Choosing a Domain Name:
When setting up your Shopify store, you have a few options for choosing a domain name:
- Use a Shopify-provided domain: During the store setup process, Shopify will offer you a free domain that ends with “.myshopify.com” (e.g., yourstorename.myshopify.com). This is a good option if you want to quickly launch your store and don’t have a custom domain in mind.
- Purchase a domain through Shopify: If you prefer a custom domain without the “.myshopify.com” extension, you can purchase a domain directly through Shopify. Shopify offers domain registration services, and the pricing varies depending on the domain extension and availability.
- Connect an existing domain: If you already own a domain from a third-party provider, you can connect it to your Shopify store. This involves updating the DNS settings of your domain to point to your Shopify store. Shopify provides instructions on how to connect different domain providers.
Setting Up Shopify Payments:
Shopify Payments is Shopify’s integrated payment gateway, which allows you to accept credit card payments directly on your store. Here’s how to set up Shopify Payments:
- Sign up for Shopify Payments: In your Shopify admin dashboard, go to “Settings” and then “Payments.” Click on the “Complete account setup” button for Shopify Payments. Fill in the required information, including your business details and bank account information.
- Verify your business: Depending on your location, Shopify may require additional verification steps to ensure compliance with payment processing regulations. This may involve providing business documents, identification, or other requested information.
- Configure payment settings: Once your Shopify Payments account is approved and activated, you can configure your payment settings. Choose the credit card types you want to accept and set your preferred transaction currency.
- Set up payouts: Payouts are the funds deposited into your bank account for completed orders. In the Shopify Payments settings, enter your bank account details to set up automatic payouts. Shopify Payments typically transfers funds to your bank account within a few business days.
- Test the payment process: Before launching your store, it’s essential to test the payment process to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Place a test order and go through the checkout process using a real credit card (you can refund the order afterward). Verify that the payment is processed successfully and that you receive a confirmation email.
It’s worth noting that depending on your location and the specific requirements of your business, there may be alternative payment gateways available through Shopify. These include third-party payment providers like PayPal, Stripe, or Authorize.net. If you prefer to use a different payment gateway, you can set it up in the Payments settings and follow the provider’s instructions for integration.
Remember to review the fees associated with Shopify Payments or any other payment gateway you choose, as transaction fees may apply. Shopify provides clear information on the transaction fees and processing rates for each payment gateway option.
By choosing a suitable domain name and setting up Shopify Payments, you’ll establish a professional online presence and enable secure payment processing for your customers.
