[2026 Latest] Top 15 Recommended E-Commerce Website Production Companies! A Thorough Guide to Costs, Selection Methods, and Subsidies

Many managers in charge of planning an e-commerce website struggle with these exact concerns. An e-commerce site isn’t finished once it’s built; it’s a vital business asset that directly influences your post-launch sales. That is why it is essential to choose a reliable partner who deeply understands your business goals and growth phase, and who will work alongside you.

In this article, we will introduce “5 key points” to ensure you don’t fail in choosing a company, provide a ready-to-use “Checklist” for comparing multiple agencies, and highlight 15 highly recommended production companies categorized by their specific strengths—such as design, system development, and marketing.

Furthermore, we comprehensively cover all the foundational knowledge you need to build an e-commerce site, from the differences between SaaS (ASP) and package solutions, to average cost estimates, and the latest 2026 information on available subsidies in Japan.

Please read to the end to find the ideal partner who can help your business leap forward.

What you will learn in this article:

• How to choose the right e-commerce production company for your business (5 points)
• Top 15 recommended e-commerce production companies by strength
• Estimated costs and production timelines by development method
• Latest 2026 subsidy information available for e-commerce site development

5 Points for Choosing the Right E-Commerce Production Company

To efficiently narrow down your options, let’s look at the key points that will serve as your “evaluation criteria” when selecting a company.

1. What is the company’s area of expertise?
2. Do they have a track record of successful cases similar to your business?
3. Do they offer post-launch operational and marketing support?
4. Are the budget and schedule appropriate?

Building an e-commerce site involves many intertwined elements, including platform selection, design, system development, and marketing/customer acquisition. Therefore, instead of judging agencies on a uniform scale of “which company is the absolute best,” it is crucial to choose the company that is “best for you,” taking into account your company’s objectives and business phase.

Use the points introduced below as a reference to identify the optimal partner for your business.

1. What is their area of expertise?

E-commerce production companies can be broadly categorized by their core strengths. It is vital that “the company’s strength” aligns perfectly with “what your company wants to achieve” through the e-commerce site.

Below, we have categorized the recommended companies into five areas of expertise:

Strength	Recommended Companies
Strong in Design & Branding	・Companies wanting to visually convey their brand’s worldview and story. ・Apparel and cosmetics brands where visual appeal is paramount. ・Companies wanting to leave a strong impression through unique UI/UX.
High System Development & Tech Capabilities	・Achieving deep integration with existing core business systems. ・Incorporating complex ordering rules or custom features. ・Large-scale companies requiring robust security and advanced customization.
Strong in Marketing & Customer Acquisition	・Companies needing extensive post-launch support. ・Teams lacking in-house marketing expertise. ・Companies wanting to outsource everything, including promotional strategies.
Strong in Shopify Development	・Companies considering future global/cross-border expansion. ・Wanting to flexibly adapt the site using apps/extensions as the business grows.
Excellent Cost Performance	・Starting small and launching a site quickly. ・Building a site within a strictly limited budget.

Always check to ensure your goals match the production company’s area of expertise.How to identify each company’s strength?
You can usually gauge a company’s strengths by checking the tone of their official website and their portfolio. For example, design-focused companies often have highly sophisticated corporate websites themselves. Companies strong in technical development or marketing tend to use phrases like “Integrated with System X” or “Improved Conversion Rate (CVR) by X%” in their case studies.

2. Do they have a track record of similar cases?

To determine if a company can truly solve your problems, it is extremely important to see if they have a track record of navigating the unique business customs and challenges of your specific industry.

For instance, even under the same umbrella of “E-commerce Development,” the system requirements differ vastly between B2C (Business-to-Consumer) and B2B (Business-to-Business):

Business Model	Core Features
B2C (e.g., Apparel)	Complex size/color (SKU) management, SNS integration, cart abandonment countermeasures.
B2B (e.g., Wholesale)	Invoice/credit payments by client, company-specific pricing, and lot-based purchasing features.

We highly recommend reviewing their past projects and case studies to see “what kind of problem” they tackled and “how they approached solving it.”

• “We integrated physical store and online point systems, increasing the average customer spend.”
• “We systematized B2B-specific ordering tasks, reducing administrative hours by X%.”

A company with success stories close to your ultimate goal likely understands your industry’s customs deeply and can provide highly reproducible proposals.

3. Do they offer post-launch operational and marketing support?

Naturally, the fundamental goal of an e-commerce site is not just to “build a beautiful site,” but to “sell products and generate profit.” Therefore, how much support a company provides to “generate sales” after the site goes live is a crucial selection criterion.

Do not forget the perspective of continuously analyzing access logs, iterating on site improvements, and executing marketing strategies to grow the site into a high-selling asset post-launch.

If you lack internal resources or know-how, we recommend outsourcing operations to the pros

• You want help with traffic-generation strategies like ad management and SEO.
• You want to delegate CRM strategies aimed at increasing subscription retention rates.
• You want someone to handle daily operational tasks like updating banners and registering products.

