10 Common Shopify Myths New Sellers Still Believe (and the Truth)
10 Common Shopify Myths New Sellers Still Believe (and the Truth)
Starting an online store can feel like stepping into a whole new world. You might hear lots of different ideas about what it takes to succeed. Sometimes, these ideas are not quite right, and they can make you feel worried. Many new sellers have shopify beginner fears because of common misinformation.
But don’t worry! We are here to clear things up. Is shopify legit for beginners? Absolutely, but only if you know the facts. We’re going to look at ten big shopify myths that often scare new people away. We’ll show you why these shopify scam myths are wrong and give you the real truth.
Let’s dive into the world of “Myth vs. Reality” and boost your confidence!
Myth 1: Shopify is Too Expensive to Start
Truth: Many people think you need a lot of money just to open a store on Shopify. This is one of the biggest shopify myths out there. While there are different plans, Shopify offers very affordable options for new businesses.
You can actually start with a basic plan that costs less than a fancy coffee each day. This plan gives you all the tools you need to build a professional store. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get going.
Shopify also includes website hosting, security, and customer support in its plans. If you tried to set all of that up yourself, it would cost a lot more. Think of it as renting a really good shop space, but online and much cheaper!
[Affiliate Link: Check out Shopify’s affordable pricing plans and start your free trial today!]
Myth 2: You Need to Be a Tech Genius to Use Shopify
Truth: This is another common shopify beginner fear. Some people believe you must know how to code or be an expert with computers. This is simply not true at all. Shopify is built for everyone, even if you’ve never built a website before.
It uses a simple drag-and-drop system. This means you can just click and move things around to design your store. There are lots of ready-made designs (called themes) that you can pick from. You just add your products and pictures, and you’re good to go!
Plus, there are thousands of helpful apps in the Shopify App Store. These apps can add extra features to your store without any tricky coding. Shopify truly makes it easy for anyone to create a beautiful online shop. This makes shopify legit for beginners because of its user-friendly design.
Myth 3: You Need to Have Your Own Products to Sell
Truth: This is one of the biggest shopify dropshipping myths. Many new sellers think they need to make, store, and ship their own items. However, a popular business model called “dropshipping” changes all of that.
With dropshipping, you sell products online without ever holding any inventory yourself. When a customer buys something from your store, you simply order it from a supplier. The supplier then ships the product directly to your customer.
This means you don’t need a warehouse or to worry about packaging items. It’s a fantastic way for beginners to start with very little upfront cost. There are even tools to help you find reliable suppliers.
[Affiliate Link: Explore dropshipping tools like SaleHoo or Spocket to find products for your store.]
Myth 4: Shopify is Only for Big Businesses with Huge Budgets
Truth: This is a common misconception that scares away many small business owners. People see big brands using Shopify and think it’s out of their league. However, Shopify is designed to work for businesses of all sizes, from tiny startups to giant companies.
It’s actually perfect for small businesses, artists, crafters, and independent sellers. Shopify offers plans that grow with your business. You can start small and then upgrade as your sales increase. This flexibility is what makes shopify legit for beginners and small businesses alike.
Shopify provides the same powerful tools and secure platform to everyone, regardless of size. So, whether you’re selling a few handmade items or planning a global brand, Shopify can support you. Don’t let the size of other stores make you think you’re too small.
Myth 5: Your Shopify Store Will Automatically Get Sales
Truth: This is a myth that can lead to disappointment if you believe it. Simply building a great-looking store on Shopify doesn’t guarantee sales. Your store is like a physical shop in a big city; people need to know it exists to visit.
You need to tell people about your store and products. This involves marketing, which is how you get the word out. Things like sharing on social media, using Google search ads, or sending out emails are all part of marketing. You’ll need to put in effort to attract customers.
Think of Shopify as your powerful shop building, but you’re still in charge of advertising it. Learning some basic marketing strategies will be key to your success. Don’t expect sales to just magically appear; you need to work for them!
[External Link: Read this beginner’s guide to eCommerce marketing to start promoting your store.] [Affiliate Link: Consider an online training course on digital marketing to boost your skills.]
