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Re: SHOPIFY IS TOO HARD TO FIGURE OUT!!

Is there a simple way to understand Shopify?

dcalciferol
Tourist
3 0 21

I note that a lot of people are asking this same question I have. 

I ended up cancelling my first attempt at Shopify, and found the difficulties of selling through Amazon were at least surmountable.   PLEASE give me a simple way to figure out Shopify.  

Shopify gives tons of links that are like a snowstorm of information, but nothing that actually helps me!   

 

If I am missing something that provides the simple (yes, SIMPLE!) information I need, instead of even more stuff that just talks ABOUT features without actually giving me specific, useful, HOW TO  information, then please let me know.  

PLEASE STOP WITH YOUR INFORMATION SNOWSTORM!!!   JUST KEEP IT SIMPLE!  EVEN TRYING TO ASK A SIMPLE QUESTION MAKES ME NEED TO CORRECT ERRORS, AND "CHOOSE A LABEL".   Are you trying to make me stick this simple question into your junkmail box?

 

Thank you.

Replies 25 (25)

Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi @dcalciferol 

 

Thank you for joining us in the Shopify Community.

 

I apologize you haven't received the level of support you were hoping for. There is always a learning curve when using new platforms, and we would love to help you. 

 

That being said, it doesn't look like you have asked a specific question here. Can you please elaborate on what specific issue you are having? That will make it much easier to support you. 

Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
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dcalciferol
Tourist
3 0 21

Thank you for replying. Problem is... How can I give you a SPECIFIC question, when I cannot get past the first step of setting up a Shopify store? Here is an example of one of your "how to" pages, but when you read it, please note, it talks ABOUT things, but does not tell me exactly what to do.

If I do not understand what to do, how can I give you any specific question? I did ask for guidance for the specific steps to take to stet up a store, but you have not given me any guidance, and I cannot find any, only this vague page: https://www.shopify.com/blog/start-online-store

 

Is there not any place where there is very basic, helpful, SPECIFIC "how-to" guidance?

 

If Shopify has a problem, it is that Amazon (which is also not easy to set up!) is easier to get started on. 

I need step-by-step guidance, not Shopify's talking ABOUT the great things that can be done on its platform! 

 

Surely, I am not the only one unable to ask the "specific question" you want, because I cannot get past Step 1.

Thank you

Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi, @dcalciferol 

 

I can definitely see how the provided article is confusing. The issue is that is a piece of blog content, rather than a step-by-step guide, although it was marketed as such. 

Instead, I would direct you to our Help Center which is much more useful. If you find written examples more useful you can use our Launch Checklist. However, if you're like me and prefer video explanations, I recommend utilizing our Dropshipping 101 course. The course is 100% free and walks you through each step. It's roughly 2 hours in length.

 

I hope that helps! In the meantime, if you get stuck along the way, you can reach us by phone by requesting a call-back and one of our support advisors can walk you through each step! 

Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
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JoesIdeas
Shopify Partner
2446 225 662

@dcalciferol I used to help a lot of people get set up on Shopify, here's what I've found to be most useful:

 

1) Once you have your store access, go through every page in the admin area and experiment to see how things work (create a product, collection, etc then see how it looks on your site).

 

2) If you run into challenges along the way, do a google search. If you can't find the answer, then post the question in the forums here.

 

3) I've seen many people set up their store without any technical knowledge, you just have to invest some time. If you have the budget you can hire an expert (experts.shopify.com) to do anything you need. If you're on a tight budget, I recommend setting up everything you can on your own, then create a document with bullet points on the remaining things you'd like to hire out.

 

I've seen people start and launch their entire store without hiring, so it's definitely doable. I think your frustration might be holding you back (if you're writing in caps it likely means your angry / yelling, if that's the case, remember that anger is not useful when trying to overcome a problem, keep a clear head and positive mentality and you will eventually overcome the hurdles you're facing).

 

Another idea, if you're looking for more of a walkthrough guide instead of information, try Youtube. That can be a good way to see how to do things step by step and with visuals.

 

In my opinion, the simplest way to learn Shopify is to open your store, load some products, then do a test order. You can do that within an hour. Don't worry about things being perfect. From there start adjusting things as you want, and learning what all the settings do.

 

Anything you want to do in a Shopify store is accessible and with solutions online, you don't need to do any coding, just configuring settings pretty much.

• Creator of Order Automator [auto tag, fulfill, connect FBA, daily jobs]
• Co-Creator of Product Automator [suite of features for products / collections]
• Shopify developer for 10+ years, store owner for 7 years
• Blog: Shopify Tips, Guides, and Automation Tactics
Rob1964
Tourist
5 0 10

It sounds like you're trying to speak to a crazy person. That is condescending. For me  Shopify is a failed experiment. I had a store linked to social media but every sale I made was based on my personal interaction only, Shopify added nothing to my sales process or business. It added *no leads. Bigger problem though is that there was no human support for set up. And its not an easy set up. 

ufboutique
Visitor
2 0 1

That is what shopify is - a website store with no marketing. No one should ever open an online store if they do not have plans to market the store anywhere period end of story. You want free marketing too without lifting a finger or paying? Try eBay, Amazon and other 3rd Party marketplaces.

dcalciferol
Tourist
3 0 21
Thank you for your reply. It is reasonable. But no marketing comes
free. Amazon really chews up the marketing budget.
Rob1964
Tourist
5 0 10

I see you have had a store for 7 years. Please provide a link. I'd like to check it out.

