Is Shopify Legit? Find out how to tell if a Shopify store is trustworthy, verify its legitimacy, and avoid scams. Learn about Shopify dropshipping, secure payment options, and signs of a legit online store to shop safely.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “is Shopify legit?” — you’re not alone. With millions of online stores powered by Shopify, it’s normal to wonder whether Shopify itself is a legitimate company and how to verify if a Shopify store is safe to shop from. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Shopify’s legitimacy, how to spot scams, and tips to ensure you only buy from trusted stores.
Is Shopify a Legit Company?
Yes, Shopify is a completely legitimate company. Founded in 2006, Shopify is a Canadian multinational e-commerce platform that powers over 4.5 million businesses worldwide. It is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SHOP) and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
That means Shopify as a platform is absolutely legit. However, not every store hosted on Shopify is guaranteed to be trustworthy — which is why many people search “how do I know if a Shopify store is legit.”
Is Shopify a Legit Website?
Shopify.com is the official website of Shopify. It’s secure, safe, and the trusted platform where businesses create their online stores. But if you’re wondering whether stores with a .myshopify.com address are trustworthy, let’s clear up any confusion.
But remember: anyone can build a store on Shopify, which is why it’s important to know how to verify if a specific Shopify store is trustworthy.
What Is the .myshopify.com URL?
When a business first signs up for Shopify and creates a store, they’re automatically given a default web address that ends with .myshopify.com. For example, a store might look like bestgadgets.myshopify.com. This is a subdomain of Shopify.com and serves as the store’s unique identifier on the platform. It’s primarily used for administrative purposes such as managing the backend of the store.
This URL is not intended for customers to use when shopping. It’s essentially a temporary address given to store owners before they set up their own custom domain (like www.bestgadgets.com).
If you see .myshopify.com in the web address of a store, it doesn’t automatically mean that the store is a scam. It simply means that the store owner hasn’t connected a custom domain yet or is new to the platform. Many legitimate stores begin with this URL as they work on branding and setting up their custom domain.
Custom Domains and Professional Appearances
If a business wants to appear more professional and build trust with customers, they can easily connect a custom domain. Shopify allows store owners to purchase a domain directly through the platform or from third-party providers. Connecting a custom domain helps make the store look more legitimate and increases credibility.
Is .myshopify.com a Red Flag?
While the .myshopify.com URL itself just indicates that the store is hosted on Shopify, it doesn’t guarantee that the store is trustworthy. It’s still important to verify a store’s credibility before making a purchase. Some stores may be legitimate, while others may have questionable practices.
How to Know if a Shopify Store Is Legit
Not sure if a Shopify store you found is safe? Here are clear signs to look for:
1. Check the Store’s Contact Information
Legit stores usually have a contact page with a physical address, phone number, or verified email.
A missing or vague contact page can be a red flag.
2. Look for Secure Payment (HTTPS)
Make sure the site URL starts with https:// and shows a padlock icon in the browser.
If the website doesn’t have SSL encryption, avoid entering payment details.
3. Read Reviews Outside the Store
Search for the store name on trusted review sites like Google, Trustpilot, Reddit, or region-specific platforms such as Kiyoh (for the Netherlands) and Trusted Shops (for Germany). If you only find overly positive reviews on the store’s own website and no feedback on independent platforms, it’s a good idea to proceed with caution.
4. Analyze Product Pricing
If prices are too good to be true, they probably are.
Scam stores often offer unrealistically low prices or huge discounts to lure in unsuspecting buyers. If a deal looks too perfect, it’s worth doing more research to confirm its legitimacy.
5. Check Return & Refund Policies
Legit businesses provide clear return/refund policies.
Scam websites often hide or skip this information.
6. Verify Social Media Presence
Authentic brands usually have an active social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
A store with no followers, no posts, or fake engagement could be suspicious.
How Legit Is Shopify Dropshipping?
Another popular question is: “is Shopify dropshipping legit?”
Yes, dropshipping through Shopify is a legitimate business model. Many entrepreneurs use Shopify to connect suppliers with customers. However, like any business, success depends on selling quality products, working with trusted suppliers, and providing good customer service.
That said, some scam stores also use dropshipping — selling low-quality items with long shipping times. So, it’s important for customers to apply the same verification steps before making a purchase.
FAQs About Shopify’s Legitimacy
1. How can I tell if a Shopify store is a scam?
While Shopify is a legitimate platform, scam stores can still be created. To avoid scams, always verify the store by checking for clear contact information, secure payment options, authentic reviews, and reasonable pricing. If the store is new or only has a .myshopify.com URL, be extra cautious.
2. Is it safe to shop on Shopify?
Yes, shopping on Shopify is generally safe, as the platform uses strong encryption and secure payment systems. However, the safety depends on the individual store. Always perform due diligence before making any purchase.
3. What should I do if I suspect a Shopify store is a scam?
If you suspect a store is a scam, do not proceed with any purchase. Report the store to Shopify and check for independent reviews. Also, check if the website has secure payment methods and clear return policies. If in doubt, avoid making a transaction.
4. Why does a Shopify store have a .myshopify.com URL?
A .myshopify.com URL means the store owner has not yet set up a custom domain. It doesn’t automatically indicate a scam, but it’s a sign that the store may be new or in the process of branding itself. Always double-check other factors to verify legitimacy.
5. Can I trust Shopify dropshipping stores?
Yes, dropshipping itself is a legitimate business model on Shopify. However, not all dropshipping stores are reliable. Be sure to check for trustworthy suppliers, fair prices, and customer reviews before purchasing from any dropshipping store.
6. How can I file a complaint against a Shopify store if I’ve been scammed?
If you believe a Shopify store has scammed you, you can file a complaint directly with Shopify.
Here’s how:
- Contact the Shopify support team: Visit Shopify’s support page and submit a complaint about the store.
- Report the store via their Help Center: Shopify provides an option to report fraudulent stores, so the company can investigate.
- Provide proof: Be sure to include any details like transaction receipts, communication with the store, and screenshots that support your claim.
- Shopify will review the situation and take appropriate action, which may include removing the store from their platform.
Final Thoughts
So, is Shopify legit? Absolutely. Shopify is a trusted, publicly traded company that powers millions of online businesses. However, not every Shopify store is automatically trustworthy. By following the steps above, you’ll know how to tell if a Shopify store is legit and avoid scams.
Shop smart, stay safe, and always verify before you buy!
