Are you looking to start a Shopify store but worried about the upfront costs? Shopify's extended trial offer may be exactly what you need. For the first time, new users can access Shopify's complete platform for just $1/month for 6 months - that's double the previous 3-month offer, giving you even more time to build, test, and grow your online business.
Important Update
The 6-month promotion may not be available in your region. Please check Shopify's official pricing page to get your offer.
What's New in 2025?
Shopify has extended their popular $1 trial from 3 months to 6 full months, providing new entrepreneurs with:
- 180 days to validate your business idea
- More time to build and optimize your store
- Extended period for testing marketing strategies
- Greater opportunity to achieve profitability during the trial
Let's explore everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity and how to make the most of your extended Shopify trial period.
How to Get Shopify's $1 for 6 Months Offer
The key to accessing this extended trial is understanding that it builds upon Shopify's proven trial structure. You'll start with the same 3-day free trial that requires no credit card, followed by the revolutionary 6 months at $1/month pricing.
What You Get:
3 Days Free
No credit card required
6 Months at $1
Full platform access
Complete Store
All features included
Eligibility Requirements
Before diving into the setup process, let's ensure you qualify for this exclusive offer. The requirements are straightforward but important to understand.
You Qualify If:
- New to Shopify: You've never had a Shopify account before
- Valid Email: You have an email address not associated with any previous Shopify account
- Supported Region: You're located in a country where Shopify operates
- Business Intent: You plan to use Shopify for legitimate business purposes
You Don't Qualify If:
- Existing User: You've previously had a Shopify account
- Multiple Accounts: You're trying to create multiple accounts for the same person
- Restricted Region: You're in a country where this offer isn't available
- Shopify Plus Intent: You need enterprise-level features (different pricing applies)
Pro Tip: Geographic Considerations
While the $1/month offer is available globally, your billing currency will match your location. For example, US users will be charged in USD, EU users in EUR, etc. The equivalent value remains the same regardless of currency.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Setting up your Shopify store to take advantage of the 6-month $1 trial is straightforward. Follow this detailed guide to ensure you don't miss any crucial steps.
Step 1 Access the Official Shopify Trial Page
Navigate directly to Shopify's official pricing page. Look for the prominent banner stating "Start for free, then enjoy $1/month" - this is your entry point to the extended trial.
Important: Always use official Shopify links to avoid scams or affiliate redirects that might not honor the full promotional terms.
Step 2 Create Your Shopify Account
Click "Start free trial" and enter your email address. Use an email that hasn't been associated with Shopify before to ensure eligibility.
- Enter your email address and create a secure password
- Provide your store name (you can change this later)
- Answer the brief questionnaire about your business goals
- Skip optional steps if you're not ready to provide details
Pro Tip: Choose a store name that reflects your brand, even if it's temporary. This becomes your myshopify.com URL.
Step 3 Enjoy Your 3-Day Free Trial
Immediately after account creation, you'll start with a 3-day free trial requiring no credit card. Use this time to:
- Explore the Shopify admin dashboard
- Browse and install a theme
- Add your first products
- Test the checkout process
- Familiarize yourself with key features
Step 4 Select Your Plan and Lock in the $1 Rate
Before your 3-day trial expires, you'll need to choose a plan to continue with the $1/month pricing:
Available Plans for $1/month:
- Basic Plan ($39/month after trial): Perfect for most new businesses
- Grow Plan ($105/month after trial): Best for growing businesses
- Advanced Plan ($399/month after trial): For established businesses with complex needs
Recommendation: Choose the Basic Plan for your 6-month trial. You can always upgrade later if needed, but you'll maximize savings by starting with Basic.
Step 5 Add Payment Information
You'll need to provide a valid payment method to activate the $1/month billing:
- Enter your credit card or connect PayPal
- Verify your billing address
- Review the promotional terms
- Confirm your selection
What Happens Next: You'll be charged $1 for your first month immediately, then $1 each month for the following 5 months. After 6 months, standard pricing applies unless you cancel.
Step 6 Welcome to Your Shopify Store!
Congratulations! You now have 6 full months to build, test, and grow your business. Your Shopify admin dashboard is your command center for:
- Adding and managing products
- Customizing your store design
- Setting up payment processing
- Configuring shipping options
- Installing apps and extensions
- Creating marketing campaigns
- Analyzing sales data
- Managing customer relationships
What Your 6-Month Trial Includes
Your $1/month trial isn't a watered-down version of Shopify - you get complete access to all features included in your chosen plan. Here's everything you'll have at your disposal during your 6-month journey.
