Shopify is the best known platform for building an online store. You pick a theme, add products, connect payments and shipping, and you have a shop on your own domain. It handles physical products, digital downloads, print on demand, dropshipping, subscriptions and in-person sales, which is why it’s the default choice for so many ecommerce side hustles.
At a glance
| What it is | A hosted platform for building and running an online store |
| How you earn | Selling your own products, or building stores for clients |
| Plans | Starter $5; Basic $39; Grow $105; Advanced $399 a month |
| Annual billing | About 25% off Basic, Grow and Advanced |
| Who it’s for | Product sellers, brands, creators and store builders |
| Where it works | Online and in person; most countries |
Plans and fees
Shopify’s main US plans are Basic at $39 a month, Grow at $105 and Advanced at $399, or $29, $79 and $299 a month on annual billing. Grow was called the “Shopify” plan until early 2026. There’s also a $5 Starter plan for selling through social media and links, and Shopify Plus for large businesses. New stores usually get a short free trial followed by a low-cost introductory period; check the current offer.
On top of the plan, you pay card processing. With Shopify Payments in the US, online rates start at 2.9% plus 30 cents on Basic and drop on higher plans. If you use a different payment provider, Shopify adds its own fee: 2% on Basic, 1% on Grow and 0.6% on Advanced. Apps, themes and a domain can add more.
What you can sell
Almost anything legal: your own products, handmade goods, print on demand items, dropshipped products, digital downloads, courses through apps, memberships and services. Shopify’s app store extends the platform for reviews, subscriptions, upsells, bundles, email marketing and more.
Ways to make money with Shopify
The obvious route is selling your own products. Others build income around the platform: setting up stores for clients, designing themes, building apps, or offering services such as product photography and store optimisation. Shopify also runs a partner program that pays referral commissions when you bring new merchants to the platform.
Getting your first sales
A store doesn’t sell by itself. Pick a niche you understand, start with a small set of products and write clear descriptions with good photos. Drive traffic from social media, content, email or ads, and track your conversion rate. Keep an eye on total costs per order: product, shipping, payment fees, apps and ads.
Common mistakes
New sellers often pay for too many apps, launch with too many products or spend on ads before the store converts. Start lean, test what sells and add tools only when you need them.
Getting started
Start the free trial, pick a free theme, add a few products and set up payments and shipping. Make test orders, then launch to a small audience and improve based on what you learn.
Is Shopify worth it for a side hustle?
It can be, if you have a product people already want and a way to reach them. The monthly plan is a fixed cost you pay whether you sell or not, so start on the cheapest plan that covers your needs and treat the free trial as a test period. Many side hustlers launch with a handful of products, validate demand with a small audience and only upgrade once sales cover the plan comfortably.
Owen’s take
Shopify is the safest choice for a serious online store: reliable, flexible and well supported. It isn’t the cheapest once apps and fees stack up, so watch your margins. For a simple digital product, a lighter platform may be enough; for physical products and a real brand, Shopify is hard to beat.
Who it suits
It suits anyone building a real ecommerce brand, and freelancers who build stores for clients. It suits less well sellers with one simple digital product, who may prefer a lighter tool.
Similar options
- Ecwid adds a store to an existing website or social page.
- Squarespace combines a strong website builder with commerce.
- Big Cartel is a simple store builder for artists.
- Etsy gives you a marketplace audience instead of your own store.
More options are in Ecommerce.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge app and theme ecosystem
- Handles physical, digital and in-person sales
- Reliable hosting and checkout
Cons
- Costs rise with apps and higher plans
- Extra fee if you skip Shopify Payments
- You must bring your own traffic
FAQ
How much does Shopify cost in 2026?
Main US plans are $39, $105 and $399 a month, or $29, $79 and $299 billed annually. Starter costs $5.
Does Shopify charge transaction fees?
Not with Shopify Payments. With other providers, it adds 2%, 1% or 0.6% depending on the plan.
Can I sell digital products on Shopify?
Yes, using Shopify’s digital downloads app or third-party apps.
What happened to the “Shopify” plan?
It was renamed Grow in early 2026, with the same price and features.
Can I make money building Shopify stores for others?
Yes. Store setup, theme design and app development are common side hustles, and the partner program pays referral commissions.