Myth 6: Shopify is a Scam and Not Trustworthy
Truth: This is one of the most damaging shopify scam myths. It’s easy to get worried when you’re dealing with money online. However, Shopify is a completely legitimate and highly respected company. Millions of businesses around the world use it.
Shopify is a publicly traded company and has been around for many years. It powers over 1.7 million businesses in more than 175 countries. They have strict security measures in place to protect your store and your customers’ information. This includes things like secure payments and data protection.
So, when people ask “is shopify safe?” the answer is a resounding yes. It’s one of the most trusted platforms for online selling. You can feel confident that your business and your customers’ data are in good hands.
[External Link: Learn more about Shopify’s commitment to trust and security on their official website.]
Myth 7: You Need a Lot of Money to Start Dropshipping
Truth: This is another common shopify dropshipping myth that can hold beginners back. While starting any business requires some investment, dropshipping on Shopify can be done with a very low budget. You don’t need thousands of dollars.
Your main costs will be your Shopify subscription and perhaps some money for initial marketing. Since you don’t buy products upfront, your risk is much lower. You only pay for goods after your customer has paid you. This makes it an incredibly appealing option for those with limited funds.
You can start with just the basic Shopify plan and free themes. Then, you can invest more in ads or premium apps as your profits grow. It’s a very lean way to begin an eCommerce business.
Understanding Your Potential with the Shopify Profit Calculator
To help you understand how profitable dropshipping or any Shopify store can be, it’s helpful to estimate your potential earnings. We’ve created a simple “Shopify Profit Calculator” to give you an idea. This tool can help you visualize your costs and potential profits. It addresses the shopify beginner fears about financial viability.
How to Use the Calculator:
- Sales Price: The price you sell your product for to customers.
- Product Cost: How much you pay your supplier for the product (for dropshipping) or how much it costs you to make/buy (for your own products).
- Shipping Cost (to Customer): How much you pay to ship the product to your customer. You might charge your customer for this, but this is your cost.
- Shopify Fee (%): An estimated percentage for transaction fees and other Shopify-related costs (e.g., payment processing). A common rough estimate is 2-3%, but it varies.
- Marketing Cost (per Sale): How much you spend on average to get one sale (e.g., advertising costs divided by number of sales).
By inputting these numbers, the calculator will show you your estimated profit per sale. This helps you figure out if your pricing is right and if your business idea is profitable. This is a great way for beginners to combat shopify myths about high costs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
<style>
.calculator-container {
font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
padding: 25px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
max-width: 450px;
margin: 20px auto;
}
.calculator-container h4 {
text-align: center;
color: #333;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.calculator-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.calculator-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #555;
}
.calculator-group input[type="number"] {
width: calc(100% - 20px);
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 5px;
box-sizing: border-box;
font-size: 16px;
}
.calculator-group span.currency, .calculator-group span.percentage {
position: relative;
left: -25px;
color: #888;
}
.calculator-results {
margin-top: 25px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 1px solid #eee;
}
.calculator-results p {
font-size: 18px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
color: #333;
}
.calculator-results strong {
color: #007bff;
font-size: 20px;
}
.calculator-results .profit {
color: #28a745; /* Green for profit */
}
.calculator-results .loss {
color: #dc3545; /* Red for loss */
}
</style>
<div class="calculator-container">
<h4>Shopify Profit Calculator</h4>
<div class="calculator-group">
<label for="salesPrice">Sales Price ($):</label>
<input type="number" id="salesPrice" value="50" min="0" step="0.01">
</div>
<div class="calculator-group">
<label for="productCost">Product Cost ($):</label>
<input type="number" id="productCost" value="20" min="0" step="0.01">
</div>
<div class="calculator-group">
<label for="shippingCost">Shipping Cost (to Customer) ($):</label>
<input type="number" id="shippingCost" value="5" min="0" step="0.01">
</div>
<div class="calculator-group">
<label for="shopifyFee">Shopify Fee (% per sale):</label>
<input type="number" id="shopifyFee" value="2.9" min="0" step="0.01"> <span class="percentage">%</span>
</div>
<div class="calculator-group">
<label for="marketingCost">Marketing Cost (per sale) ($):</label>
