Shopify dominates the ecommerce world. If you’re here, you’re not just looking to be part of the crowd—you want to own it. You’ve got options: do you start from scratch, tweak a pre-built store, or go all in on an established Shopify business? Let’s break it down with some straight talk so you can make the right call. 

Here’s what we discuss:

• What is a pre-built Shopify store, really?
• Is buying a pre-built Shopify store actually worth it? 
• What to look for before you buy
• Where to start once you’ve bought the store
• Where to buy a pre-built Shopify store 
• The alternatives

Related Article: Is Buying an Ecommerce Business Worth It?

What Is a Pre-Built Shopify Store?

A pre-built Shopify store (or turnkey store) is like showing up to a house party where all the drinks, décor, and music are set. You don’t have to do much—just show up, take the keys, and run with it. 

These stores come fully loaded with design, branding, SEO, marketing, and payment gateways. They even have products ready to go and suppliers lined up. 

But let’s be real: this isn’t a completely done-for-you situation. A pre-built store gives you a shortcut, but it’s not a guarantee for instant success. It’s quick, it’s functional, but you’ll still need to make it yours. 

Plus, there’s a major catch you need to beware of. If you’re buying a pre-built store, someone else is likely buying that store, as well, or a very similar one.

Unlike custom stores that let you mold every detail from the ground up (which means a longer process but more control) or established Shopify stores with a track record and revenue rolling in, pre-built stores give you a head start. Differentiating the store and marketing your brand to target audiences, however, is completely up to you.

“If you’re buying a pre-built store, someone else is likely buying that store, as well, or a very similar one.”

Is Buying a Pre-Built Shopify Store Worth It?

Here’s the truth: pre-built stores can be viable if you’re looking for speed and ease, but don’t expect it to be an instant win. Let’s talk about why they work and why they might not.

Save time

Time is money, and pre-built Shopify stores save you both. No waiting on design, no struggling to figure out coding or whom to hire to get the job done. You can step in and start selling without losing weeks to set up. But don’t mistake “ready to go” for “set it and forget it.” You’ll still need to hustle to get traffic and convert sales. 

No major tech headaches

Designing an ecommerce store takes skills—skills most people don’t have. With a pre-built Shopify store, you theoretically don’t need to become a tech genius. It’s already designed, loaded, and operational. Sure, you’ll need to learn the ropes, but hopefully, the heavy lifting is done. 

Curated products

Pre-built stores often come with researched and curated products, saving you the guesswork of figuring out what sells. But don’t get lazy. Are these products the right fit for your audience, are they high quality, and are they distinguishable from the other options on the market? It’s still up to you to make sure the product lineup makes sense and sells well. 

Key partnerships in place

One of the best perks of a pre-built Shopify store? They usually come with established vendor and supplier relationships. You can skip the logistical hoops and focus on growing the business. However, it’s important to vet these relationships to ensure they are all they claim to be.

Ready to launch

The systems, processes, and products are already in place with a pre-built store. You’re ready to launch—but remember, you have to be more than ready. You have to make sure your launch actually takes off.

“It’s still up to you to make sure the product lineup makes sense and sells well.”

5 Factors to Consider when Buying a Pre-Built Shopify Store

Buying a pre-built store isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Before you confirm your purchase, there are a few things you need to ask yourself. 

• Consider your goals: What’s your endgame? Is this a side hustle, or are you looking to build a full-time business? Knowing what you want will help you pick the right store and avoid wasting time and money on something that doesn’t fit your ambitions. 
• Review features: How does the store look and feel? Is the layout right? Check out the competition. Does this pre-built store measure up? Avoid cookie-cutter templates and choose something that aligns with your vision. 
• Think about navigation and user experience (UX): You could have the best products in the world, but if the customers can’t easily find them or check out, you’re toast. Make sure the UX is frictionless and that the store’s navigation is built to convert. 
• Make it yours: A pre-built store is a head start, but can you put your stamp on it? Does the branding and design allow for customization? You need room to infuse your vision into the store to stand out. 
• Review the products: Don’t take preloaded products at face value. Are they high quality? Are the suppliers reliable? Research the products and suppliers carefully. You don’t want to be left handling customer complaints about subpar goods. 

“Knowing what you want will help you pick the right store and avoid wasting time and money on something that doesn’t fit your ambitions.”

Where to Start After Buying a Pre-Built Shopify Store

Alright, say you’ve bought your pre-built store. Now what? Here’s your blueprint for getting the most out of it: 

• Transfer ownership: Make sure everything is fully transferred to you—the domain, supplier contracts, social media accounts, and any apps. You need to be in full control of the operation from day one. 
• Customize the store: Even though it’s pre-built, don’t settle for stock everything. Many companies offer customization services to help align the store with your brand. If they don’t, get in there and start tweaking to make it stand out. 
• Start marketing: It’s time to drive traffic. Start pushing your brand through email campaigns, social media ads, and other marketing channels. Your store may be live, but it’s up to you to make noise and bring people through the virtual doors.

“Your store may be live, but it’s up to you to make noise and bring people through the virtual doors.”

Where to Buy a Pre-Built Shopify Store

Plenty of companies sell pre-built Shopify stores, and some are more reputable than others. If you want to go this route, do some online searches and see what feels like a good fit. 

If you’re on the fence, consider other options. The convenience makes it easy to get lured in, but here’s where you can start thinking bigger.

“The convenience makes it easy to get lured in, but here’s where you can start thinking bigger.”

How to Buy a Shopify Store That’s Thriving

If you want to skip the guesswork altogether, buying an established Shopify store might be the better move. Sure, it costs more up front, but you get what you pay for. An established Shopify store has a proven track record with real revenue, actual customers, and systems that work. It’s not a leap of faith; it’s a calculated investment. 

If you want to buy a thriving Shopify store:

• Purchase directly from a seller looking to exit their business.
• Check out ecommerce business marketplaces. 
• Partner with an Advisor.

You don’t need to go solo. Partnering with an Advisor, especially if you’re looking at Shopify stores, can make all the difference. Our Advisors at Quiet Light specialize in finding profitable Shopify businesses that align with your goals. We’ll guide you through the process, making sure you’re not just buying a store but a winning store. 

Don’t just take our word for it; judge our listings for yourself.