What is Shopify? Everything You Need to Know About Shopify

If you’ve been thinking about starting an online store but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve probably heard of Shopify. But what is Shopify, and how can it help you launch your business? This beginner-friendly guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know:

Quick take: If you're short on time, here's what you need to know about Shopify:

Ready to learn more? Let's dive into the details and get you on the path to launching your online store with confidence!

Shopify is an all-in-one and leading eCommerce solution that enables anyone to create and run an online store. With over 2 million active merchants worldwide, it provides a seamless way to sell products, process payments, and manage your store, even without any coding skills.

Now that you understand what Shopify is, let’s take a closer look at why it’s the platform of choice for millions of businesses. With so many e-commerce platforms to choose from, what sets Shopify apart from the competition? Here's why businesses of all sizes choose Shopify over other options:

Shopify allows you to sell almost anything—physical products, digital goods, and services. It’s a flexible platform designed to handle a variety of business needs. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can sell on Shopify:

• Fashion and accessories
• Home goods
• Electronics
• Beauty products
• Food and beverages

• eBooks
• Digital art
• Music
• Online courses
• Software

• Consultations
• Bookings
• Memberships
• Event tickets

Note: Some products and services aren't allowed on Shopify (like certain regulated items or adult content). Always check Shopify's terms of service before starting.

One of the most frequent questions we get is “how much does Shopify cost?”. Shopify offers several plans, each designed to meet the needs of different types of businesses. Below is a breakdown of Shopify’s monthly pricing:

• Basic ($25/month): Best for startups and small businesses just getting started with ecommerce.
• Shopify ($65/month): Ideal for growing businesses that need more robust features and advanced tools.
• Advanced ($399/month): Designed for established businesses requiring powerful analytics and scalability.
• Plus ($2,300+/month): Tailored for large enterprises or high-volume businesses that need custom solutions and priority support.

Shopify transaction fee

• Shopify Payment: Starting at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (lower rates on higher plans)
• Third-Party Payment Gateway: Additional 2% fee (lower rates on higher plans)

Domain name

• $14-29/year for your custom web address
• Free for first year on annual plans

Apps and extensions

• Free apps available
• Paid apps typically $10-100+/month

Themes

• Free themes available
• Premium themes: $150-350 one-time fee

The cost of Shopify depends on the plan you choose, with options starting at just $19/month for the Basic plan. As your business grows, you can scale up to more advanced plans like Shopify ($49/month), Advanced ($299/month), or Plus ($2,300+/month), each offering additional features to support larger operations.

While the Shopify monthly plan cost is the primary expense, be mindful of other potential costs, such as transaction fees, domain registration, apps, and premium themes. Overall, Shopify offers flexible pricing that can fit various business needs, with the ability to upgrade as your business expands.

So, what is Shopify? Simply put, it’s an all-in-one e-commerce solution that makes it easy for entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and grow their online stores. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, Shopify has everything you need to create a professional store, manage your products, process payments, and attract customers—all in one place.

Ready to bring your business idea to life? Start your free Shopify trial today and join the millions of entrepreneurs who are already selling online. Remember, every successful Shopify store started exactly where you are now – with that first step!