trusted formshopify | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page
Shopify Wb

Shopify Full Review: An E-Commerce Website Builder

List of Content
Shopify Full Review: An E-Commerce Website Builder

Shopify stands out as a leading e-commerce platform, renowned for its seamless integration of an online store and point-of-sale (POS) system. This integration enables businesses to sell products both online and in physical stores efficiently. Shopify POS is packed with impressive features, and this comprehensive guide will explore all it has to offer.

Pros

Great customer support
User-friendly
Excellent security
Excellent speed and load times

Cons

No-refund policy
Content doesn't reformat when you switch themes
Payment method

The inception of Shopify dates back to 2004 when Tobias Lütke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake aspired to launch Snowdevil, an online snowboarding equipment store. Dissatisfied with the existing web-building applications, Lütke embarked on creating his own platform. Today, Shopify is not merely another web-building site; it's a top-tier e-commerce web builder.

Skeptical? Consider some of Shopify's notable stores:

SkinnyMe Tea
Beardbrand
Taylor Stitch
Haus
Yoga Rebel

Let's delve deeper into what Shopify is and how it rose to prominence in the e-commerce world.

Who Is Shopify For?

Shopify caters primarily to beginners looking to launch an e-commerce website, as well as business owners seeking to reduce costs. It's user-friendly, offering a plethora of features and templates. With Shopify, even a startup can grow into a multimillion-dollar enterprise like Harry's Razor.

Shopify's Plans

Shopify offers five main plans:

  • Lite Plan: At $9/month, this plan is ideal for those wanting to sell products via social media
  • Basic Shopify: Unlimited bandwidth, storage, and products, with 2 staff accounts, at $29/month
  • Shopify: This plan includes up to 5 staff accounts and additional languages, priced at $79/month
  • Advanced Shopify: Offering up to 15 staff accounts and more advanced features for $299/month
  • Shopify Plus: Starting at $2000/month, this plan is tailored for large-scale online stores

While Shopify Plus is a significant investment, it's designed for substantial online enterprises. The good news is that Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, though it's important to note that there are no refunds once a plan is purchased.

Payment Methods

Shopify supports a wide range of payment methods, including Apple Pay, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. However, using a payment method other than Shopify Payments incurs a transaction fee of 1-2%, depending on the plan. Shopify Payments simplifies the payment process and supports multiple currencies, which is advantageous for international sales.

Ease of Use

Shopify's user-friendly interface and comprehensive e-commerce features make website creation straightforward. Users can choose from various templates and add necessary features to their online store. Shopify also handles online payments and allows selling on platforms like Facebook. For those needing extra help, Shopify offers support and the option to hire experts for programming assistance.

Customer Service

Shopify provides extensive customer support through 24/7 phone support, live chat, email, social media, online tutorials, a help center, and a community forum. While response times can be slow due to the high volume of users, support is readily available for all plans, including dedicated agents for Advanced plan users.

Security

Shopify ensures robust security for its stores, including SSL certificates and PCI DSS compliance in all plans. It also uses TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for added security. While Shopify does not offer built-in backup, users can utilize third-party apps like Rewind for automatic backup.

Features

Shopify boasts over 1200 apps in its store, offering a range of functionalities. While some apps are free, others are paid. The platform also supports blogging, though it lacks certain features like blogging analytics. Shopify's own analytics tool provides an overview of website traffic, and users can integrate third-party tools like Google Analytics for more detailed insights.

Shipping Options

Shopify simplifies shipping by partnering with couriers like DHL and UPS and allows users to manage their shipping settings. The Advanced Shopify plan offers calculated shipping rates, and users can explore drop shipping options through third-party apps.

SEO & Multi-Channel Integration

Shopify provides essential SEO tools to enhance site visibility and supports multi-channel selling, including integration with Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms.

Conclusion

Shopify is an exceptional e-commerce web builder, offering unlimited storage, products, and bandwidth, along with robust security features. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners and seasoned business owners alike. With a 14-day free trial, it's worth exploring what Shopify can do for your business.

Alternatives to Shopify

BigCommerce
Weebly