In these cases, choose a company with robust post-launch support. Be sure to clarify “exactly what level of support is included within the quoted price” before signing a contract.

4. Are the budget and schedule appropriate?

E-commerce construction costs vary wildly—from a few thousand dollars for a SaaS (ASP) cart to hundreds of thousands of dollars for enterprise packages or fully custom (scratch) builds. The key here is not simply judging whether the “initial quote is high or low,” but ensuring that the total cost, including “post-launch running costs,” aligns with your expectations.

Check the breakdown of “Initial Costs” vs. “Running Costs”
“The build was cheap, but the monthly system fees and sales commissions were exorbitant.”
“Every time we added a feature, we were billed massive customization fees.”
To prevent such issues, ensure the following elements are factored in:

• Monthly server fees, system usage fees, and maintenance costs
• Payment gateway fees and transaction fees
• Costs for security updates

Also, verify your “Target Launch Date”
If you have a strict deadline—such as “We must launch in time for the holiday shopping season” or “It needs to go live simultaneously with our new brand launch”—you must be careful. Work backward from the target date through requirements definition, system development, data migration, and testing to mutually confirm that they have a team structure capable of keeping the project on schedule.

Top 3 E-Commerce Production Companies Strong in Design & Branding

These agencies are highly recommended for apparel, cosmetics, and other industries where visually conveying the brand’s worldview and story is essential. They excel not only in creating beautiful visuals but also in UI/UX design that allows users to shop intuitively, maximizing product appeal and turning customers into loyal fans.

COOSY Inc.

Recommended Points:

• Realizes “designs that sell” through UI/UX design based on user perspectives and data analysis.
• Rich track record with major clients like Takashimaya; strong in advanced development such as core system integration and full-scratch builds.
• One-stop accompaniment support post-launch, utilizing the latest AI tech and Web marketing.

COOSY Inc. is a highly experienced Web production company that has focused on design and UI/UX for over 25 years. They excel at strategic UI/UX design based on thorough user perspective and behavioral data analysis, supporting the creation of e-commerce sites that appeal to the senses and boost purchasing intent. They contribute heavily to corporate branding and CVR improvement.

They are also highly skilled in system development, particularly strong in integrating with core business systems and building large-scale EC sites handling massive SKUs. They flexibly handle everything from cart systems like Shopify and ShopServe to fully custom scratch builds with advanced requirements. Regardless of B2C or B2B, they support complex custom EC renewals with high cost-effectiveness.

Another appealing feature is their utilization of the latest AI technology for AI search optimization and operational efficiency. Even after the site goes live, they provide end-to-end support ranging from banner and content creation to traffic generation, promotion via Web marketing, and EC consulting. With a development structure that links domestic engineers with overseas hubs, they are recommended for companies seeking a high-quality EC site that perfectly balances design, functionality, and cost-performance.

Item	Details
Company Name	COOSY Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://coosy.co.jp/service/web-solution/ecommerce/ https://coosy.co.jp/work/category/ec-site/ https://coosy.com/work/
Location	Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

LIG inc.

Recommended Points:

• Award-winning design capabilities that boost both branding and CVR.
• Content creation, marketing, and sales promotion support leveraging their own media operation know-how.
• One-stop support from Shopify-based EC development to Web marketing.

LIG inc. is a production company armed with high design and system development capabilities, handling everything from custom EC builds to operational support. Backed by awards from global design platforms like “AWWWARDS,” their UI/UX design goes beyond mere site construction. They support the creation of “results-driven” e-commerce sites with high CVRs by pulling out the core strengths of the company and its products through branding. 

They also utilize cart systems like Shopify to flexibly accommodate new launches and renewals of B2C and D2C sites. A major appeal is their ability to achieve high-cost performance on unique customizations by leveraging their offshore development base in the Philippines. 

Furthermore, utilizing insights from their own media, “LIG Blog,” they excel at traffic generation/promotion using high-quality content and consulting based on user behavioral data analysis. They are recommended for companies aiming to boost sales and improve profit margins by balancing design aesthetics with customer acquisition power.

Item	Details
Company Name	LIG inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://liginc.co.jp/
Location	Taito-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

ART PEACE Inc.

Recommended Points:

• Extensive portfolio in the apparel/fashion sector; strong in worldview-driven branding.
• Builds custom EC sites using Shopify, with consultation available for post-launch marketing.
• Supports creative production necessary for EC operations, including product photography.

ART PEACE Inc. is a production company with abundant experience in the apparel, fashion, and beauty industries, excelling at EC site production that maximizes a brand’s worldview. Leveraging over 17 years of e-commerce operational know-how, they provide strategic UI/UX design and branding based on user behavioral data analysis, going beyond mere visual beauty. For cart systems, they focus primarily on ASPs like Shopify, widely supporting the new construction and renewal of custom B2C and D2C EC sites. They also offer proprietary package plans that allow for a speedy launch matched to your growth phase, offering high cost-effectiveness.
In addition to EC consulting and Web marketing support, they assist in creating a structure that allows you to focus on customer acquisition and promotion while lowering operational burdens, covering even the production sphere like product photography. They are recommended for companies aiming to improve mid-to-long-term sales and profit margins through attractive content creation and improvement proposals.

