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“I want to start my own online shop with Shopify, but I have so many questions about everything…”
“I read the manual, but there’s a lot of technical jargon I don’t understand…”
“I wonder what kind of problems other people run into? It would be reassuring to know beforehand…”
Shopify is a highly functional and excellent e-commerce platform, but it’s understandable for beginners to have a lot of questions. Don’t worry, though! Many of the common questions beginners have are actually quite similar.
This article is your “Shopify Troubleshooting FAQ”, a clear summary of typical questions beginners face and their solutions, presented in a Q\&A format. Based on the latest information as of May 17, 2025, you’re sure to find the answers you’ve been looking for, covering everything from store setup and operation to troubleshooting.
By reading this article, you’ll clear up common Shopify questions and gain the confidence to launch and run your own online store. Think of it as a “stitch in time saves nine” — use it to your advantage!
Let’s turn your Shopify “?” into a “!” and confidently take the first step in your e-commerce journey!
The best way to start is to get hands-on with Shopify’s user-friendly interface through a 14-day free trial.
Click here for your Shopify 14-day free trial↓
- Shopify: The Basics – FAQ
- FAQs about Account Creation and Initial Setup
- Q6: What can I do with Shopify’s free trial? How long does it last?
- Q7: What happens to the store I create during the free trial when I switch to a paid plan?
- Q8: Can I change my store name or URL (.myshopify.com subdomain) later?
- Q9: I’m worried the Shopify admin dashboard looks complicated…
- Q10: What are the most important points to focus on during the initial setup?
- FAQs About Product Listing and Design
- Q11: What should I be careful about when listing products? How do I create attractive product pages?
- Q12: How do I set up variants (like size, color, etc.)?
- Q13: How do I choose a Shopify theme (design template)? What’s the difference between free and paid themes?
- Q14: How much can I customize the theme myself?
- Q15: Do I have to create my own logo and banner images?
- FAQs About Payments and Shipping
- Q16: What types of credit card payments can I use with Shopify, and how do I set them up? What is Shopify Payments?
- Q17: Can I integrate convenience store payments, bank transfers, or cash on delivery?
- Q18: How much are the payment processing fees?
- Q19: How do I set up shipping fees? Can I set complex rates by region or weight?
- Q20: Can I ship internationally? How do I set that up?
- FAQs About Store Operation and Customer Acquisition
- Q21: I’ve launched my store, but no customers are coming. What should I do?
- Q22: Is Shopify’s blog feature effective for SEO? How should I use it?
- Q23: Can I integrate with social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) to attract customers?
- Q24: How can I set up coupons and sales?
- Q25: How do I manage customers? What are the tips for increasing repeat customers?
- FAQs on Legal, Tax, and Other Operational Aspects
- Q26: What is the Specified Commercial Transactions Act (特定商取引法に基づく表記)? What should I write and where?
- Q27: Is a privacy policy necessary?
- Q28: How do I set up taxes (like consumption tax) for my Shopify store?
- Q29: Should I use a custom domain? How do I set it up?
- Q30: What kind of support does Shopify offer? Can I ask questions in Japanese?
- Troubleshooting FAQs for When You’re Stuck
- Q31: I can’t log in to my admin dashboard. What should I do?
- Q32: My store isn’t displaying correctly (design is broken, errors appear, etc.).
- Q33: I encountered an error during order processing.
- Q34: My store has issues after installing an app.
- Q35: Where can I get more detailed information or specific, personalized support?
- Summary: Resolve Your Questions and Confidently Operate Your Shopify Store!
Shopify: The Basics – FAQ
Let’s start by answering some fundamental questions about Shopify itself.
Q1: What exactly is Shopify? What can it do?
A1: Shopify is a cloud-based platform that allows anyone, from individuals to large enterprises, to easily create and manage professional online stores (e-commerce sites). It provides an all-in-one solution with all the necessary features for e-commerce operations, including product sales, inventory management, payment processing, customer management, marketing, and analytics. You can also integrate with physical stores (POS systems) and sell on social media.
Q2: What are the pros and cons of Shopify compared to other e-commerce platforms (like BASE, STORES)?
A2:
Pros:
- High design flexibility (abundant themes, extensive customization)
- Extremely high functional extensibility (over 7,000 apps)
- Strong capabilities for international sales (cross-border e-commerce)
- Scalability to handle large-scale stores
- Flexible integration with external services via API
Cons:
- There’s a monthly fee, unlike some domestic free cart services.
- Advanced customization or the use of certain features might require specialized knowledge or paid apps.
