MARKETING
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If you’re contemplating starting an online store, you might be wondering, “Do you need money for Shopify?” Shopify has become a popular platform for budding entrepreneurs, and understanding its cost structure is crucial for effective budget planning.
Is Shopify Free?
First things first: No, Shopify isn’t free. While Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, you’ll need to pick a paid plan to continue using the platform after the trial period. During the trial, you can explore the platform’s features, but you won’t be able to launch a live store without selecting a subscription.
Shopify Pricing Plans
Shopify’s pricing is structured to accommodate various types of businesses, from start-ups to established enterprises. Below are the primary pricing plans:
- Basic Shopify Plan: £25 per month
- Shopify Plan: £65 per month
- Advanced Shopify Plan: £259 per month
What Do The Plans Include?
Each Shopify plan comes with a set of features designed to help you run your online store effectively:
- Unlimited products
- 24/7 customer support
- Sales channels including online store, social media, and marketplaces
- Discount codes
- Manual order creation
- Free SSL certificate
The higher-tier plans offer advanced features such as professional reports, third-party calculated shipping rates, and advanced report builders.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the subscription fee covers many aspects of running an online store, there are other costs to consider:
- Payment Processing Fees: Shopify charges a fee for processing credit card payments. For UK-based stores, these fees start at 2.2% + 20p per transaction for the Basic plan, and decrease with higher-tier plans.
- Apps: Shopify’s app store offers numerous plugins to enhance your store’s functionality. Some apps are free, but many come with monthly fees.
- Themes: Shopify offers free and premium themes. Premium themes usually cost between £100 to £150.
- Domain: You might want to purchase a custom domain, which typically costs around £10 to £15 per year.
Budgeting for Shopify
When starting out, it’s crucial to have a budget in place. Depending on your needs, the upfront costs may include your chosen Shopify plan, a custom domain, and essential apps or premium themes.
Start with the Basic Shopify Plan to minimise costs, and upgrade as your business grows. Investing wisely in apps and a premium theme can improve your store’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, contributing to higher sales and customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
So, do you need money for Shopify? Yes, but the amount depends on your specific requirements and business goals. Start with a clear budget and utilise Shopify’s extensive resources and tools to ensure you get the most value for your investment.
At Update, we specialise in web design, ecommerce development, and digital marketing strategies. We can help you create a compelling and effective Shopify store, tailored to your unique needs. Our expertise has successfully served a diverse clientele, helping businesses grow and succeed online. Let us assist you in making your ecommerce venture a triumph.
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