Item	Details
Company Name	ART PEACE Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://artpeace.jp/
Location	Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Top 3 E-Commerce Platform Providers Capable of Production

Recommended for companies requiring advanced customization, such as deep integration with existing core systems (inventory/CRM) or the incorporation of complex, proprietary ordering rules. They possess reliable technical expertise and robust security environments, making them safe choices for large-scale B2C or B2B platforms.

ECBEING CORP.

Recommended Points:

• Domestic top share in the package market. Overwhelming track record in mid-to-large-scale EC builds.
• Customizability on par with full-scratch development, capable of handling complex requirements and external API integrations.
• A specialized team of over 200 members providing one-stop support from EC consulting to marketing.

ECBEING CORP. is an industry-leading development and support company, boasting the No. 1 domestic market share for EC site construction packages for 17 consecutive years. With a wealth of experience centered around mid-to-large enterprises, they handle full-scale custom EC builds and renewals designed for business growth, regardless of B2C or B2B.
Their proprietary package, “ecbeing,” supports full customization in addition to standard features, allowing for flexible design and development tailored to specific requirements. They also support integration with core systems and various external tools, including logistics-related services.
Furthermore, a key feature is that they don’t just develop systems; they have an internal marketing support team of over 200 members. Even after the site is launched, they provide end-to-end support for sales expansion, including data-driven improvement proposals, banner/content optimization, and traffic generation/promotional support using Web marketing.

Item	Details
Company Name	ECBEING CORP.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://www.ecbeing.net/
Location	Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Interfactory,inc.

Recommended Points:

• Their cloud-based EC “ebisumart” balances the convenience of the cloud with high customizability.
• Auto-updates keep the system current, reducing long-term operational burdens.
• Strong in external integrations, supporting EC development from B2C to B2B.

Interfactory,inc. is the provider of the cloud commerce platform “ebisumart.” While being cloud-based, it supports customization, realizing flexible custom EC builds tailored to specific requirements. Furthermore, automatic updates make it easy to continuously keep the system up-to-date, making it a strong candidate for an EC foundation built for long-term operation.
Its greatest strength lies in offering the customizability to handle complex requirements despite being a cloud system. It supports not only B2C but also B2B (business-to-business) sites, providing support down to operational efficiency and optimization, including data integration with external systems like core business systems and warehouse management systems.
Beyond just providing the system, they offer EC consulting, operation, and improvement support through a dedicated support team. Their ability to act as a partner even in the post-launch growth phase—offering data-driven improvement proposals, content optimization, and web marketing support—is highly appealing.

Item	Details
Company Name	Interfactory,inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://www.interfactory.co.jp/
Location	Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

W2 Co., Ltd.

Recommended Points:

• 100% in-house development allows for flexible expansion and customization tailored to business requirements.
• Boasts an average sales growth rate of 354% among clients, boosting growth through CRM/retention strategies.
• Supports EC builds ranging from B2C (D2C) to B2B, and store integrations (OMO).

W2 Co., Ltd. is a system company that provides EC platforms such as “W2 Unified” and “W2 Repeat.” They are dedicated to 100% in-house development, accommodating feature expansions and customizations according to requirements while supporting the construction and renewal of a wide range of custom EC sites, from B2C general commerce to B2B transactions.
One of the company’s defining features is their track record of achieving an average sales growth rate of 354% among their adopting companies. Depending on the product, it comes equipped with over 1,000 standard features, driving sales growth and LTV (Life Time Value) improvements through customer management, repeat purchase strategies, and data utilization.
They also support strategies involving physical store integration, operational designs tailored to business scale, and architectures that assume integration with external systems. A major draw is that you receive support that looks ahead to post-launch operations and improvements, going beyond mere system provision to include a dedicated support team and necessary partner collaborations.

Item	Details
Company Name	W2 Co., Ltd.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://www.w2solution.co.jp/
Location	Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Top 3 E-Commerce Production Companies Strong in Customer Attraction & Marketing

Recommended for companies thinking: “I want to build an EC site, but we have no internal web marketing know-how” or “I’m worried about how to sell products once we launch.” These agencies partner with you end-to-end, providing traffic-generation strategies like SEO, Web ad management, and SNS promotions to build a site that generates revenue.

Neutral Works inc.

Recommended Points:

• High SEO and Web marketing capabilities, covering everything from traffic generation to CVR improvement.
• As an official Shopify Partner, they support everything from EC construction to digital strategy.
• Partnerships with automated shipping service providers allow for consultation on logistics design.

