FREE PRE-LAUNCH SHOPIFY STORE

Build Your Shopify Store Free Until You’re Ready to Launch

Add products, customize your theme and prepare your content without paying for a Shopify subscription during the pre-launch stage. When your new store is ready, accept ownership, choose an eligible paid Shopify plan and launch.

For eligible new Shopify stores only. Pre-launch stores cannot process real customer orders.

Looking for a Longer Shopify Free Trial Alternative?

Shopify’s public free trial is designed for merchants who are ready to start quickly. If you need more time to add products, customize your theme and prepare your content, I can create an eligible free pre-launch Shopify store through Shopify’s Partner program.

This is not an official unlimited Shopify free trial. It is a new client transfer store that lets you build before paying for a Shopify subscription. You begin paying Shopify only after you accept ownership, select an eligible paid plan and prepare to launch.

How the Free Shopify Build Period Works

Through Shopify’s official Partner program, I can create an eligible client transfer store for a new merchant to prepare before committing to a paid Shopify subscription.

While the store remains in its pre-launch stage, you can add products, create collections, customize the theme, organize navigation and prepare your content. Real customer transactions are unavailable, the storefront remains password protected, and only free or partner-friendly apps can be installed before transfer.

When you are ready to launch, you request ownership transfer, accept the store and choose an eligible paid Shopify plan. You can then remove the storefront password and begin accepting real orders.

Read Shopify’s official client transfer store guidance

Shopify’s Free Trial vs a Free Pre-Launch Store

Both routes let you begin building a new Shopify store, but they suit different timelines. The public trial is best when you are ready to move quickly; a Partner-created pre-launch store gives you more time to prepare before selecting a paid plan.

Feature	Shopify’s public free trial	Recommended for more time Partner-created pre-launch store
Build period	Limited by Shopify’s current public trial and promotional terms.	✓No fixed public-trial deadline while the store remains in its eligible pre-launch stage.
Shopify subscription	Trial and promotional pricing eventually move to standard plan pricing.	✓No Shopify subscription charge while you are preparing the store before transfer.
Best suited to	Merchants ready to set up and launch quickly.	✓New merchants who want time to learn, test and properly prepare.
How it starts	You create the store through Shopify’s public signup process.	✓I create a new client transfer store through my Shopify Partner account.
When you pay	According to Shopify’s applicable trial and promotional terms.	✓When you accept ownership, choose an eligible paid plan and prepare to launch.
Real customer orders	A paid Shopify plan is required.	A paid Shopify plan is required after ownership transfer and before selling.
Promotional pricing	May be available depending on Shopify’s current offer and your eligibility.	Client transfer stores are not eligible for Shopify’s public trial or promotional pricing after transfer.

Information last reviewed: 30 July 2026. Shopify’s public trial and promotional pricing can vary by location, eligibility and date. A client transfer store provides additional preparation time, but it is not an official extended or unlimited Shopify free trial and cannot operate as a live store before transfer.

How to Get Your Free Pre-Launch Shopify Store

From your initial request to launch, the process is straightforward and transparent.

1

Submit your request

Tell me about the completely new Shopify store you want to build.

2

Eligibility is confirmed

I check that your request is suitable for a new client transfer store.

3

Your store is created

I create the store through my Shopify Partner account and provide access.

4

Build at your own pace

Add products, customize the theme and prepare your store content.

5

Request ownership transfer

When you are ready, I transfer the store to your Shopify account.

6

Choose a plan and launch

Select an eligible paid plan, remove the password and begin accepting orders.

Is a Free Pre-Launch Store Right for You?

This is suitable if:

You need a completely new Shopify store.
You want more time to prepare before paying for Shopify.
You understand that real orders cannot be processed before transfer.
You will select an eligible paid plan when you are ready to launch.

This is not suitable if:

You already created the store directly through Shopify.
You want to extend or convert an existing or expired trial.
You need to accept real customer orders immediately.
You expect Shopify’s public promotional pricing after transfer.

Watch: How to Build Your Shopify Store Before Paying

Why Request Your Store Through Michael Thomas Media?

Your store will be created through my Shopify Partner organization. I have worked with Shopify and ecommerce businesses since 2015, with experience spanning store setup, theme support, merchandising, SEO, conversion improvements and ongoing store management.

Shopify and ecommerce experience since 2015.
Practical experience supporting and improving established Shopify stores.
Clear guidance from store creation through ownership transfer.
Optional professional help with setup, SEO and store improvements.
No obligation to purchase consulting services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an official unlimited Shopify free trial?

No. Shopify does not describe this as an unlimited free trial. It is a client transfer store created through Shopify’s official Partner program. It lets you prepare an eligible new store without paying for a Shopify subscription until you accept ownership and select a paid plan.

How is this different from Shopify’s public free trial?

Shopify’s public trial is intended for merchants ready to begin quickly and may include promotional pricing for eligible users. A client transfer store gives you more preparation time, but it cannot process real orders and is not eligible for Shopify’s public trial or promotional pricing after transfer.

Does Shopify still offer a 14-day free trial?

Shopify has offered 14-day and other trial periods in the past, but public offers change over time and can vary by location and eligibility. Check Shopify’s current trial page for the offer available to you. A Partner-created pre-launch store is a separate option and is not an extension of a previous 14-day trial.

Can I accept orders during the free build period?

No. Real customer transactions are unavailable while the store remains a client transfer store. You must accept ownership and select an eligible paid Shopify plan before launching and accepting orders.

Can I install Shopify apps?

Before transfer, you can install free apps and apps that support Partner testing. Paid app options can be selected after ownership has been transferred and the store is on an eligible Shopify plan.

Can I remove the storefront password?

Not before ownership transfer. You can customize and preview the storefront, but the password page cannot be removed while the store remains in its pre-launch transfer stage.

When do I start paying Shopify?

You begin paying Shopify when you accept ownership and select an eligible paid plan. Shopify’s applicable plan pricing at that time will apply.

Will I receive Shopify’s promotional pricing after transfer?

No. Client transfer stores are not eligible for Shopify’s public free-trial or promotional offers after transfer. If promotional pricing matters more to you than additional preparation time, Shopify’s public signup route may be the better option.

Can I use this for an existing Shopify store?

No. This service is for completely new stores. It cannot extend, replace or convert the trial of an existing Shopify store.

Who owns the store during the build period?

Michael Thomas Media’s Shopify Partner organization retains ownership during the pre-launch stage. You receive access to prepare the store. Ownership is transferred to you when you request it and are ready to select an eligible paid plan.

Am I required to hire Michael Thomas Media?

No. Store creation does not obligate you to purchase consulting or development services. Optional Shopify setup, SEO and store-management help is available if you need it.

Does Michael Thomas Media benefit financially?

Michael Thomas Media may receive a commission from Shopify if you accept ownership and activate an eligible paid plan. This does not add an extra charge to your Shopify subscription.