What is Shopify and How Does it Work?

Shopify is a leading platform for creating online stores, providing all the necessary tools for managing an online business. It combines the following services in one place:

• Online store,
• Inventory management,
• Analytics,
• CRM,
• Loyalty systems,
• Multichannel marketing (sales through marketplaces, social media, email, contextual advertising, etc.).

As of 2025, over 4,000,000 stores have been launched on Shopify worldwide, confirming its status as one of the most popular eCommerce platforms.

Who is Shopify Suitable For?

Shopify is ideal for those who want to:

• Enter international markets (supports global payment systems and shipping);
• Launch an online store as quickly as possible;
• Create a professional product catalog;
• Integrate multiple sales channels (online store, Google, Instagram, Amazon, etc.).

Advantages of Shopify

1. A Complete Set of Online Trading Tools

Shopify provides all the essential functions for running an online store:

• Product and order management,
• Marketing tools,
• Analytics,
• CRM and loyalty systems.

2. Multichannel Sales

You can sell products across multiple platforms:

• Your own website,
• Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, etc.),
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok),
• Email marketing,
• Contextual advertising.

3. Flexible Functionality via Apps

The Shopify App Store offers over 4,000 applications to enhance store capabilities. Apps include:

• Paid (with a monthly subscription);
• Free;
• Freemium models.

Examples of apps:

• Oberlo – Dropshipping automation;
• Klaviyo – Email marketing;
• Yotpo – Customer reviews and ratings.

4. Ready Integrations with Payments and Shipping

Shopify supports over 100 payment systems and shipping services, making it easy to serve international customers.

5. Quick Store Setup

Thanks to ready-made templates and builder tools, a store can be launched in a short time. However, complex solutions may require developer assistance.

6. Large Developer Community

Shopify has a large community of developers and agencies that help tailor the platform to business needs.

7. High-Quality Design Templates

The Shopify Themes Store offers professionally designed templates. You only need to upload your content, and your store is ready for business.

Disadvantages of Shopify

1. Additional Costs for Expanding Functionality

Many advanced features are available only through paid apps or custom development. However, the basic functionality covers most online store needs.

2. Limited Checkout Page Customization

On standard Shopify plans, the Checkout page can only be cosmetically modified. Full customization is available only in Shopify Plus (starting at $2,300 per month).

3. Limited Site Optimization Options

• No access to hosting or system files;
• Full performance tuning is not possible. However, Shopify is optimized for speed and is continuously improved.

Conclusion

Shopify is an ideal solution for entrepreneurs looking to quickly launch and grow an online store.

However, when choosing the platform, consider the cost of add-ons and limited checkout customization. If you need fast setup, payment integration, and marketplace connectivity, Shopify is an excellent choice.