Shopify: What Is It and How to Get Started in 2024

If you've been thinking about launching an online store in New Zealand, then you've probably heard of Shopify. This article is for people who do not know what Shopify is or if it fits their online business idea.

As someone deeply involved in web development and ecommerce, Shopify has revolutionised how we build and manage online businesses. 

In this article, I'll explain Shopify, why it's become so popular, and how you can get started with it in 2024.

What Is Shopify and What Exactly Does It Do?

So, what is Shopify? 

Simply put, Shopify is a complete Ecommerce platform that allows anyone to start, manage, and grow an online business without extensive technical know-how and cost. 

With Shopify, launching a store is as easy as picking a name, selecting a good-looking template, and adding your products. Shopify takes care of the rest.

You can use Shopify to build an online store for your NZ business, manage sales, market to new and existing customers, and accept payments both online and in physical locations. 

With over a million businesses using it worldwide, including many in New Zealand, Shopify is a trusted solution for anyone looking to dive into ecommerce without getting bogged down by the technical complexities of starting and running one.

Who Should Pick Shopify and Why?

Shopify is ideal for Beginners who are new to ecommerce. It features a user-friendly interface that makes setting up and running an online store without coding knowledge a breeze.

If you own a small to medium-sized business, Shopify offers scalability, which means any store built with it can grow with your business as it evolves.

You can also use Shopify to expand your existing physical shop and unlock a whole new customer base, perfect for brick-and-mortar businesses.

Lastly, if you’re looking to start dropshipping, Shopify is basically the most popular dropship platform in the world. It has all the tools and extensions needed to automatically resell digital and physical products.

Overall, Shopify is perfect for any business owner who wants an out-of-the-box solution that handles all the technical requirements for a store to function.

Shopify's Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Shopify features an Intuitive dashboard and content management system that's perfect for beginners, you can run your store without ever needing to dabble into code.
• Customisable Themes: With Shopify, you get access to a wide range of free and premium themes to suit your brand, all you have to do is install one and customise it to fit your brand guidelines.
• App Integrations: Shopify has one of the largest app libraries, with thousands of apps to choose from. You’ll never get stuck trying to implement a feature for your store without code.
• Reliable Support: With Shopify, especially on higher tier plans, you get 24/7 customer support to help you navigate any issues your store might face.

Cons:

• Transaction Fees: You pay additional transaction fees if you're not using Shopify Payments.
• Limited Customisation: For advanced customisations, you may require coding skills, which limits what a beginner can achieve. 
• Monthly Costs: Aside from Shopify’s monthly platform fee, many premium apps also charge a monthly fee, which can quickly ramp up your operational cost.

Shopify Plans and Pricing NZ

In New Zealand, Shopify offers several pricing plans to fit different needs:

Plan

Monthly Cost (NZD)

Features

Basic Shopify

$39

All basic features a new business will need

Shopify

$105

Includes professional features for growing businesses with established customer base

Advanced Shopify

$399

Advanced features for scaling mid/large-sized businesses

In New Zealand, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial, followed by a “first month for $1” offer so you can test the waters before committing. While there's no explicit money-back guarantee, the trial period gives you a good feel for the platform.

How Does Shopify Work?

Getting started with Shopify is straightforward:

1. Sign Up: Head over to Shopify's website and start your free trial.

1. Set Up Your Store: Choose a Shopify theme, customise your design, and add your products.

1. Configure Settings: Set up payment gateways, shipping options, and tax information.

1. Launch Your Store: Once everything looks good, make your store live and start selling!

If you're curious about the steps involved in building a Shopify store, we've got a detailed guide on how to build a Shopify store.

What Does Shopify Include?

Shopify comes packed with a lot of features depending on the plan you’re subscribed to. Here is a list of features that come included in all plans:

• Online Store Builder: A Drag-and-drop interface to create your online store without code.
• Payment Processing: Accepts major credit cards and alternative payment methods like Paypal and Stripe.
• Inventory Management: Set of tools that help you keep track of product stock levels.
• SEO and Marketing Tools: Built-in tools to improve your store's visibility on search engines and social media.
• Analytics: Detailed reports to help you understand your sales and customer behaviour.
• Customer Support: 24/7 support via chat, email, or phone.

These features are designed to help you focus on what matters—growing your business.

Conclusion

Shopify is a powerful platform that simplifies running an online store. Whether you're a newbie or an established business owner in New Zealand, it offers the tools you need to succeed in the ecommerce space. 

If you're interested in exploring more about eccommerce and web development, check out our posts on how to start an e-commerce business and what is web development.

FAQ

Is Shopify Free?

No, Shopify isn't free, but it does offer a 3-day/14-day free trial depending on your location. After that, you'll need to choose a paid plan that fits your needs.

Does Shopify Suit Beginners?

Absolutely! Shopify is designed with beginners in mind, offering an intuitive interface and plenty of resources to get you started. That said, beginners might face difficulties implementing certain advanced features.

Can You Use Shopify in New Zealand?

Yes, you can. Shopify supports businesses in New Zealand, including NZD currency and most local payment gateways.

How Much Does Shopify Cost Per Month?

In New Zealand, Shopify plans start at $39 NZD per month for the Basic plan, $105 NZD for the Shopify plan, and $399 NZD for the Advanced plan.

Is Shopify the Same as Amazon?

No, they're different platforms. Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create your own online store, while Amazon is a marketplace where you sell alongside other vendors.

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