<input type="number" id="marketingCost" value="7" min="0" step="0.01">
</div>
<div class="calculator-results">
<p>Estimated Profit per Sale: <strong id="profitResult"></strong></p>
</div>
</div>
<script>
function calculateProfit() {
const salesPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById('salesPrice').value) || 0;
const productCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('productCost').value) || 0;
const shippingCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shippingCost').value) || 0;
const shopifyFeePercentage = parseFloat(document.getElementById('shopifyFee').value) || 0;
const marketingCost = parseFloat(document.getElementById('marketingCost').value) || 0;
// Calculate Shopify fee in dollars
const shopifyFeeAmount = (salesPrice * (shopifyFeePercentage / 100));
// Calculate total costs
const totalCosts = productCost + shippingCost + shopifyFeeAmount + marketingCost;
// Calculate profit
const profit = salesPrice - totalCosts;
const profitResultElement = document.getElementById('profitResult');
profitResultElement.textContent = `$${profit.toFixed(2)}`;
if (profit > 0) {
profitResultElement.classList.remove('loss');
profitResultElement.classList.add('profit');
} else if (profit < 0) {
profitResultElement.classList.remove('profit');
profitResultElement.classList.add('loss');
} else {
profitResultElement.classList.remove('profit', 'loss');
}
}
// Add event listeners to all input fields
document.getElementById('salesPrice').addEventListener('input', calculateProfit);
document.getElementById('productCost').addEventListener('input', calculateProfit);
document.getElementById('shippingCost').addEventListener('input', calculateProfit);
document.getElementById('shopifyFee').addEventListener('input', calculateProfit);
document.getElementById('marketingCost').addEventListener('input', calculateProfit);
// Initial calculation on page load
calculateProfit();
</script>
Tips for Using the Calculator:
- Be Realistic: Don’t just pick ideal numbers. Research average marketing costs for your niche.
- Test Scenarios: Try different sales prices or product costs to see how it affects your profit.
- Shipping Strategy: Decide if you’ll offer free shipping (and absorb the cost) or charge customers.
- Shopify Fees: Remember that payment processor fees (like Stripe or PayPal) are separate from your monthly Shopify plan fee. The calculator includes a generic “Shopify Fee” to cover transaction/processing fees per sale.
Using this calculator helps you plan better and avoid those initial shopify beginner fears about money. It shows you the numbers clearly.
Myth 8: Returns and Customer Service Are a Nightmare
Truth: Many new sellers worry about handling returns and dealing with customer complaints. They imagine endless headaches and lost money. This is another one of those shopify myths that can scare people off.
Shopify actually provides many tools and features to make customer service easier. You can easily set up clear return policies on your store, so customers know what to expect. There are also apps in the Shopify App Store designed to help manage customer service tickets and returns efficiently.
Having a good process for returns and helpful customer service builds trust with your buyers. Happy customers are more likely to come back and recommend your store. It’s an important part of any business, and Shopify helps you manage it, making shopify legit for beginners for full business management.
[Affiliate Link: Find legal templates for your return policy and terms of service to protect your business.]
Myth 9: Shopify Will Handle Everything for You
Truth: Shopify is an amazing platform, but it’s a tool, not a magic wand. Some beginners believe that once they set up their store, Shopify will run the entire business for them. This is a big misunderstanding and a common source of shopify beginner fears when things don’t go as expected.
You are still the business owner and manager. You need to choose what to sell, market your products, manage customer relationships, and handle fulfillment (even if it’s dropshipping). Shopify provides the stage, but you are the performer and director.
It’s important to understand that while Shopify simplifies many technical aspects, the business decisions are yours. This means dedicating time to learning, planning, and adapting. Don’t fall for the shopify myths that promise a completely hands-off approach from the start.
Myth 10: The Market is Too Saturated, There’s No Room for New Sellers
Truth: This is a very common shopify myth that can stop entrepreneurs before they even begin. It’s true that there are many online stores today, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for new ones. The online market is huge and constantly growing.
The key is to find your niche. Instead of trying to sell everything to everyone, focus on a specific group of people or a unique product. What makes your store different? Why should customers buy from you instead of someone else? This is your unique selling proposition.
