Shopify
A complete review of Shopify including pricing, key information, comparisons to other eCommerce platforms, and frequently asked questions.
Updated on April 6th, 2023
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Shopify is an easy-to-use multi-channel eCommerce platform used by over 1.7 million small to medium size businesses in 175 countries worldwide. Shopify is mobile-friendly and offers businesses a range of customizable themes, affordable pricing options, and a wide variety of order management and fulfillment tools.
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Pricing:
Plan | Monthly Pricing |
|---|---|
Lite | $9.00 |
Basic | $29.00 |
Professional | $79.00 |
Advanced | $299.00 |
Review:
Shopify is one of the world's leading eCommerce platforms that allows businesses to easily create a website and sell products or services through multiple channels. The platform is easy-to-use and requires no coding knowledge. Shopify is affordably priced and features a range of marketing, store management, and analytics tools.
While Shopify is more affordable than most of its competitors, extended features and functionality are only available through the purchase of additional apps, which can become costly. However, the platform features comprehensive technical support, and users can hire a Shopify expert to help with the setup of their store.
Highlights:
- The platform offers a 14-day free trial with all of its plans.
- Shopify offers businesses access to multiple distribution channels.
- The company offers 24/7 customer support.
- There are over 6,000 apps that integrate directly with Shopify.
- Users can hire a Shopify expert to assist in the setup process.
- The platform features over 70 customizable themes.
- Shopify is more affordable than competitors, such as Squarespace and Wix.
- The platform features a mobile app.
- Shopify is available in 133 currencies and supports up to 20 languages.
- The user interface is easy-to-use and suitable for beginners.
Shortcomings:
- Gift cards and professional reports are not available on the Basic plan.
- Users need to purchase apps in order to expand Shopify's features.
- The free website themes are limited.
Reputation:
Shopify is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. However, the platform received only 1.08 out of 5 stars on the website. Reviews are generally positive on G2 (4.3 out of 5 stars, based on 3,792 reviews) and TrustRadius (score 8.8 out of 10, based on 450 reviews).
While the positive reviews on G2 and TrustRadius praised the platform's affordability, user-friendly interface, and management tools, they did receive mostly negative feedback on TrustPilot (1.6 out of 5 stars, based on 1,130 reviews), with users complaining about poor customer service, scalability issues, and problems with payments.
At-a-Glance:
Feature | Shopify |
|---|---|
Starting price | From $9.00 /mo. |
Free trial | 14-day free trial. |
Transaction fee | 0% if using Shopify Payments and starting from 2% if using an external payment gateway. |
24/7 technical support | Live chat, email, and phone. |
Multiple sales channels | ✓ |
Supports multiple currencies | ✓ |
Customization tools | ✓ |
Mobile app | ✓ |
Shopify vs. Squarespace:
Both Shopify and Squarespace are popular eCommerce platforms that offer a 14-day free trial. Squarespace is the costlier option and has a steeper learning curve for beginners, while Shopify is very affordable for small businesses and much more user-friendly for users with limited website building knowledge.
Shopify vs. Squarespace Comparison:
Feature | Shopify | Squarespace |
Starting price | From $9.00 /mo. | From $16.00 /mo. |
Free trial | 14-day free trial. | 14-day free trial. |
Transaction fee | 0% if using Shopify Payments and starting from 2% if using an external payment gateway. | 0% - 3% depending on the plan. |
Sales channels | Online store, social media, online marketplaces, and physical stores. | Online store, social media, online marketplaces, and physical stores. |
Customization tools | ✓ | ✓ |
Abandoned cart recovery | ✓ | ✓ |
24/7 Customer support | Live chat, email, and phone. | Email only. |
Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
Supports multiple currencies | ✓ | ✓ |
Shopify vs. Wix:
While Shopify is renowned for its ease of use, Wix features ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence), which automates the design process, making it the better option for users with no website experience or those who need an online store up and running quickly. However, unlike Shopify, templates cannot be changed once a site is live.
Shopify vs. Wix Comparison:
Feature | Shopify | Wix |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | From $9.00 /mo. | From $17.00 /mo. |
Free version | 14-day free trial. | Yes. |
Transaction fee | 0% if using Shopify Payments and starting from 2% if using an external payment gateway. | 0% if using Wix Payments and starting from 1.9% if using an external payment gateway. |
Sales channels | Online store, social media, online marketplaces, and physical stores. | Online store, social media, online marketplaces, and physical stores. |
Customization tools | ✓ | ✓ |
Abandoned cart recovery | ✓ | ✓ |
24/7 Customer support | Live chat, email, and phone. | No. |
Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
Supprots multiple currencies | ✓ | x |
Shopify vs. WooCommerce:
Shopify is a stand-alone eCommerce platform, whereas WooCommerce is an eCommerce plugin built exclusively for WordPress websites. As a result, WooCommerce offers less versatility compared to Shopify. In addition, users are able to hire a Shopify expert to help with the setup of their store, whereas WooCommerce has no personalized setup assistance.
