Buying a Shopify store is one of the fastest ways to enter the world of ecommerce. Instead of building a store from scratch, you can purchase a pre-built or established store with products, branding, and sometimes even existing sales. But how do you find a profitable Shopify store for sale?
In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of buying a Shopify store, where to buy one, and essential factors to consider before making a purchase. Whether you're looking for a dropshipping store, a branded ecommerce store, or a turnkey business, this article will help you make the best decision.
Why Buy a Shopify Store Instead of Starting From Scratch?
Many new entrepreneurs wonder whether they should build a Shopify store themselves or buy a ready-made store. Here are the key advantages of purchasing an existing Shopify store:
✅ Saves Time Effort
Building a store from scratch takes time—selecting a niche, designing a website, adding products, and setting up payment gateways. Buying a store skips these steps, allowing you to start selling immediately.
✅ Access to Proven Business Models
Many Shopify stores for sale come with validated products, established suppliers, and customer data. You avoid the trial-and-error phase and start with a tested business.
✅ Instant Brand Recognition
Some stores for sale already have social media followers, email subscribers, and customer reviews, making marketing easier.
✅ Pre-Optimized for Sales
Many Shopify stores for sale are already optimized for conversions, including high-quality product descriptions, mobile-friendly design, and upselling features.
Where to Buy Shopify Stores?
There are several platforms where you can buy Shopify stores, whether you're looking for a fully automated dropshipping store, a private label brand, or a general ecommerce business.
? 1. Shopify Exchange Marketplace (Discontinued)
Previously, Shopify’s Exchange Marketplace was the go-to place for buying Shopify stores. However, Shopify has shut it down. If you’re looking for alternatives, check the following platforms:
? 2. Flippa
One of the largest online marketplaces for buying and selling websites.
Offers Shopify stores, Amazon FBA businesses, and affiliate websites.
Provides financial data, traffic insights, and seller history.
? 3. Empire Flippers
Specializes in high-quality, profitable online businesses.
Businesses go through a vetting process before being listed.
Best for investors looking for established Shopify stores with consistent revenue.
? 4. BeBiggy
Offers prebuilt Shopify stores for various niches.
Good for beginners who want a ready-to-launch store.
? 5. Brandafy
Specializes in turnkey Shopify stores with built-in branding.
Provides dropshipping automation, supplier connections, and ad support.
? 6. Motion Invest
Focuses on content-based businesses and ecommerce brands.
Provides transparent revenue data and profit margins.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Shopify Store
Buying a Shopify store is an investment, so you need to carefully evaluate the store before making a purchase. Here’s what to check:
✅ 1. Niche Market Demand
Is the store’s niche profitable?
Check demand using Google Trends, TikTok trends, and competitor research.
✅ 2. Revenue Profit Margins
Does the store have consistent sales?
Review past 6-12 months of financial data.
Calculate profit margins (revenue - costs like ads, inventory, and Shopify fees).
✅ 3. Traffic Sources
Where is the traffic coming from?
Organic SEO, paid ads, social media, or influencers?
Verify data using Google Analytics or Shopify reports.
✅ 4. Supplier Relationships
Who supplies the store’s products?
Are they reliable with fast shipping times and quality control?
✅ 5. Store Design SEO Optimization
Is the Shopify store well-designed, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized?
A high-quality store with proper branding performs better.
✅ 6. Customer Reviews Social Proof
If the store has existing customers, check their reviews.
Stores with good customer feedback have better long-term potential.
✅ 7. Seller Reputation
Always verify the seller’s history.
Request proof of revenue, traffic, and supplier relationships before buying.
How Much Does a Shopify Store Cost?
The cost of a Shopify store depends on multiple factors:
| Store Type | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Store | $100 – $500 | Prebuilt store, no sales history |
| Semi-Established Store | $500 – $5,000 | Branded store, some sales traffic |
| Profitable Store | $5,000 – $50,000 | Consistent revenue, existing customer base |
| High-Value Business | $50,000+ | Well-established, high sales, large audience |
Pros Cons of Buying a Shopify Store
Pros
✔️ Instant business setup
✔️ Avoids the trial-and-error phase
✔️ Possible existing customers revenue
✔️ Potential for faster ROI
Cons
❌ Higher initial cost than starting from scratch
❌ Risk of buying a non-profitable store
❌ Possible hidden issues with traffic or suppliers
How to Grow a Shopify Store After Purchase
Once you buy a Shopify store, the real work begins! Here’s how to grow and scale your new business:
? Optimize for SEO – Improve product descriptions, meta tags, and blog content.
? Run Paid Ads – Use Facebook, Google, and TikTok ads to drive targeted traffic.
? Leverage Influencer Marketing – Work with niche influencers to boost credibility.
? Email Marketing – Set up automated emails for abandoned carts and promotions.
? Improve Customer Support – Fast response times increase trust and retention.
Final Thoughts – Should You Buy a Shopify Store?
Buying a Shopify store can be a great investment if you choose wisely. Instead of spending months building a store, you can purchase an established business and start earning immediately.
However, research is key! Analyze traffic, revenue, niche demand, and supplier relationships before making a decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, buy Shopify store can fast-track your success in ecommerce.