- Information available in Japanese is still less abundant compared to international resources (though rapidly increasing).
[For a more detailed comparison, please refer to this article as well↓]
Q3: Can I really use it without any programming knowledge?
A3: Yes, for basic store setup and operation, no programming knowledge is required at all. Anyone can easily create a great-looking store using intuitive drag-and-drop operations and a rich variety of design templates (themes). Of course, if you have knowledge of HTML/CSS/Liquid (Shopify’s proprietary templating language), more advanced customization is possible.
Q4: Can individuals open a store with Shopify?
A4: Absolutely! Shopify can be used by anyone, from sole proprietors to corporations, regardless of business size. It’s also ideal for those looking to start small as a side business.
Q5: How much does it cost to start with Shopify?
A5: The primary costs are as follows:
- Initial CostsShopify itself doesn’t have high initial setup fees. However, if you opt for a paid theme (ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of JPY) or paid apps, those costs will apply. Acquiring a custom domain also incurs an annual fee of a few thousand JPY.
- Monthly FeeThis varies by plan, with the most affordable “Basic Plan” starting at $39 USD per month (as of May 2025, approximately ¥5,850 JPY, subject to exchange rate fluctuations). A free trial period is available.
- Various Fees
- Payment Processing Fees: A percentage of sales is charged for credit card payments, etc. (approximately 3.15% to 3.4% when using Shopify Payments).
- Transaction Fees: If you use external payment services other than Shopify Payments, Shopify will charge an additional transaction fee of 0.5% to 2.0%. (This additional fee is waived when using Shopify Payments).
Please refer to this article for more details on costs.
FAQs about Account Creation and Initial Setup
Here are answers to common questions regarding the first steps in starting with Shopify: account creation and initial setup.
Q6: What can I do with Shopify’s free trial? How long does it last?
A6: During Shopify’s free trial (typically 14 days, though the duration may change), you can build a store, add products, customize the design, and adjust various settings almost exactly as you would with a paid plan. However, you cannot actually sell products and receive sales (your store will be password-protected and not publicly accessible). Think of it as a period to thoroughly test Shopify’s usability and features.
Q7: What happens to the store I create during the free trial when I switch to a paid plan?
A7: The store settings, product information, and customized design you create during the free trial period will essentially be carried over when you switch to a paid plan. You can build out your store as if it were the live version from the beginning, and your work won’t be lost.
Q8: Can I change my store name or URL (.myshopify.com subdomain) later?
A8:
- Store Name (the name displayed in your admin): You can change this anytime in your admin dashboard under Settings > Store details.
- Initial URL (e.g.,
your-store-name.myshopify.com): Once set, this cannot be changed. However, if you set up a custom domain (as explained later), the URL visible to customers will be your preferred one (e.g.,yourbrand.com), so you don’t need to worry too much about the initial URL.
Q9: I’m worried the Shopify admin dashboard looks complicated…
A9: The Shopify admin dashboard is indeed feature-rich, but its menu structure is logical and designed to be intuitive and easy to use. While you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, most users get used to it very quickly once they start interacting with it. This article also covers how to use the admin dashboard in later sections, and the Shopify Help Center is very comprehensive.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q10: What are the most important points to focus on during the initial setup?
A10: Before launching your store, you should definitely complete the setup for basic store information (store name, contact details, currency, time zone), payment methods (enabling Shopify Payments), shipping settings (domestic shipping fees, etc.), and legal pages (such as your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy).
For more details, please refer to this article:
FAQs About Product Listing and Design
Here are common questions regarding your store’s products and appearance.
Q11: What should I be careful about when listing products? How do I create attractive product pages?
A11: Attractive product pages directly impact sales. Pay attention to the following:
- High-quality product images: Prepare clear photos from various angles and images that convey the product’s use.
- Compelling product descriptions: Don’t just list features; explain the benefits and tell a story that resonates with customers. Keyword selection, with SEO in mind, is also crucial.
- Clear variant settings: Set up options like size and color so customers can choose without hesitation.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q12: How do I set up variants (like size, color, etc.)?
A12: You can easily set this up in the “Variants” section of the Shopify product registration screen by entering option names (e.g., “Size,” “Color”) and their respective values (e.g., “S, M, L,” “Red, Blue, White”). You can also set specific prices, SKUs, inventory levels, and images for each variant.
Q13: How do I choose a Shopify theme (design template)? What’s the difference between free and paid themes?
