Our verdict
Being tested. An editor is using Shopify hands-on; the verdict and score appear here once they sign it off.
What it does
Shopify lets you set up an online shop, list products, take payments and manage orders and delivery in one place, and you can sell in person and on social media too.
Its AI tools include Shopify Magic, which helps write product descriptions, and Sidekick, an assistant in your shop’s admin that answers questions and helps with tasks. It suits businesses of any size that sell products online.
Why use it
- Payments, orders, stock and delivery are handled in one place.
- Shopify Payments takes card payments in pounds, with no extra transaction fee.
- Shopify Magic drafts product descriptions.
- Thousands of apps and themes extend what your shop can do.
How it works
- Start a free trial on Shopify’s UK site.
- Choose a theme and add your logo and colours.
- Add your products, using Shopify Magic to draft descriptions.
- Set up payments, delivery rates and VAT.
- Launch your shop, and ask Sidekick when you get stuck.
How hard is it to use?
Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.
You can open a simple shop quickly, but payments, delivery and VAT need some setting up, which is why we rate it Intermediate.
What it costs
Paid plans; free trial. Paid monthly plans (Basic, Grow, Advanced and Plus) after a short free trial, often with a low introductory price for the first months. Higher plans add lower card fees and more staff accounts. Many themes and apps cost extra.
Prices change often, so check Shopify’s own site before you pay.
Watch out for
- Paid apps and themes can add up to more than the plan itself.
- Using a payment provider other than Shopify Payments adds extra transaction fees.
- Check AI-written product descriptions for accuracy before you publish them.
Your data
You are responsible for how your shop handles customers’ data. Check Shopify’s privacy policy and AI terms for how Shopify Magic and Sidekick use your shop’s data.
We haven’t confirmed that Shopify can keep your data in the UK, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.