Yes, you can use Shopify for free - but with some limits. Shopify does not offer a permanently free plan, but there are four ways to get started without paying full price. You can sign up for the 3-day free trial, take advantage of the $1\/month introductory deal for the first three months, start on the $5\/month Starter plan, or create a completely free developer store through the Shopify Partner Program.<\/p>\n
Each option works differently and fits a different situation. Store owners testing the waters should start with the free trial and $1\/month deal. People who just want to sell through social media or links can use the Starter plan. Developers and agency owners building stores for clients should go straight to the Partner Program. Below, we break down every option so you can pick the right one.<\/p>\n
Shopify\u2019s free trial gives you 3 days of full access to the platform. You do not need a credit card to sign up. During the trial, you can build your store, add products, install apps, and customize your theme - but you cannot accept real customer payments or remove the store password page.<\/p>\n
After the 3 days, Shopify currently offers the first 3 months at just $1\/month. That means your first 93 days cost a total of $3. This is the cheapest way to launch a real, paying Shopify store.<\/p>\n
Before you sign up, know exactly what the free trial includes and what it does not. This saves you from surprises on day 3.<\/p>\n
The bottom line: the free trial is for building and testing, not for selling. Once your store is ready, pick a plan (starting at $1\/month for the first 3 months) to go live.<\/p>\n
If you do not need a full online store, the Shopify Starter plan costs $5\/month and lets you sell products through links, social media, email, and messaging apps. You get a simple product page hosted by Shopify, but you do not get a full storefront with collections, navigation, or a custom theme.<\/p>\n
The Starter plan works best for creators, influencers, and side hustlers who already have an audience on social media and just need a way to take payments. If you need a full storefront, you will want the Basic plan or higher.<\/p>\n
Choosing between Shopify\u2019s low-cost options depends on what you actually need. Here is a quick comparison:<\/p>\n
| Feature<\/th>\n | Free Trial (3 days)<\/th>\n | Starter ($5\/mo)<\/th>\n | Basic ($39\/mo)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for first 3 months<\/td>\n | Free, then $1\/mo<\/td>\n | $5\/mo<\/td>\n | $1\/mo, then $39\/mo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Full online store<\/td>\n | Yes (after plan)<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Custom theme<\/td>\n | Yes (after plan)<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Accept real payments<\/td>\n | No (trial only)<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Discount codes<\/td>\n | Yes (after plan)<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Staff accounts<\/td>\n | Depends on plan<\/td>\n | 0<\/td>\n | 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Shipping labels<\/td>\n | Yes (after plan)<\/td>\n | No<\/td>\n | Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Best for<\/td>\n | Testing the platform<\/td>\n | Social sellers<\/td>\n | Serious stores<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Our recommendation:<\/strong> If you want a real online store, start the free trial, build your store during those 3 days, then lock in the $1\/month deal for 3 months. That gives you 93 days to make your first sales before paying full price. If you only sell on Instagram or through direct links, the $5\/month Starter plan is enough.<\/p>\n The free trial and $1\/month deal get you started cheaply, but costs can add up if you are not careful. Here are practical ways to keep your Shopify expenses low in the first few months.<\/p>\n Developers, freelancers, and agencies can use Shopify completely free through the Shopify Partner Program. When you join, you get access to unlimited development stores where you can build, test, and experiment with no time limit and no charges.<\/p>\n Development stores are powerful, but they have a few restrictions:<\/p>\n |