SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE

How to start an online store without coding

Got something to sell? Start with one product, a way to get it to the customer, and a checkout you’ve tested from your phone.

Set up your first product

1. Make one product page. Start with a clear name, photos, a price, stock count, and the details a buyer needs, such as size or what’s included.
2. Pick a theme. Use a free theme and check the product page on a phone. Make the price and buy button easy to find.
3. Set up delivery and payments. Decide where you’ll ship, what you’ll charge, or whether you’ll offer local pickup. Set up your payment provider and make delivery and return terms easy to find.
4. Place a test order. Check that shipping and taxes appear correctly, the order reaches your dashboard, and the confirmation email comes through. Turn test mode off before opening the store to customers.

Shopify’s launch and checkout testing instructions

What will your first month cost?

Shopify lists its U.S. Basic plan at $39 USD month to month or $29 USD per month billed yearly at standard pricing. Check the current price, payment rates, and billing terms before you sign up. See Shopify’s official pricing.

Write down the subscription, domain, apps, and any theme costs. For each sale, account for what the product costs you, payment fees, packaging, and any shipping you cover.

For example, if you have $10 left per order after those costs, you’d need four orders to cover a $39 monthly subscription. Add any other fixed costs before estimating how many sales you’ll need.

When does Shopify make sense?

Consider Shopify if you need product listings, checkout, inventory, and order management in one place. If customers mainly need your hours, services, or contact information, start with the free WHATIF website starter. If you’re weighing store builders, compare Shopify and Wix or Shopify and Webflow.