How to Start a Shopify Store If You’re Under 18

Starting a Shopify store as a teenager can be exciting, but there’s one challenge—Shopify requires users to be at least 18 years old to create an account. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t start your online business! You just need to follow a few workarounds to launch your store legally.

Let’s explore your options. 🚀

🚨 Why Does Shopify Require You to Be 18?

Shopify involves legal agreements, payment processing, and tax handling, which require users to be adults. To comply with these rules, Shopify’s Terms of Service state that only individuals 18 years or older can sign up for an account.

But don’t worry—you can still run a Shopify business with the right approach.

✅ How to Start a Shopify Store If You’re Under 18

1️⃣ Use a Parent or Guardian’s Information (Best Option)

Since Shopify requires an adult to create an account, the easiest solution is to use a parent’s or guardian’s details to register.

Steps to do this:

  1. Ask your parent or guardian for permission.

  2. Have them create the Shopify account under their name and details.

  3. You run the business while they oversee legal matters.

  4. Set up a PayPal Business account (linked to their details) for receiving payments.

💡 Tip: If your parents are hesitant, show them your business plan and explain how you will handle the store responsibly.

2️⃣ Form a Legal Business with an Adult

If your parents aren’t interested, you can form a partnership with a trusted adult (a relative, family friend, or mentor).

How this works:
✔️ The adult registers the Shopify store under their name.
✔️ You manage the operations, marketing, and product listings.
✔️ You can set up an agreement for profit-sharing.

This way, you get to run the business legally while they take care of the formalities.

3️⃣ Wait Until You’re 18 & Start Preparing Now

If you’re close to turning 18, you can use this time to:
✔️ Research your niche and competitors
✔️ Source or create products
✔️ Plan your marketing strategy
✔️ Build an audience on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube

By the time you turn 18, you’ll have everything ready to launch your Shopify store instantly!

4️⃣ Try Shopify Alternatives That Allow Minors

If you want to start now without involving an adult, consider platforms that allow younger users:

✅ Etsy – If you sell handmade or vintage items, Etsy allows 13+ users with parental consent.
✅ Redbubble, Teespring, or Printful – Great for selling print-on-demand (POD) products like T-shirts and stickers.
✅ Instagram/Facebook Marketplace – You can sell items and take payments via PayPal or UPI without a Shopify store.

Once you turn 18, you can migrate to Shopify for better control over your business.

💰 How to Handle Payments as a Minor

Since Shopify Payments and PayPal require users to be 18+, here’s what you can do:

✔️ Use a parent’s PayPal account (they can withdraw money for you).
✔️ If using a business partner, set up a joint bank account.
✔️ Accept cash-on-delivery (COD) if selling locally.

Remember to discuss tax and legal responsibilities with your guardian to stay compliant.

🚀 Final Thoughts

Although Shopify requires users to be 18 or older, young entrepreneurs can still start a store by partnering with a parent or guardian. If that’s not an option, you can start small with other platforms and switch to Shopify when you turn 18.

At Windborne Solutions, we help Shopify entrepreneurs, no matter their age, set up and grow successful online stores. If you need expert guidance on building a professional Shopify store, check out our work here.