Question 1

What is ShopyLocal?

Accepted Answer

ShopyLocal lets you create your own online store in minutes. Whether you're a merchant, social media seller, or entrepreneur, you get a complete store with dashboard, order management, and AI assistance. No technical skills required.

Question 2

Can I try ShopyLocal for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every plan starts with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required. Create your store, add products, receive real orders, and decide later. If you don't want to continue, nothing happens.

Question 3

What's the difference between ShopyLocal and Shopify?

Accepted Answer

Shopify targets ambitious global merchants, with wide catalogs, paid integrations (gateways, apps) and plans starting around $39/month. ShopyLocal targets local merchants who want a clean online store in 5 minutes, no payment gateway to configure, with WhatsApp and email as the order channels, starting at $9/month. No developer needed, no premium theme, no third-party apps.

Question 4

What's the difference between ShopyLocal and WooCommerce?

Accepted Answer

WooCommerce requires a WordPress site, hosting, SSL, paid plugins and regular technical maintenance. ShopyLocal is a hosted platform: create an account, add your products, your store is live. No WordPress, no plugins to update, no backups to manage. Ideal if you'd rather sell than run an infrastructure.

Question 5

Why not Wix or Squarespace?

Accepted Answer

Wix and Squarespace are great for a brochure site. For selling, their e-commerce modules stay generic and order notifications only flow via email. ShopyLocal is sale-first: WhatsApp + email orders, a cart tuned for mobile, pay-on-delivery or in-store with zero setup. Simpler, more relevant for a neighborhood shop.

Question 6

Can I cancel or change my plan anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel, upgrade, or downgrade your plan at any time from your dashboard, no questions asked. There is no long-term commitment and no cancellation fees. If you cancel during your trial, you will never be charged.

Question 7

Which plans are available worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Two simple plans. Starter at $9/month gives you up to 50 products on a shopylocal.com subdomain, advanced analytics and design customization. Pro at $19/month bumps you to 200 products, adds your own custom domain (yourstore.com) and unlocks WhatsApp automation, the AI assistant, premium templates, multi-admin access and priority support. Both plans include a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.

Question 8

Which plans are available in Africa?

Accepted Answer

Two simple plans built for the African market. Starter at 3,000 FCFA/month gives you up to 50 products on a shopylocal.com subdomain, advanced analytics and design customization. Pro at 6,900 FCFA/month bumps you to 200 products, adds your own custom domain (yourstore.com) and unlocks WhatsApp automation, the AI assistant, premium templates, multi-admin access and priority support. Both plans include a 30-day free trial, no credit card required. Prices are fixed in FCFA, so you never have to worry about exchange rates.

Question 9

How do customers pay?

Accepted Answer

Customers pay on delivery or in-store (cash or card). That’s what makes ShopyLocal so simple: no payment setup and no transaction fees to manage.

Question 10

How do I receive orders?

Accepted Answer

You receive every order instantly via WhatsApp and email with all details: items, quantities, customer contact, and delivery address. Free onboarding support is included.

Question 11

Is it hard to set up?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Create your account, add products with photos and prices, organize with categories if you want, and you’re ready. In minutes.

Question 12

Can I organize products by category?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Create categories (e.g., T-shirts Men, T-shirts Women, Shoes, Accessories) and add products. Customers can filter by category to find what they need.

Question 13

What types of businesses can use ShopyLocal?

Accepted Answer

Clothing stores, shoe shops, accessories, grocery stores, pharmacies, florists, bookstores, Instagram and WhatsApp sellers, and more. Any business that sells products can use ShopyLocal.

Question 14

Can I change my store design?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Customize your store with your logo, colors, and images. Every store reflects your identity.

Question 15

Is there a limit to the number of products?

Accepted Answer

The Starter plan includes up to 100 products, which covers most small merchants. The Pro plan removes all limits with unlimited products and categories, ideal for growing catalogs.

Question 16

Can I see a demo before starting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Click “Demo” in the navigation to explore example stores and the customer experience.

Question 17

Is it optimized for mobile?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stores created with ShopyLocal are fast and work perfectly on mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Question 18

Can I edit my store after creation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Update products, categories, prices, and visuals anytime.

Question 19

How can I get help quickly?

Accepted Answer

Write to us via the Contact section or check the Help Center for the most common questions.

Question 20

When will ShopyLocal be available in my country?

Accepted Answer

We are rolling out region by region. Create your shop now and we will notify you as soon as your market opens to checkout.

Question 21

Can I share my store link on Instagram, WhatsApp, or social media?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Every ShopyLocal store has a unique public link you can share anywhere, Instagram bio, WhatsApp status, Facebook, TikTok, or directly by SMS. Customers tap the link and can browse and place orders instantly from their phone.

Question 22

How are order notifications delivered to me?

Accepted Answer

Every time a customer places an order, you instantly receive a detailed email with all the information: items, quantities, customer contact, and any delivery notes. No app needed, your inbox is your dashboard.

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