Shopify Review 2024: Features & Price Tested + (Free Trial)

May I ask you a simple question: “What comes to your mind when I say e-commerce website?” Okay, let me guess.. I think it’s Shopify, isn’t it! There’s no room for doubt that Shopify is one of the most popular options available in the ecommerce market.

But does it truly live up to the hype? After spending a fair amount of time diving into its depths, I’ve come to appreciate its strengths, while also noticing a few quirks that make the platform more human than its polished reputation might suggest. Here’s Shopify review and rating based on my years of experience with the platform.

Shopify Review 2024

Ease of Use (Rating: 9/10)

Right off the bat, Shopify is designed with the user in mind. From setting up your store to managing day-to-day operations, it’s clear that Shopify aims to simplify the complex world of online selling. However,

and here’s the nuance, while it’s generally straightforward, there are moments—like when you’re trying to customize a specific aspect of your store—where the interface feels a bit too streamlined, almost to a fault.

For instance, I remember trying to adjust the layout of my homepage. I expected it to be a simple drag-and-drop, but found myself navigating through multiple menus just to make a minor change. You might find yourself scratching your head, wondering, “Why isn’t this as intuitive as the rest?”

That said, once you get past these minor hiccups, the learning curve is remarkably gentle. I’ve seen folks with zero tech background set up fully functioning stores within a day. That’s no small feat in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Customization Options (Rating: 8/10)

Shopify offers a wide array of themes, both free and paid, that are visually stunning. The customization options are pretty solid, allowing you to tweak your store to reflect your brand.

But—and here’s where the “human imperfection comes in—there are limitations. For those who like to tinker or want their store to look truly unique, you might find yourself a bit boxed in by the predefined structures.

For example, when I wanted to add a custom feature to my store, I realised it wasn’t as simple as I’d hoped. Sure, you can always dive into the code if you’re savvy enough,

but let’s be honest—how many of us really want to go down that rabbit hole? For the average user, the options available are more than enough, but for the perfectionists out there, it might feel just a tad restrictive.

Shopify Pricing (Rating: 7/10)

Ah, the pricing. This is where things get a bit tricky. Shopify isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in the additional costs like premium themes, apps, and third-party integrations.

The basic plan is affordable enough for small businesses, but as your store grows, so does your bill. And don’t forget about those pesky transaction fees if you’re not using Shopify Payments.

That being said, you do get what you pay for. Shopify’s infrastructure is rock-solid, and you’re paying for peace of mind knowing that your store won’t crash on Black Friday.

Still, I can’t help but feel that the pricing structure could be a bit more transparent, or at least more forgiving for those just starting out.

Shopify Pricing
PlanMonthly Cost (INR)Yearly Subscription Price (INR)Card Rates (3rd-Party Providers)Standout Features
Basic₹1,499₹1,499/month2%10 inventory locations, 24/7 chat support, localized global selling (3 markets), POS Lite
Shopify₹5,599₹5,599/month1%All Basic features, 5 additional staff accounts, POS Lite
Advanced₹22,680₹22,680/month0.60%Custom reports and analytics, 10 inventory locations, enhanced 24/7 chat support, POS Lite, 15 staff accounts, 10x checkout capacity
Plus₹1,75,000₹1,75,000/month (3-year term)Competitive rates for high-volume merchantsCustom reports and analytics, 200 inventory locations, priority 24/7 phone support, localized global selling (50 markets), unlimited staff accounts, fully customizable checkout with 40x capacity, 200 POS Pro locations, sell wholesale/B2B

Support and Community (Rating: 9/10)

Shopify’s support is often hailed as one of its strongest suits, and for good reason. The 24/7 customer support is genuinely helpful, with real humans (yes, they still exist!) on the other end who seem to care about resolving your issues. There’s also a vast community of users and experts who are more than willing to lend a hand or share tips.

However, and this might just be my personal gripe, the support can sometimes feel a bit scripted. You know how it is—those moments when you’re explaining a complex issue, and the response you get feels like it’s been copy-pasted from a FAQ page. But hey, that’s probably more a reflection of the modern customer service landscape than Shopify itself.

E-Commerce Tools (Rating: 10/10)

Here’s where Shopify truly shines. The platform is packed with e-commerce tools that make running your store a breeze. From inventory management to SEO optimization,

everything you need is right at your fingertips. And let’s not forget the integrations with social media, allowing you to sell directly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You can also analyze which of your products is shining out through its In-depth analytics tools.

It’s hard to find fault here, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the sheer number of tools can be a bit overwhelming at first. It’s like walking into a fully stocked kitchen—you’ve got all the ingredients, but if you’re not careful, you might end up making a mess before you figure out how to use them all.

Performance and Reliability (Rating: 10/10)

Shopify is a well-oiled machine. The platform is fast, reliable, and rarely, if ever, experiences downtime. This is crucial for any online store, especially when you’re dealing with customers who expect instant gratification. I’ve never had to worry about my store going down, even during peak shopping times, which is more than I can say for some other platforms I’ve used.

Overall Rating: 8.8/10

When you put it all together, Shopify is an excellent platform that deserves much of the praise it gets. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and packed with features that cater to both newbies and seasoned e-commerce veterans.

However, it’s not without its flaws—mainly in terms of customization and pricing. But if you’re looking for a solid, trustworthy platform to build your online store, Shopify is hard to beat.

Shopify Features

  • API
  • CRM
  • Content Management
  • Customer Database
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Catalog Management
  • Customer Accounts
  • Inventory Management
  • SSL Security
  • 14-day money back guarantee
  • Much More!

Shopify Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Features
  • Customer support
  • Likelihood to recommend
  • Flexibility
  • Full Customable
  • Drag & Drop Design
  • High Quality Templates & Themes
  • Much More

Cons

  • Costs
  • URL structure
  • Transaction fees

Would I Recommend Shopify?

Absolutely. But as with any tool, it’s important to go in with your eyes open, aware of both its strengths and its quirks. After all, no platform is perfect, but Shopify comes pretty darn close.

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