Entrepreneurs are becoming younger these days, so I’m sure many aspiring business owners below the age of 18 are curious if they can set up their own Shopify store.
If not, how old do you have to be to use Shopify?
You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get or read online among those who want to start a Shopify store. Look no further because you will find the answers here!
I suggest you read Shopify’s terms of service and policies on who can use the website and set up a Shopify store. You can save time and avoid trouble when creating a Shopify account. It also ensures you can start a business legally.
Setting up a Shopify store is easy, but age requirements complicate it, especially if you are under 18. Learn how to navigate the age restrictions and start an e-commerce business on Shopify! Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Shopify’s terms state that account owners must be at least 18 years old or of legal age to create an account.
- For minors or users under 18, you can create a Shopify account with parental consent or a guardian’s help.
- Dropshipping for minors is also allowed on Shopify only with parental consent and involvement, but it is best to check the policies within the specific platform.
Why Shopify Sets Age Restrictions?
As mentioned, the age of online entrepreneurs has dropped significantly.
Many aspiring business owners started their businesses before reaching the age of 18. As such, many of these young folks are looking to expand their horizons and start an e-commerce business.
The primary reason – and most obvious – is that you must be at least 18 and of legal age. For this reason, a minor cannot use Shopify or create an account.
When you use Shopify, you legally enter into a contract. Shopify’s terms of service are an example of a legal contract. Only someone of legal age, meaning you are not a minor or underage, can enter into such a contract.
It ensures compliance with the ecommerce platform and that all parties understand the contract and are accountable for its use.
Viewing it from a financial standpoint, the age restrictions when creating a Shopify account ensure that the user or account owner has the financial means to start a Shopify store.
Furthermore, financial regulations in banks and other financial institutions require someone of legal age to execute financial transactions, such as authorizing payments from credit cards and other payment processors. It also applies when handling taxes in your Shopify store or account.
These financial transactions must be executed by someone at least 18 years old.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Shopify?
According to Shopify’s terms of service, you must be at least 18 years old to create a Shopify account or start a Shopify store.
Shopify’s terms state that minors cannot create an account and that you must be at least 18 years old. However, it is not black and white, and there are some exceptions to this.
You can learn more about the legal restrictions and implications of setting an age limit for Shopify account owners.
Legal Restrictions and Implications of Age in Shopify
Age is a common legal requirement when setting up a business on any e-commerce platform. As mentioned above, only someone of legal age can enter a legal or financial contract.
Thus, it is a primary obstacle that young, aspiring Shopify store owners must consider.
The good news is that Shopify provides a way to navigate these legal restrictions and age requirements as specified by Shopify’s terms of service.
Parent involvement (or a legal guardian) is the accepted solution around this issue. There is still hope that a minor will create an account on Shopify’s e-commerce platform and manage the transactions in their store.
Parental consent is the answer for a minor to start a Shopify store. The parents should be the ones to create and set up your Shopify account until you reach the legal age (at least 18 years old) to manage your own transactions in your e-commerce business.
However, before that could happen, parental involvement spans the basic activities in an online store. The parents of the Shopify account owners will oversee the financial transactions and add their social security numbers and banking or personal details.
The minor will use the parent’s banking information until they can have their own bank account and run their own Shopify store without parental involvement.
Setting up financial transactions and the store is one thing, but planning for tax complications is crucial. As your online store begins to generate income, you have to pay taxes.
Any income from the Shopify store directly impacts the taxes of the individual whose information is attached to the Shopify account – the parent’s taxes. Therefore, parental consent goes beyond overseeing the store; they are also responsible for paying the store’s taxes.
They must perform business income reporting and filing taxes to ensure compliance. You can discuss this process with a tax professional to simplify how you pay your business taxes.
If learning about the financial regulations and legal restrictions seems overwhelming, you can contact Shopify’s support team for guidance on how to set up or manage your account. A staff member is ready to assist you with your concerns about how to use Shopify as a minor.
In addition, many helpful articles and resources within the community guide you through this process.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Dropship on Shopify?
Dropshipping is a popular business model because it does not involve managing inventory. Thus, anyone can start a dropshipping business with little to no capital.
It is also the same reason why many young entrepreneurs consider dropshipping as the ideal business model, because they can generate income without a huge investment.
The question is: can you start a dropshipping business as a minor?
There are no guidelines on what age you should be when partaking in the dropshipping business model, as it will depend on the platform you use and where you are dropshipping from.
However, it does honor some practical considerations, such as being of legal age to enter into a business contract. If you’re under 18, you must have parental consent or the involvement of a guardian.
It ensures you can handle the legal and financial aspects of your business.
In addition, Shopify Payments and third-party payment processors require users to be of legal age before they can set up an account and use their service. This legal rule applies to payment processors such as PayPal or credit card companies.
Moreover, Shopify is not the only e-commerce platform that requires users to be 18; the same rule also applies to Amazon or eBay.
Download this eBook to jump start your dream Shopify business today!Summary: How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Shopify?
As with any other e-commerce platform, you must be of legal age (18 years old) to use Shopify. If you are below 18 years of age, you can still build your Shopify store with the help of parental consent.
Your parents can navigate the process of setting up your Shopify account and adding your parents’ banking information to manage your store’s financial transactions.
You must observe Shopify’s terms of service strictly to ensure compliance and operate your business legally. You should never falsify your personal details when setting up your Shopify store, wherein you pretend to be of legal age when you are not.
Otherwise, you could be penalized for it or have your account suspended. If you violate the age restrictions on Shopify, you could spoil your dream of building a successful business on Shopify!
Start Young, Sell Smart—With the Shopify Sales Tracker
Want to build a business before 18? Use the Shopify Sales Tracker to uncover what top stores are doing—products, sales, and trends—all in one dashboard. Even if your parent sets up the account, you can do the research, spot winning ideas, and plan your next product launch.
Frequently Asked Questions on How Old Do You Have to Be to Use Shopify
Here are some frequently asked questions about Shopify’s age requirements
Do you have to be 18 to get paid on Shopify?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to legally sign Shopify’s Terms of Service and receive payments. If you are under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to register the account and manage payouts on your behalf.
What is the age limit for Shopify?
The age limit for Shopify is 18 years old, as you must legally agree to their Terms of Service and payment agreements. Minors can still run stores with parental or guardian oversight, but the official account holder must meet the age requirement.
Does Shopify ask for ID?
Yes, Shopify may ask for ID during account verification, especially when setting up Shopify Payments. This process confirms your identity, business details, and banking information to comply with financial regulations. Accepted documents usually include a government-issued ID and proof of address or business registration.
Can I use my parents’ banking information for my Shopify store?
Yes, you can use your parents’ banking information if the Shopify account is registered under their name and they agree to it. Payment details must match the legal account holder’s identity, so your parent should manage payouts and financial responsibilities officially.
How does income from my Shopify store affect my parents’ taxes?
If your Shopify store uses your parents’ banking details, the income may legally be considered theirs, affecting their taxable earnings. This could increase their tax liability or push them into a higher bracket. To avoid complications, it’s best to register under your own name.
