Free
Build your store with AI in 5 mins

Is Shopify Legit in 2024? Avoid These 9 Common Shopify Scams

Author Picture
by
Aleksandra -
Author Picture
Chief of Content Marketing
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.
Learn more about our editorial process
Chief of Content Marketing
29 minutes

Is Shopify legit in 2024? If you’re thinking about starting an online store, you’ve probably wondered if this platform is still a reliable choice or if there are any fraudulent activities to be aware of.

In this article, I’ll dive into the truth about Shopify’s legitimacy and uncover 9 common scams you need to watch out for. Want to protect your business and ensure your success?

Stick around to discover how to navigate Shopify like a pro!

Create Your Online Store in just 5 Minutes – For Free

Pick your niche, our AI builds your store, add 10 winning products and we teach you how start selling today. Start picking your niche

Choose a niche

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Common Shopify Scam How to Avoid It
Shopify Store Duplicates Verify the store’s authenticity by checking customer reviews, ensuring SSL certificates are present, and confirming contact information.
The Triangulation Scheme Use fraud detection services and address verification. Research third-party marketplaces to ensure their legitimacy before selling products there.
Fake PayPal Confirmation Scam Always verify payment within your PayPal account before shipping. Avoid acting on buyer pressure to rush shipments.
“Skip the Line” Scheme Read customer reviews thoroughly and ensure legitimacy before making a purchase. Beware of sellers promising faster shipping for extra fees.
Return Ticket Fraud Implement strict fraud detection systems and carefully review suspicious transactions. Ensure all returned items undergo quality checks.
Purchase Order Scam Investigate large purchase orders from unfamiliar corporations. Verify payment terms before fulfilling the order.
SEO Spam Regularly scan your website for unusual content or hidden spam links. Only use trusted third-party apps from Shopify’s App Store.
Direct Client Scheme Verify clients offering bulk purchases or requesting samples. Only send goods after receiving full payment.
Switching Scheme Document and photograph all products before shipping. Set up strict return policies, including inspections on returned items.

Is Shopify Legit?

Yes, Shopify is absolutely legit! Plus, the platform has an excellent 100% SSL to keep your site fast and secure.

Imagine you’re a small business owner with a great product, but you’re struggling to set up an online store. Shopify comes to the rescue with its super easy-to-use platform that allows you to build a beautiful, functional store without needing to be a tech expert.

Thousands of entrepreneurs, from big brands to solo creators, have turned their dreams into profitable businesses using Shopify.

Take Gymshark, for example—what started as a small fitness brand in a garage has grown into a billion-dollar empire, thanks to Shopify’s reliable infrastructure.

gymshark

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to massive heights, Shopify provides the tools, resources, and security you need to succeed online.

So yes, Shopify is legit—and it’s not just about selling products; it’s about building an entire brand and connecting with your audience in the easiest way possible.

Plus, based on Similarweb results, it is #1 in the Business and Consumer Services > Business Services(In the United States) category. And, it has over 138.6M visits.

Is Shopify Legit

Moreover, customer reviews and payment details help to ensure authenticity, while security standards protect against fraudulent transactions. And, according to Capterra customer reviews, the app has a ⭐ 4.5/5 stars rating!

Is Shopify Legit

In my opinion, when you question whether Is Shopify Legit, I must say, Shopify is a reliable and trustworthy ecommerce solution for online businesses..

Picture1

Build your dropshipping business with the right guidence

In just 7 days you will have everything you need to start & scale a life-changing dropshipping brand

Get started for free

9 Most Common Shopify Scams To Avoid in 2024

Yes, we all know about Shopify’s popularity. Unfortunately, some scammers never grow old! 

Therefore, I will cover the most common Shopify scams that online business owners should be aware of, including fraudulent activities, fake stores, and extra costs. Let’s dive in! 👐

1. Shopify Store Duplicates

As an avid Shopify user and online shopper, I find the issue of duplicate stores to be a concerning one. Scammers create multiple fake stores to deceive customers and steal their money using fraudulent activities.

For example, a scammer can create fake stores sell expensive electronics, and steal money from unsuspecting customers who made purchases on the fake platform.

Here’s what one Shopify client claims about this scam.👇

is shopify legit

This is harmful to both customers and legitimate store owners, and it’s important to identify and report these scams to Shopify.

