Quick answer
- The offer: 3-day free trial, then $1/month for your first 3 months on most plans (offer varies by region).
- What's included: the full Shopify admin, themes, apps and settings, so you can build your entire store.
- To take orders: choose a plan, which unlocks the introductory price.
- Best plan: follow our launch plan below and you can be live before the trial is over.
Start your Shopify free trial (opens in a new tab)
Free trial + $1/mo for 3 months · Offer varies by region
What you get with the Shopify free trial
The trial gives you the real product, not a demo. You can add products, customize a theme, install apps, set up shipping and taxes, connect a domain, and configure payments. Your store stays password-protected until you choose a plan, which is ideal: you can build in private and launch when it's ready.
How to start your Shopify trial
Go to Shopify's sign-up page
Click through Shopify's free trial page (opens in a new tab) and enter your email.
Answer the setup questions
Shopify asks a few questions about what you sell and where. These tailor your setup checklist. You can change anything later.
Name your store
You get a free
yourstore.myshopify.comaddress. Don't worry about the perfect name yet. You can connect a custom domain any time.Follow the setup checklist
Add your first product, pick a theme, and set up payments. Our Shopify setup guide walks through each step.
A simple plan to launch during your trial
A short trial goes fast, and the $1 months give you breathing room. Here's a realistic plan:
| When | Focus | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Foundations | Pick a free theme, upload your logo, add 3–5 products with good photos and descriptions |
| Day 2 | Store settings | Shipping rates, taxes, payments (Shopify Payments), policies, contact page |
| Day 3 | Decide | Test checkout, then choose a plan to keep the store and unlock the intro price |
| Month 1 | Launch | Connect a domain, work through the launch checklist, remove the password |
| Months 2–3 | First sales | Follow how to get your first sale, set up email capture, learn what converts |
What happens when the trial ends?
When the free days end, you'll be asked to pick a plan. On most plans you then pay the introductory $1/month for the first months before the regular price starts. If you don't choose a plan, your store is paused. Nothing is charged, and you can come back later.
Tip: the introductory price usually applies to monthly billing. Once you know you're staying, switching to yearly billing saves around 25%. See Shopify pricing.
How to cancel the Shopify trial
If Shopify isn't for you, go to Settings → Plan and choose to deactivate the store. Download any product data you want to keep first. If you're comparing options, our Shopify alternatives guide may help. Already have a website? You can add a Shopify store to your existing site instead of replacing it.
Mistakes to avoid during your trial
- Over-designing: a clean free theme converts as well as a premium one for a new store.
- Installing too many apps: each one adds cost and can slow your store. Start with the essentials in our app list.
- Waiting for perfect: launch with a small range, learn from real customers, then expand.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Shopify free trial?
The current offer is generally 3-day free trial, then $1/month for your first 3 months on most plans (offer varies by region). Shopify changes its offers from time to time, so check the current terms when you sign up.
Do I need a credit card for the Shopify free trial?
Shopify has historically let you start a trial without entering payment details up front. You add billing details when you pick a plan. Check the sign-up page for current terms in your country.
Can I sell during the Shopify trial?
You can build everything during the trial. To remove the store password and take real orders, you need to pick a paid plan, which is where the low introductory price applies.
What happens if I don't pick a plan after the trial?
Your store is paused. You can log back in and choose a plan to pick up where you left off, as long as the store hasn't been closed.