The fast-paced e-commerce world demands quick solutions, and prebuilt Shopify stores have emerged as a game changer in 2024.
So, why are prebuilt stores so popular? It all comes down to saving time and cutting costs. Within just a few days, you can have a fully functional online business ready to go, without the usual headaches of building everything from scratch.
The buying process is straightforward, involving research, performance analysis, negotiation, and customization. However, thorough research is crucial to success.
Tools like Koala Inspector provide valuable insights into store performance, products, and suppliers, ensuring you make informed decisions when purchasing a prebuilt store.
In this article we will cover the best places to find prebuilt Shopify stores, and learn effective research techniques and what to look for when buying a prebuilt Shopify store, with our custom Shopify spy tool Koala Inspector guiding you every step of the way.
Types of Prebuilt Shopify Stores
There are 3 main types of prebuilt Shopify stores.
Turnkey stores
These are ready-to-go e-commerce solutions that are designed for fast launches. They are fully equipped with products, designed themes and basic figure configurations.
Custom stores
The custom stores are somewhere between a turnkey store, and stores built from scratch. They are created by developers and pay more attention to unique design and niche-specified features.
Existing stores
These stores are existing operating stores on sale. They could be new or old and come with a pack of challenges alongside their success stories.
What to Look for When Buying a Prebuilt Shopify Store
Look beyond the surface level and dig deep into data that has a significant effect on your overall potential. Here is what you should look out for:
Assess What’s Included
Understand the full package—does it include just the store, or are supplier connections and automation tools also provided? Know exactly what you’re getting.
Post-Purchase Support
Look into available support options from the seller, especially if you’re new to eCommerce or new to Shopify.
Store Transfer process
Clarify the steps involved in the store transfer, including how accounts and assets will be handed over to you.
Confirm all included assets, verify what assets are part of the sale, such as social media accounts, the domain name.
Potential Traffic sources and volume
Look into the traffic analytics and understand how many site visitors you have and where they come from. It is better to have a gold mix of traffic sources that will include paid, organic and social. Use Koala Inspector to monitor competitor traffic, sources, and specific search keywords that are leading users to the page.
Conversion rates
The potential conversion rate of your products indicates how many visitors can be turned into customers. A good e-commerce conversion rate will range between 1% to 3% so look for trends in conversion rates across different product categories.
Average order value (AOV)
The AOV will help you see how much a customer spends in an average transaction. Compare the AOV to the market benchmark and look for opportunities to improve.
Issues To Watch For When Buying A Prebuilt Store
Unrealistic profit claims
Stores that claim unrealistic profit margins are ones to be aware of. Use Koala Inspector to verify sale data and cross reference with standards.
Poor customer reviews
Negative reviews are something to look for and you can find them on social media and the store’s own section for feedback.
Lack of transparency in financials
Another big red flag is a seller who is reluctant to highlight detailed financial information. Insist on comprehensive records and use tools to vary them.
Negotiation Tips and Strategies
Understanding store valuation
Growth rate and brand strength are things to consider when assessing the value of a store. Get to know common valuation methods for e-commerce businesses, usually those that are based on monthly profit.
Identifying areas for improvement
Try to identify the improvements you could implement in your store. It could be optimisation, escalating the variety of products on offer and improving marketing strategies.
Structuring the deal
Transaction support, non-compete agreements and access to historical data should all be discussed. Various structures are an option too, such as upfront payment to align interests and mitigate risks.
Post-Purchase Steps
There is a lot of careful planning and execution to transform a purchase into a profit and your goal is to transform the existing standard store into a unique high-performing one. There are a few ways that can help you along the way.
Customization and branding
Design is not only about changing the colours of the logo, but it’s also about creating a visual identity that speaks to your target audience. A professional designer could help you accomplish your goals.
Your brand identity is what will eventually set your brand apart. The elements used should be reflected in all aspects of your store, starting with product description to customer service interaction.
SEO and conversion rates depend on optimising product descriptions so make sure they are well-written and aligned with your brand voice and identity. High-quality images and videos will showcase your products in the best way.
Optimising for search engines and conversions
Implement SEO best practices including meta titles and descriptions. Develop a content strategy that will target the relevant keywords.
To identify what areas you need to improve, set up a conversion track. This will enable you to measure the effectiveness of all those marketing efforts you invested in. A/B testing can help identify what truly works.
Building a marketing strategy
Marketing needs a strategy and a set plan so it can engage the potential audiences that will eventually become paying customers. Consider adding blog posts, guides for using your products or even video tutorials that add great value.
Welcome email invites for new subscribers and announcing a seasonal promotion are a great way for valuable customer engagement.
Social media platforms are there to help you build brand awareness. Make sure you know where you target customers most efficiently and consider posting on them regularly.
Where to Buy Prebuilt Shopify Stores in 2024
Here are the 5 most popular platforms to buy prebuilt store in 2024.