Thankfully, Shopify is taking steps to prevent and respond to these scams, while customers can avoid becoming a victim by double-checking the authenticity of the store and reporting any suspicious activity.

2. The Triangulation Scheme

triangle scam

As an ecommerce business owner, it’s important to educate myself and others about common scams like the Triangulation Scheme. This scam involves stealing credit card information to purchase products online and then selling them on third-party marketplaces. This puts both the business owner and customers at risk.

To protect myself and my customers, I have implemented anti-fraud measures such as address verification and fraud detection services. These measures help to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions.

It’s also crucial to verify the legitimacy of any third-party marketplace where my products are being sold. This can be done by researching the marketplace and looking for reviews and feedback from other sellers.

Unfortunately, the Triangulation Scheme is a real threat. In fact, a friend of mine fell victim to this scam after purchasing a product from a Shopify store with stolen credit card information and never receiving it.

This highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking steps to protect both the business and its customers from scams like these.

3. The Fake PayPal Confirmation Scam

I want to talk about a scam that I, unfortunately, fell victim to while using Shopify. It’s called the fake PayPal confirmation scam. This scam involves a fake email from PayPal that appears to show payment details from a buyer to a seller.

So, I received this email after I sold one of my products on my Shopify store. However, when I logged into my PayPal account, there was no payment there.

paypal

I didn’t think anything of it at first, but the buyer insisted that I ship the item right away. Then, they even offered extra money to do so. I fell for it and shipped the item before realizing the payment was never actually made.

Therefore, here’s a friendly advice: to avoid this scam, always verify the payment in your PayPal account before shipping any items. Also, pay attention to any urgency or pressure from the buyer to ship quickly.

Don’t make the same mistake that I did.

4. “Skip The Line” Scheme

Now, a very common scam that makes many customers ask whether is Shopify legit!

In my experience, the “Skip the Line” scam is a common one in the ecommerce world. It’s a ploy that preys on people’s desire for instant gratification, and it’s, unfortunately, an easy trap to fall into.

The scam involves offering customers a way to get their items faster for an extra cost, but the scammer never actually delivers the items faster. Instead, they either delay the shipment or send a cheaper, incorrect item altogether.

To avoid this scam, I always make sure to thoroughly research the seller and read customer reviews before making any purchases.

For example, there are various Shopify stores that actually share customer reviews on their website.

Hence, this Shopify store shares customer comments and ratings on each product page. Therefore, you can always read comments, even see photos, and check for their legitimacy right away. 

reviews

In one instance, I almost fell prey to this scheme while trying to purchase concert tickets. The seller promised me front-row seats for an extra cost, but thankfully I did my research and realized that the seller had a terrible reputation for scamming people with fake tickets.

👉 Tip: Read about Testimonial Advertising: 11 Proven Examples To Sell More

5. Return Ticket Fraud

As an online business owner, I am aware of the numerous online scams that can affect my store. One type of scam that I have encountered is the return ticket fraud.

In fact, this happens when a customer buys an item, gets a return ticket, but then sells the ticket on a third-party site without returning the product. This can result in a loss for my business.

To prevent falling prey to scams like these, it is crucial to practice due diligence. Conduct thorough checks on your customers and be vigilant of suspicious transactions. Set up a fraud detection system that flags any potentially fraudulent activity. Be cautious when dealing with customers who are new or unfamiliar.

It is essential to protect your business from scams that can be costly and damaging. Therefore, by being proactive and taking necessary precautions, you can safeguard your online business and avoid falling victim to return ticket fraud or other common online scams.

So, make sure to avoid this scam and avoid going through the whole ” Is Shopify Legit” dilemma.

6. Purchase Order Scam

One of the most common scams that online businesses fall prey to is the Purchase Order Scam. This scam targets businesses that receive purchase orders from supposed large corporations. The scammer sends a fake purchase order, which appears to be from a legitimate company, requesting rush delivery of a large number of products.

Unfortunately, many unsuspecting businesses fulfill the order and invoice the company, only to realize that the payment they receive is fraudulent. This leaves the business with a significant loss, and in some cases, it can be devastating.

Picture this: a small business owner receives a massive order from a supposed big corporation, worth thousands of dollars. Ecstatic at the prospect of such a huge sale, they eagerly prepare for immediate delivery.

