Is Shopify Legit? The Truth About Shopify Stores

Shopify powers over 4.5 million stores globally.

From billion-dollar brands to fresh side hustles… everyone seems to be selling something on Shopify.

But here’s the truth:

Just because a store runs on Shopify doesn’t mean it’s legit.

Scam stores? They exist.

Suspicious drop shippers? Plenty.

Fake influencer collabs? Yep, those too.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• If Shopify itself is a legit platform
• How to spot fake Shopify stores before you buy
• Whether Shopify dropshipping and Shopify Collabs are trustworthy
• How to protect yourself while shopping or selling

Let’s cut through the noise and give you the real answers.

Yes, Shopify Is Legit (Here’s Why)

Let’s get one thing straight:

Shopify is a 100% legit eCommerce platform.

It’s not a shady startup. It’s not a fly-by-night app.

It’s a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (Ticker: $SHOP).

And it handles billions in transactions every single year.

Shopify is trusted by the biggest brands:

• Gymshark scaled to a $1B+ valuation on Shopify.
• Allbirds, Heinz, Red Bull - all run on Shopify.
• Over 10% of U.S. eCommerce is powered by Shopify.

That’s not hype. It’s hard data.

What makes the platform itself trustworthy?

• Built-in SSL encryption to protect customer data
• PCI-compliant for secure credit card processing
• 24/7 support from a global team
• App store vetting to limit shady third-party plugins

Bottom line?

Shopify gives store owners the tools = but it doesn’t control how they use them.

That’s where the gray area begins... and where you may need to start being cautious.

‍

How Shopify Works (And Why It Attracts Scammers Too)

Shopify is like digital real estate.

It gives anyone the tools to build a professional-looking online store — fast.

All you need is an email, a product idea, and a credit card.

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up for a Shopify account.
• Pick a theme (or build your own).
• Add products, pricing, and payment options.
• Hit “Publish.”

Boom - you’re in business.

Why scammers love it too:

• No upfront inventory required (thanks to dropshipping).
• No manual approval process to launch a store.
• Low monthly fees ($39/month for Basic plan).
• Design templates make sketchy stores look legit.

The result?

Thousands of awesome stores… and a few that are out to rip you off.

So the platform is solid, but it doesn’t filter for bad actors.

That’s your job.

And next, we’ll show you exactly how to spot the red flags.

7 Red Flags of a Fake Shopify Store

Just because a store looks professional doesn’t mean it’s legit.

Scammers love clean themes and fake urgency.

But there are always cracks in the facade — if you know where to look.

🔍 Here’s how to spot a Shopify scam in 30 seconds flat:

1. No “About” or “Contact” Page

Legit businesses want to be reachable.

Scam sites? They vanish faster than your refund.

2. Zero Reviews (or All 5-Stars That Sound Robotic)

If every review reads like a ChatGPT prompt… 🚩

Bonus tip: Check for reviews on external sites like Trustpilot or Reddit.

3. Prices Too Good To Be True

$300 shoes for $39? Yeah, right.

If it smells like a steal, it’s probably a setup.

4. One Product Category (With Dozens of Random Items)

Example: “Pet Products” store suddenly selling iPhone cases.

That’s drop shipping laziness - or worse.

5. Broken English & Bad Grammar

A few typos? Fine.

Whole paragraphs that read like Google Translate? Nope.

6. No Social Media Presence

Check their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok.

If the links are missing or lead nowhere — that’s a problem.

7. No Secure Checkout (🔒 Missing)

Look for https and the padlock icon in the browser.

If it’s not there? Close the tab. Immediately.

Is Shopify Dropshipping Legit?

Short answer?

Yes - but it depends on who’s running the store.

Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where the seller doesn’t keep inventory.

Instead, they forward your order to a third-party supplier who ships it to you.

Why it’s popular on Shopify:

• No inventory or warehousing required
• Easy to automate with apps like Oberlo or DSers
• Low startup costs = lots of new sellers
• And that’s the double-edged sword.

Dropshipping can be legit… even some well-known brands use dropshipping to fulfil certain product lines in a cost-effective manner.