Neutral Works inc. is a digital marketing company with a track record of supporting over 3,000 companies. Their strengths lie in SEO strategies that increase search traffic and Web marketing support based on user behavior data. They go beyond mere EC site production, backing up your customer acquisition and promotional efforts through content creation and improvement proposals.
For cart system selection and construction, as an official Shopify Partner, they utilize Shopify to support everything from new builds to renewals of B2C and B2B sites. A key feature is their ability to consider appropriate architectures and customizations tailored to your requirements without relying solely on full-scratch development.
Furthermore, in addition to post-launch EC consulting and digital operations support, their partnerships with automated shipping service providers allow them to propose logistics solutions, such as order data integration and shipping/inventory synchronization. This is recommended for companies wanting to continuously grow their EC business while receiving end-to-end support from production to operation and improvement.

Item	Details
Company Name	Neutral Works inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://n-works.link/
Location	Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

SUPER STUDIO INC.

Recommended Points:

• Optimizes the purchasing experience and improvement strategies through their integrated commerce platform “ecforce.”
• Marketing support and improvement proposals based on user behavior data.
• Provides support expanding into the supply chain domain alongside EC construction.

SUPER STUDIO INC. is the developer and provider of the integrated commerce platform “ecforce.” They support the construction and operation of custom EC sites, primarily for D2C brands, through features and initiatives that lead to CVR improvements, such as input form optimization.
Their greatest strength is their ability to propose solutions that go beyond EC construction to include operational and improvement support premised on marketing and data utilization. They have a solid structure in place to facilitate the launch or renewal of a custom EC site while considering architectures and customizations suited to the business phase and requirements.
Furthermore, backed by their own knowledge of operating D2C brands, they offer consulting and traffic/promotional support (ecforce consulting) through a dedicated team. They also offer “ecforce supplychain,” providing construction and improvement support in the supply chain domain, such as logistics and call centers. This is recommended for companies wanting accompaniment support that includes not just sales growth, but also operational optimization.

Item	Details
Company Name	SUPER STUDIO INC.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://www.super-studio.jp/
Location	Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Itsumo Inc.

Recommended Points:

• Supports sales expansion through a multi-channel strategy including malls and custom EC sites.
• Comprehensive support from EC construction/operation to digital marketing and fulfillment.
• Provides EC consulting based on extensive data and an enormous track record.

Itsumo Inc. is a comprehensive EC support company boasting over 14,000 contracted projects. In addition to supporting mall-based operations like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping, they support customer acquisition, promotions, and operational improvements across a wide range of areas, including the construction and operation of custom EC sites.
They handle new launches and renewals of custom EC sites utilizing cart systems. Going beyond just design production, they back your efforts to “deliver results” through data-driven improvement proposals, content creation, and promotional strategies.
Furthermore, they offer not only strategic consulting but also daily operational outsourcing and logistics-related services such as product packing, shipping, and inventory management. The appeal lies in being able to consult them on a broad range of areas, from EC construction to operation and improvement, all at once. They are an ideal support company for businesses looking to grow their EC operations while making up for a lack of internal resources.

Item	Details
Company Name	Itsumo Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://itsumo365.co.jp/
Location	Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Top 3 E-Commerce Production Companies Excelling in Shopify Development

Recommended for companies wanting to build on “Shopify,” the world’s top-tier EC platform. These companies excel at flexible customization using rich extensions, making them ideal for businesses planning future cross-border expansion, omnichannel strategies, and sites that can scale with growth.

Flagship Inc.

Recommended Points:

• The first Shopify Plus Partner in Japan, highly capable of enterprise-level EC development.
• Supports large-scale EC builds and renewals, including integration with core business and inventory systems.
• Broad support ranging from brand experience design to global/cross-border EC expansion based on high technical skills.

Flagship Inc. is an agency recognized as the first Shopify Plus Partner in Japan, possessing advanced technical capabilities in the EC domain. They focus on enterprise-level EC construction utilizing Shopify Plus and handle large-scale EC projects for domestic and international brands.
Their strength lies in system design and development capabilities built on a solid technical foundation. For the complex requirements of large-scale EC sites, they support implementation and operational design, including integrations with existing core systems, logistics/business systems like inventory and order management systems, and various external tools.
Additionally, beyond just construction, they can handle improvement proposals geared toward the operational phase and localization/cross-border EC support designed for global expansion. This agency is recommended for companies looking to build a large-scale EC site on Shopify Plus and drive the project with a vision of domestic and international expansion.

Item	Details
Company Name	Flagship Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://flagship.cc/
Location	Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

playbit inc.

Recommended Points:

• One-stop support from custom EC construction to external system integration with highly specialized Shopify technical skills.
• Handles migrations from existing systems to Shopify, as well as custom requirements and operational improvements.
• Drives mid-to-long-term business growth through data-driven growth and operational support.

playbit inc. is a tech company providing EC site production and operational support using Shopify. They provide support that looks beyond just building the EC site to post-launch operations and improvements.
Their greatest strength is the technical capability to join from the upstream design phase and proceed with development and implementation according to the requirements. They can handle migrations from existing systems to Shopify and support external system integrations, utilizing apps or custom development as needed. They also consult on builds with an eye toward cross-border EC, primarily for B2C and D2C brands.
Another defining feature is that their work doesn’t end when the site is built; they provide business growth support, from strategic planning based on data analysis to execution. They are highly recommended as a company that will sustain the continuous growth of your EC business, including content creation and improvement proposals.