However, things quickly take a turn when the customer requests to pay after receiving the products. Something doesn’t quite add up.

Wisely, the business owner does some digging and uncovers the shocking truth: the purchase order was a fake! Thank goodness they caught it in time and avoided falling prey to the scam.

For example, this electronic skateboard is a brand-new product from last year. And, probably costs around $3,500. But, this website sells it for $79.95.

And, if you do a little research, and see the offers on other sites, you will find whole other pricing. So, it is easy to realize that it is a scam. 

is shopify legit

Plus, if you go back to their product categories, you will see a lot of other unreasonable pricing. Therefore, do better research before buying from a certain supplier.

Hence, if you are aware of this Shopify scam, and be able to view the whole picture, you can also realize whether is Shopify Legit in 2024.

7. SEO Spam

Another common issue Shopify store owners face is SEO spam, where scammers inject malicious code into your website.

This usually happens through vulnerabilities in your store’s code or compromised third-party apps, leading to the creation of hidden pages filled with spammy keywords and links.

These hidden pages can harm your store’s SEO ranking by associating your site with low-quality content or malicious links. This results in a drop in search engine visibility, damaging your online reputation and traffic.

For example,you notice your store’s SEO performance dropping unexpectedly. After investigating, you find unfamiliar links in your website’s footer or hidden text filled with unrelated keywords, often linked to external spammy sites.

Therefore, I recommend you regularly scan your site for unusual content, particularly in the footer or header sections. Plus, there are numerous tools that can help you check your store performance.

performance apps

So, only install trusted third-party apps from Shopify’s app store, and always review the permissions they require before granting access to your store’s data.

8. Direct Client Scheme

In this scam, fraudsters pose as legitimate clients, often reaching out as wholesale buyers or business partners interested in making large orders. They’ll pretend to be interested in purchasing your products in bulk or even suggest a long-term partnership.

However, the catch is that they either request free samples or demand discounts with the promise of future purchases that never materialize. Their goal is to get products without ever paying or to convince you to extend credit, which they will never honor.

For example, a scammer may contact your store pretending to run a large retail chain, asking for discounted goods for their shelves. After you’ve shipped the items, they disappear without making the full payment.

Tip: Always verify new clients, especially if they request discounts, credit, or free samples. Use secure payment terms and ensure you receive the agreed amount before sending any products.

9. Switching Scheme

The switching scheme is particularly tricky. A scammer makes a legitimate-looking purchase using stolen credit card information. Once they receive the product, they contact your Shopify store claiming the item was damaged or incorrect, requesting a return.

The scammer will then return a product that looks similar but is of much lower value, keeping the original item for themselves. They get a refund while keeping your product, leaving you out of pocket.

For instance, A customer orders an expensive handbag from your store and then claims it was damaged on arrival. When they return the product, you receive a cheap, similar-looking bag instead.

Tip: Always document and photograph your products before shipping. Implement strict return policies that include quality checks on all returned items to avoid falling victim to this scam.

What Is Shopify And How Does It Work?

shopify

Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce solution that enables businesses to create online stores. It is a cloud-based platform that provides everything needed to start, run, and grow a dropshipping business.

One of the key benefits of Shopify is its range of tools and features for business owners. These include online store design, management, inventory management, payment processing, shipping, and reporting.

Shopify app store

Shopify is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, making it attractive to those who are new to the world of e-commerce. With its drag-and-drop interface and customizable templates, businesses can create an online store that reflects their brand and meets their unique needs.

Additionally, Shopify offers robust financial management tools to help businesses manage their finances effectively.

customize

For those reasons, Shopify is one of the most popular online platforms for eCommerce businesses, trusted by over a million businesses around the world.

In short, about whether is Shopify legit! Yes, it is a completely legitimate and trustworthy platform for online businesses in 2024.

Now, let’s see whether Shopify is a safe platform for your e-shop, and how you can protect yourself from the most common scams.👇

8 Reasons Why Trust Shopify Is A Safe Platform For Ecommerce

1. Shopify Provides a Secure Platform with SSL Certificates

ssl certificate

One thing I always tell store owners is that an SSL Certificate is a must-have for any online store, and Shopify takes care of that for you.

