For many entrepreneurs, selling on Shopify is the first step toward creating a business that belongs entirely to them. Unlike marketplaces, Shopify gives you the freedom to design, brand, and scale your store however you like.
But if you’re just starting out, you might be asking: How do I begin, and what makes Shopify stand out compared to Etsy and Amazon?
Here are some quick takeaways before we dive deeper:
Keynotes
- Shopify gives you independence and full control over your store.
- It’s beginner-friendly—perfect if you’re learning how to start selling on Shopify.
- Comparing selling on Shopify vs Etsy shows the advantage of brand ownership.
- Many sellers find success combining selling on Shopify and Amazon together.
- The long-term benefits of selling on Shopify outweigh marketplace limitations.
A Real Story: How One Seller Took Control
Emma, a London-based home decor designer, began her career on Etsy. She did well at first, but then she realized that her products were buried under a lot of other ones. She was angry, so she learned how to sell on Shopify and set up her own store.
She was nervous at first about bringing in her own traffic. But after a few months, she saw something amazing: customers remembered her brand, signed up for her emails, and came back over and over again.
Emma later connected her store to Amazon, so she could sell on both Shopify and Amazon at the same time.
Her story shows that Etsy and Amazon are helpful, but the real growth happens when you use Shopify to control your brand.
How to Start Selling on Shopify
It can be hard to get started, but the truth is that selling with Shopify is easier than most people think:
- Pick a theme that fits with your brand.
- Upload products with full descriptions.
- Set up payments and shipping.
- Open your store and spread the word.
You don’t need to be a developer or marketing expert to get started, which is one of the best things about Shopify.
Selling on Shopify vs Etsy
The main difference between selling Shopify and Etsy is how much control you have. Etsy makes it easy for people to find handmade and vintage items, but your store looks just like everyone else’s. With Shopify, on the other hand, you can fully customize your store.
Etsy is easy for small sellers to use. But Shopify gives business owners more freedom and long-term benefits if they want to build a brand that people will remember.
Selling on Shopify vs Amazon
It’s hard to beat Amazon’s ability to show your products to millions of customers right away. But sellers quickly learn that Amazon keeps the customer relationships for itself when they think about Shopify vs. Amazon. Shopify makes sure that you own the data, the brand, and the customers’ loyalty.
A lot of successful businesses do both: they start by making their store on Shopify and then develop by also selling on Amazon with Shopify.
The Benefits of Selling on Shopify
Let’s talk about the main advantages of selling on Shopify:
- Owning a brand: You are in charge of branding, design, and customer data.
- Lower fees: You don’t have to pay for listing fees over and over again like you do on Etsy or Amazon.
- Scalability: Shopify can grow with your business, no matter how big or small it is.
- Global reach: You can sell in multiple regions while managing from one dashboard.
When you compare Shopify to marketplaces, these advantages of selling Shopify consistently give it the edge for business owners who want long-term growth.
FAQS
1. What are some good ideas for a Shopify business?
Put money into good product photos, SEO, and email marketing. Make sure your store is easy to find.
2. Is it possible to make money by running a Shopify store?
Yes, a lot of sellers do. The most important thing is to pick the right products and market them well.
3. What can you sell on Shopify?
You have full control over your own online store, which is different from being just another seller on a marketplace.
4. How much does it cost to sell things online with Shopify?
Shopify charges a small fee for each transaction and a monthly plan. You may have to pay more for extra apps or themes. Learn more about Shopify’s monthly cost here.
5. What are the best-selling Shopify products right now?
Some of the most popular categories are fashion, fitness gear, and home goods.
6. What are the best things to sell on Shopify?
Things that fix real problems, are popular with loyal groups, and make a good profit.
7. Is it okay to sell on Shopify in Canada?
Yes, Shopify is based in Canada and lets you set up CAD, Canadian shipping, and tax settings.
8. What do you think about selling on Shopify UK?
Of course. Shopify allows UK sellers to take GBP, deal with VAT, and set up shipping within the UK.
How PlugBooks Can Help You with Your Shopify Adventure
Managing your money well is just as important as making sales when you run an online store. That’s where PlugBooks comes in. Our platform connects data from Shopify, Amazon, and eBay to make bookkeeping, tax management, and performance tracking easier. With PlugBooks, you can focus on expanding your business while we handle the back office.
In Conclusion
In the end, selling on Shopify isn’t just about opening a store; it’s about creating a brand that you really own. You have greater freedom and control on the platform than you have on marketplaces. This is true whether you’re deciding between Shopify and Etsy, comparing Shopify selling with Amazon, or combining selling on Shopify and Amazon.