, making it one of our top offerings.
With over 500 successful projects and a commitment to 100% secure data migration, we ensure a seamless transition with zero SEO ranking drops. Our solid experience guarantees your project’s success.
Investing in a smooth and efficient migration process will not only enhance your store’s performance but also pave the way for future growth and success.
