Shopify was started in 2004 and is based in Canada. It is subscription based which means you pay a monthly fee to use it. Shopify now powers over one million stores worldwide.
Shopify makes it easy for you to sell products from your online store, as well as through social media platforms, online marketplaces, and in-person with Shopify POS (point of sale) so you can sell your goods on the go or in your brick-and-mortar or pop up store.
You can sell on sales channels such as Facebook Shop, Instagram, Amazon, Messenger and more. The sales channels are free to add to your store, but additional platforms fees may apply.
You can link your store to your existing domain name or purchase one through them.
All themes are optimised for mobile devices.
They accept a large number of popular payment gateways that can be used around the globe.
There are three different base plans offered by Shopify.
Adding apps, processing payments, and other features can cost extra.
Shopify provide a wide range of ‘themes’ that can be customised to meet your own needs
You can sell either physical or digital products.
They accept a large number of popular payment gateways that can be used around the globe.
Shopify provide a wide range of ‘themes’ that can be customised to meet your own needs
You can sell either physical or digital products.
There is a drag-and-drop site builder.
Credit cards
You can accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express the minute you launch your shop. You’ll get a low credit card rate and no hidden fees.
Payment gateways
From bitcoin to PayPal to iDEAL, Shopify integrates with over 100 external payment gateways from around the world.
Offer free shipping
You can choose the price point at which free shipping applies.
Abandoned cart recovery
Recover lost sales by automatically sending an email to prospective customers with a link to their abandoned shopping carts, encouraging them to complete their purchase.
Smartphone app to manage on the go
Use the Shopify app on your smartphone to update your store, manage inventory, fulfil orders, and contact customers.
Shopify Support
Shopify offers 24/7 support by Phone, Chat, Community forums, and online help centre.
Shopify pricing
Currently Shopify monthly pricing tiers are:
Shopify pricing plans
These are just the base rates. Adding apps, processing payments, and other features can cost extra.
BASIC
$29
Per Month
Additional fees using all payment providers other than Shopify Payments is 2.0%
SHOPIFY
$79
Per Month
Additional fees using all payment providers other than Shopify Payments is 1.0%
ADVANCED
$299
Per Month
Additional fees using all payment providers other than Shopify Payments is 0.5%
Shopify Lite
With Shopify Lite you can add products to any website or blog and accept credit card payments for only $9 USD per month.
Shopify Lite allows you to add shopping functionality to an existing website or blog with a ‘BUY’ button.
Learn more about Shopify Lite.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus offers enterprise-grade solutions for high volume merchants and large businesses. Learn more about Shopify Plus.
What are the advantages of Shopify?
Shopify is great for getting your business online quickly and easily.
It is aimed at people who know little about setting up an online website.
Great for selling on social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram and online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
14-day free trial with no credit card information required.
What are the disadvantages of Shopify?
Shopify’s paid themes tend to be quite expensive, although there are some nice free themes.
The cheaper plans have higher costs for transactions.
Payment options are limited unless you decide to pay additional fees.
A 14-day free trial is available, no credit card required.