Core eCommerce Features
- • Unlimited product listings
- • Professional storefront themes
- • Mobile-responsive design
- • SSL certificate included
- • Inventory management
- • Order processing
Payment & Checkout
- • Shopify Payments integration
- • 100+ payment gateways
- • Secure PCI compliant checkout
- • Multiple currencies support
- • Abandoned cart recovery
- • Tax calculations
Marketing Tools
- • SEO optimization tools
- • Email marketing campaigns
- • Social media integration
- • Discount code creation
- • Customer segmentation
- • Analytics and reporting
Apps & Integrations
- • 6,000+ apps in App Store
- • Third-party integrations
- • API access for developers
- • Automation tools
- • CRM integrations
- • Accounting software sync
Support & Resources
- • 24/7 customer support
- • Comprehensive Help Center
- • Shopify Academy training
- • Community forums
- • Expert marketplace
- • Regular platform updates
Advanced Features
- • Multi-channel selling
- • International markets
- • B2B capabilities
- • Advanced shipping
- • Product variants
- • Custom checkout
Why This Trial is Different
Unlike many "trial" offers that limit features, your Shopify 6-month trial gives you complete access to whichever plan you choose. You're not testing a demo - you're running a real business with full capabilities.
Learn more about maximizing your Shopify online store potential on our Shopify success blog where we share advanced strategies and insights.
Maximizing Your 6-Month Trial Period
Six months is an incredible amount of time to validate your business idea, build your brand, and establish revenue streams. Here's how to make every day count during your extended trial period.
Months 1-2: Foundation & Setup
Goal: Build a professional, functional online store ready for customer traffic.
Essential Tasks:
- Choose and customize your theme
- Add your first 10-20 products with high-quality images
- Set up essential pages (About, Contact, Policies)
- Configure payment and shipping settings
- Install essential apps (reviews, email marketing)
Success Metrics:
- • Store passes mobile-friendliness test
- • All product pages load quickly
- • Checkout process works smoothly
- • Contact forms are functional
- • Basic SEO setup is complete
Months 3-4: Marketing & Traffic Generation
Goal: Drive qualified traffic to your store and start generating sales data.
Marketing Strategies:
- Launch social media presence on 2-3 platforms
- Start content marketing (blog, videos)
- Run small-budget ad campaigns ($5-20/day)
- Implement email marketing sequences
- Optimize for local and long-tail SEO keywords
Target Outcomes:
- • 100+ unique visitors per month
- • First 5-10 sales completed
- • Email list of 50+ subscribers
- • Social media followers growing
- • Understanding which products perform best
Months 5-6: Optimization & Scaling Preparation
Goal: Analyze performance data and prepare for post-trial growth or make informed exit decisions.
Focus Areas:
- Analyze 4+ months of sales and traffic data
- A/B test key pages and marketing campaigns
- Expand successful product lines
- Implement customer retention strategies
- Plan post-trial strategy and budget
Decision Criteria:
- • Monthly revenue covers operating costs
- • Clear understanding of customer acquisition cost
- • Positive customer feedback and reviews
- • Sustainable inventory management
- • Confidence in long-term viability
Time Management Pro Tip
Don't spend all 6 months just building and tweaking. Start driving traffic and testing your market fit by month 2. The extended trial period is most valuable when you use it to gather real customer data and sales experience.
Shopify Plans Comparison: Choose Your $1 Trial Plan
The 6-month $1/month offer applies to Basic, Shopify (Grow), and Advanced plans. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right plan for your trial period and understand what you'll pay afterward.
| Features | Basic Plan | Grow Plan | Advanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Pricing (6 months) | $1/month | $1/month | $1/month |
| Regular Pricing | $39/month | $105/month | $399/month |
| Total Savings During Trial | $228 | $624 | $2,388 |
| Staff Accounts | 2 | 5 | 15 |
| Credit Card Rates | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.6% + 30¢ | 2.4% + 30¢ |
| Transaction Fees | 2.0%* | 1.0%* | 0.5%* |
| Reports | Basic | Professional | Custom |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | |||
| Gift Cards | |||
| Advanced Report Builder |
*Transaction fees only apply when using third-party payment providers instead of Shopify Payments
Basic Plan
Best for: 95% of new businesses
- Perfect for testing business ideas
- All essential ecommerce features
- Lowest commitment after trial
- Easy to upgrade later if needed
Grow Plan
Best for: Growing businesses
- Need multiple staff accounts
- Professional reporting required
- Lower transaction fees beneficial
- Gift card functionality needed
Advanced Plan
Best for: Established businesses
- High-volume sales ($50k+ monthly)
- Custom report building essential
- Large team management required
- Lowest transaction fees crucial
Expert Recommendation
Start with the Basic Plan for your 6-month trial. It includes everything you need to validate your business concept and start generating revenue. You can always upgrade if your business outgrows these features, but most successful stores operate profitably on Basic for months or even years.
Remember: The beauty of Shopify is that you can upgrade your plan at any time with a single click. Focus on building your business first, optimizing features second.
