Trying Shopify with a free trial

To explore Shopify before committing to an active monthly plan, you can sign up for a free trial. Your free trial begins when you first sign up, not when you start working on your store.

Available plans for trial

The free trial allows you to test out various Shopify plans, including Starter, Basic, Grow, Advanced, and Shopify Retail.

Initiate the free trial

Visit https://www.shopify.com/free-trial, enter your email address, and then click Start free trial.
Answer a set of questions tailored to your business needs, or choose Skip All.
Specify your business location.
Create a Shopify account to start your free trial.

Setting up your store during the free trial

When you open a store on a free trial, your store initially has either a storefront password or an inactive checkout.
To allow customers to purchase products, you can either remove the storefront password, or you can activate your online store checkout, and POS in-person sales if applicable, by choosing a paid plan. For more information, refer to preparing your store for launch.
To sell and accept orders during your free trial, you need to set up a payment provider.
You won't lose any work completed on your store during the free trial when you select a paid plan.

Making the most of your free trial

During your free trial period, you have the opportunity to set up your store and explore its features. Here are some ways to maximize your trial experience:

Add products: Populate your store with a few products and ensure their product details display correctly on your online store.
Create collections: Organize your products by creating collections to enhance the shopping experience for your customers.
Explore settings: Familiarize yourself with the Settings page in your Shopify admin to configure taxes, shipping, and other sales channels.
Set up payments: Configure Shopify Payments or verify that your preferred third-party payment provider is supported by Shopify.
Visit the theme and app store: Visit the Shopify Theme Store and the Shopify App Store to discover themes and apps that can enhance your store's functionality and appearance.

Choosing a paid plan

When you're ready to start selling products, you need to select a paid plan. Any progress you made during your free trial, including products added, designs made, and settings adjusted are retained when you choose a paid plan.

Review the following considerations before choosing a paid plan:

Store activation: After you choose a paid plan, your online store's checkout, and POS in-person sales if applicable, are activated.
Trial expiry: If you don't select a monthly plan at the end of your free trial, then your store is paused until you choose a paid plan.
Cancellation: If you decide to cancel your Shopify account during the free trial without selecting a pricing plan, then no action is required, and your account is frozen. If you choose a pricing plan before the end of your free trial, then you need to manually pause or deactivate your store to cancel your account.

Changing your paid plan

From the Settings page in your Shopify admin, you can manage your Shopify subscription plan, store type, and store status. Learn more about how to update your plan.

Charges incurred during your free trial

If you add apps to your Shopify store during your free trial period, then any app-related charges are included on your next invoice. Learn more about your Shopify bill.

Switching between plans during your free trial

You can switch between Shopify plans during your free trial. The new plan takes effect immediately, but you aren't charged until your free trial period ends.

Free trial period length and details

The length of your free trial can vary based on different factors. To find out the current trial length and any promotional offers available, visit https://www.shopify.com/free-trial, enter your email address, and then click Start free trial.

If you decide to upgrade to a paid plan within your free trial period, then charges will only start after the free trial period ends. Following the conclusion of your free trial, you're billed for your selected plan, potentially benefiting from a promotional rate for a set period before transitioning to the standard plan pricing.

If your free trial period ends before you upgrade to a paid plan, then you're prompted to pick a plan. Your store is paused until you choose a paid plan.

The duration of trials and any promotional pricing is determined by when you create your Shopify account and start your free trial.

Free trial extension

It's not possible to extend the duration of your free trial period.

Monthly plan promotional pricing

Shopify might offer special pricing that can be applied for a specified timeframe after your free trial ends. Check Plans & Pricing for more information on promotions and current details regarding trial length, billing, and available options. Trial length and pricing are subject to change and might vary by store location.

Deactivating your Shopify store during a free trial or promotional pricing period

You can deactivate your Shopify store at any time. Upon deactivation, your Shopify subscription is terminated, resulting in the loss of access to your Shopify admin. If you selected a paid plan before the conclusion of the free trial, then you must manually pause or deactivate your store to cancel your account and prevent being charged the fee for your chosen plan.

If you choose to end your Shopify account within the free trial period without opting for a paid plan, then no additional actions are required.

In the event that you deactivate your account during a promotional pricing period for your selected plan, you aren't entitled to a refund for any charges incurred during this period. Any outstanding balance on your account is charged upon cancellation.

Sell in person

If you plan to sell in person, then you can download Shopify's POS app and learn about the functionality of the different app settings.