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“I want to start my own online store, but I don’t know where to begin.”

“I keep hearing about Shopify, but what’s it really like?”

“I want to know Shopify’s pros and cons compared to other services.”

Are these some of the concerns or questions you have?

Currently, in 2025, the demand for e-commerce (electronic commerce) is ever-increasing. Many people, whether individuals or businesses, are considering expanding their operations online. Among the available options, Shopify stands out as the e-commerce platform boasting the world’s No. 1 market share.

In this article, from an expert’s viewpoint, we will thoroughly explain everything from the fundamentals of Shopify to its pros and cons based on the latest 2025 information, its pricing plans, and how to easily get started.

By reading this article, you’ll gain a clear understanding of whether Shopify is the optimal choice for you, and you should be able to confidently take the first step in building your e-commerce site.

The answer to “Can I truly succeed with Shopify?” is right here.

[First, why not discover the appeal of Shopify by starting with a 14-day free trial?]

What is Shopify? The Basics of the World’s No. 1 E-commerce Platform by Market Share

First, let’s start by looking at the basics: What exactly is Shopify?

Shopify is a cloud-based platform that allows anyone to easily create and operate professional online stores (e-commerce sites). Founded in Canada in 2006, it is now used by millions of stores in over 175 countries worldwide, undisputedly holding the world’s No. 1 market share.

What You Can Do with Shopify (Main Features)

  • Online Store Creation & Management: Easily build visually appealing and professional stores.
  • Product Management: Manage inventory, register products, set up product variations, and more.
  • Order Management & Payment Processing: Supports various payment methods, including credit card payments.
  • Marketing & Sales Promotion: Enables SEO management, coupon creation, social media integration, ad placements, and more.
  • Customer Management: Centralize and analyze customer information.
  • Analytics: Analyze sales data, visitor numbers, and other metrics to make improvements.
  • Third-Party Service Integration: Extend functionality with a wide range of apps.

Because you can build and manage your store with intuitive operations even without specialized programming knowledge, it’s chosen by businesses of all sizes, from sole proprietors to large corporations. It’s particularly favored by D2C (Direct to Consumer) brands that want to emphasize their unique brand identity and experience.

Why is Shopify Chosen?

Why is Shopify chosen by so many people? The main reasons include the following:

  • Balance of Ease of Use and Professional Functionality: It’s simple to get started, yet you can build a store with professional-grade features.
  • Design Flexibility: A wide range of templates and extensive customization options make it easy to express your brand image.
  • High Scalability: Add necessary functions later with over 7,000 apps available (as of 2025).
  • Global Reach: Strong capabilities for cross-border e-commerce, making it easy to consider international sales.
  • Constantly Evolving Platform: Readily incorporates the latest e-commerce technologies and trends.

These aspects provide robust support for business growth, earning the trust of many merchants (sellers using Shopify).

[Latest 2025] Top 10 Benefits of Using Shopify

Shopify offers many advantages compared to other e-commerce platforms. Here, we’ll detail 10 particularly noteworthy benefits.

