Shopify Free Trial 2026: The Truth About the $1/Month Deal (A 90-Day Launch Plan)

You’ve heard you can start a Shopify store for free. You’re ready to build your empire. But you have one simple question, and the internet is giving you a dozen confusing answers.

What is the Shopify free trial in 2026?

Let’s get the answer straight, right now.

There are two “trials.” The one you think you want, and the one you actually need.

1. The “Look Around” Trial: This is a 3-day free trial. It does not require a credit card. It’s for exploring the dashboard.
2. The “Launch” Deal: This is a promotional offer where you get your first 3 months for $1 per month. This is the real trial.

Here’s where it really matters… Three days isn’t enough time to build a business. Ninety days is.

This guide is not just another technical review. We are China Supply Chain and Fulfillment Experts at Runtoagent. We don’t just help people use Shopify; we help DTC brands, platform sellers, and creator brands launch successful businesses on it.

We will show you exactly what the Shopify $1 trial is, what the “catch” is, and (most importantly) how to use those 90 days to build a real, launch-ready business with a complete supply chain.

What is the Shopify Free Trial in 2026? The Answer-First

Let’s break down the offers so you can make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• The 3-Day Trial: Good for a quick “test drive.” 100% free, no credit card needed. You can’t make sales.
• The $1/Month Deal: This is the best Shopify deal available. You pay $1 per month for your first 3 months (total $3). A credit card is required. You can build your store and make sales.
• Expired Trials: The old 14-day, 30-day, or Shopify 90-day trial (the free 90-day version) are no longer available. Be wary of any article still promoting them.

The 3-Day “Look Around” Trial (No Credit Card)

This is Shopify’s standard, risk-free Shopify trial. If you’re completely new to e-commerce and just want to see what the Shopify dashboard looks like, this is for you.

You can do almost anything a paid user can, except launch:

• Build your store’s homepage
• Upload your logo and change themes
• Add products to your catalog
• Explore the app store

After 3 days, your store is paused. You can’t make sales or go live until you choose a paid plan. It’s a “window shopping” experience.

The $1/Month for 3 Months “Launch” Deal (The Real Trial)

This is the offer designed for serious entrepreneurs.

Let’s be perfectly clear on the terms, as this is where most people get confused: It is NOT “$1 for 3 months.” It is “$1 per month for 3 consecutive months.”

You will be billed $1 when you sign up, $1 for the second month, and $1 for the third month. Your total investment to get a fully live, operational, and sales-ready Shopify store for 90 days is $3.

But that’s only half the story… The $3 cost isn’t the benefit. The 90 days are the benefit. This 90-day window is your golden opportunity to build your entire business foundation—sourcing, branding, and fulfillment—before you start paying full price for the platform.

Once your trial ends, check our full Shopify pricing 2026 breakdown to understand the real monthly costs and hidden processing fees.

Is the Shopify 90-Day Free Trial Still Available?

No. You will see blogs and videos promising a 90-day free trial. These are outdated. This offer was a temporary promotion that has long since expired.

Common Mistake Don’t waste time hunting for expired “free” deals. The 3-day trial is too short to do anything meaningful. The $1/month deal is the official, current, and most valuable offer on the table. Your time and energy are better spent executing your 90-day launch plan than trying to save $3.

Shopify’s own free-trial help article confirms that you can test all major plans before committing to a subscription.

How to Sign Up: A Step-by-Step Guide

Signing up is the easy part. Here’s how to ensure you get the correct $1/month deal.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Trial (The $1 Deal)

Navigate to the official Shopify promotional page for the $1/month deal. Be careful not to accidentally click the standard “3-day free trial” link if you plan to build a real business.

Step 2: The Sign-Up Process

You will go through a standard onboarding questionnaire. Shopify will ask for your email, a password, and your store name. It will then ask questions about your business, such as what you plan to sell and your current revenue.

Let’s make this practical… Your answers to these questions do not lock you into anything. Shopify uses this for its own data. Don’t overthink it.