Proven Success Strategies for Your 6-Month Journey
With 6 months at your disposal, you have the opportunity to implement sophisticated strategies that shorter trials don't allow.
Smart Product Selection & Validation
Months 1-2: Research Phase
- • Use Google Trends to identify growing markets
- • Analyze Amazon Best Sellers in your niche
- • Check social media for trending products
- • Validate demand with keyword research tools
- • Start with 5-10 carefully selected products
Months 3-6: Optimization Phase
- • Analyze which products get the most traffic
- • Double down on best-performing items
- • Add complementary products to winners
- • Remove or redesign poor performers
- • Test product bundling strategies
Progressive Marketing Approach
Phase 1 (Months 1-2): Foundation Building
- • Set up Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel
- • Create social media profiles on 2-3 platforms
- • Start building email list with lead magnets
- • Focus on organic content and SEO
Phase 2 (Months 3-4): Paid Traffic Testing
- • Launch small Facebook/Instagram ad campaigns ($5-10/day)
- • Test Google Ads for high-intent keywords
- • Implement retargeting campaigns
- • A/B test ad creatives and audiences
Phase 3 (Months 5-6): Scale & Optimize
- • Increase budget on winning campaigns
- • Implement advanced email sequences
- • Launch influencer partnerships
- • Create customer referral programs
Customer Experience Excellence
Trust Building
- • Add customer reviews and testimonials
- • Display security badges
- • Clear return and shipping policies
- • Professional product photography
Conversion Optimization
- • Streamline checkout process
- • Add urgency and scarcity elements
- • Implement exit-intent popups
- • A/B test product page layouts
Retention Strategies
- • Create email welcome series
- • Implement loyalty programs
- • Send post-purchase follow-ups
- • Offer exclusive member discounts
Data-Driven Decision Making
Use your extended trial period to collect meaningful data and make informed decisions:
Key Metrics to Track:
- Conversion Rate: % of visitors who purchase
- Average Order Value: Revenue per transaction
- Customer Acquisition Cost: Cost to acquire each customer
- Customer Lifetime Value: Total revenue per customer
- Return Rate: % of customers who return
Monthly Analysis Questions:
- • Which traffic sources convert best?
- • What products have the highest margins?
- • When do customers typically purchase?
- • What causes cart abandonment?
- • Which marketing messages resonate most?
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Perfectionism Paralysis: Don't spend months perfecting your store before launching. Get it "good enough" and start testing with real customers.
- Feature Overload: Resist the urge to install every app available. Focus on essential functionality first.
- Neglecting Mobile: Over 70% of ecommerce traffic is mobile. Test your store on various devices regularly.
- Ignoring Analytics: Set up tracking from day one and review your data weekly, not just at the end of the trial.
What Happens After Your 6-Month Trial?
As your 6-month trial period comes to an end, you'll need to make some important decisions about the future of your Shopify store. Here's everything you need to know about your options and how to prepare for this transition.
Automatic Billing Transition
Important: On the first day of your 7th month, your store will automatically transition to the full monthly price of your selected plan unless you take action beforehand.
- Basic Plan: Will bill at $39/month
- Grow Plan: Will bill at $105/month
- Advanced Plan: Will bill at $399/month
Mark your calendar for at least a week before this date to make an informed decision rather than letting it happen automatically.
Continue with Shopify If:
- Revenue Positive: Your monthly revenue exceeds your total monthly costs (including the full Shopify plan fee)
- Growing Traffic: Your visitor numbers and conversion rates show consistent growth
- Customer Base: You've built a solid customer base with repeat purchases
- Market Validation: Clear evidence that your products/niche has sustainable demand
- Operational Systems: You've established efficient processes for inventory, customer service, and fulfillment
Consider Pausing/Stopping If:
- Low Revenue: Monthly sales don't cover your operating costs
- Poor Traffic: Consistently low visitor numbers despite marketing efforts
- No Product-Market Fit: Customers aren't responding to your products
- High Acquisition Costs: It costs more to acquire customers than they're worth
- Market Saturation: Too much competition in your chosen niche
Your Post-Trial Options
Option 1: Continue with Your Current Plan
Best for: Businesses that are profitable or showing strong growth potential
Your store continues seamlessly with full functionality at the regular monthly price. This is ideal if your business metrics support the investment and you're confident in your growth trajectory.
Option 2: Downgrade to a Lower Plan
Best for: Businesses that need more time to grow but want to reduce costs
If you started with the Shopify or Advanced plan, you can downgrade to Basic to reduce your monthly costs while maintaining core functionality. You can always upgrade again later.
Option 3: Pause Your Store
Best for: Businesses that need time to regroup or rethink their strategy
For approximately $9/month, you can pause your store. Customers can't make purchases, but you retain access to your admin panel to continue working on your store. All your data and settings are preserved.
