Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create an online store and sell their products. It has become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, as it provides a wide range of features and an easy-to-use interface. But is Shopify completely free?
The short answer is no, Shopify is not free. While there is a free trial available, there are also subscription plans that businesses need to purchase. These plans offer more features and access to a larger range of tools. However, it is possible to use Shopify for free if you’re starting out or if you’re just testing the platform.
Understanding the Free Trial
Shopify offers a 14-day free trial that lets businesses test out the platform and its features, including setting up a store, creating products, and taking payments. This is a great way to get an idea of how the platform works and whether or not it is right for you.
The free trial does have some limitations, though. You will not be able to add more than three products to your store and you won’t be able to take payments. You will also be limited in terms of design and customization options, and you won’t be able to access some of the more advanced features that are available with a subscription plan.
Subscription Plans
Once the free trial expires, businesses need to purchase a subscription plan if they want to keep using Shopify. There are four different plans to choose from, ranging from Basic to Advanced. Each plan offers different features and pricing, so you can choose the one that is right for you.
The Basic plan is the most affordable and is suitable for those just starting out. It includes basic features such as product and inventory management, payment gateways, and customer accounts. The more expensive plans offer more features such as abandoned cart recovery, advanced shipping options, and access to a larger range of tools.
Additional Fees
In addition to the subscription plans, there are also additional fees that you may incur when using Shopify. These include transaction fees, payment gateway fees, and shipping fees. The amount of these fees will depend on the subscription plan you choose and the payment gateway you use. It’s important to factor these fees into your budget when deciding which plan to choose.
Conclusion
Shopify is not free, but it does offer a free trial to help businesses get started. There are also subscription plans that businesses need to purchase if they want to keep using the platform. It’s important to understand the features and fees associated with each plan before making a decision. With the right plan, Shopify can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes.
