To have a quick and affordable path to bring your business ideas to life has become increasingly crucial.
Shopify has recognized this need and introduced its most fundamental offering – the Shopify Starter plan.
Priced at just $5 per month, this entry-level Starter plan allows aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, and content creators to explore the world of online selling without breaking the bank.
Here’s more on it!
Shopify Starter Plan: An Overview
The Shopify Starter plan is the base-level service from the ecommerce giant, designed to provide the core functionalities required to start selling online.
Let’s take a closer look at the critical details of the Shopify Starter plan:
| Feature | Shopify Starter Plan |
|---|---|
| Price | $5 per month |
| Transaction Fees | Online: 5% + $0.30, In-person: 5% |
| Subscription Length option | Month-to-month, no annual discount |
| Inventory locations | 2 |
| Key features | Order management, analysis of performance metrics |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat |
What is the Shopify Starter Plan?
The Shopify Starter plan is a simplified ecommerce solution that allows users to start selling products online without the complexity of a full-fledged ecommerce website.
This plan is tailored for beginners and those with modest selling needs, providing the core functionalities necessary to get your business up and running.
Unlike Shopify’s more advanced plans, the Starter plan focuses on enabling users to sell directly on social media, messaging apps, and other online platforms by sharing product links.
It also offers a customizable landing page, Linkpop, to showcase your products and drive sales from your social media bios.
While the Starter plan may not include all the bells and whistles of higher-tier Shopify plans, it delivers a streamlined and user-friendly experience, making it an attractive option for those just starting their ecommerce journey.
Who Is The Shopify Starter Plan For?
The Shopify Starter plan is best suited for the following individuals and businesses:
- Beginners and First-Time Ecommerce Entrepreneurs:
The Shopify Starter plan is an excellent choice for those new to the world of ecommerce. Its simplicity and affordability make it an ideal starting point for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to test the waters of online selling without committing to a more complex and costly solution.
- Small Businesses and Individuals:
Small businesses, such as local boutiques, artisans, and hobbyists, can find the Shopify Starter plan particularly appealing. This plan caters to those selling merchandise through their backyard, garage, or in-person events, providing them with a hassle-free way to reach a wider audience online.
- Content Creators and Influencers:
Bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers can leverage the Shopify Starter plan to monetize their existing audience. The plan’s seamless integration with social media platforms and the Linkpop feature make it an attractive option for those looking to turn their online presence into a revenue stream.
Shopify Starter Plan Pricing
The Shopify Starter plan is priced at $5 per month, making it one of the most affordable entry points into the world of ecommerce. This low-cost subscription allows users to start selling online without the need for a significant upfront investment.
However, it’s important to note that the Shopify Starter plan comes with a higher transaction fee compared to Shopify’s other plans. Subscribers to the Starter plan will be charged a 5% transaction fee while using Shopify payments, plus $0.30 per online transaction and a 5% fee for in-person sales.
While the transaction fees may seem high, the overall low monthly cost of the Starter plan can still make it a viable option for those with modest sales volumes or who are just starting their ecommerce journey.
Shopify Starter Plan Inclusions
The Shopify Starter plan offers a comprehensive set of features to help users start and manage their online selling efforts. Let’s delve into the key inclusions of this plan:
1. Sell Anywhere
The Starter plan enables users to sell their products directly on social media platforms, messaging apps, and other online channels by sharing product links.
This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to reach their target audience wherever they are most active without the need to build a full-fledged ecommerce website.
2. Link pop Integration
Shopify’s Linkpop tool is a game-changer for the Starter plan. It allows users to create a customizable landing page to showcase their products and drive sales from their social media bios.
This feature helps users maximize the impact of their online presence and streamline the buying process for their customers.
3. Reporting And Analytics
Despite its basic nature, the Shopify Starter plan provides access to essential reporting and analytics features.
Users can track sales data, monitor product performance, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their strategies.
4. Shopify Order Management
The Starter plan includes Shopify’s intuitive order management system, allowing users to easily manage their inventory, process orders, and fulfill customer requests.
This streamlined approach to order fulfillment helps users stay organized and efficient, even with limited resources.
5. Shopify’s Integrated Fulfillment Network
One of the standout features of the Shopify Starter plan is the access it provides to the Shopify Fulfillment Network.
Users can leverage this service to store, pack, and ship their products, taking the burden of logistics off their shoulders and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Limitations Of The Shopify Starter Plan
Though the Shopify starter plan is the best option for starters, the selling opportunities with this plan are only limited to social media and messaging apps.
The plan does not provide the popular Shopify experience of a unique web store, which is available with the standard Shopify plans.
Another key limitation of the plan is the high transaction fees. For a beginner who is just setting up their ecommerce store, giving away 5% off each sale can be difficult.
How to Sign Up for Shopify’s Starter Plan
The Shopify Starter plan is exclusively available to first-time Shopify subscribers. To sign up, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click this link to reach the Shopify Starter plan page.
Step 2: Next, click on “Get started free.”
Step 3: For new users, Shopify asks a few questions to customize your store experience for you.
Step 4: Select the country of your business operations.
Step 5: Create a new Shopify account using your email address, Apple ID, Facebook, or Google.
Step 6: Upon inserting your details, you will soon have your own Shopify account created, and can try out the Shopify Starter plan free for three days.
Hooray! That’s how you can claim access to your Shopify Starter plan and start selling.
Can You Extend The Three-Day Free Trial For Shopify Starter Plan?
Shopify offers the first month at just $1 for all Shopify plans, which allows you to avoid paying the full fee for the Shopify starter plan after the three-day trial period ends.
But remember, this Shopify $1 deal is eligible only once, and you won’t get this same offer if and when you upgrade your plan
Shopify Starter Plan vs. Other Shopify Plans
When considering the Shopify Starter plan, it’s essential to understand how it compares to the platform’s other offerings. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Shopify Starter | Shopify Basic | Shopify | Shopify Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per month | $5/month | $39/month | $105/month | $299/month |
| Transaction Fees | 5% + $0.30 | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.7% + $0.30 | 2.5% + $0.30 |
| Staff Accounts | Not Available | Not Available | Up to 5 | Up to 15 |
| Full Ecommerce Website | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The key differences lie in the level of features and customization options available.
While the Starter plan offers a streamlined selling experience, the Basic and higher-tier Shopify pricing plans provide a more comprehensive ecommerce solution.
Ultimately, when you upgrade, the choice between the Shopify Starter plan and the other plans will depend on your specific business needs, growth aspirations, and the level of complexity you’re comfortable with.
Shopify Starter Plan Pros And Cons
To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the pros and cons of the Shopify Starter plan:
Pros:
- Affordable entry-level price of $5 per month
- Unlimited product listings and bandwidth
- Seamless social media integration and selling
- Access to the Shopify Fulfillment Network
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees compared to other Shopify plans
- Limited customization options for branding and design
- No dedicated ecommerce website or storefront
- The absence of advanced features like staff accounts and marketing automation
More Deals on Shopify:
Conclusion: Shopify Starter Plan Start at $5/Month
The Shopify Starter plan offers an accessible and cost-effective entry point into the world of ecommerce, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs, small businesses, and content creators to start selling online with minimal upfront investment.
While it may not have the same features as the other Shopify plans, the Starter plan delivers the core functionalities necessary to get your business up and running. It also allows you to reach your audience through various online channels.
As your business grows and your needs evolve, you can always upgrade to a more comprehensive Shopify plan to unlock additional features and customization options.
But for those just starting their ecommerce journey or looking to test the waters, the Shopify Starter plan is an excellent choice that provides a solid foundation for your online selling efforts.
