Online marketplaces offer consumers a personalized shopping experience. Shopify website builder is among the eCommerce platforms that has over 300,000 active online stores. Market experts say that this platform generates more than $29 billion in sales. On this website builder, users can develop, design as well as market goods to consumers from all over. Niels Larrsson of Modern and Persian rugs went for Shopify in the end and here are the reasons why. This guide will help you learn all about this platform and its features.
What is Shopify?
This is a commerce platform where businesses and start-ups can start and grow their enterprise. Even if someone doesn’t have much experience in web development or coding, they can still use this app to sell and develop products online.
There are several things that businesses can do with this website builder. First, individuals can create and customize their stores. Then, this app also lets you sell your products in various places such as websites, mobiles, online marketplaces, pop-up shops as well as social media.
Shopify is not only cloud-based but also hosted, which means users don’t have to upgrade or maintain software servers regularly. Individuals can access and run their business from whichever place they’re in, as long as they have an internet connection.
Shopify Cost
Users are given a free trial for 14 days. This allows them to test this platform and decide whether it’s suitable for them. After that, one chooses a pricing plan that suits their budget as well as the size and stage of their business. This platform has four different pricing plans which are:
Basic – this goes for $29 per month.
Shopify – users pay $79 each month.
Advanced Shopify – this charges $299 per month.
Shopify Plus – users pay a monthly fee of $2,000.
Who Can Use Shopify?
Anyone can do business on this platform. Its user interface is simple and straightforward. So, one doesn’t need to be a pro designer or developer to navigate through Shopify. Individuals can easily customize their stores with available themes. You can even add extra features to your store with some apps. But, if one needs extra help, hiring a Shopify Expert isn’t a bad idea. Plus, individuals can use this platform in almost all countries.
Pros and Cons of Shopify
Like any other software, Shopify has its benefits as well as drawbacks. This platform might not be excellent for every merchant. Here is a list of Shopify’s perks and pitfalls.
Pros
Ease of Use – many merchants set up their stores on this platform because of its simplicity. Adding products, creating discounts, and processing orders is very straightforward.
Affordable Start-up Costs – the monthly fees are so affordable compared to other web builders.
Many Design Options – one can design their store in a manner they like. There are many themes to choose from, and everyone can get something that matches their taste.
24/7 Technical Support – anytime you experience an issue, you can always contact support for help. Plus, there are many self-support options available.
Cons
Expensive Add-ons – Shopify comes with limited features which might not be enough for some businesses. Therefore, many people are forced to purchase expensive add-ons.
High Fees for Transactions – Shopify transaction fee is between 0.5%-2.0%, which is expensive compared to fees charged by other shopping carts.
Final Thoughts
Shopify is an excellent website builder that helps many businesses grow online. Although it comes with some cons, its advantages outweigh them. Whether it’s your first time selling online or you want to re-platform your business, this software can be of great help.