But here’s when it’s not:

• Products ship with 20+ day delivery
• No real product photos — just stock images from AliExpress
• Customer support = non-existent
• Zero transparency about shipping times or return policy

How real dropshippers build trust:

• Use their own photos + branded content
• Offer fast shipping from local warehouses
• Provide crystal-clear return and refund policies
• Communicate proactively when delays happen

So, is Shopify dropshipping a scam? No.

But some people use it to scam - and that’s the problem.

Look beyond the site. Research the seller. Trust your gut.

Is Shopify Collabs Legit?

If you're an influencer or creator, you've probably seen this:

“Hey, we’d love to collaborate with you! Join our Shopify Collab.”

Sounds exciting, right?

Well… sometimes it is. But other times? It’s bait.

So, what is Shopify Collabs?

Shopify Collabs is Shopify’s official platform for influencer partnerships.

It helps creators connect with verified brands, manage affiliate links, and track commissions - all from one dashboard.

Why Shopify Collabs is legit:

• It’s built and owned by Shopify.
• Used by thousands of creators and stores.
• Offers affiliate tools, discount codes, and product gifting - all through verified brands.

But here’s the problem:

Scammers are impersonating Shopify Collabs.

Fake emails. DM requests. Sketchy links.

They’re hoping you don’t know the difference.

How to spot fake Collab offers:

• Email isn’t from @shopify.com
• They ask you to pay upfront to “join”
• No mention of actual brands or terms
• DM feels rushed, vague, or copy-pasted

What a real Shopify Collab looks like:

• Comes from a verified Shopify Collabs invite
• Includes a clear brand name, offer, and link to the dashboard
• Never asks for payment

Pro tip: If you're unsure, DM the brand directly on Instagram or check Shopify Collabs’ official site.

How to Safely Buy From Shopify Stores

Even the most legit-looking site can be shady under the hood.

So how do you protect yourself without turning into a paranoid browser zombie?

Easy. Follow these 5 smart, simple steps.

🧠 Shopify Store Safety Checklist:

1. Check Domain Age

Use Whois Lookup to see when the store was registered.

Brand-new domain? Proceed with caution.

2. Look for Real Reviews (Outside the Site)

Don’t trust on-site reviews alone.

Search the store name on:

• Reddit
• Trustpilot
• Google (“store name + scam”)

3. Use PayPal or a Credit Card

Avoid bank transfers or sketchy payment gateways.

If the site forces you into crypto or Zelle… run.

4. Review the Refund & Return Policy

Legit stores have clear policies, not vague one-liners.

No refund info = 🚩

5. Stick With Verified Shopify Stores

Download the Shop app by Shopify - it only features vetted stores with order tracking baked in.

Bonus tip: Look for signs of real human presence - like Instagram posts, customer support emails, or live chat tools.

Final Verdict: So, Is Shopify Legit?

Shopify is 100% legit.

It’s one of the most trusted eCommerce platforms in the world - powering everyone from solo entrepreneurs to billion-dollar brands.

But here’s the catch:

The platform is legit. The individual stores? That’s up to you to verify.

Just like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay, there are awesome sellers and sketchy ones.

Some are in it to serve. Others are in it for a quick cash grab.

So here’s your bottom line:

• Shopify itself is secure, professional, and built to last.
• Most Shopify stores are run by legit business owners.
• But scammers can use Shopify - and it’s on you to spot the red flags.

Use the tools, check the signs, and shop smart.

Because when you do?

You’ll enjoy all the upside of eCommerce - without the regret.

Is Shopify Legit FAQ

Let's quickly cover some of the most commonly asked questions related to Shopify's saftey and legitimacy.

Is it safe to buy from Shopify?

Yes, Shopify uses secure payment gateways and encryption. But always verify the individual store before purchasing.

Can we trust Shopify?

Absolutely. Shopify is a trusted, publicly traded eCommerce platform used by millions worldwide.

Is there any risk with Shopify?

The platform is safe, but scams can occur through individual stores. Always check reviews, policies, and payment security.

What is the biggest problem with Shopify?

Anyone can open a store, which means some sellers may not be trustworthy. It’s buyer responsibility to vet them.

Is Shopify actually worth it?

Yes. For sellers, it’s a powerful platform. For buyers, it offers convenience and security — if you shop smart.

Can I trust Shopify apps?

Most apps are safe and reviewed by Shopify. Stick to highly rated apps from trusted developers.

‍