Please note: this article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Using our links supports our work.
In this post I’m going to show you how to access a Shopify free trial — and how to extend it from just three days to three months.
1. Access the extended Shopify trial using the special Ecommercetrix link
The first thing you’ll need to do to access an extended Shopify trial is to use Ecommercetrix’s special signup link. To do this, simply click here.
Then, enter your email address into the box provided to continue and click the arrow icon.
2. Create your account
Next you’ll be prompted to create your free Shopify account by specifying a password.
Enter your chosen password, tick the ‘I am human’ checkbox, and then the ‘Create Shopify account’ button.
3. Enter your card details (optional)
Now you’ll be prompted to enter your card details. Doing this is optional, and you won’t be charged anything until your free trial is over, but it’s recommended. This is because by adding card details to your account, you get immediate access to all of Shopify’s premium features and can technically start taking payment for products and services.
If you don’t add a card, you’ll get more limited access to the platform for three days, and won’t be able to put a store live or accept payment for anything.
4. Answer some onboarding questions
Once you’ve made a decision on entering card details, you’ll be prompted to answer some onboarding questions. Doing so helps Shopify configure your dashboard and settings in a way that helps you sell using your preferred methods (online, in person, on social media, etc.).
5. Complete your Shopify free trial
At this point, you’ll have access to your Shopify account and can start experimenting with all its ecommerce features.
Once your three-day Shopify trial ends, you can extend it to three months for just $1 per month. This will happen automatically if you’ve already entered your card details — if not, you’ll be asked again if you’d like to do so (via your Shopify dashboard or an email notification).
(If you take up the three months for $1/mo offer and decide that Shopify is not for you, remember to cancel your trial before the three month period ends.)
To make the most of your trial, we recommend watching our ‘How to build an online store’ video. This walks you through the process of setting up an ecommerce store with Shopify in a simple, jargon-free way.
Frequently asked questions about the Shopify free trial
How do I get 3 months for $1 from Shopify?
To get three months access to Shopify for $1/mo, you’ll need to start a free trial using the special Ecommercetrix signup link.
How much does the cheapest Shopify plan cost?
The cheapest Shopify plan is the ‘Starter’ plan, which costs $5 per month. This lets you sell on an existing site or social media presence, but doesn’t let you create a fully customizable standalone store.
Can I use Shopify for free?
You can try Shopify for free for three days, after which you will need to pay for a monthly or annual subscription. The best way to do this is via the extended trial option, which you can access here.
How much does Shopify cost?
Shopify costs between $5 (for its Starter plan) and $2,300 per month (if you’re using its Shopify Plus enterprise-grade plan). Most new merchants begin with Shopify’s Basic plan, which costs $39/mo.
What can I sell on Shopify?
You can sell anything on Shopify that’s legal in your jurisdiction and that doesn’t violate Shopify’s acceptable use policy.
Can I cancel Shopify after three months?
You can cancel your Shopify plan at any time. Alternatively, you can use its ‘Pause and Build’ service to reduce your monthly outgoings to $9 per month while you work on your store.
Is Shopify any good?
Shopify is one of the best hosted ecommerce solutions on the market, especially so if you want to sell both online and in person. Its drag-and-drop interface could do with some improvements, but overall it is an excellent choice for building an online store with. You can read our full Shopify review here.
Chris Singleton is the Founder and Director of Ecommercetrix.
Since graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1999, Chris has advised many businesses on how to grow their operations via a strong online presence, and now he shares his experience and expertise through his articles on the Ecommercetrix website.
Chris started his career as a data analyst for Irish marketing company Precision Marketing Information; since then he has worked on digital projects for a wide range of well-known organizations including Cancer Research UK, Hackney Council, Data Ireland, and Prescription PR. He then went on to found the popular business apps review site Style Factory, followed by Ecommercetrix.
He is also the author of a book on SEO for beginners, Super Simple SEO.