Starting an online store often feels risky - what if you spend money on a platform before you’re sure your idea will work? That’s where the Shopify 1 dollar for 3 months offer comes in. For just $3 total, you get
- Full access to Shopify’s powerful tools (not a limited version)
- 90 days to build, launch, and test your store idea
- A safe way to validate your niche without heavy upfront costs
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how the Shopify $1 trial works, what’s included, and how you can use those three months to validate your business idea without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a side-hustler, a complete beginner, or simply curious about eCommerce, this deal gives you the perfect low-risk runway to see if Shopify is the right fit for you.
Want even more tips to grow your store? Explore our FoxEcom blog for strategies, success stories, and step-by-step guides tailored for ambitious Shopify merchants.
What Exactly Is the Shopify $1 for 3 Months Offer?
In simple terms, the offer is exactly what it sounds like: New merchants can sign up for a Shopify plan and pay only $1 per month for the first three months. Instead of the standard monthly fee, you get a full-featured e-commerce platform for a grand total of $3 for your first quarter. If you’ve ever wondered is Shopify worth it for beginners, this deal makes it easy to find out without a big upfront cost.
Shopify 1 Dollar explained: How Shopify free trial works
When you sign up, you're not getting a "lite" or limited version of the platform. You gain access to one of Shopify’s core plans (including Basic, Grow, and Advanced plans, except for Plus), which includes everything you need to launch a legitimate business:
- A full online store builder: Create a beautiful, professional-looking website without knowing a single line of code.
- Unlimited product listings: Whether you’re selling one niche product or a hundred, there’s no limit.
- Integrated payment processing: Securely accept credit cards from day one with Shopify Payments.
- Shipping management tools: Calculate shipping rates, print labels, and manage orders efficiently.
- Marketing and analytics dashboards: Track your visitors, sales, and learn where your customers are coming from.
- 24/7 support: If you get stuck, Shopify’s award-winning support team is there to help.
How much do you save from this Shopify free trial deal?
- Standard cost of basic plan: $25/month (this can vary slightly by region).
- Total cost for 3 months: $25*3 =$75
- Cost with the Shopify $1 offer: $1*3=$3
- Your total savings: $72
You are getting a 96% discount on the foundational software of your business. For just $3, you get a 90-day window to build something real. This isn't just about saving money; it’s about de-risking your dream. The biggest fear for any new entrepreneur is investing hundreds of dollars into an unproven idea. Shopify effectively removes that financial barrier, leaving only one variable: your effort.
Who is eligible for the Shopify 3-month trial?
Generally, this promotion is aimed at new Shopify merchants. If you’ve never opened a Shopify store before, you are the ideal candidate. If you have an existing or past store on the platform, you may not be eligible for this specific introductory offer on a new store. The goal is to bring new entrepreneurs into the ecosystem.
Are there hidden costs with the Shopify 3 months for $1?
This is a fair and crucial question. The $1/month price is for the Shopify platform subscription itself. However, running a business always involves some costs. Let's be transparent about them:
1. Transaction Fees: If you use Shopify Payments, there are no extra Shopify transaction fees. You'll only pay the standard credit card processing fees (e.g., around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction), which is the industry standard for any business accepting credit cards online. If you use a third-party gateway like PayPal, Shopify may charge a small additional fee (e.g., 2.0% on the Basic plan).
2. Premium Themes: Shopify offers excellent free themes to start. If you choose to buy a premium theme from the Shopify Theme Store, that is a one-time cost, typically ranging from $180 to $350.
Our recommendation for the current best theme with 100% 260+ positive reviews is for Sleek Shopify theme - An elegant, interactive theme for modern beauty brands.
3. Third-Party Apps: The Shopify App Store is a goldmine of tools for marketing, reviews, and more. Many apps have free plans, but some advanced ones have monthly fees. Be mindful of these as you add them.
4. Domain Name: You’ll want a custom domain (e.g., yourbrand.com). You can buy one through Shopify for around $15 per year. This is a highly recommended but separate cost.
So, while not "hidden," these are standard business operating costs. The core platform, the engine of your store, remains just $1 per month for the first three months.
Is the Shopify $1 for 3 Months Deal Worth It?
Definitely yes - but some people will benefit more than others.
Who benefits the most from the Shopify $1 for 3 months deal?
- The Side-Hustler: You’ve got a steady 9-to-5 but a great idea for a dropshipping store, a print-on-demand T-shirt brand, or handmade crafts. With just $1, you get 12 weekends to build your dream without money stress. Test your idea while keeping your main income safe.
- The Beginner: You’re curious about eCommerce but feel nervous about cost and complexity. This deal is the perfect playground. Learn product sourcing, marketing, and customer service without big risks. Even if your first idea flops, the skills you gain are priceless.
