Can You Create an E-commerce Store on Shopify for Free?

The rise of online shopping has transformed how businesses sell products, and creating your online product-selling website has never been more accessible. For entrepreneurs looking platforms like Shopify are often considered the go-to choice. However, is it free to create an e-commerce store on Shopify?

In this blog, we will dive into the question and provide insights into how you can leverage Shopify to build your online store, even if you're on a budget. and, we'll explore what you need to know before setting up your store and where to find options for a free e-commerce website.

What Is Shopify?

Shopify is an open-source e-commerce platform, acknowledged because of special features like a user-friendly interface and robust feature set. It allows individuals and businesses to create online product-selling websites that are fully customizable, secure, and ready for transactions. Whether you’re selling physical goods, digital products, or services, Shopify offers a range of tools to help succeed.

Can you Create a Free Store at Shopify?

If you have decided to go further with Shopify, you will get a 14-day free trial. However, while the 14-day trial gives you the freedom to start an online store, it's important to note that Shopify's full capabilities come with a subscription fee once the trial period ends.

So, is it possible to run a fully functional and zero-cost Shopify store? Unfortunately, the answer is no. You are not allowed to use the free version for long term. 

Can You Start an E-commerce Store for Free Elsewhere?

If you're looking for a free e commerce website to start an online store, there are alternative platforms that offer completely free options. Some notable ones include:

Big Cartel: Big Cartel offers a free plan for selling up to five products. It's a great option if you're just starting and want a simple online store with basic features.

Wix: Wix provides a free plan with limited e-commerce capabilities. This choice is an ideal match for small business owners looking to test before proceeding toward the premium plans.

WooCommerce: If you want to turn a site into an online functional store, WooCommerce is a free and best plugin for you. However, you must be an existing user of WordPress. You can add various features through paid extensions as your business grows.

While these platforms offer free plans, they may come with limitations, such as fewer product listings, limited customer support, or the inclusion of ads on your site.

The Shopify Free Trial: What Can You Do?

During Shopify's 14-day free trial, you can build your store and test out many of the platform's powerful features. Here’s you find the index box for a free trial:

Customize Your Store: Choose a theme from Shopify’s large selection of templates and customize it to fit your brand.

Add Products: Upload images, set prices, and write product descriptions.

Set Up Payments: Integrate payment gateways to accept credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods.

Start Marketing: You can set up your social media accounts and integrate them with your store.

Test Your Store’s Functionality: Explore the back end of your store to understand how orders, inventory, and customer data are managed.

While you can build a complete store during the trial, you won’t be able to process live payments until you choose a paid plan.

Ready to Start Your E-commerce Journey?

If you’re ready to start an online store and need help building a professional and user-friendly website, ShoppingAra is here to help! Whether you're looking for guidance on choosing the right platform or building your online store from scratch, we’ve got you covered.

Give us a call on the given number, 9892070156, or email us at info@shoppingara.com and start your online business today!

Conclusion

While Shopify offers a great platform for building your online product-selling website, it’s important to understand that creating an e-commerce store on Shopify isn’t free long-term. However, with the 14-day free trial, you are allowed to explore the powerful features of Shopify, However, if you wish to continue, choose the paid plan.

If you're just starting and need a free e-commerce website, platforms like Amazon, Meesho & Glowroad can help you get started with fewer upfront costs. However, as your business grows, you may find it more beneficial to switch to a paid plan with Shopify or another advanced platform for additional features and flexibility.