Every Shopify store automatically receives an SSL Certificate, ensuring your customers’ payment details and personal data are encrypted. When visitors see the secure padlock next to your URL, they know they’re shopping from a legitimate Shopify store.

With SSL encryption, you don’t have to worry about stolen credit card information or other fraudulent transactions. This feature alone makes Shopify a safe and secure platform for both businesses and customers.

2. Shopify is PCI Compliant, Protecting Financial Transactions

pci compliant

When you’re running an online business, especially an ecommerce platform like Shopify, handling sensitive payment information securely is crucial.

Shopify is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant, which means it meets the highest industry standards for processing credit card transactions. So, this says a lot about whether is Shopify Legit.

This ensures that your customer’s financial details are handled with top-notch security.

Shopify Payments—Shopify’s own integrated payment gateway—offers seamless and secure checkout experiences.

Whether you’re processing credit card payments or using alternative methods, Shopify ensures that fraudulent stores and fake stores won’t have a chance to compromise your business.

3. Transparent Pricing Plans Without Hidden Fees

One of the reasons I love Shopify is because it offers transparent pricing plans. When you sign up for a Shopify account, you get clear information on what you’ll pay each month, and there are no hidden charges.

shopify pricing plans

However, if you opt for external payment gateways, you may encounter transaction fees, but Shopify is always upfront about these costs, making financial management much simpler.

Also, by using Shopify Payments, you can avoid additional fees and streamline your financial operations. This kind of transparency makes Shopify a legitimate ecommerce platform that allows businesses to budget effectively.

4. Shopify Only Approves Trusted Third-Party Apps

When expanding your store’s capabilities, the Shopify App Store is a goldmine for finding tools that can help with marketing, inventory management, and customer service.

shopify apps

But what sets Shopify apart is their commitment to only allowing trusted third-party apps in their app store.

zendrop

Moreover, every app in the Shopify App Store undergoes strict scrutiny, ensuring that only safe and reliable apps are made available.

This process gives store owners peace of mind, knowing their store is protected from Shopify scams, Shopify store duplicator schemes, or fake Shopify stores attempting to steal data or disrupt operations.

5. Massive User Base and Trusted by Top Brands

Shopify powers 4.47 million daily active users as of 2024. Also. there are over 5.46 million eCommerce stores that used Shopify in 2024. So, is Shopify Legit? Of course!

This ecommerce platform is trusted by some of the world’s biggest brands like Pepsi, Tesla, and Red Bull, proving its reliability and ability to handle high levels of customer engagement.

pepsi

Shopify also excels in providing excellent security features for small businesses. Whether you’re running a dropshipping business or a multi-product online shop, Shopify’s reputation speaks for itself, and the platform is built to keep both legitimate Shopify stores and their customers safe.

6. Continuous Security Monitoring and Updates

When choosing an ecommerce platform, you want one that doesn’t just set up security but continuously improves it.

Shopify constantly monitors its platform, pushing out security updates and patches to stay ahead of potential threats.

This dedication to safety keeps you protected from fraudulent stores and fake websites that scammers create to steal from unsuspecting shoppers.

With Shopify’s security systems, you’ll have the peace of mind that your business is operating on a secure foundation. This constant vigilance is one reason why Shopify remains a legitimate and trustworthy platform in the ever-growing ecommerce world.

7. Shopify Offers Secure Payment Solutions

Through Shopify Payments, you can accept payments without relying on third-party processors, simplifying transactions for both you and your customers.

Powered by Stripe, this payment system brings world-class security measures to every transaction, ensuring that customers’ payment details are always protected.

stripe

As a Shopify store owner, using Shopify Payments not only simplifies your checkout process but also ensures that your business complies with industry-leading security measures, including SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance.

This is especially important if you’re running a dropshipping business where timely and secure payments are crucial for immediate shipment.

8. Trusted by Millions of Shopify Merchants Worldwide

Shopify is home to millions of merchants and has helped generate billions in sales for legitimate businesses around the globe. So, yes, Shopify is Legit.

Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or running a direct client scheme, Shopify offers all the tools you need to build a successful and legitimate platform for your online venture.

Can I Use Shopify For Dropshipping?

