Maybe 10 minutes is a stretch, but for the most part, it has never been simpler to set up a store and start selling online.
Setting up an online store used to take a lot of coding, plenty of research and a stockroom full of products.
Now all you need is an idea, 10 minutes and a cup of coffee.
Let’s Go.
Photo by rupixen.com on Unsplash,
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a super simple online sales portal. It has a massive range of integrations, like aws marketplace, Zapier, and Privy.
You pay for Shopify, just like any other SaaS. It is a subscription model, although you can pay for a year at once.
For the price, you get a quick build store, dropshipping possibilities and an easy to use dashboard.
How much does Shopify cost?
Here are the prices you need to know:
- Lite Plan – $9 per month and a Buy button
- Basic Shopify Plan – $29 per month and 2.9% and 30c per transaction
- Shopify Plan– $79 per month and 2.6% and 30c per transaction
- Advanced Shopify Plan – $299 per month and 2.4% and 30c per transaction
- Shopify Plus Plan – start around $2000 per month and 2.15% per transaction
Prices can be checked here: and sign up for a free 14-day trial.
Prepare
- Set up your payment gateways like Paypal.
- Create a business name
- Sign up for your dropshipping host of choice
- Have a credit or debit card ready to pay for your Shopify subscription
Sign up
Step one is to sign up for Shopify. Head to Shopify and fill in the form.
You might want to make a new email address for it so it is easier to keep track of.
Use a unique business name so that you can secure your domain.
Go through all of the steps, input as much detail as possible.
Add Products
Yes, it really is that fast.
Start adding products detailed descriptions and pricing.
Go for the MVP, add products that are ready to ship quickly.
Ensure that the images you upload are clear and so the product well.
Customization
Use all of the customisation features to create a shop front. To customise you will go to the customise the look of your store button.
Visit the Theme store, pick a free theme and use that as your starting point.
Premium themes look better and have extra modifications. You are going for speed here so pick the first one that matches what you want.
You can change:
- Colour schemes
- Logos
- What items are displayed
- Homepage carousels
- Related items
In your dash, head to Add a Domain to add or transfer your domain.
While you are customising, fill in:
- Tax information
- Shipping information
Activate Pay Gateway
On the left, you will see a Payments button. Use this area to link your preferred payment options.
It is very straight forward; just follow the on-screen instructions.
Pay attention to the transaction fees, the card types, and if you need people to visit an offsite checkout (like PayPal).
After all of that, you simply click the Launch Website button.