A13:
- Key Selection Points: Consider your brand image, the products you sell, necessary features, customization flexibility, mobile responsiveness, loading speed, and user reviews when choosing.
- Free Themes: Shopify offers high-quality free themes that cover basic functionalities. They are recommended for beginners or those looking to minimize costs.
- Paid Themes: These often come with more advanced features, sophisticated designs, and dedicated support. Many are specialized for specific industries. Prices typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of JPY.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q14: How much can I customize the theme myself?
A14: With Shopify’s theme editor, you can intuitively perform tasks like changing your logo, adjusting color schemes, selecting fonts, and adding, editing, or rearranging sections (content blocks), all without any coding knowledge. If you have knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Liquid, you can customize even more precisely.
Q15: Do I have to create my own logo and banner images?
A15: Yes, you’ll generally need to prepare your own store logo, banner images, and product images. You can easily create stylish images using free design tools like Canva, even without specialized knowledge. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a professional designer.
FAQs About Payments and Shipping
These are crucial settings to ensure customers can make purchases smoothly and products are delivered reliably.
Q16: What types of credit card payments can I use with Shopify, and how do I set them up? What is Shopify Payments?
A16: The easiest and most recommended way to accept credit card payments on Shopify is by using Shopify Payments, Shopify’s own integrated payment service. By simply activating it, you can accept major credit card payments like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay, all at once. Setup is completed in just a few steps from your Shopify admin under “Settings” > “Payments.” While other external payment gateways are available, using Shopify Payments offers the benefit of waiving additional transaction fees.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q17: Can I integrate convenience store payments, bank transfers, or cash on delivery?
A17: Yes, you can.
- Convenience Store Payments: It’s common to integrate these via apps that work with Shopify Payments (e.g., KOMOJU) or by contracting with an external payment gateway service (e.g., SB Payment Service) and connecting through a Shopify app.
- Bank Transfers & Cash on Delivery: You can set these up directly from your Shopify admin under “Settings” > “Payments” > “Manual payment methods.” However, please note that payment confirmation and shipping processes for these methods must be handled manually.
Q18: How much are the payment processing fees?
A18: If you use Shopify Payments, the online domestic credit card processing fees typically range from 3.15% to 3.4%, depending on your plan. If you use external payment services, be aware that in addition to that service’s fees, Shopify will also charge an additional transaction fee (0.5% to 2.0%).
Q19: How do I set up shipping fees? Can I set complex rates by region or weight?
A19: Shopify offers very flexible shipping settings. You can set flat rates nationwide, rates based on purchase amount (e.g., free shipping over ¥X), rates based on weight, and rates specific to delivery areas (e.g., by prefecture). You can configure these settings under “Settings” > “Shipping and delivery.”
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q20: Can I ship internationally? How do I set that up?
A20: Yes, Shopify is a strong platform for international shipping (cross-border e-commerce). You’ll need to add overseas countries or regions as shipping areas in your shipping settings and set international shipping rates. You’ll also need to consider handling customs duties and import taxes, and prepare necessary documents like invoices. Utilizing features like Shopify Markets or shipping integration apps that specialize in cross-border e-commerce can be very helpful.
FAQs About Store Operation and Customer Acquisition
Once your store is open, the next phase is to attract customers and grow sales.
Q21: I’ve launched my store, but no customers are coming. What should I do?
A21: Simply creating a store won’t necessarily bring in customers. You need to actively engage in customer acquisition efforts. Key methods include SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media marketing, blogging (content marketing), paid advertising (Google Ads, social media ads), and email marketing. Start by trying each one.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Shopify Store Security Measures: Key Points for Safe Operation [2025 Latest – Comprehensive Guide]
Q22: Is Shopify’s blog feature effective for SEO? How should I use it?
A22: Yes, it’s highly effective. By publishing helpful blog articles related to keywords your target customers search for, you can increase organic traffic from search engines and reach potential customers. This allows you to attract customers through a wider range of keywords that product pages alone can’t target.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q23: Can I integrate with social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) to attract customers?
A23: Yes, Shopify offers robust integration features with Instagram and Facebook, allowing you to sell products directly on social media and run ads. Utilizing social media is crucial for growing your store’s fan base and spreading word-of-mouth.
Q24: How can I set up coupons and sales?
A24: From the “Discounts” section in your Shopify admin, you can easily create and manage discount codes (e.g., “10% OFF coupon”) and automatic discounts that apply under specific conditions (e.g., “Free shipping on purchases of 2 items or more”).
Q25: How do I manage customers? What are the tips for increasing repeat customers?
