Is MyShopify Legit? Pros, Cons & How to Spot Scams (Full Guide)

Shopify is a widely recognized eCommerce platform that is popular among new entrepreneurs and startups for building online stores. However, with nearly 5.1 million Shopify websites available under the same subdomain MyShopify.com, questions around authenticity and trustworthiness frequently arise.

Let’s first clear the air by answering the most awaited question: Is MyShopify legit? Well, Yes, it is. Shopify itself is a reputable platform that powers millions of legitimate businesses worldwide.  But since it’s an easily accessible online platform, there are chances of potential scams on websites built using it. In this blog, we will learn more about MyShopify in detail, how it is used, and tips to differentiate scammy MyShopify from original ones. 

What is MyShopify? 

MyShopify is an online e-commerce platform that allows you to set up a website, for free. Shopify supports it and lets you receive custom URLs for your eCommerce store. It allows you to host and test your eCommerce website and work on its performance. And guess what, making your website live is achievable without breaking the bank.

Shopify is known for its grand share (almost 11% of the e-commerce market share) and the streamlined shopping experience it provides to its users. The platform is highly reliable and trusted by millions of business owners worldwide. 

How Does MyShopify Work? 

The functioning is pretty simple. You sign up for a Shopify store, and then you will receive a custom URL with “.myshopify.com” at the end. The format of the domain looks like this: yourstorename.myshopify.com. Please note that you can not change the subdomain name once it has been created. 

You can access the store from the backend for editing products, processing orders, and customer management. 

However, it is safe to have a domain name purchased and it should be associated with your Shopify store. Once you purchase a domain name, the myshopify.com subdomain will no longer be accessible. 

The transactions on MyShopify.com support SSL encryption and are secure. You can integrate payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Shopify Payments for a seamless transaction. 

What Are The Benefits of Using MyShopify Domain Name For Your eCommerce Store? 

MyShopify is an excellent choice for new businesses, offering a user-friendly setup process that entrepreneurs greatly appreciate. Its simplicity makes it easy to launch and test online stores with minimal effort.

One of its key benefits is the free subdomain it provides, allowing you to quickly establish your online presence without additional costs.

Moreover, when you create a website using MyShopify, you gain access to Shopify’s powerful features and tools. These resources can help you optimize your store’s performance, improve customer experience, and scale your business effectively.

What Are The Downsides of Using MyShopify For Your Store? 

Well, pardon us if the cons of using MyShopify are greater than the benefits. But, we have to spill the truth. Here are the downsides of using MyShopify for your store. 

• You may lose your identity:

Since most of the businesses built using MyShopify have the subdomain name common, there are chances that your traffic might get diverted to Shopify. This can drastically reduce the number of visitors to your store. 

•  You are always thought upon with suspicion: 

People often consider a business associated with MyShopify dubious. With thousands of stores sharing the same subdomain, it is difficult to differentiate a scammy website from an authentic one. 

If you are new to the business and have a minimum budget, you can consider MyShopify. However, it is recommended that you have your domain name to look more authentic and discoverable. 

Also, it is important to note that the MyShopify domain name is used to test and launch the store as soon as possible. However, it still recommends that store owners buy a domain name. 

• Less search engine visibility: 

Your business might face a backlash in search engine rankings by using the MyShopify name. This is because search engines prioritize unique domain names and rank them better. 

Also Read :- How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Shopify Developer? 

What is The Difference Between MyShopify and Shopify? 

Shopify is a well-known eCommerce platform that hardly needs an introduction. MyShopify, on the other hand, is the default subdomain provided by Shopify when you create an online store. It serves as a temporary URL, allowing you to set up and manage your store during the initial stages. Once your store is ready, you can easily switch to a custom domain to give your brand a more professional look.

What Are MyShopify Scams? 

Some common Shopify Scams are:

• Dummy Shopify stores: 

Scammers often take advantage of the free availability and create fake websites to trick users into purchasing. 

• Phishing: 

Fraudsters often use emails and text messages to extract sensitive information from users. 

• Identity Theft:

If fraudsters get access to your account, they probably can use personal information for malicious activity. 

And What Things Can You Do to Protect Your MyShopify Website:

To save yourself from the MyShopify scam, here are a few quick steps that you can take to prevent it. 

1. Verify the URL name and structure. Check if it is misspelled or changed in a way to looks authentic.
2. Conduct as much research as possible. Visit their social media pages, read testimonials, and ensure authenticity. 
3. Do not transfer money using direct bank accounts or money-wiring services. Go for only secure payment options such as PayPal.
4. Enable 2FA to add that extra layer of security. 
5. Ask as many questions about the business as possible. Ask questions about shipping times, delivery models, return policies, etc.
6. Evaluate the store’s functionality by checking its UI, navigation, broken links, etc. 

Conclusion: 

Well, MyShopify provides you with the first step of eCommerce release into the store. However, how to win over it using strategies depends upon various store owners. You can use the free trial period that Shopify offers to check out the accessibility by yourself.

If you need any further assistance or want to hire a Shopify expert, we are happy to help. Get in touch with us to discuss your prospective project.