Is a Credit Card Required for the Shopify Trial?

This is a critical PAA (People Also Ask) question, and the answer depends on the trial:

• For the 3-Day “Look Around” Trial: NO, a credit card is not required.
• For the $1/Month for 3 Months “Launch” Deal: YES, a credit card is required. You must provide payment information to be billed $1.

This is the single biggest point of friction, but it’s not a “catch.” It’s a filter. It separates the “window shoppers” from the “business builders.”

Once your free trial is active, follow our Shopify website guide to design a professional storefront and convert your trial into real sales.

What is the “Catch” with the Shopify $1 Trial?

This is the most common question we hear as supply chain partners. New sellers are rightfully skeptical.

Here’s the simple truth: There is no “catch.”

The “catch” is simply that you have to pick a plan after 3 months. The $1/month deal is a heavily subsidized marketing cost for Shopify. Their goal is to get you, the entrepreneur, to invest 90 days into building your store. They know that if you spend 90 days setting up your business, you are highly likely to convert into a full-paying customer.

This is a win-win. They get a committed customer, and you get 90 days of runway for just $3.

What Happens After 3 Months? (Understanding the Plans)

After your 3-month promotional period ends, your store will automatically roll over to the standard plan you selected during sign-up (usually the “Basic” plan).

At this point, you’ll begin paying the standard monthly fee. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical plans:

• Basic: Best for new businesses. Includes all core e-commerce features.
• Shopify: Best for growing businesses. Offers lower transaction fees and better reporting.
• Advanced: Best for scaling. Includes advanced, custom reporting and the lowest transaction fees.

What Limitations Does the Trial Have?

During the 3-day trial, you cannot make sales.

During the $1/month “Launch” Deal, you have virtually no limitations. You are on a full, paid plan. You can:

• Make unlimited sales
• Access the Shopify App Store
• Install paid themes
• Set up all payment gateways

You are, for all intents and purposes, a full Shopify merchant from Day 1.

The 90-Day Launch Plan: Don’t Just Build a Store, Build a Business

This is the most important section of this guide.

Here’s where it really matters… Most new sellers waste their 90-day trial. They spend 89 days perfecting a logo, agonizing over theme colors, and writing an “About Us” page. On Day 90, they make their first sale and realize they have no product, no supplier, and no way to ship.

As Global Fulfillment Experts who have onboarded over 500+ e-commerce brands, we can tell you: Your website is a storefront. Your supply chain is your business.

We developed this “90-Day Launch-Ready Plan” to force you to focus on what matters.

Pro Tip from Runtoagent Based on our 8 years of supply chain experience, we can state this fact: The top 10% of successful Shopify sellers spend 80% of their trial period on operations (Sourcing, Logistics) and only 20% on web design. The bottom 90% do the exact opposite.

Weeks 1-4: The Foundation (Business Ops, Not Web Design)

• Objective: To legally and financially set up your business and, most importantly, lock in your product and supplier.
• Key Results:
  • [ ] (Legal): Register your business entity (e.g., LLC). (Don’t use your personal name).
  • [ ] (Finance): Open a business bank account. (Do not mix personal/business funds).
  • [ ] (Sourcing): This is your #1 priority. You must identify your flagship product and find a supplier.
  • [ ] (Our Process): We recommend you contact Runtoagent immediately. Our sourcing team in China will take your product idea, audit 3-5 potential factories, and return a full Sourcing Report—all within 7-10 days.
  • [ ] (Website): Set up your basic Shopify sign up. Do not waste time on themes. Just get the store active.

Weeks 5-8: The Engine (Sourcing, Samples & Branding)

• Objective: To move from “idea” to “physical product.” To verify quality and lock in your brand identity.
• Key Results:
  • [ ] (Sample Verification): Order samples. Do not ship them directly to yourself.
  • [ ] (Our Methodology): Ship your samples to the Runtoagent warehouse in Shenzhen. Our team will perform our 3-Stage QC Process:
    1. Arrival Inspection (IQC): We check for obvious flaws.
    2. Function Test: We (or a lab) test the product’s actual function.
    3. Video/Photo Report: We send you a detailed report so you can approve quality before you pay for bulk.
  • [ ] (Branding): While samples are in review, finalize your packaging design (box, inserts, thank-you cards). We can source these locally in China to be kitted with your product.
  • [ ] (Website): Now you can start adding professional photos (from your approved sample) and building out your product pages.

