Shopify free trial: what you should know

Shopify free trial is the main topic of this guide. Here’s what you should know before choosing a plan or signing up.

How to Claim Shopify’s New 3-month promotional offer (2026 Update)

Once the trial ends you move onto a paid plan, so check what each Shopify plan costs before you sign up.

Shopify Free Trial 3 Months

What’s Included in the Shopify 3-month promotional offer?

You get full access to everything Shopify offers:

  • Drag-and-drop website builder
  • Dozens of free and paid themes
  • Unlimited product listings
  • Inventory and order management
  • Fast, secure checkout with multiple payment gateways
  • Marketing tools like email, discounts, and cart recovery
  • Reports and analytics
  • 24/7 support
  • Access to the Shopify App Store
  • Sell on Facebook, Instagram, Google, and more

The current offer can change by location and eligibility, so check Shopify’s official offer before signing up.

Note: Shopify’s older 3-month free trial has ended. The current offer is a 3-day free trial, then $1/month for 3 months on most plans.


How to Start the Trial (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Go to Shopify’s homepage and click Start Free Trial

Shopify 3 Month Trial
Start a Shopify Free Trial Shopify 08 04 2025 08 58 PM

Step 2: Enter your email, set a password, and choose a store name

Screenshot: Shopify
Shopify 08 05 2025 12 37 PM

Step 3: Answer a few quick questions (optional), then click Next

Step 4: Your store is now created. Customize it with themes, pages, and products.

Step 5: Click Select a Plan to unlock the $1/month deal

Step 6: Choose a plan and enter your billing info. You won’t be charged beyond $1/month during the 3-month period.

Remember: You need to add a valid payment method, but you can cancel anytime before the paid plan begins to avoid further charges.

Shopify US offer · checked 31 Oct 2026

3 days free, then /month for 3 months

Shopify’s own offer for new stores on most plans. After the first 3 months you pay the standard monthly price. Terms vary by country.

Check the offer on Shopify

What Happens After the Trial Ends?

You’ve got options:

  • Move to standard pricing: Basic $39, Grow $105 or Advanced $399 per month (less when billed yearly)
  • Pause your store to keep it online without transactions
  • Cancel if you’re not ready (your data is saved for a while)

Unless you cancel or pause, your plan switches to the standard monthly price automatically after the 3 promotional months, so set a reminder before the promotion ends.


Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Shopify Trial

1. Start with a plan. Know what you’re selling and who you’re selling to.

2. Use a clean theme. Start with something simple like “Dawn” and customize it later.

3. Upload your products. Add real photos, descriptions, and organize into collections.

4. Set up payments and shipping. Use Shopify Payments or PayPal, and configure your zones.

5. Launch on social. Connect Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and sync your products.

6. Explore apps. Install apps for reviews, upsells, email marketing, or anything else you need.

7. Track your traffic. Use Shopify analytics and connect Google Analytics for more insight.

8. Promote early. Don’t wait until the trial ends. Start building an audience now.


Who Can Use the Shopify Trial?

This offer is only for new Shopify users. If you’ve used a trial before on the same email or device, you may not qualify.


How Shopify Compares to Other Platforms

PlatformFree Trial LengthKey Limitation
Shopify3-day free + 3 months for $1/monthFull features included
WooCommerceNo trial (open source)Requires hosting & setup
Squarespace14-day trialLimited e-commerce tools
WixUnlimited free tierCan’t accept payments free
BigCommerce15-day trialHigher cost after trial

Bonus: 120-Day Trial for Black-Owned Businesses

If you’re a Black-identifying entrepreneur, Shopify has a 120-day free trial via its Build Black program. It includes:

  • Free trial access for 4 months
  • Coaching and resources
  • Community support

Check Shopify’s Build Black page for current eligibility and terms before applying.


Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about launching or growing an online store, this is the best time to try Shopify. No pressure, no big investment. Just three months to build something real.

Use the time wisely. Upload your products. Customize your store. Launch campaigns. Test everything.

Then decide: Is Shopify the right platform for you?

Odds are, you’ll know before the trial ends.

Video Guide

Official Shopify information: Shopify free trial and current offer.

Ahmed Raza
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Ahmed Raza

Author & Founder

Ahmed Raza is an accountant and the founder and editor of EssenceVitae. He writes practical guides, reviews, and comparisons about accounting software, bookkeeping, ecommerce accounting, and business software, drawing on his professional accounting background and software research. He also publishes related accounting software tutorials and reviews on YouTube.

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