How to Use Shopify Under 18: Some Tips to Follow

Nowadays, doing business on e-commerce platforms is no longer strange. Even teenagers start wanting to do business early to have more financial independence and independence. 

However, with some platforms like Shopify, users need to commit to being 18 years old to create a personal account. In the article below, we will suggest some information about how to use Shopify under 18 and notes. 

Table of Contents:

How old can you use Shopify?

According to Shopify’s operating policy, the minimum age to use this platform is 18. That’s because you need to verify a lot of information, such as identification codes or bank accounts, when you want to set up a Shopify account to make money. In addition, 18 is when people begin to mature, have proper awareness, and be responsible for their behavior.

There are many common problems in adolescents under 18 years old, typically psychological problems. At this age, they often do not have enough awareness of everything, so they often have distorted thoughts or sometimes delusions. It is revealed in many different aspects of life. This problem will cause more serious consequences that affect the child’s development and cognition.

Therefore, Shopify has set a mandatory age of 18 years old. However, if you still want to create a Shopify account when you are underage, you can ask your parents or relatives to help you. Your parents will help you manage this platform until you come of age.

What happens if you lie about your age on Shopify?

It is not encouraged to lie about your age on Shopify or any other platform because it may have different consequences based on the situation and the platform’s policies. When you start a business on Shopify, the application will require you to verify your identity and age. If it is discovered that you are under 18 years old and have created an account, your account will immediately be disabled.

Below are situations you may face:

• Account suspension: With e-commerce platforms like Shopify, users must agree to terms or commitments before signing up. If any false information violates the terms, Shopify will delete your account immediately.
• Legal issues: A more serious consequence is violating the law. Because lying about your identity can lead to other scams or thefts, Shopify won’t sue the user, but law enforcement agencies may prosecute you for the crime.
• Loss of trust: Lying will lose the other person’s trust. It can affect the store’s reputation and revenue if customers or partners know you have misrepresented your age. Remember that trust is very important in business, and once lost, it is difficult to regain.
• Financial problems: Shopify might need payment information to complete transactions. False information may cause problems with payment processing or financial difficulties, such as giving an erroneous age.

When registering for any online platform or service, it is vital to give correct and genuine information. It is advised to get in touch with Shopify’s customer care and make an effort to resolve the issue through the appropriate channels if you provide incorrect information regarding your age or other facts. Maintaining a positive reputation and conducting business responsibly depend on being truthful and open.

How to use Shopify under 18

However, if you want to start your business early to be successful, you can still create an account when you are not old enough. Here are a few ways to show you how to start a shopify store under 18.

• Using Shopify under your parent’s name

If you are under 18, consider asking your parents or legal guardian for help. You can collaborate on the store while they set up a Shopify account in their name. It’s crucial to realize that the adult would legally control the account and run the company from start to finish.

Creating a Shopify account with your parents’ help means using your information to sign up. However, age, identification code, and bank account information must belong to your parents. After logging into a new account, you can decide the item or type of product you want to sell.

Because all bank account information is in your parents’ name, all profits earned from business on Shopify will be enjoyed by your parents. Therefore, you should choose someone you trust, such as your parents or close relatives. It would be best to make this profit management clear to them.

Additionally, to operate a Shopify store, you must pay a monthly management fee. Currently, Shopify has 3 basic packages: Shopify Lite, Basic Shopify, or regular Shopify, with different prices ranging from $25 a month.

Here are some terms that you need to keep in mind when setting up a Shopify account with your parents:

• Profit management: The best way to manage the store’s profits is to ask your parents to open another account in their name but managed by yourself. Profits from the store will be transferred to this account for easy management and control.
• Choose someone you truly trust: Our best advice is to choose parents, people you regularly meet and communicate with daily. It would help if you did not choose someone you are not close to or do not have too many connections with because all profits will legally belong to them.
• Transfer the account to your name when you turn 18 years old: When you turn 18 years old, you have the right to own your account in your name. At this point, you can more easily manage without needing anyone’s help.