- The Curious Explorer: Not sure if Shopify is right for you? This trial lets you explore freely - test themes, apps, and workflows for just $1.
- The Store Owner: Already running a physical shop? Use these 3 months to expand online, sync your inventory, and reach new customers without a big upfront cost.
- The Artist or Creator: Selling art, digital products, or custom merch? This trial helps you set up a professional storefront and sell directly to your audience—no more losing big cuts to third-party platforms.
Who might hesitate about the Shopify $1 offer?
- Someone with Zero Time Commitment: The offer is cheap, but your time is not. If you can't dedicate at least a few hours per week for the next three months, you won't be able to capitalize on the opportunity. It will be a wasted dollar. A business, even a small one, requires nurturing.
- Someone with an Idea but No Product: If you're still in the pure "idea" phase and haven't figured out what you'll sell or how you'll source it, you might want to spend a week or two on research before starting the clock on your 90-day trial.
- Someone Selling Complex Services: While Shopify is versatile, it's primarily built for selling physical and digital products. If your business is based on complex consultations or project-based services, a different platform might be a better fit.
How to Claim the Shopify 1 Dollar for 3 Months: Step-by-Step
Here is how to get Shopify for free (almost) in less than 5 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the official Shopify offer page
First, you need to find the correct promotional page via this link Shopify 1 dollar for 3 months then you will be directed to this page
Step 2: Create your free Shopify account
On the landing page, just enter your email and fill in your details, including your credit card information. This will automatically sign you up for the Basic plan. Don’t worry—you can always upgrade to a higher plan later if you need more features.
Step 3: Answer Shopify’s quick onboarding questions
Shopify will ask you a few simple questions to understand your business better. This is not a test! It's designed to help them tailor your experience. Questions might include:
- What would you like you sell?
- Is this shop for a new or existing business?
- What do you plan to sell?
And that’s it. After everything’s done. Let’s enjoy your building.
The 90-Day Playbook: How to Maximize the Shopify $1 Deal
Signing up is easy. Building a successful business is the challenge. Here is your month-by-month guide to turning this trial into a triumph.
Month 1: Building the foundation (The "Blueprint" phase)
The goal of the first 30 days is to go from an empty dashboard to a fully functional, ready-for-business store. Speed is key.
1. Pick a winning niche or product: If you haven't already, finalize what you're selling. A great product is one that solves a real problem, caters to a passionate community, or has a unique "wow" factor. Don't try to be Amazon. Be the best at selling one thing or one category of things.
Need ideas? Check out our guide on what to sell on Shopify.
2. Choose a theme: Navigate to Online Store > Themes. The Shopify Theme Store has fantastic free options like Dawn, Sense, and Crave. They are fast, mobile-friendly, and highly customizable, and with the support of AI, you can build your storefront quickly. Don't get paralyzed by choice. Pick one that feels clean and suits your product photography. You can always change it later.
If you need a premium theme that makes your store look more professional, check out our recommended Shopify themes.
3. Add your products: This is the heart of your store.
- High-quality images: Your photos are your salesperson. Use clear, bright, professional-looking images or mockups.
- Compelling descriptions: Don't just list features; sell benefits. How does your product make your customers' lives better, easier, or more enjoyable?
- Clear pricing: Set your price and use the "compare-at price" feature to show a discount if applicable.
4. Set up payments and shipping:
- Payments: In your Settings, go to Payments and activate Shopify Payments. It’s the easiest way to start accepting all major credit cards. If you are not eligible for Shopify Payments, check out other Shopify payment methods.
- Shipping: Decide on your shipping strategy. Will you offer free shipping (and build the cost into your product price), flat-rate shipping, or real-time calculated rates? Start simple. A flat rate is often the easiest.
Month 1+2: Branding, trust & design (The "Storefront" phase)
Now that the scaffolding is up, it's time to make your store look and feel like a legitimate brand that people can trust.
1. Customize your store design: Dive back into the theme customizer. Add your logo, choose your brand colors and fonts, and arrange the sections on your homepage to tell a story. What is the first thing you want visitors to see?
2. Create essential Shopify pages: Your store needs more than just product pages. Create these under Online Store > Pages:
- About us: Tell your story. Why did you start this business? People connect with people.
- Contact us: Make it easy for customers to reach you.
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Answer common questions about shipping times, materials, sizing, etc. This builds confidence and reduces customer service inquiries.
- Return policy: A clear and fair return policy is one of the biggest trust signals for online shoppers.
3. Build social proof and trust:
- Customer reviews: Install a product review app (like Judgeme, Loox, etc) and encourage early customers to leave feedback.
- Testimonials: If you've received positive feedback via email or social media, ask for permission to feature it on your homepage.
- High-quality content: Showcase your product in action. If you sell skincare, show before-and-after photos. If you sell apparel, show it on different body types.