Weeks 9-12: The Fuel (Fulfillment Setup & Pre-Launch)

• Objective: To have your inventory stocked, your fulfillment system integrated, and your marketing ready before Day 90.
• Key Results:
  • [ ] (Production): Place your first, low-MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) bulk order. We help our clients negotiate this, often starting at 100-200 units.
  • [ ] (Fulfillment): Your supplier ships this bulk order to the Runtoagent warehouse. We inventory it, sync it with our WMS, and connect it directly to your new Shopify store.
  • [ ] (Marketing): Your store is now live, stocked with real inventory, and ready for its first sale. You can now confidently turn on your TikTok ads.
  • [ ] (Evolve): When your $1/month trial ends, you won’t be in a panic. You will be a fully operational business, ready to scale.

Trial Strategies for Your Business Model

Not everyone uses the 90-day trial the same way. As a partner who services all types of sellers, here is our expert advice for your specific business model.

For DTC & Private Label Sellers

This 90-day plan is your business. Your goal isn’t just to “dropship”; it’s to build a brand.

• Your 90-Day Priority: Custom Molds & Packaging.
• How We Help: Don’t waste 90 days trying to find a factory on Alibaba that might be able to make your custom product. Use our Private Label service. We take your design, manage the mold-making process (30-45 days), and source your custom-printed branded boxes (15-20 days). This entire complex process fits perfectly inside the $1/month trial window.

Case Study: The DTC Skincare Brand

• Client: A US-based DTC skincare brand.
• Problem: They designed a perfect store in their 90-day trial, but their private label packaging supplier had a 5,000-unit MOQ and a 60-day lead time. They were stuck.
• Runtoagent Solution: On Day 15 of their trial, we stepped in. Our sourcing team used our internal database (200+ factories audited annually) to find 3 qualified factories willing to accept a 300-unit MOQ within 3 days.
• Result: We managed production and branded packaging, had their first batch of inventory inspected and stocked in our Shenzhen warehouse by Day 60. They were live and shipping sales 30 days before their trial even ended.

For Platform Sellers

You already have a successful business. Your goal is diversification and building an “off-platform” asset.

• Your 90-Day Priority: Inventory Integration.
• How We Help: Don’t create more work. Use the 90 days to link your Shopify store to your existing supply chain. Our WMS (Warehouse Management System) can integrate with your Amazon FBA/FBM, TikTok Shop, and new Shopify store. We become your central fulfillment hub, pulling inventory from one pool for all your channels.

For Influencer & Creator Brands

You have the audience, but no product. Speed and branding are everything.

• Your 90-Day Priority: Small-Batch Merch & POD.
• How We Help: Standard POD apps (like Printify) are slow and low-quality. Use the 90 days to do it right. We offer a “Hybrid POD” solution. We’ll manage a small-batch production run (e.g., 200 custom-designed hoodies) and store them for you. When you get a sale, we pack your high-quality, pre-made merch (not a cheap print-on-demand blank) in your branded packaging.

For Agencies & Service Providers

You build stores for clients. Your reputation depends on the partners you recommend.

• Your 90-Day Priority: Vetting Your Fulfillment Partner.
• How We Help: Use the $1 deal to create a development store for free. Connect it to our system. Test our dashboard. Send us a “test” product. See our speed and professionalism firsthand. For 90 days, you can fully audit us as your potential backend partner before you ever bring us a client.

How to Set Up Shopify Free Shipping

A common tactical question is, “Can I set up shopify free shipping during my trial?”

