What is Shopify and how does it work?

Shopify is the leading eCommerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to start their own online businesses with simplicity. Especially great for dropshipping, Shopify allows you to build your own store without having years of experience, thanks to their user-friendly platform.

Whether you are just beginning in dropshipping and need step by step guidance, or are creating your first website and want to utilize Shopify’s pre-made themes and apps, Shopify is truly a one-stop dropshipping platform.

Essentially, Shopify will serve as the foundation of your eCommerce business. It provides a framework that will help users build their website and business exactly how they want, without needing to pay for hosting fees.

There are, however, monthly fees but they are extremely fairly priced to ensure your website continues to run perfectly so you can fully depend on Shopify.

Why Should You Use Shopify?

With over half a million entrepreneurs just like you already using Shopify, it’s no wonder they are the most popular eCommerce platforms out there. Many prefer using Shopify for their ease of providing many services on one site.

If by chance the basic Shopify website does not have a particular capability, search through their app store to access thousands of Shopify apps with additional features to supplement your specific needs. Thousands of Shopify developers have made downloadable apps to add to your Shopify store, with over a third of them being free, and the others mostly offering free and limited trials. Because they are so reputable, Shopify users have access to their accounts on weekends and holidays, making it a fully supported platform any time you need.

Dropshipping on Shopify

Setting up your Shopify store allows for entrepreneurs to set up their business with little upfront costs. Creating and managing your store is simplified when utilizing Shopify’s business-friendly model. You will never have to worry about storing or shipping your own inventory. This alone sets this platform apart from most others because Shopify does not manufacture the products or purchase products in bulk from a wholesaler. Shopify, in conjunction with an application like SaleSource for your dropshipping, makes it extremely easy to control and check on your inventory.

Steps to Start Dropshipping on Shopify

Creating a dropshipping website from scratch may seem overwhelming, but we have compiled some simple steps to keep in mind when opening a dropshipping store with Shopify to get you selling your products and making money as quickly as possible.

• Branding and creating your account – If you haven’t already, you need to decide on your new dropshipping store’s name. Make sure it is simple, creative, and memorable to ensure optimal search engine optimization. Once you have decided on your company’s branding, check to see if there is a domain that is available. After you’ve decided on these aspects of your business, head over to Shopify’s website to set up your new account. Keep your eyes out for free trial terms that can range from 14 to 90 days, and then select a plan that fits your financial needs.
• Optimize your account settings – Now that you have created your Shopify account, take some time looking around to see what Shopify offers in regards to store policies, shipping rates, and receiving payments from your customers. Start by adding the payment options you want to make available to your customers, and you can even sync your PayPal at this point as well. If you are overwhelmed in creating privacy, refund, and terms and condition policies for your website, you can use Shopify’s tools to generate one that works for you. Lastly, you need to make sure you have clear shipping rates for your customers to see. Users can even incorporate your shipping fees into the price of each product you sell to further streamline your listings.
• Design & Launch – After handling all the behind the scenes parts of your Shopify store, you can finally start personalizing and designing your website. It’s important you take some time creating an aesthetically pleasing site for your potential customers, so they will enjoy the overall process of buying from you and will also want to return. Within designing you will need to focus on your logo, which can be a part of your branding and your theme. Themes can be purchased or freely downloaded through Shopify and can then be further customized to your liking.

And just like that, you’re ready to go! Should you need any assistance along the way, Shopify’s community forums are filled with like-minded entrepreneurs who are ready to help you out along the way.