Shopify is a hosted and cloud-based eCommerce platform that enables you to manage your business from any Internet-connected device. It is extremely convenient and offers a range of features to help you run your business. You can manage your product catalog, sales, payments, and shipping, all from one place. The platform also has an incredible library of third-party extensions and apps.
Shopify provides analytics for its users, which is a vital tool for small businesses. This information will help you improve your store’s performance. There are also in-house email marketing solutions, so you can send personalized emails to your leads. However, if you want more functionality, you can also use third-party email marketing platforms.
While Shopify is more expensive than other platforms, it’s worth considering if you’re a beginner or want to sell products in a limited budget. The platform offers full access to HTML, CSS, and Liquid, so you don’t need any special coding skills. There are even beginner guides available to help you get started.
Basic and Advanced plans include all the essential features of Shopify and include additional features such as gift card creation and a shopping cart. Advanced Shopify features include third-party shipping rates, advanced reports, and multichannel integration. The Advanced and Professional plans have different pricing, so it is important to ask for a quote from a Shopify representative before you start using the platform.
Shopify plans include everything you need to launch a profitable online business. You can sell your products on multiple sites, use templates, and accept credit card payments. Plus plans include advanced security, automatic inventory management, and support for multiple currencies. They also include tools and services for SEO, marketing, and development. You can even use third-party apps to automate your storefront.
Another advantage of Shopify is its ability to handle most sales tax calculations. The platform provides a list of default rates, but you’ll need to double-check that these rates are accurate. You can also set up shipping zones and store addresses and select whether taxes should be included in product prices or added to shipping rates.
You can try Shopify’s free trial for 14 days to see if it meets your needs. You don’t even need a credit card to sign up for the trial. After that, you can choose from three subscription plans: Basic, Advanced, and Premium. The Basic plan costs $29 per month, while the Advanced plan costs $299.
Shopify themes are professionally designed and feature-rich. While there are a few free themes, there are dozens of paid themes available, which can cost $150 to $350. These themes are designed to look professional and are fully responsive. They also allow you to change your website’s design to accommodate the needs of your customers. There are also hundreds of apps available to add on functionality not offered by Shopify.