  1. Build a Professional Store Without Needing Specialized KnowledgeEven without specialized programming or design skills, anyone can easily build a visually appealing and professional online store by using drag-and-drop operations and leveraging a wide range of templates.
  2. Extremely High Design FlexibilityOver 100 free and paid design templates (themes) are available. Furthermore, by editing HTML/CSS/Liquid (Shopify’s proprietary templating language), you can create a store with a completely original design, down to the finest details.
  3. Freely Extend Functionality with a Wealth of AppsThe Shopify App Store offers over 7,000 apps to meet all kinds of needs, including customer acquisition, sales promotion, customer management, shipping, and accounting integration. You can easily add and integrate necessary functions later, allowing your store to evolve with your business growth.
  4. Start Quickly with Low Initial CostsShopify is a subscription-based service, so there are no high initial development costs. A free trial period is also available, allowing you to start your online store with minimal risk. [Try Shopify’s 14-day free trial first (Affiliate link to official site)]
  5. Comprehensive Built-in Customer Acquisition and Marketing FeaturesIn addition to SEO tools, features like a blog function, social media integration (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), email marketing tools, and discount coupon creation are standard. Integration with Google Ads and Facebook Ads is also easy.
  6. Strong for Cross-Border E-commerce (International Sales)With comprehensive multi-language and multi-currency features, plus apps that support international shipping, you can smoothly start selling not only domestically but also to customers overseas. The Shopify Markets feature also makes it easy to configure store settings for specific countries.
  7. High Security for Worry-Free OperationSince Shopify is a cloud-based platform, Shopify handles server maintenance and management. It also includes standard SSL encryption and complies with PCI DSS, the international security standard for credit card information, allowing you to operate your store in a highly secure environment.
  8. Comprehensive Support System and Abundant Information ResourcesIn addition to email and chat support in Japanese (depending on the plan), there are abundant resources for troubleshooting and information gathering, such as the Help Center, the official Shopify blog, and active online communities.
  9. Scalability to Match Business GrowthShopify can handle everything from small stores to large-scale operations with monthly sales in the hundreds of millions of yen. It flexibly accommodates increases in traffic and transaction volume, and an enterprise-level “Shopify Plus” plan is also available.
  10. Supports Diverse Sales ChannelsIn addition to online stores, Shopify offers sales on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as a POS (Point of Sale) system that can link with physical stores, enabling an omnichannel strategy.

These benefits will serve as powerful tools to lead your business to success.

[An Honest Review] Top 5 Shopify Disadvantages and Points to Note

While Shopify has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages and points to be aware of. Understanding these beforehand will help you make a smarter decision.

  1. Monthly Fixed Costs (No Free Plan)Shopify does not offer a free plan, and even its cheapest plan incurs a monthly fee (as of May 2025, the Basic plan starts from $33 per month). However, there is a 14-day free trial period during which you can test its features.
  2. Advanced Customization May Require Specialized KnowledgeBasic customization is easy, but if you want to meticulously fine-tune the design or functionality, knowledge of HTML/CSS and Shopify’s proprietary templating language, Liquid, may be necessary.
  3. Some Features Require App Add-ons (Potentially with Costs)If you require features like specific “XX Pay” integrations (common in Japanese e-commerce) or more detailed point/rewards systems, you might need to install separate apps. Some of these apps may incur additional monthly fees.
  4. Less Japanese Information Compared to Overseas (Though Improving)As it’s used globally, information in English is abundant. While Japanese resources are gradually increasing, they are not yet as extensive as those available overseas. However, official Japanese documentation and support have been significantly improving in recent years.
  5. Transaction Fees ApplyWhile using Shopify Payments can help keep your transaction fees lower, opting for external payment gateways may result in higher transaction fees compared to using Shopify Payments. Additionally, Shopify Payments itself also charges transaction fees for processing payments.

The extent to which these disadvantages are acceptable will vary depending on your business scale, required features, budget, and other factors. Compare them with the benefits to make the best choice for you.

Shopify Pricing Plans: A Detailed Comparison! Which Plan is Best for You?

Shopify offers several pricing plans to suit different business sizes and needs. The main plans as of May 2025 are as follows:

Plan NameMonthly Fee (USD)Transaction Fee (with Shopify Payments, online for domestic cards)Number of Staff AccountsMainly For
Basic$39 (subject to change)3.4% + 30¢2Sole proprietors, small-scale stores, those new to running an e-commerce site.
Standard$105 (subject to change)3.25% + 30¢5Growing businesses, stores managed by multiple staff.
Premium$399 (subject to change)3.15% + 30¢15Large-scale businesses, stores looking to sell internationally seriously, those needing more advanced analytics.
Shopify PlusFrom $2,000/monthCustom quoteUnlimitedLarge enterprises, stores with very high transaction volumes, businesses requiring advanced customization and support.

The fees and rates mentioned above are subject to change. Please always check the official website for the latest information.

Which plan should you choose?

  • For those starting e-commerce or wanting to test the waters on a small scale: “Basic” plan
  • For those expecting a certain level of sales and wanting to operate more seriously: “Standard” plan
  • For those with larger sales volumes or considering international expansion: “Premium” plan
  • For large-scale e-commerce operations or businesses with complex requirements: “Shopify Plus” (inquiry required)

We recommend starting with the “Basic” plan and upgrading as your business grows.