1. Dropship.io
Dropship.io offers a range of prebuilt stores perfectly tailored for dropshipping and comes with a large product selection and optimized designs.
| Overview | Details |
| Cons | Relatively pricey and limited customisation options |
| Price (Basic) | $29/month |
| Price (Standard) | $49/month |
| Price (Premium) | $79/month |
| Customer support | Limited assistance when it comes to design modifications |
2. Adsellr
Adsellr focuses on trending products and niches and is appreciated for its market research ability and store optimization.
| Overview | Details |
| Pros | Various types and sizes of business, marketing material integration, additional services |
| Cons | High entry price and limited information on additional services |
| Prices | Adsellr offers a package that includes products, SEO optimization, and an attractive interface for $350 |
| Customer support | Dedicated project manager, post-sale support for troubleshooting and maintenance |
3. Brandafy
Brandafy is all about UX. It offers Shopify stores with cohesive designs and selected product ranges and delivers stores that look and feel like established and high-end brands.
| Overview | Details |
| Pros | Fast shipping time (4-10 days), advanced UX, comes with important product review and shipping setups |
| Cons | Set up takes around 14 days and comes with a price ($21 for simple stores and $997 for advanced ones) |
| Prices (Premium) | $197 |
| Prices (Custom) | $599 |
| Customer support | Comprehensive support through acquisition and ongoing management |
4. BeBiggy
An easy-to-use platform with user-friendly designs that are ready for immediate launch. The fast setup and automated features make BeBiggy one of the favourites.
| Overview | Details |
| Pros | Ownership flexibility, many automated features and a fast setup |
| Cons | Poor product description and slow loading time |
| Prices | Range of $119 – $999 |
| Customer support | Can be limited |
5. Dropbuild
Dropbuilt caters for both beginners and experienced sellers. It is known for its ongoing and reliable support and top-of-the-range aesthetics.
| Overview | Details |
| Pros | High-quality aesthetics, comprehensive guidance, tailored elements and technical optimisation |
| Cons | Long setup time and is pricey |
| Price | $499 – however this includes everything you need to get started |
| Customer support | Dedicated project manager and ongoing support for troubleshooting, maintenance and optimisation |
Prebuilt Shopify Stores vs. Existing Shopify Stores
When deciding between prebuilt Shopify stores and existing Shopify stores, it’s important to understand the differences and the benefits of each.
Prebuilt stores offer a quick start, with all the foundational elements like design, products, and integrations already set up, saving time and effort. They are ideal for entrepreneurs looking to launch quickly without getting bogged down in the setup process.
On the other hand, existing Shopify stores are fully operational businesses with established traffic, customer bases, and revenue streams. Purchasing an existing store provides immediate cash flow and a proven business model, but it often requires a larger upfront investment and comes with the responsibility of maintaining existing customer relationships and business processes.
Prebuilt stores are best for those who want a fast, low-cost entry into e-commerce, while existing stores are better suited for those willing to invest in a more established, yet more complex, operation.
Top Marketplaces For Existing Shopify Stores
Here are the 5 most popular marketplaces for buying established Shopify stores.
1. Flippa
Thought to be one of the biggest marketplaces for online business and including Shopify stores. It offers new stores alongside established ones and prices starting at a few hundred dollars. It details traffic and revenue and is a great resource for beginners and advanced users.
2. Empire Flippers
Empire Flippers is all about quality. What makes it stand out is its modern screening process and its primary focus on high-end acquisitions. platform offers comprehensive support throughout the entire buying process.
3. Motion Invest
Motion Invest focuses on smaller websites. Their uniqueness is their fast and straightforward buying process, a great option for those taking their first steps in the w-commerce world. It has a user-friendly interface and is a great place to source for promising starter stores.
4. Acquire
Acquire is thought to be a high-end marketplace for Shopify stores. It offers a rich selection of stores in a mid-high range. It showcased detailed financial information and provides personalised support through the entire buying process. Acquire is suited for more experienced buyers who are looking for meaningful revenue and growth potential.
5. Website Closers
Website Closers is an online business broker. Unlike other platforms, it provides personalised broker services and assists in matching potential buyers with Shopify businesses. They come with a package of customer support and even hold listings that are not always on the marketplace.
The Importance of Research Before Buying A Prebuilt Shopify Store
Thorough research is crucial when buying a prebuilt Shopify store, as it can mean the difference between acquiring a high-growth business or a struggling one.
Products and niche research
Identify profitable niches with ongoing demand. Investigate sales history, seasonal trends, and competitor strategies to uncover opportunities. Koala Inspector can help you every step of the way in the product and niche research phase on Shopify.
Supplier evaluation
A good supplier plays a vital role in maintaining product quality, meeting delivery times, and providing reliable customer support—all of which directly impact your store’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
If you can’t find a good supplier and don’t have one already set up in your network, you will need to rethink your strategy and product selection.
Store design and functionality
Make sure the site is mobile-friendly; this will affect engagement and sales. Test relevant apps to identify where improvement is needed. UX is all about navigation, the checkout process and the overall appearance of the store. Otherwise you will need to invest in a new Shopify theme.