The answer is yes, absolutely. During your $1/month trial, you have full access to shipping controls.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Free Shipping Rates

1. Navigate to Shipping: From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Shipping and delivery.
2. Manage Rates: Under “General shipping rates,” click Manage.
3. Create Shipping Zone: Create a new zone for the countries you want to offer free shipping to (e.g., “United States”).
4. Add Rate: Within that zone, click Add rate.
5. Set Price: Select “Set up your own rates,” name the rate “Free Shipping,” and set the “Price” to $0.00.
6. Add Conditions (Optional): You can also add conditions, such as “Free shipping on orders over $50.”

The Hidden Cost of “Free Shipping”

Setting up free shipping is easy. Offering it profitably is hard.

Pro Tip from Runtoagent Based on our logistics experience, “Free Shipping” is the #1 financial trap that causes new sellers to fail after their 90-day trial.

• Vague Statement: “Free shipping can improve conversion rates.”
• First-hand Experience: “In our experience with 500+ clients, we find that free shipping improves conversions by an average of 18%, but it also cuts profit margins by 25% if the cost isn’t accounted for.”

Before you set that shipping price to $0, you must know your “Landed Cost.” At Runtoagent, our 3-Stage QC Process isn’t just about quality; it’s about data. We measure your product’s exact weight and volume. This means before you sell a single item, we can tell you that shipping this product to the US via our partner lines (like YunExpress, 4PX) will cost you precisely $4.82.

Don’t guess your shipping costs. Use your 90-day trial to contact us for a free fulfillment cost analysis.

Why Most Shopify Trials Fail (And How to Guarantee Your Success)

But that’s only half the story… The vast majority of sellers who sign up for the $1/month deal still fail.

They don’t fail because Shopify is a bad platform. They fail because they misunderstand what it means to build a business.

Common Mistake The Most Common Failure: Spending 90% of the trial on “store design” and only 10% on “supply chain.”

Sellers spend 90 days obsessing over logos, testing fonts, and writing the perfect “About Us” page. On day 91, they get their first sale and panic. They realize:

1. They don’t know where to buy the product.
2. They don’t know the product’s quality.
3. They have no idea how to ship it to the customer profitably.

Mistake 1: Wasting 90 Days on Themes and Logos

Your website is important, but it is not your business. Your business is product and logistics. A beautiful website selling a low-quality product with 45-day shipping will only accelerate your failure.

Mistake 2: Finding a Supplier After Your First Sale

This is the fatal error. By finding a supplier on a marketplace like AliExpress after you get an order, you are outsourcing your brand’s entire reputation to an anonymous third party you’ve never spoken to.

The Runtoagent Solution: Launch-Ready in 90 Days

We ensure our clients use the 90-day trial to build a complete business system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s clear up all the remaining PAA questions we found on Google about the shopify trial.

Can you make sales on the Shopify free trial?

It depends on the trial:

• On the 3-Day Free Trial: NO. You cannot enable payment gateways or make your store live.
• On the $1/Month for 3 Months Deal: YES. You are on a full-featured, paid plan. You can make unlimited sales.

How to extend the Shopify free trial?

You cannot extend the 3-day free trial. It pauses automatically. If you need more time (and you do), the only way to “extend” is to upgrade to the $1/month for 3 months offer.

What are the best Shopify deals?

Frankly, the $1/month for 3 months offer is the only one that matters and is the best of all Shopify deals. Do not trust sites promoting expired “6 months free” or “90-day free trial” offers.

What happens if I cancel my $1 trial early?

You can cancel at any time. You will only be charged $1 for the month(s) you have used. If you cancel in the first month, your total cost is $1.

Your 90-Day Countdown Starts Now. Are You Ready?

Your Shopify free trial period is the most valuable (and cheapest) asset you have as an entrepreneur.

Don’t waste it.

The 3-day trial is for looking. The 90-day, $1/month deal is for building.

Use those 90 days wisely. Build your brand, lock in your supply chain, and set up your fulfillment. By the time you start paying Shopify’s full monthly fee, you shouldn’t be starting your business; you should be scaling it.