Item	Details
Company Name	playbit inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://playbit.co.jp/
Location	Taito-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Apparel-Web, Inc.

Recommended Points:

• Specializes in the apparel/fashion sector, supporting worldview-driven branding and content creation.
• As a Shopify Premier Partner, they support everything from domestic EC to cross-border EC.
• Provides EC consulting geared toward operations and improvements, backed by experience supporting over 1,000 companies.

Apparel-Web, Inc. is a digital marketing company specializing in the apparel, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Based on their understanding of industry-specific trends and customers, they support the construction and operation of custom EC sites through content creation and creatives that draw out the brand’s worldview.
When it comes to cart systems, they are particularly strong in Shopify and are currently positioned as a Shopify Premier Partner. In addition to new builds and renewals of custom EC sites, they can support initiatives tailored to your business phase and requirements, such as physical store integration and overseas expansion through cross-border EC.
Furthermore, leveraging the knowledge cultivated through supporting over 1,000 companies, they provide ongoing growth support after the site goes live through traffic generation, promotional strategies, and operational improvement proposals. They are recommended for companies wanting support aimed at optimizing their entire business, including peripheral areas like external mall integrations.

Item	Details
Company Name	Apparel-Web, Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://www.apparel-web.co.jp/
Location	Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Top 3 Cost-Effective E-Commerce Production Companies

Recommended for companies thinking: “We want to start small within a limited budget” or “We just want to launch the site and start selling as quickly as possible.” By smartly utilizing SaaS carts or affordable packages filled with professional insights, you can create a high-quality site with excellent cost performance while keeping initial fees low.

Happy Produce Inc.

Recommended Points:

• Offers fixed-rate package plans, with new EC site production starting at around 100,000 JPY.
• An EC-specialized production company with 18 years of experience and a track record of over 2,000 clients.
• Focuses on SaaS carts like ShopServe, MakeShop, and Color Me Shop, tailoring builds to requirements.

Happy Produce Inc. is a production company specializing in the EC domain. They offer fixed-rate guaranteed package plans, making it possible to consult them for new online shop production starting at 109,780 JPY (tax included). They also champion 100% original designs, catering to design production tailored to the brand and merchandise.
For cart systems, they primarily use ASP carts like ShopServe, MakeShop, and Color Me Shop, supporting builds tailored to the client’s objectives and operational structure. Since they operate their own online retail business across Rakuten, Yahoo!, and their own site, clients can expect designs and proposals that look ahead to actual operations, rather than just production.
They have a system in place to consult on post-launch operations as well, making them a reassuring partner for companies that want continuous support from production to operation.

Item	Details
Company Name	Happy Produce Inc.
Cost Estimate	・Standard PACK: 109,780 JPY ・Responsive PACK: 164,780 JPY
Website	https://www.happy-produce.net/
Location	Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

COREKARA Inc.

Recommended Points:

• A “Custom EC-specialized” agency focused on increasing sales, boasting a track record of over 2,000 companies.
• Certified Shopify Plus Partner. Capable of supporting cart selection, migrations, and renewals.
• Comprehensive post-launch support including Web marketing and EC consulting.

COREKARA Inc. is a consulting and production company specializing in custom websites (custom EC), boasting a track record of supporting over 2,000 companies. Their distinguishing feature is that they go beyond simple EC site production (construction) to include design and policy proposals aimed at increasing sales.
They are also a certified Shopify Plus Partner and can handle consultations for new launches using various cart systems, including Shopify, as well as migrations from other carts and renewals. Without relying on full-scratch builds, they are a suitable support company for businesses looking to strengthen their custom EC sites with an architecture tailored to their requirements.
Furthermore, even after the site is live, they back traffic generation, promotional strategies, and improvement efforts through EC consulting and Web marketing support. They are recommended for companies that want to aim for the growth of their custom EC site while receiving consistent, phased support from production to customer acquisition and consulting.

Item	Details
Company Name	COREKARA Inc.
Cost Estimate	Contact for quote
Website	https://corekara.co.jp/
Location	Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Meteorelay Co., Ltd.

Recommended Points:

• Offers production plans prioritizing cost-performance (ROI) backed by over 3,000 development cases.
• In addition to EC sites, they handle CMS-based builds and support focused on operations.
• They operate their own online shops, allowing them to provide proposals from a merchant’s perspective.

Meteorelay Co., Ltd., based in Shibuya, is a production company boasting a development and production track record of over 3,000 companies. They offer plans that prioritize cost performance, supporting the production of Web/EC sites tailored to your objectives and budget. In production, they also handle builds involving CMS (such as WordPress).
In the EC domain, they have a track record of supporting EC site production and construction utilizing EC-CUBE. They are available for consultations on designs that anticipate operations and the addition or improvement of features as needed. They can also consider architectures that assume integration with existing systems and external tools, according to your requirements.
Furthermore, because the company also runs its own online shop operations as a business, clients can expect proposals grounded in the realities and burdens of the operational side, not just production. This agency is recommended for companies looking to continuously strengthen their EC presence while keeping an eye on post-launch operations and improvements.

