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Is Shopify Worth It for a Small Business? An Honest Look
Shopify is one of the best-known ways to run an online store, but "popular" doesn't automatically mean "right for you". Here's how to think it through before you pay for a plan.
It's usually worth it when…
- You already have buyers, followers or an email list who can visit your store
- You're paying enough marketplace fees that your own store could cost less
- You want your own brand and customer list
- You plan to sell in more than one place (online, social media, in person)
It may not be worth it yet when…
- You haven't tested whether anyone will buy your product
- You have no way to send visitors to a new website yet
- You only plan to sell one or two items occasionally
In those cases, testing demand on a marketplace or at local markets first can be a cheaper start.
Costs to think about
| Cost | What it is |
|---|---|
| Monthly plan | The subscription for your store |
| Payment processing | A fee on each sale for handling the payment |
| Apps | Optional extras; some are free, some charge monthly |
| Theme | Free themes are available; premium themes cost extra |
| Domain | Your own web address, usually paid yearly |
Exact amounts change and depend on where you live, so check Shopify's pricing page for current numbers.
Check Shopify's current pricing and trial
A low-risk way to find out
Use the free trial to build your store fully: add products, set shipping, write your policies and place a test order. If you can see yourself running it every week, it's probably worth it. If it feels like a chore, a marketplace may suit you better for now.
Compare the options in Shopify vs Etsy for Beginners.