Shopify vs. WooCommerce Comparison:
Feature | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | From $9.00 /mo. | From $6.95 /mo for hosting. |
Free trial | 14-day free trial. | WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress websites. |
Transaction fee | 0% if using Shopify Payments and starting from 2% if using an external payment gateway. | 0% |
Sales channels | Online store, social media, online marketplaces, and physical stores. | Various channels are available via extensions. |
Customization tools | ✓ | ✓ |
Abandoned cart recovery | ✓ | x |
24/7 Customer support | Live chat, email, and phone. | No. |
Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ |
Supports multiple currencies | ✓ | Available via extensions. |
Key Information:
Legal Name | Shopify Inc. |
Founder | |
Founding Date | Jan 01, 2006 |
Address | 150 Elgin St., 8th Fl., Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4 Canada |
Number of Employees | 4000 |
Number of Customers | 1000000 |
Telephone | |
Website |
FAQs:
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a popular and affordable eCommerce platform that allows businesses to easily create their own online stores.
Is Shopify any good?
Yes. Shopify is a superb eCommerce and point of sale solution with great features that you need to start, run, and grow your business. You can market your business and sell products under one convenient platform.
Is Shopify good for beginners?
Yes. Shopify is one of the easiest eCommerce platforms for beginners. The user-friendly interface makes it possible for users with no coding or website experience to build a beautiful eCommerce website.
How much does it cost to have a Shopify store?
Shopify's pricing starts from $9.00 and goes up to $299.00 per month for large companies, depending on the number of employees that you have.
Can I buy things on Shopify?
Yes. With Shopify, customers can buy a range of products from independent businesses through their online stores.
How can I get free Shopify access?
Shopify has a 14-day free trial that you can access on their website. No credit card is required.
Does Amazon use Shopify?
Amazon sellers are able to sell their products on Shopify and the platform also integrates with Amazon, allowing users to sell via Amazon through Shopify.
Can I cancel Shopify at any time?
Yes. You may change or cancel your account at any time. If you cancel in the middle of your billing cycle, you'll have one last invoice for that month.
What is a Shopify store?
Shopify is an online store software for small to medium-size businesses. Shopify eCommerce is easy to use and has a range of Shopify themes so you can customize your online store to suit your taste and style.
What are the main features of Shopify?
- Branding.
- Online presence.
- Store setup.
- Online store.
- Point of sale.
- Sales channels.
- Custom storefront.
- Google smart shopping.
- Online payments.
- Shipping.
Are there any free Shopify themes?
Yes, you can find a range of free and premium themes at themes.shopify.com. You can also build your own Shopify theme. Go to help.shopify.com/en/themes for more information.
What is the difference between Shopify and Squarespace?
The two companies differ when it comes to aesthetics. Shopify has various themes and allows you to build an attractive online store to sell your goods easily and efficiently, whereas Squarespace is tailored for businesses who are content-oriented and looking for more than just an e-commerce site. See our in-depth comparison for more details.
What is Shopify dropshipping?
Dropshipping refers to a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock, but rather sends a customer order to either the manufacturer or wholesaler who then sends the product to the customer.
What is the difference between BigCommerce and Shopify?
BigCommerce pricing ranges from $29.95 to $249.95 depending on the size of your business. Both e-commerce stores are highly rated and offer great themes and similar features. Try out a free Shopify trial or BigCommerce trial for 2 weeks to help you decide which e-commerce platform is the best option for you.
Are there any Shopify apps?
There are over 1,200 apps in the Shopify app store, allowing you to extend the functionality of your online store. Popular Shopify apps include Oberlo, MailChimp for Shopify, Shopify Printer, and Shopify Product Reviews.
Is there a Shopify API?
Yes, you can become a Shopify developer and build your own Shopify online store or apps for businesses. Check out developers.shopify.com for more information.
How many Shopify payment gateways are supported?
Shopify supports over 100 third-party payment gateways including, PayPal and Stripe.
How do I get in touch with Shopify chat support?
You can speak to a Shopify chat support representative 24/7 by visiting the Shopify Help Center on the main webpage