Item	Details
Company Name	Meteorelay Co., Ltd.
Cost Estimate	From 1,000,000 JPY
Website	https://www.meteorelay.jp/
Location	Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Please check the company’s official website for the latest information.

Comparison Checklist: When in Doubt

Here is a comparison checklist useful for making your “final decision” on a company. When picking a few agencies from the list above to request competitive quotes, or when interviewing representatives, use the following table as your evaluation sheet.

Evaluation Category	DetailsCheckpoints
Expertise & Track Record	・Do they have success stories similar to your industry/products? ・Do their strengths align with your top priorities (design, features, budget)?
Proposal Quality & Understanding	・Are the reasons for their proposals (e.g., “Why this cart system?”) clear? ・Do they deeply understand your business model and challenges? ・Did they propose fundamental solutions rather than just pitching a tool?
Cost & Schedule	・Is the initial cost estimate within budget, and is the breakdown clear? ・Are the monthly running costs (maintenance, fees) reasonable? ・Is there a realistic schedule that meets your desired launch date?
Support System	・Do they offer post-launch marketing/traffic support (SEO, ads)? ・Is the contact window for system troubleshooting clear (e.g., weekend support)?
Representative Interaction	・Is the chemistry with the assigned director good (easy to communicate with)? ・Are replies to questions/messages fast and accurate?
Overall Evaluation	・Can you confidently entrust them with your EC site project?

[Know Your Type] 4 Main Types of E-Commerce Production Methods

There are roughly two ways to build/open an e-commerce store: “Mall Type” and “Independent Site Type.” 

For the “Independent Site Type” (building your own store), there are four primary construction methods (SaaS/ASP, Open Source, Package, and Full Scratch). You must select the one that fits your scale and objectives. Let’s look at the features, pros, and cons of each.

Mall Type

Opening a storefront within a massive, existing website (shopping mall) like Amazon, Rakuten, or Yahoo! Shopping.

• Pros 
  • The mall already has brand recognition and massive traffic, making it easier to attract customers. The system is ready-made, so it’s easy for beginners.
• Cons
  • High running costs such as sales commissions and system usage fees based on revenue. The mall owns the customer data, making it difficult to collect and leverage your own customer list.

Independent Site: ASP (SaaS) Type

The most accessible method for building a site on your own domain. Examples include Shopify and BASE. You essentially “rent” a cloud-based system equipped with necessary EC features.

• Pros 
  • No need to prepare or maintain your own servers. Systems update automatically to the latest versions. Cheap and fast to deploy.
• Cons
  • You can only build within the confines of pre-provided features and templates, limiting design and functional freedom.

Estimated Cost	Hundreds of thousands to millions of yen (If outsourced to a production company).
Timeline	2 to 6 months.
Best for	Companies wanting custom features while keeping budgets somewhat contained, and those with internal (or outsourced) technical capability for maintenance.

Independent Site: Open Source Type

Downloading software whose source code is freely available on the internet and installing it on your own server. “EC-CUBE” is the most famous in Japan, while “Magento” or “WordPress + WooCommerce” are globally recognized.

• Pros 
  • The system itself is free, keeping license costs low. High freedom to customize unique features and designs using plugins (extensions).
• Cons
  • You (or your agency) are entirely responsible for everything from system setup to daily server maintenance. Requires high technical expertise, particularly for mitigating cyber attacks targeting vulnerabilities.

Estimated Cost	5 million to tens of millions of yen.
Timeline	3 months to 1 year.
Best for	Mid-to-large-scale EC businesses grossing over 100 million yen annually, or companies where proprietary features and external system integrations are absolutely mandatory.

Independent Site: Full Scratch Type

Developing the system entirely from zero, using original code without relying on any existing frameworks or software.

• Pros 
  • Zero restrictions. You can build the exact EC site you envision, from design to highly specific, unconventional features. Total freedom to integrate with complex internal systems.
• Cons
  • Because it is built from scratch, it requires massive budgets and long development timelines. Usually an option only for large enterprises that can secure ample resources (budget, time, personnel).

Estimated Cost	Tens of millions to hundreds of millions of yen or more.
Timeline	6 months to multiple years.
Best for	Ultra-large-scale EC sites grossing tens of billions of yen, or companies with entirely unique business models that cannot be replicated via other methods.