YES, you can use Shopify for dropshipping, and I will show you how (later on this article). Plus, since I am Shopify user, I can confidently say that it is a fantastic platform for dropshipping.

One of the reasons why Shopify is so great for dropshipping is that it has many apps specifically designed for the dropshipping business model.

Two of my favorite apps for dropshipping on Shopify are Oberlo and Modalyst, which make finding products, managing orders, and fulfilling shipments a breeze.

💡Tip: I recommend you to read this Oberlo vs Modalyst Review – Which Is The Best Dropshipping App?

Plus, there are amazing website builders like Pagefly, that can help you customize your dropshipping store.

How to Use Shopify For Dropshipping in 2024? My Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an online store with Shopify is a great way to start your ecommerce journey, especially on a legitimate and trustworthy platform.

Shopify provides a safe and secure platform that’s perfect for anyone looking to run a legitimate business and avoid fake stores or fraudulent schemes.

Let’s dive into how to set up your Shopify store step by step.

1. Sign Up for a Shopify Account

Head over to Shopify.com and click on “Start free trial.” You’ll need to create an account by providing your email and selecting a store name.

start with shopify

Shopify will guide you through a few questions about your business and what you plan to sell.

Don’t worry—you can skip these questions if you’re unsure yet. This is the beginning of your journey as a Shopify store owner.

Once you sign up, Shopify will bring you to your dashboard, where you’ll manage all aspects of your store, from adding products to handling orders.

plan to sell

2. Choose a Theme

A store’s appearance is key to customer satisfaction. Shopify offers various free and paid themes in the app store. Browse through the options and pick one that fits your product and brand.

Is Shopify Legit

Themes are designed to suit both small and large product catalogs, so find one that matches your vision for your dropshipping business or online store.

For example, themes like Dawn work well for modern clothing Shopify stores, while others may be better suited for niche products.

So, choose a theme that highlights your best features and is easy to navigate for customers.

3. Customize Your Store

Once you have selected a theme, it’s time to customize it. Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily move sections around and add images, text, and products.

Is Shopify Legit

So, personalizing your store’s look is vital for building trust and preventing your site from being mistaken for a fake Shopify store. Thus, a well-designed layout makes it clear that you’re running a legitimate Shopify store.

You’ll want to include a clear call-to-action on your homepage, such as “Shop Now,” and ensure that your navigation menu is simple so that customers can quickly find what they’re looking for.

Set Up Your First Store On Shopify

This level of customization is important in standing out from fake stores and building a trustworthy platform.

4. Add Products

Adding products is one of the most crucial parts of setting up your store.

So, go to the ‘Products’ tab on your Shopify dashboard, click ‘Add product,’ and fill in the necessary details, such as title, description, pricing, and product images.

Is Shopify Legit

To avoid creating a fake website, ensure your product descriptions and photos are accurate.

If you’re running a Shopify dropshipping business, you can use apps like AutoDS or Spocket from the app store to easily import products.

Is Shopify Legit

These apps provide access to suppliers and allow for immediate shipment, ensuring a smooth experience for your customers.

5. Set Up Payment Methods

Ensuring financial security for both you and your customers is key to running a successful online store.

So, Shopify provides various integrated payment gateways, such as Shopify Payments, PayPal, and credit cards.

So. you can find these settings in ‘Settings’ > ‘Payments.’ Offering multiple payment options reassures customers and makes your store seem more legitimate.

Is Shopify Legit

Also, Shopify’s secure environment ensures payment details are safe from fraudulent transactions or stolen credit card information. This helps you build customer trust and avoid being flagged as a fake Shopify store.

6. Create Key Pages and Policies

Is Shopify Legit

Your store needs essential pages like “About Us,” “Contact Us,” and “Shipping & Returns.” These pages give customers confidence that you are running a legitimate business.

Shopify also provides tools to create important policies such as Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Having these policies clearly displayed helps protect against potential scams and improves your store’s customer satisfaction.

7. Get a Custom Domain

custom domain

A professional legitimate platform needs a custom domain, like “yourstore.com,” instead of using Shopify’s default subdomain.

You can purchase a domain directly from Shopify or connect one from a third-party service like GoDaddy.

Moreover, a custom domain helps differentiate your store from fake stores and signals that you’re running a legitimate ecommerce platform.