During this month, you can explore tools like Foxify page builder to create stunning landing pages without needing a designer. The goal is to make a visitor feel confident and excited to buy from you.
Month 2+3: Traffic, testing & first sales (The "Launch" phase)
Your store is built, branded, and trustworthy. It's time to open the doors and invite people in. The goal of this month is to generate your first sales and learn what marketing channels work for you. For a deep dive, you can explore detailed strategies on how to make money on Shopify.
1. Start with low-cost marketing: You don't need a huge ad budget.
- TikTok & Instagram Reels: Create short-form videos showcasing your product. Pack an order, show how it's made, or create a funny skit related to the problem it solves. This is currently the highest-leverage organic marketing available.
- Pinterest: If your product is visually appealing (e.g., home decor, fashion, food), create beautiful pins that link back to your product pages. Pinterest users are there to shop.
2. Run small, strategic ad tests: If you have a small budget, now is the time to test paid ads.
- Facebook/Instagram Ads: Target a very specific audience that you believe would love your product. Run a simple ad to a product page and see if you get clicks and add-to-carts.
- The Goal is Data, Not Profit (Yet): Your first ad campaigns are for learning. You're trying to discover who your audience is and what message resonates with them.
Beyond organic and paid traffic, you can also explore Shopify affiliate marketing as a long-term strategy to drive new customers through partnerships.
3. Implement email marketing: Install an email marketing app (like Shopify Email or Klaviyo) and add a signup form to your site. Offer a 10% discount for new subscribers. Capturing emails is critical because it gives you a direct, free way to communicate with potential customers.
4. Analyze and optimize: Use your Shopify Analytics dashboard. Which products are getting the most views? Where is your traffic coming from? If 80% of your visitors are coming from TikTok, double down on creating more TikTok content.
By the end of Month 3, you should have a clear idea of whether your business has potential. You've tested your store, your product, and your marketing. You've likely made your first sales, and you have invaluable data to guide your next steps. The goal of this month is to generate your first sales and learn what marketing channels work for you.
What Happens After Your Shopify 3-month Trial Ends?
Your 90-day runway is coming to an end. Now you have a decision to make, but it's an informed one, backed by three months of real-world experience.
Shopify’s standard pricing after the 3-month
Once the promotional period is over, your subscription will automatically roll over to the standard monthly pricing for the plan you selected. The most common plans for new businesses are:
- Basic (~$25/month): Perfect for most new stores. It has everything you need to sell online, including 2 staff accounts and basic reporting.
- Grow (~$65/month): A great step up once you're growing. It offers lower transaction fees, 5 staff accounts, and professional reporting.
- Advanced (~$399/month): For scaling businesses that need advanced features like custom report builders and third-party calculated shipping rates.
How to continue with your Shopify store?
If you've made sales and validated your idea, continuing is a no-brainer. You don't have to do anything. Your billing will simply continue at the standard rate, and you can keep building on the momentum you've created.
How to cancel your Shopify trial if it’s not a good fit?
What if you decide it's not for you? Maybe the idea didn't work, or your priorities changed. No problem. You can easily cancel your account. Simply go to Settings > Plan in your Shopify admin, and you will see an option to deactivate or close your store. There are no cancellation fees or long-term contracts to worry about. You can walk away having spent only $3 and gained a wealth of experience.
Conclusion: Your 3-Month Shopify Runway Starts Now
The Shopify 1 dollar for 3 months offer is more than just a marketing promotion. It is the single greatest opportunity for a new entrepreneur to launch a business with minimal financial risk.
Think about it: for the price of one dollar, you get a 90-day window to build, brand, market, and validate your business idea. You get access to a world-class platform, 24/7 support, and a community of millions of merchants. You can use this time to learn, to experiment, to fail, and to succeed.
Shopify 1 Dollar FAQs
Is Shopify $1 for 3 months free?
No, it’s not free—it’s a special promotion where you pay just $1 per month for 3 months, totaling $3. This offer gives new merchants a low-cost way to test Shopify and launch a store without the usual upfront expense.
Is Shopify always 1 dollar a month?
No. The $1 for 3 months deal is a limited-time promotion available only to new users. Once the 3 months are over, your plan will switch to Shopify’s regular pricing, which starts at $39/month for the Basic plan.
Do I need a credit card to sign up?
Yes. Shopify requires a valid credit card or payment method when you activate this offer. The small charge confirms your subscription and ensures your store stays active beyond the trial period.
Do I get all Shopify features with this deal?
Absolutely. The $1 plan gives you full access to Shopify’s core features: website builder, checkout system, product and order management, themes, and integrations. You’re not limited to a “lite” version—you get the complete experience, making it a smart way to test your business idea before committing to full pricing.
