Plans, Trial Signup & Store Setup Wizard

Shopify offers tiered plans (commonly Basic, Shopify, and Advanced, plus a lighter Starter option and enterprise Plus) that differ in monthly cost, transaction fees, staff accounts, and reporting depth.

Understanding Shopify plans

Higher plans reduce card processing fees and unlock more advanced reports, but the core selling features — products, orders, checkout — are available from the entry plan.

Real-life example: Plans are like phone data packages — the basic plan gives you enough data (features) to get started, and higher packages add extra perks (lower fees, more reports) once you use more data (sell more).

Entry plans — great for solo sellers or a first store
Mid-tier plans — more staff accounts, better shipping discounts
Advanced/Plus — enterprise-scale reporting, checkout customization, and volume discounts
All plans include hosting, SSL, and 24/7 support access

Signing up and starting a trial

Signup usually starts with an email and store name, then Shopify walks you through a short setup wizard before asking for billing details.

During the trial you can add products, pick a theme, and explore the admin fully before choosing a paid plan.

Real-life example: The trial is like a test drive at a car showroom — you sit inside, try the features, and only sign the purchase papers once you are confident.

Tip: Your store name during signup is not final and is separate from your custom domain — you can change both later in settings.

Typical signup flow (conceptual steps)

1. Go to shopify.com and start free trial
2. Enter store name (can change later)
3. Answer a few setup questions (optional)
4. Land in Shopify Admin — dashboard is ready
5. Explore, add products, pick theme
6. Choose a plan when ready to sell/launch

The store setup wizard and first checklist

New stores show a setup guide in the admin home with tasks like adding your first product, customizing the theme, and setting up payments.

Following this checklist early prevents forgetting critical steps like enabling a payment provider before launch.

Real-life example: The setup wizard is like a moving-in checklist from a new landlord — connect the electricity, register your address, and get keys cut before you invite guests.

Add your first product
Customize your theme's home page
Set up a payment provider
Add a custom domain (optional at this stage)
Preview the storefront before removing the password screen