A couple of tech-capable Canadians wanted to set up a simple online store to sell snowboards. No problem. Right?

Wrong.

Scott Lake and Tobias Lutke discovered what many folks with the same start-up dream already knew. The technology that was available was complex and complicated. It was aimed at big businesses and major distributors. It wasn't anywhere close to user-friendly. And design, server, shopping cart and security all came from different sources, so pulling it all together was expensive.

Instead of selling snowboards, the pair decided to create an all-in-one system that made it possible (even for those of us that don't have the "geek gene") to set up a personalized Internet commerce site in minutes. Shopify lets store owners-to-be set up shop in mere minutes. And for those who like to "kick the tires" before they invest, there's a trial option with no charge for the first 10 items sold.

Flexibility is one of Shopify's strongest selling points. If you have a domain name, you're free to use it. Don't have one? Shopify provides one for you. Not a designer and don't want to hire one? No problem. Shopify lets you choose from 10 attractive and professional layouts. Want to design your own pages? That's fine too. They provide the software (Liquid and Vision) and teach you how to use it.

Should you need advice on any aspect of store setup or management, just take your questions to the Shopify community. There are blogs and forums filled with knowledgeable sellers who are happy to answer questions. And users are invited to take advantage of the tutorials and guides posted in the Shopify Help Wiki.

Three plans (in addition to the "10 free sales" trial program) are currently available. Charges are based primarily on number of SKUs allowed and total storage space provided. The commitment is month-to-month, and users are free to change plans or cancel at any time. Plans are: Basic ($24) for 200 SKUs and 60 MB of disk space; Professional ($59) 2,500/240 MB; and Enterprise ($299) 10,000/480 MB. There are no setup fees at any level, and transaction fees diminish from 2% for basic subscribers to .5% at the Enterprise level.

Since many online businesses are aimed at a global audience, sales to more than 60 countries and payments in more than 45 currencies are supported. Owners can choose from 35 direct payment processors (including PayPal), five offsite processors (including Gestpay and nochex) and standard Google Checkout. Shopify provides a complete sales and inventory tracking system.

Shopify says security is constantly monitored and upgraded regularly. All levels are certified PCI compliant using ScanAlert. (PCI is short for Payment Card Industry which has set the security standard required of any merchant that stores, processes or transmits credit card data.) Professional and Enterprise stores are provided an extra layer of protection through an SSL Security encryption program.

By combining ease and affordability, this system makes it possible to dream of being an online storeowner one morning and actually be one that same day. The Shopify motto tells the tale: "A shop in minutes, a business for life."

http://www.shopify.com