Cost Estimates and Timelines for E-Commerce Production

E-commerce production costs and timelines vary drastically depending on “which construction method” you choose, as explained in the previous section. Assuming you hire a production company, costs will also fluctuate based on customization scale and feature requirements, but here is a general guide to average costs and timelines:

Method	Initial Cost Estimate	Monthly Cost Estimate	Production Timeline
Mall Type	Free ~ 100k JPY	10k ~ hundreds of thousands JPY (varies by sales commission)	2 weeks ~ 1 month
ASP (SaaS) Type	300k ~ 1.5M JPY	A few thousand ~ 50k JPY	1 month ~ 3 months
Open Source Type	1M ~ 3M JPY	Tens of thousands ~ 100k JPY	2 months ~ 4 months
Package Type	3M ~ over 10M JPY	100k ~ hundreds of thousands JPY	3 months ~ 6 months
Full Scratch Type	10M ~ tens of millions JPY+	Hundreds of thousands JPY ~	6 months ~ years

Can Subsidies be Used for E-Commerce Production?

In short, yes. Initial cost burdens can be significantly reduced by utilizing subsidies such as the Digitalization/AI Introduction Subsidy (IT Introduction Subsidy), Small Business Sustainability Subsidy, and the Business Reconstruction Subsidy.

 Here are the three most common subsidies used for EC site development.

• Digitalization/AI Introduction Subsidy
• Small Business Sustainability Subsidy
• Business Reconstruction Subsidy

Note: Subsidy names, system details, subsidy rates, and maximum limits change frequently depending on the fiscal year and public offering round. Before applying, please always check the latest application guidelines on the official IT Introduction Subsidy site, Business Reconstruction Subsidy site, or the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency website.

Digitalization/AI Introduction Subsidy

A system where the government subsidizes part of the expenses when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or small businesses introduce IT tools. It is one of the most popular and accessible subsidies for building an e-commerce site. Sites equipped with payment and order management functions (especially those compliant with the Invoice System) tend to qualify easily for this subsidy.

• Covered Expenses
  • Software purchase costs, cloud usage fees (up to 2 years), installation-related costs, etc.
• Characteristics
  • You can only apply if you build using tools (Packages or ASPs) provided by a production company pre-certified by the government as an “IT Introduction Support Provider.” Full-scratch builds are usually ineligible, so always confirm if the agency is an “IT Introduction Support Provider” when selecting a company.

Small Business Sustainability Subsidy

Designed for small businesses with a limited number of employees (e.g., retail/wholesale with 5 or fewer regular employees) to help them adapt to environmental/system changes and open new sales channels. It is highly suitable for EC site production aimed at “expanding the trade area by selling products online for the first time.”

• Covered Expenses
  • Website-related costs (EC construction), advertising, store renovation, etc.
• Characteristics
  • Unlike the Digitalization/AI Subsidy, you are not restricted in your choice of production company or tool, giving you broader options. However, you currently cannot apply solely for “website-related costs”; it must be combined with other eligible expenses (like store renovations or exhibition fees). You will need to create a business plan with support from the local Chamber of Commerce.

Business Reconstruction Subsidy

A large-scale subsidy aimed at supporting SMEs attempting bold business pivots or entering new markets to cope with economic changes like post-COVID shifts or soaring prices. For example, it applies to fundamental business pivots like: “We only sold face-to-face before, but we are shrinking our physical stores to launch a massive EC business targeting a totally new demographic.”

• Covered Expenses
  • Building costs, machinery/system construction (large-scale EC builds), advertising, etc.
• Characteristics
  • It has a much higher maximum payout compared to other subsidies, capable of supporting multi-million yen enterprise projects. Consequently, the screening is strict, requiring proof of “innovativeness in the business plan” and “clearing revenue decline requirements,” making the hurdle for adoption quite high.

General Flow of E-Commerce Site Production

To ensure smooth sailing, it is crucial to understand the overall schedule and what needs to be done at each step in advance. Here is a concise 6-step breakdown of the general workflow until an EC site is completed.

Requirements Definition & Preparation

First, solidify the foundation of “Who, What, and How you will sell” to prepare your requests for the production company.

• Determine Concept
  • Clarify target audience, products handled, and brand direction.
• List Requirements
  • Define target sales, necessary features (payment methods, point systems, integrated systems, etc.), budget, and target launch date.
• Create a Request for Proposal (RFP)
  • Preparing a document outlining the above requests will make alignment with the production company much smoother.

2. Partner Selection & Contract

Choose your agency based on the requirements you gathered in the preparation phase.

• Competitive Quoting
  • Request estimates and proposals from multiple companies.
• Comparison
  • Use the “Comparison Checklist” from the beginning of this article to comprehensively judge costs, proposal quality, support systems, and chemistry with the representative.
• Contract
  • Narrow it down to the one company that best understood your business model and sign the contract.

3. Site Architecture & Design

After contracting, you will create the framework and visual look of the site.

• Wireframing
  • Decide the overall site structure and the layout of each page (where buttons and images go).
• Design Production
  • Apply brand colors and logos tailored to the target audience to create concrete designs, from the top page to the checkout screen.

4. System Development

Based on the design, build the backend mechanisms so the site actually functions on the web.