Not applicable

I agree, it would be much better if the important things like customizing your store and adding products were simple like they said it was, but it isn't and you have to scramble around looking for youtube videos on how to do it.  If you need help you have to pay for it and that's before you even have your store set up.  I'm dumping it.  My account has been inactive for 3 months because it's so frustrating and the way it's set up is too complicated.  They could, at the very least help you set up your store and start generating some kind of currency before having to pay them for help.  If I want a professional site built I'll spend the money on it but this was supposed to be for anyone to set it up.  It's just another way for them to make money.  I'm out. 

NeedHelpwthis
Visitor
1 0 8

I completely agree. Shopify needs to STREAMLINE everything. I could not agree with you more. I've used WIX for many years and I can remember grasping things A LOT quicker and easier from the beginning. I agree with not even knowing where to start. Shopify, Wix has taken a better approach at considering their many types of customers... ones who are very advanced to ones who know nothing and still want to get started. Having never used  Shopify, I've spent hours attempting to help a friend use the platform and its just not user friendly at all. I'm trying. Dcalciferol, I get it.

Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi, @NeedHelpwthis 

Thanks for joining the conversation!

Your feedback is absolutely important, and we use it to make necessary changes to the platform! 

That being said, in order to provide your valuable feedback to our team I will need specifics. Can you provide what specifically you find challenging when using the platform? The more information the better!

Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
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- Was your question answered? Mark it as an Accepted Solution
- To learn more visit the Shopify Help Center or the Shopify Blog
Rob1964
Tourist
5 0 10
'And we're back.'

Just look at the alienation of this communication - it's not a string
including my original comment that I would need to reference for the
response you're requesting. This UX is an example of the problem.

Also, needing to type above a specified line is a problem solved 20 years
ago by the inventors of the self-sorting email string.

However, that you would ask if you can help me only after I have given up
and closed my store, is unfortunate for both of us.

I think your platform is an excellent opportunity for me and my clients but
you're impossible to work with. The inability to speak to a support-human
makes the Shopify platform utterly useless. But you did collect 2 years of
billing while you waited for me to give up. Heck of a business model for
you.

All that said - I expect you're an AI disguised as a human.
Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi, @Rob1964 

Thanks for hopping back in! The message you are responding to was directed to @NeedHelpwthis

I see you made a reply to @JoesIdeas who ultimately did not respond to you. 

I am definitely not AI and would have been happy to help had I see a reply to my response to @dcalciferol!

As you had a store previously, if you can remember any specifics regarding the UX you found difficult, that would be fantastic. As each individual has different learning, comprehension, and visual preference, we do our best to make things easy, but ultimately can't be perfect for everyone. That being said, if you can provide specifics our team will absolutely consider them for future improvements. 

Essentially, we can't fix something if we don't know what needs to be fixed. Thus, we would love specifics into what you find  troublesome regarding the UX so we can make the platform better for everyone. 

Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
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- Was your question answered? Mark it as an Accepted Solution
- To learn more visit the Shopify Help Center or the Shopify Blog
Rob1964
Tourist
5 0 10
Hi Skye, I'm glad you're a human and that you want to help. Unfortunately,
it's too late. I closed my store yesterday and I will not be reopening it.

I am in the process of creating a marketplace for my municipality and I am
looking at all options - including Shopify.

Is there active, human support to help me (us) through the Shopify process
or should I look elsewhere? To be very clear - I'm NOT looking for an
agency to do the work, I will do it myself, but I will require active,
human support.
Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi, @Rob1964 

I'm glad you are still considering Shopify! Can you tell me more about the marketplace? I will be up front and let you know creating a marketplace via Shopify could be tricky. I'd love to hear more though!

In regards to human support; yes! All our support advisors are human, and are available 24/7. If a situation requires us to open your account to provide support you will need to use the authenticated channels such as Live Chat and Email. Which I agree, the Help Center could use some work. 

However, we also have support via the Community, Facebook & Twitter. These channels don't have access to your account, but with the help of screenshots and detailed information, we can absolutely support you. 


Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
- Was my reply helpful? Click Like to let me know!
- Was your question answered? Mark it as an Accepted Solution
- To learn more visit the Shopify Help Center or the Shopify Blog
Rob1964
Tourist
5 0 10
Hello Skye, are you an employee at Shopify?
Rob Whittaker
Skye
Shopify Staff (Retired)
1146 99 212

Hi, @Rob1964 

Yes! I'm an employee at Shopify. I offer support through the Shopify Community as well as Twitter and Facebook. 