8. Install Essential Apps

Shopify offers a wide range of apps in its app store to help you run your store efficiently.

So, here you can find apps for product sourcing, marketing, and customer service can elevate your store’s performance.

For example, I use AutoDS to import products easily and to automate my order management process.

autods app

You can also install security apps to prevent fraud or Shopify store duplicator schemes from copying your content.

9. Launch Your Shopify Store

Finally, it’s time to launch! Before going live, make sure you remove your store’s password (under ‘Online Store’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Password protection’).

launch your store

Also, test your checkout process to ensure everything works smoothly.

Congratulations, your store is live!

Running a store on Shopify, a legitimate and trustworthy platform, gives you access to powerful tools, security systems, and customer service that ensure your business is safe from Shopify scams and fraudulent stores.

How To Tell If A Shopify Store Is Legit?

When it comes to determining whether is Shopify a legit store, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to inspect the website design to ensure that it looks professional and trustworthy.

This is because a well-designed website can often indicate that the store is reputable and takes its business seriously.

After reviewing the website design, the next step is to look for customer reviews and ratings. This can help gauge customer satisfaction and provide insight into the quality of the products and services offered by the store. Positive reviews and high ratings can be a good sign, while negative reviews and low ratings may indicate potential issues.

In addition to customer reviews, it is also important to review the store’s shipping, returns, and payment policies. These policies should align with standard practices and provide clear information on how to handle any issues that may arise.

When verifying whether is Shopify a legit store, it is also important to check the domain age, hosting location, and contact details.

This can help confirm that the store is operating within legal and ethical boundaries and is not a fraudulent operation.

Lastly, it is crucial to be cautious of any requests for personal information, particularly credit card details. This can help avoid potential fraudulent activity and protect personal information from falling into the wrong hands.

By taking these steps, one can ensure that they are shopping from a legitimate and trustworthy Shopify store.

Shopify Review – Video

Shopify Review Video offers an overview of Is Shopify Legit, and its features, benefits, and drawbacks.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=piYZO1RdESM

The platform offers numerous pros and cons, including all-in-one ecommerce solutions and a wide range of tools, but also transaction fees, additional costs, and expensive premium themes.

How To Protect Your Brand From Identity Theft On Shopify?

As an online business owner, I understand the importance of securing my brand and my customers’ sensitive information.

With the rise of online scams and identity theft, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your brand on the Shopify platform. So, I understand your concern about whether is Shopify Legit.

➡ Add Two-Factor Authentication 

To start, enable two-factor authentication and create a strong, unique password for your account. It may seem like a simple step, but it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to your Shopify store.

➡ Enable Shopify SSL Encryption

Another crucial step is to take advantage of Shopify’s SSL encryption. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between your store and your customers’ browsers. This ensures that all data, including payment details, is protected from hackers and other malicious threats.

👉 Check out the Chargeflow Review: Recover Chargebacks for Dropshippers, on Autopilot.

Use Trusted Third-Party Apps for Payment Processing

Additionally, make sure to install trusted applications and use qualified, reliable third-party services for payment processing. Don’t cut corners with less reputable or cheaper options, as it’s not worth sacrificing your customers’ security.

Similarly, be cautious of any additional costs or fees that may come with using certain services or apps.

➡ Monitor Your Store Activity 

It’s also important to monitor your store’s activity regularly to detect any signs of fraudulent activities early on. Keep an eye out for any suspicious transactions or customer behavior, and don’t hesitate to investigate further if anything seems amiss.

Lastly, stay alert and proactive in protecting your brand and customers’ sensitive information. Don’t overlook any potential vulnerabilities, and take immediate action if you suspect any issues with your store’s security.

Is Starting A Shopify Store Worth It? – My Thoughts

Now, as we know that Shopify is a Legit platform, let’s see whether is worth using in 2024!

As someone who has started and managed an online store on Shopify, I can confidently say that it is a worthwhile platform for ecommerce businesses. However, like any other platform, it has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered.

🔸 Time and Effort Involved in Running a Successful Store on Shopify

Running a successful store on Shopify requires a significant amount of time and effort. It involves creating a website that stands out from the crowd, building a product catalog, and developing marketing strategies to attract customers and generate sales.

Additionally, managing inventory, fulfilling orders, and providing excellent customer service requires time and dedication.

