Help

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about eComStart, how our content and affiliate links work, and the Shopify questions readers ask most, with links to the full guides.

About eComStart

What is eComStart?

eComStart is a free publication about starting and growing an online business, with a focus on Shopify. We publish how-to guides, theme and app reviews, platform comparisons, business ideas, name ideas, and checklists. Our goal is to help people with no coding background go from an idea to a working store with fewer expensive mistakes. You can read more on the About us page.

Who is behind the site?

eComStart is a brand of BSS Commerce. Articles are published by our editorial team under their author names.

Is everything on the site free?

Yes. All articles and resources are free to read and use, there are no user accounts, and the site does not take orders or payments.

Do you build or sell Shopify stores?

This site does not take orders or payments. For questions about store setup projects, use the contact page. If you are deciding whether to hire someone, our guides How Much To Pay Someone To Set Up a Shopify Store and Shopify Freelancer vs Agency explain what to expect and how to choose. If you bought a store service from us, see our Refund Policy.

Our content and affiliate links

How do you make money?

Some links on the site are affiliate links. If you click one and then sign up for or buy a product, the company may pay us a commission. It does not change the price you pay. Our Affiliate Disclosure has the full explanation.

Do affiliate links affect what you recommend?

Our recommendations are based on our own evaluation, as the Affiliate Disclosure explains. Still, treat every comparison as one input and check the provider's own site before you buy.

Do affiliate links cost me anything extra?

No. You pay the same price whether or not you use our link.

Why do some Shopify links change depending on my country?

Shopify's offers differ from country to country. The site checks which country your connection appears to come from so that you see the right link. The country code is kept only in your browser session. The Privacy Policy explains the details.

How accurate and current are your articles?

We do our best to keep articles correct, but prices, plans, and screens inside Shopify and other tools change often. Check the date on an article and confirm current prices and terms on the provider's website before you decide. If you find an error, tell us through the contact page and we will look at it.

Can I suggest a topic?

Yes. Send your idea through the contact page. We cannot reply to every suggestion, but we read them when planning new articles.

Free resources

What free resources do you offer?

We publish three practical resources, all on their own pages and all free:

You can find them all on the Resources page.

Do I need to sign up or give my email to use them?

No. The resources are open on the page and the site has no sign-up forms.

Contact and privacy

How do I contact eComStart?

Use the contact page. We can help with questions about the site, corrections, and partnership or content inquiries. We cannot review individual stores or give legal or tax advice.

What data does the site collect?

We use Google Analytics to see which pages are useful. Affiliate partners may set cookies when you click their links. The Privacy Policy lists every tool and explains how to control cookies.

Shopify basics

How much does Shopify cost?

Shopify charges a monthly subscription that depends on the plan and billing period, plus costs for apps, a custom domain, and payment processing. Plans and prices change, so check Shopify's pricing page. Our Shopify pricing plans comparison breaks down the plans and the fees people often miss, and the Shopify pricing topic page has country-specific guides.

Does Shopify have a free trial?

Shopify has offered a free trial, and sometimes introductory pricing for new stores. The length, price, and eligibility vary by country and over time. See Shopify Free Trial and Shopify $1 for 3 Months for what we know and how to claim an offer, then confirm the terms on Shopify's website.

Do I need coding skills to build a Shopify store?

No. You can start with a theme, customize it in Shopify's editor, and add features with apps. Our guide How To Launch a Shopify Store walks through the full process, and the Shopify Launch Checklist helps you catch mistakes before launch.

Which Shopify theme should I choose?

It depends on your catalog, brand, and budget. Our best Shopify themes roundup compares free and paid options, and we have individual theme reviews if you want a closer look.

Which Shopify apps do I need?

Fewer than you think at the start. Begin with the basics your store really needs, then add apps one at a time. See Best Shopify Apps for the categories that matter most.

Is Shopify the right platform for me?

Read our Shopify review for strengths and weaknesses, then compare options in Shopify alternatives or Shopify vs Wix vs Squarespace.

Can I start dropshipping on Shopify?

Yes, and many people do. Dropshipping has thin margins, long supplier chains, and plenty of competition, so go in with realistic expectations. Start with How To Start a Shopify Dropshipping Store.

Are prebuilt Shopify stores legit?

Some are, and many are not. No seller can guarantee sales. Read Are Prebuilt Shopify Stores Legit? before you spend money on one.

What legal pages does my Shopify store need?

At a minimum, most stores need a privacy policy, terms of service, and refund and shipping policies. Shopify can generate drafts that you should review for your own business. Our guide How To Set Up Policies On Shopify shows where to set them up.

Where can I find business and name ideas?

Browse our small business ideas and small business name ideas. For planning, use the Business Plan Template.

Which POS system is best for a small business?

It depends on whether you sell online, in person, or both. See Best POS System for Small Business for our comparison.

Where can I find more Shopify tutorials?

Our Shopify tutorials collection covers common tasks step by step, and the blog has everything else.