Option 4: Close Your Store
Best for: Businesses that didn't find market fit or want to pursue other opportunities
You can close your store entirely. Shopify will retain your data for a period, allowing you to reactivate later if you change your mind. This isn't a failure - it's data-driven decision making.
Pre-Transition Checklist (Month 6)
Financial Review:
- Calculate total monthly revenue
- List all monthly operating costs
- Analyze customer acquisition cost trends
- Project next 3-6 months financial needs
Performance Analysis:
- Review 6 months of traffic data
- Identify best-performing products
- Evaluate marketing channel effectiveness
- Assess customer satisfaction and retention
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the $1/month for 6 months include?
You get complete access to all features included in your chosen Shopify plan (Basic, Grow, or Advanced) for the full 6 months at just $1/month. This includes unlimited product listings, professional themes, payment processing, marketing tools, analytics, 24/7 support, and access to the Shopify App Store. It's not a limited trial - it's the full platform.
Can I cancel anytime during the 6-month trial?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time during the trial period. If you cancel, your store will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle, after which it will be paused. You won't be charged for future months, and you can reactivate your store later if you change your mind.
Are there any additional fees during the trial?
The only guaranteed cost is $1/month for 6 months. However, you may incur additional costs for: credit card processing fees (typically 2.4-2.9% + 30¢ per transaction), premium themes (optional, $180-350 one-time), paid apps (many are free or have free tiers), and transaction fees if you use third-party payment processors instead of Shopify Payments.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan during the trial?
Yes, you can change your plan at any time. However, be aware that upgrading to a higher plan during the trial period will likely end your $1/month promotional pricing and start billing you at the full rate for the new plan. It's generally recommended to start with the Basic plan and upgrade after the trial if needed.
What happens to my store data if I don't continue after the trial?
Shopify retains your store data even if you close your store after the trial. Your products, customer information, order history, and store settings are preserved, and you can reactivate your store at any time by selecting a paid plan. This data retention policy gives you flexibility to pause and restart your business without losing your work.
Is this offer available in all countries?
The 6-month $1/month offer is available in most countries where Shopify operates, but there may be regional variations. Your billing currency will match your location (USD in the US, EUR in Europe, etc.). The equivalent value remains consistent regardless of currency. Check Shopify's official pricing page for availability in your specific region.
Can I use this offer for multiple stores?
No, the promotional offer is limited to one store per person/email address. This is designed as a "new customer" welcome offer for first-time Shopify users. If you need multiple stores, you would need to pay regular pricing for additional stores.
Do I need technical skills to set up my Shopify store?
No coding or technical expertise is required. Shopify is designed for non-technical users with drag-and-drop editors, pre-built themes, and intuitive interfaces. The platform includes comprehensive tutorials, 24/7 support, and a vast library of help resources. Most users can set up a basic store within a few hours.
When does the 6-month period officially start?
The 6-month $1/month period begins after your initial 3-day free trial ends and you select a paid plan. So your timeline is: 3 days free → 6 months at $1/month → regular pricing (unless you cancel or pause). The promotional period is calculated from your first $1 payment, not from your initial signup date.
Still Have Questions?
You can access Shopify's 24/7 support team directly through your store admin once you've signed up, or visit their official help center for technical documentation.
Your 6-Month eCommerce Journey Starts Now
Shopify's extended 6-month trial at $1/month represents an unprecedented opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. With twice the time of the previous offer, you now have a full 180 days to validate your business idea, build your brand, establish customer relationships, and create sustainable revenue streams.
What You've Learned
- How to access and set up your 6-month $1/month trial
- Which Shopify plan to choose for maximum value
- Month-by-month strategies to maximize your trial period
- How to make data-driven decisions about your business future
- What options are available when your trial period ends
Key Success Factors
- Start Early: Begin driving traffic by month 2, not month 5
- Stay Data-Driven: Make decisions based on metrics, not assumptions
- Focus on Customers: Prioritize user experience and customer satisfaction
- Iterate Quickly: Test, learn, and adapt rapidly
- Plan Ahead: Prepare for post-trial decisions early
Don't Wait - This Offer Won't Last Forever
Shopify's promotional offers are time-limited and can change without notice. The 6-month extension is their most generous offer to date.
What you get by starting today:
To build and test your business
For 6 months of full access
All features, no limitations
A Final Word from the eCommerce Community
The extended 6-month Shopify trial represents more than just a discount - it's an investment in your entrepreneurial future. Whether you build the next major ecommerce brand or learn valuable lessons about digital business, this experience will provide insights worth far more than the minimal cost.
Remember that success in ecommerce isn't just about having the right tools; it's about understanding your customers, solving real problems, and persistently iterating on your approach. Shopify provides the platform, but your creativity, determination, and customer focus will determine your success.
For continued learning, advanced strategies, and community support throughout your ecommerce journey, explore our comprehensive resources at Shopify agency. We're here to support your success every step of the way.