With good marketing and a clear focus, you can absolutely succeed. Many new businesses launch and thrive on Shopify every day. Don’t let the idea of competition scare you away from trying your own unique idea. The answer to “is shopify legit for beginners” isn’t about market size, but about your strategy.
[External Link: Discover how to find a profitable niche for your online store.]
Why Shopify IS Legit for Beginners: A Recap
We’ve debunked many common shopify myths and addressed shopify beginner fears. Let’s quickly remember why Shopify is indeed an excellent and shopify legit for beginners platform:
- Easy to Use: No coding needed, drag-and-drop interface.
- Affordable Start: Low monthly fees and flexible plans.
- Scalable: Grows with your business, no matter how small you start.
- Supports Dropshipping: You don’t need your own products or inventory.
- Secure & Trustworthy: A reliable platform protecting your business and customers (is shopify safe? Yes!).
- Powerful Tools: Access to apps, themes, and marketing features.
- Community & Support: Lots of help available from Shopify and other sellers.
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now!
You’ve learned the truth behind the 10 most common shopify myths. Hopefully, your shopify beginner fears have lessened. It’s clear that shopify legit for beginners is not just a phrase, but a reality for countless successful online businesses.
Starting an online store on Shopify is a fantastic way to turn your ideas into reality. It’s not about being a tech expert or having a huge budget; it’s about passion, learning, and putting in the work. Don’t let misinformation stop you from building your dream.
Take the leap! The world of eCommerce is waiting for you.
[Affiliate Link: Ready to start your online business? Get your free Shopify trial and begin building your store today!]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Shopify really safe for my customer’s payment information?
A1: Yes, Shopify is extremely secure. They are certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which means they meet the highest global standards for payment processing security. Your customer’s data is protected with strong encryption. This directly answers “is shopify safe?” with a confident yes.
Q2: Can I really start a Shopify store with very little money?
A2: Absolutely! You can start with a basic Shopify plan, which is quite affordable. If you choose a dropshipping model, your product costs are only incurred after a customer pays you. This significantly reduces your initial investment. It truly makes shopify legit for beginners on a budget.
Q3: Do I need a business license to sell on Shopify?
A3: This depends on where you live and the type of products you sell. In many places, if you’re selling goods regularly, you will need some form of business registration or license. It’s always best to check with your local government or a legal expert. Shopify provides the platform, but you are responsible for legal compliance.
Q4: How long does it take to set up a Shopify store?
A4: You can have a basic store set up in a day or two! Adding all your products, refining your design, and setting up marketing can take longer. It depends on how much time you dedicate. The platform itself is very quick and easy to navigate, busting many shopify beginner fears about setup complexity.
Q5: What if I don’t know what to sell?
A5: Many beginners start without a clear product idea. You can use market research tools, look at trending products, or consider things you’re passionate about. Dropshipping also allows you to test many different products without buying inventory. Don’t let “what to sell” become a major one of your shopify beginner fears.
Q6: Are there hidden fees with Shopify that make it a shopify scam myth?
A6: Shopify is transparent about its fees. There’s the monthly subscription fee for your chosen plan, and transaction fees if you don’t use Shopify Payments. Apps from the App Store might also have their own fees. All these are clearly outlined, so there are no hidden surprises. It’s a legitimate business, not a scam.
Q7: Can I sell digital products (like e-books or courses) on Shopify?
A7: Yes, Shopify is great for selling digital products too! You can set up your store to deliver digital files instantly after purchase. This is another flexible option for new sellers, expanding beyond physical goods.
Q8: Is dropshipping still profitable, or is it too competitive?
A8: While dropshipping has become more popular, it is still very profitable if done correctly. Success comes from finding good products, targeting the right audience, and offering excellent customer service. Don’t let shopify dropshipping myths about saturation deter you; focus on unique value.
Q9: If I decide to stop selling, is it easy to close my Shopify account?
A9: Yes, Shopify makes it straightforward to pause or close your store. You can pause your store for a lower fee if you need a break, or fully close it from your account settings if you decide to stop entirely.
Leave a comment