🔸 Marketing Strategies and Customer Service

Shopify offers a variety of marketing tools to help businesses boost their sales, such as discount codes, gift cards, and social media channels integrations.

is shopify legit

It also offers analytics tools that allow businesses to track the performance of their marketing campaigns and adjust accordingly.

Additionally, Shopify offers a range of customer service tools, including live chat, email, and phone support, to help manage customer inquiries and complaints.

🔸 Successful Shopify Stores

There are several examples of successful stores that have utilized Shopify’s features to grow their business. For instance, Gymshark, a retailer of fitness apparel, used Shopify’s platform to grow from a small startup to a multi-million-dollar business. 

gymshark website

They took advantage of the platform’s integrations with social media channels to build their brand and attract customers.

Another successful store is Kylie Cosmetics, which used Shopify’s ecommerce solution to establish its online presence and grow its customer base.

kylie cosmetics

You may be scratching your head like the rest of us, wondering why the queen of makeup, Kylie Jenner, chose to team up with Shopify.

But let me tell you, it’s not just because Shopify is user-friendly (even though it totally is). It’s because they know Shopify’s themes are the bee’s knees when it comes to delivering a premium user experience – and that’s exactly what their loyal customers crave!

👉 Also, check out the 13 Most Successful Shopify Dropshipping Store Examples

Pros & Cons Of Using Shopify – My Thoughts 

PROS
Ease of use

Reliable checkout process

Tons of apps and integrations

CONS
Transaction fees

costly advanced features

Advantages of Using Shopify

✅ Ease Of Use

One of the biggest advantages of using Shopify is its ease of use. As someone with little technical know-how, I found it easy to navigate through the platform and customize my store based on my preferences.

The platform also offers a wide range of templates and themes that make it easy for businesses to create a visually appealing and functional online store.

Its drag-and-drop interface allows businesses to customize their website without having to know how to code.

✅ Reliable Checkout Process

Another advantage of using Shopify is its reliable checkout process.

Shopify offers multiple payment options, including Shopify Payments, which ensures that customers can easily and securely pay for their purchases using their credit cards.

So, this confirms that Shopify is legit.

It also ensures that credit card information is kept safe, giving customers confidence in their transactions.

Its automated shipping options also help streamline the process, making it less time-consuming for business owners. 

✅ Tons of Apps & Integrations

Shopify also offers a wide range of apps and integrations that make it easy to manage an online store.

From inventory management to social media channel integrations, Shopify has everything that a business owner needs to take their enterprise to the next level.

It also offers reporting tools that give insights into store performance, which is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their operations and grow their sales.

👉 I recommend you to check out the 18 Best Shopify Dropshipping Apps [Review & Comparison].

Disadvantages of Using Shopify

❌ Transaction Fees

One of the main disadvantages of using Shopify is its transaction fees. While the fees are not exorbitant, they do add up over time and could impact a business’s profitability.

Additionally, some of the apps that are needed to manage an online store on Shopify may come at an extra cost, which could increase the overall cost of running the store.

👉 Learn about Shopify Pricing Plans: What’s The Cost Of Dropshipping With Shopify?

❌ Costly Advanced Features

Another disadvantage of using Shopify is the cost of premium themes. While Shopify has a wide range of free themes, premium themes that offer advanced features come at a cost.

This means that businesses looking to elevate the look and functionality of their online store may need to pay extra for these features.

Conclusion

Shopify is definitely a legit platform for building an e-commerce business in 2024. Its ease of use, reliable checkout process, and wide range of tools make it an appealing platform for businesses of all sizes.

But, like any popular service, it has its fair share of scams to watch out for.

The most important takeaway? Be aware of duplicate stores, fake payment schemes, and fraudulent third-party apps.

My advice: always research your suppliers, use secure payment gateways, and keep an eye out for red flags. This way you will ensure that Shopify is legit and safe for you.

Before you start, ensure you’re ready to manage your store’s security and learn how to identify scams—this will protect both your business and your customers.

About the Author

Profile picture of Aleksandra
Aleksandra Miteva
Aleksandra teaches marketing and management at various levels in High School. She writes about marketing, the economics and logistics of the dropshipping business and ecommerce in general.
Hey dropshipper 👋
What do you need right now in your Dropshipping journey?