There are over one million users on Shopify right now. Since its inception in 2004, it has grown from strength to strength and dominates the eCommerce market.
But, exactly what is Shopify? What are its features and how does it work?
If you sell products online or are considering it, you have likely heard about Shopify but may know nothing about it. This guide will give you a quick Shopify tutorial and explain all the basics.
What Is Shopify?
Shopify is an eCommerce platform or a shopping software solution. It is for businesses that sell physical or digital products as their primary source of earnings. It is ideal for businesses that sell products online, in a brick-and-mortar store, or both.
Through Shopify, you can do the following:
- Build a website
- Manage products and inventory
- Manage staff, invoices, and purchase orders
- Sell in more than one online location (e.g. social media)
The short answer to the question, “What is Shopify?” is that it integrates everything that a small sales-based business might need.
Shopify Costs
Shopify offers three subscription plans for businesses to pay monthly. Here are the plans and their costs:
- Basic plan: $29 per month
- Shopify plan: $79 per month
- Advanced plan: $299 per month
The basic plan is ideal for sellers with only one online Shopify store. The main plan is for sellers with an online store as well as an in-person retail space. And the advanced plan is for larger businesses with over two retail spaces.
Shopify offers a free 14-day trial. They also offer a 10% discount on annual plans and a 20% discount on biannual plans.
In-person retail stores may need to purchase point-of-sale equipment such as payment card readers.
Shopify App
There is also a Shopify app that lets store owners manage their inventory, staff, and customer queries from their phone or tablet. It can alert you to low stock, refund requests, and any other potential issues.
How Does Shopify Work?
Store owners start their Shopify store setup with a website. Here are the basic steps involved:
- Step 1: Choose a domain name or redirect an existing one
- Step 2: Choose a free or premium website theme
- Step 3: Customize the website to fit your needs
- Step 4: Add your product images
- Step 5: Choose a payment gateway
- Step 6: Set up product collections
- Step 7: Set up shipping options
- Step 8: Test your system to make sure it works
Shopify is available in most countries and you can set up dropshipping through Shopify too. You can customize your currencies, and add brand logos, colors, and fonts too.
Because of Shopify’s integrated system, if you sell an item through a retail store, it will take the product off your online store so you do not oversell.
Use Shopify for All Your Business Needs
Now you know the answer to your question, “What is Shopify?” you can start your new retail adventure both online and via a brick-and-mortar business.
It can be daunting to set up a business from scratch. But with Shopify, you only have to use this one system that will handle every aspect of your business.
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