A25: In the “Customers” section of your Shopify admin, you can view purchase history and contact information. You can segment customers to send targeted newsletters, or implement loyalty programs and member-exclusive benefits to foster repeat purchases. Providing excellent customer service is also very important.
FAQs on Legal, Tax, and Other Operational Aspects
Here’s essential knowledge about legal matters, taxes, and other operational aspects for running your store with peace of mind.
Q26: What is the Specified Commercial Transactions Act (特定商取引法に基づく表記)? What should I write and where?
A26: For businesses conducting mail-order sales in Japan, the Specified Commercial Transactions Act mandates that the seller’s name (or company name), address, phone number, sales price, shipping fees, payment methods, and return conditions must be clearly stated on the website. It’s common to create this page using a template in your Shopify admin under “Settings” > “Policies” and then place a link to it in your footer.
Q27: Is a privacy policy necessary?
A27: Yes, it is mandatory. You must create and publish a privacy policy that clearly states how customer personal information (name, address, email address, etc.) is collected, used, and protected. Shopify provides templates for this as well, but be sure to review and revise the content to match your company’s actual practices.
Q28: How do I set up taxes (like consumption tax) for my Shopify store?
A28: If you’re selling within Japan, you need to set up consumption tax. In your Shopify admin, under “Settings” > “Taxes and duties,” if Japan is registered, the system is usually set to automatically calculate 10% consumption tax. Also, confirm whether prices are displayed as tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive. For international sales, you’ll need to consider the tax system of the destination country. If you’re unsure, consult a tax accountant or other professional.
Q29: Should I use a custom domain? How do I set it up?
A29: Yes, it’s highly recommended. Instead of an initial domain like yourstore.myshopify.com, using an original custom domain like yourbrand.com significantly enhances your store's credibility and brand image, and can also have a positive impact on SEO. You can purchase a new domain directly within Shopify or connect an existing one.
For more details, please refer to this article:
Q30: What kind of support does Shopify offer? Can I ask questions in Japanese?
A30: Shopify provides 24/7 chat and email support in English. Additionally, the Japanese Help Center is very comprehensive, and many questions can be resolved there. Japanese email support is also available. Furthermore, there’s an active Shopify Community (forum) where you can exchange information with other users.
Troubleshooting FAQs for When You’re Stuck
To avoid panic if a problem arises during operation:
Q31: I can’t log in to my admin dashboard. What should I do?
A31: First, double-check that your email address and password are correct. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it via the “Forgot password?” link. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try clearing your browser’s cache, using a different browser, or checking Shopify’s status page for any reported outages. If all else fails, contact Shopify Support.
Q32: My store isn’t displaying correctly (design is broken, errors appear, etc.).
A32: Recent changes (theme customization, app installation, etc.) might be the cause. First, try to undo your most recent actions. Use the theme preview function or temporarily disable apps to pinpoint the source of the problem. If the issue persists, contact the theme developer, app developer, or Shopify Support.
Q33: I encountered an error during order processing.
A33: Check the content of the error message and search for it in the Shopify Help Center. If it’s a payment-related error, the issue might be with the payment service. If it’s inventory-related, it could be a problem with your inventory settings.
Q34: My store has issues after installing an app.
A34: First, try temporarily disabling or uninstalling that app to see if the problem resolves. If it does, the issue might be with the app itself or a compatibility problem with other apps or your theme. Contact the app developer’s support.
Q35: Where can I get more detailed information or specific, personalized support?
A35:
- Shopify Help Center: The most comprehensive and official source of information.
- Shopify Community: Other Shopify users and experts may answer your questions.
- Shopify Support: You can contact them directly via email or chat (in English).
- Shopify Experts: You can also consult with or hire Shopify-certified professionals (development agencies or consultants) for a fee.
Summary: Resolve Your Questions and Confidently Operate Your Shopify Store!
Running an online store with Shopify is full of possibilities, but you’ll also likely face various questions and challenges. However, by researching and solving them one by one, your knowledge and skills will surely improve, and your store will grow.
We hope this “Shopify Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Solutions Summary” helps alleviate some of your worries and contributes to a smooth and enjoyable store operation. Shopify is a fantastic platform where you can grow as you learn. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
Shopify is here to fully support the moment your “?” turns into a “!”.
Why not start by actually experiencing Shopify with a 14-day free trial, learning as you resolve your questions with this FAQ guide in hand?
Start your Shopify 14-day free trial now and become an e-commerce pro while resolving your questions!