If you’ve been researching Shopify to start your online store, you’ve probably stumbled into a confusing maze of conflicting information. Some articles mention a 14-day free trial, while others talk about a 3-month deal for $1/month. Let’s cut through the noise and explain what’s really going on with Shopify trials in 2025. Spoiler: The 14-day trial is gone, but there’s a better alternative.
The 14-Day Trial: A Thing of the Past
For years, Shopify offered a 14-day free trial, giving entrepreneurs two weeks to build their store, add products, and explore features without paying a dime. This was a popular option for small businesses testing the platform. However, in late 2023, Shopify quietly phased out this trial and replaced it with a shorter 3-day free trial paired with a 3-month $1/month promotion 110.
Why the change? Shopify shifted its strategy to prioritize longer, low-cost access over short free trials. The goal? To give users more time to fully set up their stores and start selling before committing to higher monthly fees. As one Shopify representative explained:
“We want entrepreneurs to focus on building their business, not racing against a 14-day clock.”
If you’re still seeing references to the 14-day trial online, those articles are outdated. Let’s focus on what’s available today.
The Current Offer: 3 Days Free + 3 Months for $1/Month
Shopify’s 2025 promotion is a hybrid model:
3-Day Free Trial: Build your store for free with no credit card required.
3 Months at $1/Month: After the initial trial, pay just $1/month for three months to keep your store active.
This means you get 93 days (3 days free + 90 days at $1/month) to launch your business for a total cost of $3. Compared to the old 14-day trial, this gives you 6x more time at a minimal cost.
What’s Included?
During these 93 days, you get full access to Shopify’s features:
- Store Builder: Drag-and-drop tools, customizable themes, and mobile optimization.
- Unlimited Products: List as many items as you want.
- Payment & Shipping: Set up gateways like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or Cash on Delivery.
- Marketing Tools: Email campaigns, SEO tools, and social media integrations.
- 24/7 Support: Get help anytime via chat, email, or phone.
Unlike the old 14-day trial, you can start selling immediately during the $1/month period. No disabled checkouts or restrictions.
How to Claim the 3-Month $1 Deal
Here’s how to activate the offer:
- 3-Day Free Trial: Get started for free—no credit card required!
- 3 Months at $1/Month: After the trial, keep your store active for just $1 per month for the next 3 months.
- That’s 93 days (3 days free + 90 days at $1/month) to build and grow your business for a total cost of only $3. Compared to the previous 14-day trial, this gives you 6x more time at an incredibly low price!
Pro Tip: Use the trial to test premium features like abandoned cart recovery or third-party apps. You’ll have full functionality without paying full price.
Why the 3-Month Deal Is Better Than the Old 14-Day Trial
Let’s compare:
| Feature | 14-Day Trial | 3-Month $1 Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $3 total |
| Selling Enabled | No | Yes |
| Access to Apps | Limited | Full access |
| Time to Build | 14 days | 93 days |
The new model is a win for beginners. For less than the price of a coffee, you get months to refine your store, run marketing campaigns, and even process real orders.
Alternatives for Extended Trials
If you need even more time, Shopify offers niche programs:
- 120-Day Trial for Black-Owned Businesses: Partnering with Operation HOPE, Shopify provides a 4-month free trial to Black entrepreneurs in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. 36.
- Partner Program: Developers and agencies can create unlimited test stores (but can’t process real sales).
What Happens After the Trial Ends?
After 93 days, your plan auto-renews at the standard rate:
- Basic Shopify: $39/month
- Shopify: $105/month
- Advanced: $399/month
If you’re not ready to pay, you can:
- Pause Your Store: Use the Pause & Build plan ($9/month) to keep your site online but disable checkout.
- Cancel: Close your store entirely. Shopify saves your data, so you can reopen later.
Common Myths Debunked
- “The 14-day trial is hidden!”: No. It’s officially discontinued. Any links claiming otherwise are scams.
- “I can extend the trial for free!”: Shopify rarely grants extensions. Your best bet is the $1 deal.
- “This offer isn’t available in my country!”: The $1/month promotion works globally, though billing may vary by currency (e.g., €1 in Europe).
Final Thoughts
While the 14-day trial is gone, Shopify’s 2025 offer is a smarter deal for serious entrepreneurs. For $3, you get three months to build, test, and launch your store with no pressure. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts or scaling a dropshipping empire, this extended runway reduces risk and lets you focus on growth.
