Understanding how Shopify functions: Is it similar to ETSY?

[namethemepuzzle]

Is shopify like ETSY where you have a shop on ETSY?

[Moira]

Hey @namethemepuzzle,

Shopify works differently from Etsy. Allow me to explain how!

First of all, Shopify is an eCommerce platform, designed for people to set up and grow their online stores (check out some successful stores built with Shopify). It has a whole bunch of powerful eCommerce tools and apps to help you do this. You create your very own eCommerce website, upload products, and track customer orders. It’s an easy way to build an online store.

Etsy is a marketplace where you create an account and can then sell through it alongside lots of other Etsy sellers. It promotes itself as “a creative marketplace” and only sells handmade, vintage, or craft goods. Overall, Shopify is the better choice for online selling. It’s more scalable, more flexible, and offers better eCommerce tools than Etsy. 

As this is your first post in the Shopify Community I would like to welcome you! I would recommend reading our guide on getting support from the Shopify Community here so you are best equipped when looking for support through these forum boards. We also have this great Introduction to Shopify section of our Help Center and a YouTube Channel which is jam-packed with how-to guides to help you get set up faster. What is it that you are thinking of selling with Shopify? 

[ONYII]

I have no idea of what to sell yet ,please help and suggest for me. And guild me more

[Moira]

Hey @ONYII,

It’s great to hear you are interested in using Shopify for your business. Are you hoping to sell your own handmade goods? If so, I’d love to hear more about your products so I can share some fantastic resources to help you get started here on Shopify.

Finding profitable, in-demand products to sell online can be challenging. Use these 12 strategies to find trending products that customers want to buy:

• Find a Product to Sell: 12 Strategies for Finding Your First Profitable Product

[ONYII]

Thank you so much! I have no product of mine to sell. I'm a novice in this.... someone just mentioned about shopify to me without further explanation.  I got to search on net. But dont know where to start. How the dropshipping is done and other things. I'm living in zaragoza,Spain.  Wish I can learn because I'm much interested.  But I need personal touch on this, to break everything down for me in an easy way for my understanding.  I can drop my whatsapp or facebook contact if you permit me . I need to be guilded serious I want to know more ,from the start. Thanks

[Moira]

@ONYII 

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product using the dropshipping model, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. As a result, the seller doesn’t have to handle the product directly! You can learn more about this business model right here:

• What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work? (2022

We also have a course that will provide you step by step instructions on setting up a successful dropshipping business:

• Dropshipping Course: How to Start a Dropshipping Business | Shopify

Don't forget you can ask us anything anytime here or through our live support.

All the best,