• Coding
  • Construct the approved designs using programming languages so they display correctly on browsers.
• Cart Integration
  • Introduce the chosen cart system (ASPs like Shopify, or EC-CUBE, etc.).
• External Integrations
  • Connect credit card payment gateways and, if necessary, integrate your own inventory/customer management systems.

5. Operation Testing & Manual Creation

Once the system is complete, conduct thorough testing and prepare your internal team before going live.

• Testing
  • Meticulously check the actual purchase flow: “Are items added to the cart correctly?”, “Does the mobile layout break?”, “Are there payment errors?”
• Manuals & Training
  • Receive operational manuals and operational lectures so your internal staff can smoothly handle order processing and product registration post-launch.

6. Site Launch & Operation

If there are no issues during testing, it’s time for the final release. Post-launch operational improvement is a highly vital step, so prepare your structure in advance.

• Live Launch
  • Switch the domain to make the site accessible and purchasable by general users.
• Traffic Generation Execution
  • Utilize Web ads, SNS, and SEO to draw your target audience to the site.
• Continuous Site Improvement
  • Analyze access and purchase data to continuously iterate and improve into a site that sells even more.

Coosy’s E-Commerce Production Case Studies

Here, we highlight three actual e-commerce projects handled by us at Coosy. These cases demonstrate our company’s strength in going beyond simple site construction to deeply partnering from the perspective of brand vision and management strategy.

Takashimaya

A case where we handled the UI/UX design for “Takashimaya Online Store,” which deals with mid-year gifts, year-end gifts, and various other premium items.

Challenge & Approach
By focusing too much on special feature pages and product promotions, the site had lost design consistency, making it hard to maintain and manage the brand’s worldview. To replicate the traditional department store’s “hospitality” online, Coosy carefully interviewed actual customers and product developers about their feelings.

Result
We executed meticulous UI/UX design, such as placing larger images so product appeal is conveyed even on smartphones, and turning frequently used functions into sticky tracking buttons. We also developed unique “Design Regulations” to enhance promotional power while maintaining the Tone & Manner, creating a structure where operational staff can run a unified site.

IBIZA

A total integration and renewal of the brand site and e-commerce site for IBIZA, a company founded in 1965 with a strong dedication to craftsmanship, selling highly expressive handmade bags.

Challenge & Approach
The project required balancing the communication of the brand’s message (“bags passed down from mother to daughter”) with a brand rejuvenation aimed at new customer segments and a comfortable shopping experience. Coosy actually visited the factories to absorb the artisans’ warm feelings toward manufacturing, maintaining consistent dedication from site photography direction to writing (copywriting).

Result
We adopted “Shopify” for the EC system, anticipating future scalability. We custom-tailored Shopify’s overseas-style input forms to be easily usable by Japanese users, building a flow where “everyday shopping” can be done smoothly. We finished it as a trustworthy EC site that naturally communicates the brand’s history and product appeal.

Raksul

A case study of the online printing service “Raksul,” now widely known as a publicly traded company. Coosy has been their business partner since their early founding days when they first launched their printing portal site.

Challenge & Approach
To achieve the grand theme of “utilizing the internet for traditional industries” and the management strategy of “creating Japan’s largest printing portal site,” we joined the project from the upstream phase, transcending the boundaries of standard Web production. In fact, Coosy also proposed the service name “Raksul” (taken from “Raku ni, suru” – to print with ease) and the logo design based on the world’s first movable type font.

Result
We built a platform encompassing complex core functions like price comparisons, bulk estimating, and advanced search. By designing communication that easily conveyed their innovative business model to users, and by executing continuous site improvements and content expansion, we fundamentally supported the company’s massive business growth.

Conclusion

In this article, we comprehensively covered everything from how to choose an e-commerce production company to recommended agencies categorized by strengths, production methods, cost estimates, and subsidies.

Finally, let’s look back at the key points for successfully selecting a company and building an EC site discussed today:

1. Match your goals with the company’s “expertise”
   • Choose a production company strong in your absolute top priority, whether that’s design, system integration, or customer acquisition.
2. Check for success stories in your industry
   • Determine if they have a track record of building for similar products/targets and if they understand the unique requirements of B2B/B2C.
3. Grasp the optimal construction method, budget, and schedule
   • Choose a mold that fits your company from ASP, Open Source, or Package, and consider the total cost including running costs, not just initial fees.
4. Utilize the Comparison Checklist
   • Get competitive quotes from multiple companies and make your final decision by comprehensively evaluating their proposal capabilities and chemistry with the representative.

For an e-commerce site, “completing the build” is not the goal; “how to grow sales and scale the business after going live” is the true starting line. Therefore, instead of making a hasty decision based solely on cheap estimates or name recognition, we highly recommend choosing a trustworthy partner who deeply understands your business model and will walk the path with you in a three-legged race.At COOSY Inc., we utilize strategic UI/UX design and advanced system development capabilities to provide consistent support—from building EC sites that solve our clients’ business challenges to post-launch operations and customer acquisition. If you are considering launching a new e-commerce site or renewing an existing one, please feel free to reach out to us for a consultation.