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Goal guide

Create an Online Store — Tools for your first shop

Start with a small product collection and a complete buying experience. Choose a platform around your inventory, payments, and fulfilment needs.

Editorial shortlist · See methodology

Start here

Start with a small product collection. Shopify is worth exploring when you need a storefront, inventory, and order management together. For a course or download funnel, see the digital-products guide.

Before you pay: Add a sample product and test a purchase before launch. Check regional payment support, shipping, returns, subscription costs, and any app fees.

How this shortlist was put together

Compare your options

These are alternatives or tools for different parts of the job. You do not need every one.

For a product-based store

Shopify

Shopify connects your storefront with checkout, inventory, and orders so you can manage the buying experience in one platform.

Best for: A store selling a collection of physical products

Connected storefront and checkoutInventory and order managementThemes and app integrationsApps and themes may add costsPayment options vary by country
Paid plans. Include payment fees, any transaction fees, and theme or app subscriptions in your budget.
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Related goals

Sell digital productsStart an online businessImprove email marketing