What is Shopify's Free Trial? An Overview

Thinking about starting an online store but not ready to commit? Shopify’s 3-day free trial gives you the chance to test the platform risk-free. Whether you're a side hustler, a small business owner, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this short trial lets you explore the tools you need to launch an ecommerce business—without upfront costs.

In this post, we’ll break down what is Shopify's free trial, why it’s helpful, and how to make the most of it. Plus, we’ll link to a more detailed and updated guide if you want to explore current offers in depth.

What Is the Shopify Free Trial?

‍The 3-day trial is Shopify’s current standard offering to new users who sign up for the platform. During this period, you can:

- Set up your Shopify store

- Add products or services

- Explore built-in themes

- Install apps and test features

- Customize your branding

- Access Shopify’s core dashboard and admin tools

You don’t need to enter payment information to get started, and you won’t be charged when the trial ends—unless you choose a plan.

This short trial is Shopify’s way of letting you “test drive” its ecommerce platform before investing.

Why Only 3 Days?‍

Shopify previously offered 14-day trials, but as of 2024, most new sign-ups get just 3 days of free access. Why the change?

It’s part of Shopify’s push to help users launch faster. The platform now focuses on simplicity, quick onboarding, and promotional offers like $1/month for 3 months after your trial. In other words, they want you to go from idea to live store quickly—and they provide incentives to do so.

While three days may feel short, it’s typically enough to:

- Learn the basics of the Shopify dashboard

- Choose a theme and preview your homepage

- Add your first products or service listings

- Test checkout settings

- Get a sense of whether Shopify fits your business

If you’re well-prepared, you can get a lot done in three days.

What If You Need More Than 3 Days?

If three days isn’t enough, don’t worry. Shopify offers a special pricing for new users that lasts 90 day - try Shopify plans for $1.

Need More Details? Read Our Full Shopify Trial Guide
Looking for up-to-date info on all trial options, including promotional pricing and how to claim extended trials?

👉 Read eComStart's full guide: Shopify Free Trials and Promotions (2025)

This in-depth post covers:

- How to claim Shopify’s $1/month for 3 months promo

- Extended trial availability

- Tips to make the most of Shopify free trial

- What to expect after your trial ends

- All relevant FAQs

Final Thoughts

Shopify’s 3-day trial might be short, but it’s a powerful way to get started quickly and see if the platform fits your ecommerce vision. With no credit card required and low-cost promos after the trial, there’s little risk—and potentially big reward.

If you’re ready to build something, there’s no better time to start.

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