• Using Shopify through a business partner

A grownup who satisfies Shopify’s age criteria can be your business partner. The adult partner would be the account holder in this instance, and you might work together on the company. It’s essential to specify tasks and obligations in writing and to have a written contract in place to safeguard both parties.

• Using crypto payments on Shopify

Cryptocurrency is one of the best ways to manage profits when you want to open a Shopify account under 18 years old. With cryptocurrency, you can receive payments even if you are under 18, so you can control your store’s profits.

The verification process of cryptocurrencies is also easier than other methods so that you can feel more secure. However, this option is risky because the verification process lacks guarantees.

If none of the above choices work out for you, you might have to wait until 18 to start your Shopify business. You can utilize this time to strategize and get ready for your e-commerce business in the meantime. When you reach legal age, be prepared to launch an internet business by learning about e-commerce, product sourcing, marketing, and other related topics.

You should be aware that since the previous update, Shopify’s rules and specifications may have changed. It’s critical to study Shopify’s most recent terms of service and regulations if you want the most recent details on account creation and age restrictions. When involving adults in your e-commerce endeavor, you may also want advice from a legal expert or advisor on handling legal or business-related difficulties.

FAQs

Does Shopify check your age?

The answer is no. You won’t need to verify your age during the account creation process, but you must agree to Shopify’s terms. At that time, you implicitly acknowledge that you are 18 years old to open a store on this platform.

Even though Shopify doesn’t verify your age when you sign up, procedures like payment methods still need to confirm your age. Providing false information about age can lead to many different serious consequences. In many cases, when Shopify detects that a user is under 18 years old, your account will be deleted or disabled.

One piece of advice is always to use accurate information to create a business account because once discovered, you will suffer many different serious consequences. If you still want to create a Shopify account even though you are under 18 years old, you can ask your parents for help or the options we mentioned above.

Can a beginner use Shopify?

Shopify does allow beginners to launch their own online business. People with different degrees of technical skill, including those who are new to e-commerce, can utilize Shopify because it is made to be user-friendly and accessible. 

Shopify has many features and utilities that help beginners easily start using and doing business:

• User-Friendly Interface: Shopify provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface. You don’t need to be a web development expert to create and manage your online store.
• Templates and Themes: Shopify provides a huge selection of expertly-made templates and themes. Without writing any code, you can choose a theme that complements your brand and change it.
• Payment and shipping integration: Shopify interacts with various shipping and payment processors, making it simple to set up the financial and logistical foundation of your online store.
• Support and resources: Shopify offers tools to help new users set up and run their stores, including manuals, videos, and a help center. Additionally, they provide 24/7 customer service.
• Security: Shopify takes care of security and compliance, including hosting and SSL certificates, so that you can focus on your business.

Even though Shopify is user-friendly for beginners, you should familiarize yourself with the software, study e-commerce best practices, and prepare your business strategy. To learn more about the platform, you can sign up for a free trial first. Once you feel more at ease, you can choose a paid plan that best meets your requirements.

Do you need to pay a fee to start a Shopify store?

You can use the Shopify platform for free for the first 14 days. During this time, you can experience the app’s benefits, try out building a store, and implement features to see if Shopify is right for your needs.

After this period, you must purchase a Shopify plan to continue business on the platform. There are many different packages with different prices that you can refer to. Your plan’s price will be based on the types of products you are selling and the size of your online business. 

To acquire the most recent facts on Shopify’s plans and pricing, it is advised to go to their official website. Pricing data is subject to change at any time.

Even though Shopify allows you to use it for free in the early days, you should still plan your monthly expenses for your store. In addition, pay attention to other expenses, such as application fees and necessary software to promote your online store. This is the first step to make online business more convenient.

Conclusion

This article helps you answer about how to use Shopify under 18. It would help if you were 18 to open a Shopify account and do business legally. 

Suppose you have had a passion for business development since you were young. In that case, you can register an account using your parents’ information or ask partners to use a cryptocurrency payment account. However, it is still best for you to wait until you are 18 years old. Then, every process will be simpler, and you won’t need to work too hard in managing the store’s finances or profits.