Market research
Research the market and prepare your inventory accordingly. Find out how many serious competitors you have and identify your target audiences so you can offer the best products to the right population.
How to Conduct Effective Research
These are the most effective ways to carry out research for your prebuilt Shopify store and industry.
Tools and resources for product research
Google Trends
Google Trends offers valuable insights into search interests. It helps you identify trendy products, so this is best used to compare different ideas or when looking for a specific seasonal collection.
We recommend using Google trends for dropshipping research but you can follow the same step by step for Shopify research too.
Jungle Scout
Jungle Scout priceless data for e-commerce product searching. It provides keyword data and sale estimations.
AliExpress Dropshipping Centre
If you use AliExpress for dropshipping, this next tool is very useful. It provides product analyses including sale volumes and trend escalation.
Helium 10
Although Helium 10 focuses on Amazon, it is valuable for Shopify stores too. It uses keyword search and easily identifies promising products.
Ecomhunt
This next tool finds trendy products for dropshippers and provides updates on new collections, sale data and trading suggestions, all on a daily basis.
Techniques for evaluating suppliers
Sample Ordering
Ask for samples before placing a big order. The sample gives you a complete customer experience and a path for identifying potential faults.
Check Supplier Rating
Research supplier performance through platforms like AliExpress and Alibaba. Focus on customer feedback, especially regarding product quality, reliability, and issue resolution.
Direct Communication with the supplier
Establish open communication with suppliers. Ask specific questions about order quantities, production capabilities, and delivery timelines.
Analyze competitor stores
Study your competitors. Identify best designs, functionality and UX. Look for elements you could use in your store to make improvements. Check the Shopify theme your competitors use to get ideas on potential new themes you can use for your own store, and see the most popular themes in your industry.
Strategies for comprehensive market research
Utilize Facebook Audience Insights
When you utilize Facebook audience insights, you reveal demographic and psychographic data about your potential customers. This tool is best used for understanding the target market and implementing strategies.
Conduct surveys and focus groups
Direct feedback from potential customers will grant you valuable insights to their preferences and buying behaviour. Do this with surveys and focus groups.
Analyse industry reports
Look for industry reports. They will help you to understand the market trends, forecasts and potential challenges.
What are the Alternatives To Buying Prebuilt Stores?
Buying a Shopify store is a great option for many however it might not suit all. Have a look at these alternatives. They might suit your skills and might bring you securely to your long-term goals.
Building your own store from scratch
Building your own online store from scratch is rewarding, however, it is time-consuming, and requires a lot of investment. This option is best for those who have some technical skills or someone who want to learn all the backstage secrets of an e-commerce platform.
Pros
Complete control of design, no need to inherit issues from previous owners and an opportunity to learn the platform from the inside out.
Cons
A time-consuming, steeper learning curve takes longer to generate revenue, and you could find yourself paying for mistakes during setup.
Hiring a developer vs. buying prebuilt
Cost comparison:
Prebuilt stores can be just a few dollars a month whereas a custom development costs thousands. The ongoing costs such as maintenance and upgrading are similar between the two however the prebuilt one will presumably have less complicated themes with more standard costs while the custom-made one will have unique elements that will lead to unique rates.
Time investment analysis:
Prebuilt
Can be up and running within days, depending on the level of customisation,
Custom development
can be anything between 1 and 6 months, depending on the project.
Learning curve
The prebuilt sites will usually come with some guidance while the custom stores will require more time to fully understand.
Long-term considerations:
Support-wise, prebuilt stores will come with some level of support, even if only basic, while the custom-made version will require ongoing development.
When concerning flexibility and uniqueness, custom-made have more opportunities and fewer limitations, while the prebuilt ones may share similarities with others and won’t be able to give you everything you want.
To sum things up
The world of prebuilt Shopify stores provides a compelling opportunity to enter the e-commerce world. By weighing the pros, cons and alternatives, you will be well-equipped on your journey. In the ever-evolving marketplace, it’s not just about having an online store, it’s about standing out and standing the test of time.
FAQs
Is it worth buying a prebuilt Shopify store?
Yes, it can be worth it, especially for those who want to enter the e-commerce business fast. The advantages of a prebuilt store are a fast set-up, proven concepts and potentially established customer bases.
How much does a typical prebuilt store cost?
The cost can vary and depends on performance and niche. Starter stores can start from $500 and reach $5,000 whereas high-performing stores can be over $1,000,000.
Can I change suppliers after buying a prebuilt store?
Yes, but you must remember to review all existing contracts and agreements that have an impact on quality, shipping time and cost. Changing suppliers can be a great opportunity to improve performance.
What’s the average time to profitability for a prebuilt store?
On average, 3 -6 months and it depends on factors such as the current performance, your ability to optimise marketing and the overall competition.
Are there any legal considerations when buying an existing store?
Yes, there are several legal considerations when buying an existing Shopify store. Ownership transfer that ensures domain names and social media counts, intellectual property that verifies there is a proper licence for logos, images and designs, outstanding debts, tax implications and more all have to be checked and validated.