Skye | Social Care @ Shopify
- Was my reply helpful? Click Like to let me know!
- Was your question answered? Mark it as an Accepted Solution
- To learn more visit the Shopify Help Center or the Shopify Blog
TheCauldron
Visitor
2 0 0

I've been trying to set up shopify for over a week. I'm tech savvy and competent.

I cannot find a simple step by step. It's intensely time consuming and aggravating.

We haven't launched online yet, we are a small brick and mortar who just want POS for now so that we can expand into online in a few months.

You'd think it could be simple I'm deeply disappointed in this product

Steeleyes
Tourist
4 0 2

Hi there are 2 problems with Shopify and any other E comm site. 1. the answers in the Help sections are writing by  a developer or someone who use to work for the government in the help section.  The Help section should be basic enough for a 12 year to work his or her way through it.  Shopify is nothing more than a dressed up Wordpress and no place to go. A.I. is fast approaching and will eat Shoplifts lunch. Shopify maybe a "Bugatti Chiron:" But you need to shift 18 gears before you move it out of the driveway. Where is the 1. step, 2. step, 3. step ....?? Shopify's  Help videos want to entertain you, on Youtube. More Videos with 1. step, 2. step, 3. step .... would be a big help..

Steeleyes
Tourist
4 0 2

Did you ever hit the nail on the head, I agree with you 100% !!

TheMysticMojo
Visitor
1 0 4

I AGREE It's EXTREMELY difficult. I'm on my second attempt and now thinking about trying a different platform. It is supposed to be easy for normal people to set up a store but nope, clearly not!! lol

VmA
Excursionist
22 0 5

I massively agree!

My brick and mortar business has been running for over 13 years. There's no doubt that this is a challenge (paticularly having to deal with the German bureaucracy) but it has been easier and a whole lot profitable than shopify).

I feel that shopify needs to understand that shopify is a tool that can be applied to a business as opposed to a business being applied to shopify. It is a messy process that is continuously being updated but not cleaned up, organised and designed. 

A major frustration is the pointless chat support. I used to be able to communicate over the phone and the job was dealt with within less than 10 minutes. They got rid of phone communication and we can only communicate though chat. I ask a question and the support copy and paste the irritating reply that they here to help etc etc… But then all the do I copy and paste links to shopify pages and when i look at the pages it doesn't sort out the issue. 

It feels the support does not care or understand the problems a customers may have. I feel the support does not understand retail, or they have just a very simple aesthetic concept of retail. If it was up to me I would demand a certain amount of experience in retail before being able to start working for shopify as opposed to a office based team. 'Computer says no' 

When I last spoke to the support I had to battle to get some suggestions for an inventory count app (which they had never heard of). The suggestions didn't cover what I asked for. I questioned why the support is so pointless as it seems I knew more than them. The person I spoke to replied saying they do what they are told to do and also there office is closing this month and they are all fired. So it's clear that shopify is cutting down the staff to replace the humans which depressingly makes sense nowadays as people are not willing to take the responsibility of their position. 

I recently had 3 people from shopify from different countries visiting me to try and understand how they can improve shopify in Europe, it was great to have human interaction. I just really hope that shopify will take the criticism from retailers and not just listen to the office staff.

Fingers crossed this will improve otherwise I can see shopify going in the wrong direction.

ld2345
Tourist
3 0 2

Well, I thought there were others out there as frustrated as I am here. I am stuck with trying to get the storefront up and running. I can't even replace the image that comes up on the freebie site. Numerous chats, bots, and emails only wastes time with never an answer to the basic question: how can I use my images in the front page. Unless of course I can't. They never tell  you that, they always recommend going here, there and everywhere to hunt down an answer.  If they had a manual out that did a step by step I would even be willing to pay $10 bucks just to get rid of the frustration of getting nowhere fast.  I may not be able to stick with this.  May go back to wordpress, that was a heck of alot easier to even design my own site there! Ugh. Not a happy camper...

PeterGiles1
Visitor
1 0 0

Yeah I agree. I've spent 10 weeks on simple tasks that the system of Shopify doesn't verify or puts info into boxes where they are obscured by stupid headings. Just performing one task is a marathon of reading. It's been templated over and over as the makers think it's great new idea is worth doing.this too is my third attempt at this site, with a hold your hand type of course and still there is stuff that comes up. Just having a separate image for desktop and mobile view is a major job as images are not coordinated. Also I clicked on an upgrade theme sign which has cost 5 weeks of fixing.it turns out that's not a Shopify template?? How the hell did it get there in the first place??

ld2345
Tourist
3 0 2
You will need to HIRE an affiliate Shopify designer to get things rolling.
I spent months here on trying over and
over again to get a site going. Got stuck numerous times. No wonder people
give up. The techies out there
are the only ones who understand this. So good luck. You can inquire as to
some professional help with
the chat, they will direct you to numerous names and companies that will
work with you to build your
storefront exactly the way that you want it. Good luck...