[First, try out Shopify’s features with a 14-day free trial!]

Open Your Shopify Online Store in 6 Easy Steps

If you’re thinking, “Shopify seems difficult…” don’t worry! You can open your very own online store with these simple steps.

  1. Account Registration (Start Free Trial)You can start your free trial simply by registering your email address on the official Shopify website and answering a few simple questions. No credit card information is required to start the trial.
  2. Basic Store SetupSet your store name, the type of products you’ll sell, your business address, etc.
  3. Product RegistrationRegister product photos, descriptions, prices, inventory levels, etc. You can also set up variations (like size, color).
  4. Design (Theme) Selection and CustomizationChoose a theme that matches your store’s image from a wide selection, then customize your logo, main images, color scheme, etc.
  5. Payment Method & Shipping SetupActivate Shopify Payments, and set up your desired payment methods (bank transfer, convenience store payments, etc.), shipping methods, and shipping fees.
  6. Store LaunchOnce all settings are complete, it’s time to launch your store! You can start selling your products to the world.

Shopify’s admin panel is intuitive and easy to understand, with guides displayed at each step, so even beginners should be able to proceed without getting lost.

Shopify is Recommended for These People & Businesses!

Considering Shopify’s pros and cons and its pricing plans, it’s especially recommended for the following types of people and businesses:

  • Individuals or small business owners opening an online store for the first time.
  • Those wanting to launch a full-fledged D2C (Direct to Consumer) brand.
  • Those looking to venture into international sales (cross-border e-commerce).
  • Those who want to utilize multiple sales channels (social media, physical stores, etc.).
  • Those who want to flexibly scale their e-commerce site as their business grows.
  • Those who are particular about design and functionality but want to leave server management, etc., to others.

If any of the above apply to you, Shopify could be a very strong option.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) about Shopify

Finally, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about Shopify and their answers.

Q1. Can I really use it without any programming knowledge?

A1. Yes, for basic store construction and operation, programming knowledge is not required. You can change designs and register products with intuitive operations. If you want to do more advanced customization, knowledge of HTML/CSS, etc., can be helpful.

Q2. What are the differences compared to other e-commerce platforms (like BASE, STORES, etc.)?

A2. Shopify has advantages in terms of design flexibility, feature extensibility, suitability for cross-border e-commerce, and scalability for large stores. On the other hand, Japanese services may offer more robust features and support tailored for the domestic market. It’s important to compare and consider based on your business goals and scale.

Q3. Are there risks if I don’t make any sales?

A3. Since Shopify involves monthly fees, there’s a possibility of operating at a loss if you don’t generate sales. However, you can minimize risks by conducting test marketing during the 14-day free trial period or by starting with a low-cost plan. Customer acquisition and marketing strategies are also crucial.

Q4. Is the support system reliable?

A4. Shopify offers support in Japanese (depending on the plan), and its Help Center is comprehensive. Additionally, with a large global user base, it’s often easy to find information through online communities, blogs, and other resources, which is another advantage.

Q5. Can I change my plan midway?

A5. Yes, you can change your plan anytime to match your business growth.

Summary: Realize Your Ideal E-commerce Site with Shopify and Accelerate Your Business!

In this article, based on the latest 2025 information, we’ve thoroughly explained everything from the basics of Shopify, the world’s No. 1 e-commerce platform, to its pros and cons, pricing plans, and how to get started.

Shopify is an incredibly powerful platform that combines ease of use with professional functionality, design flexibility, and scalability to match business growth. It offers the potential to quickly launch your own online store with low initial costs and expand your business globally.

Of course, there are disadvantages and points to note, but if you understand and utilize it effectively with these in mind, it can become an unparalleled partner.

As the saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” First, experience Shopify’s 14-day free trial and discover its appeal and potential for yourself. The door to your future success might just be there.

Start your own online store with Shopify today!

[Start Your Shopify 14-Day Free Trial Here]