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Shopify For Service Business: Examples & Inspiration 

December 04, 2023
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this article, we’ll learn how service-based businesses use Shopify to innovate and succeed, as well as real examples that provide inspiration and practical tips for your venture.

Key Takeaways 

  • The Fitzroy excels in niche rental with Shopify, showcasing a diverse inventory and elegant online presence.
  • The Mobile Locker Co. demonstrates Shopify’s logistical prowess for event-based mobile locker rentals, efficiently managing bookings and transactions.
  • Novanym showcases Shopify’s versatility in digital services, offering unique business and domain names.
  • Corra highlights Shopify’s scalability for B2B services, providing sophisticated integrations and custom app development.
  • Happily Ever Borrowed transforms traditional industries, using Shopify for a bridal accessory rental service with unique offerings like the “Send Before You Spend” box.

Shopify For Service Business: An Overview 

Why we should sell services on Shopify

Why we should sell services on Shopify

In the evolving digital landscape, choosing the right platform to sell your services is crucial. Shopify emerges as a leading contender for numerous reasons.

Complete All-in-One Solution

Shopify isn’t just a platform; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem for service-based businesses. It provides an all-encompassing solution that includes product listing (adapted for services), inventory management, integrated payment gateways, and a suite of marketing and analytics tools. This integration simplifies the management of all online store aspects in one place.

Moreover, Shopify includes a customizable domain name and hosting and a diverse selection of themes, apps, and sales channels under one roof. The flexibility extends to domain names as well. Businesses can acquire a domain through Shopify or connect an externally purchased one, ensuring brand consistency and recognition.

Reliability and security

Shopify excels with its robust infrastructure, renowned for its high uptime, ensuring consistent operational status for your online store. Trust is crucial in the service industry, and Shopify bolsters this by offering secure payment gateways in line with international security protocols, safeguarding businesses and their customers from potential risks.

By default, Shopify’s stores are PCI compliant, reflecting its dedication to security. This compliance safeguards payment data, business information, and customer details, reassuring business owners and consumers. The platform’s Level 1 PCI certification amplifies this commitment, effectively managing security for web hosting and shopping cart features.

Powerful Performance

When handling high-traffic volumes and transactions, Shopify stands out. Its platform is engineered to manage substantial online traffic and sales activity efficiently. This means your online service store remains fast and responsive during peak sales periods or high-demand seasons, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Top-notch Customer Support

A significant advantage of Shopify is its exceptional customer support. Available 24/7, this support system assists businesses in resolving any issues swiftly. This level of support is invaluable, as it ensures that service businesses can maintain a smooth and uninterrupted shopping experience for their clients.

What kind of services sells well on Shopify?

Shopify, known for its versatility and user-friendly interface, caters to a wide range of service-based businesses. The platform’s adaptability makes it ideal for various types of services which have found considerable success. Here’s a closer look at some service categories that thrive on Shopify.

Coaching Services

The demand for coaching services has significantly increased, as evidenced by over 1.5 million monthly online searches for life, business, and executive coaches. This trend is a strong indicator of the longevity and relevance of the coaching business in today’s digital landscape.

Whether you specialize in personal development, career coaching, or executive coaching, Shopify provides the perfect platform to offer your services.

Classes or Training

The scope for classes and training services on Shopify is vast, spanning various sectors like education, fitness, and corporate training. With an increasing demand for specialized skills and knowledge, the market for online classes and training sessions is booming. Shopify allows you to structure and sell your training services in various formats, including packaged courses, subscription-based models, and more.

Consultancy Services

Consultancy services have long been a staple in the business world. The global consulting market, projected to reach nearly $132 billion in 2020, is a testament to its enduring popularity. Shopify provides a professional and efficient way for consultants in various fields, such as marketing, financial, human resources, SaaS, IT, and accounting, to offer their expertise.

Whether you provide strategic advice, operational improvements, or specific technical expertise, Shopify enables you to structure your consultancy services effectively and reach a wider clientele.

Event Management

Event management services, encompassing personal and professional events like weddings, formal parties, concerts, and ceremonies, find a conducive environment on Shopify. 

If you possess skills in organizing and managing events, Shopify can be an excellent platform to showcase your services. 

Rental Services

The rental service industry, offering physical products, equipment, or spaces for a specific duration, also thrives on Shopify. 

Whether you’re renting out party equipment, costumes, tools, or spaces, Shopify’s robust system can handle bookings, payments, and inventory management efficiently. This makes it a viable and user-friendly platform for businesses looking to offer rental services to a broad audience.

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples

Here are five unique examples demonstrating how diverse services can effectively operate and thrive on Shopify:

1. The Fitzroy

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples-1

The Fitzroy is a top-notch dress rental service known for its elegance in Canadian fashion. It’s the ideal place for those wanting stylish outfits for special occasions. Their collection includes a variety of dresses, jumpsuits, suits, and accessories, ensuring every customer finds the perfect attire. 

What makes The Fitzroy stand out is its commitment to high fashion and its global selection. They source garments worldwide, offering customers the latest trends and timeless classics. Using Shopify behind the scenes, The Fitzroy manages its inventory and rental processes smoothly, providing a user-friendly platform for customers to explore and rent high-end fashion easily.

Essentially, The Fitzroy is more than a dress rental service; it’s a style curator, dream facilitator, and a bridge connecting people to the global fashion scene. By making high-end fashion accessible, The Fitzroy transforms special occasions into unforgettable moments, allowing everyone to enter the spotlight.

2. The Mobile Locker

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples-2

The Mobile Locker Co. stands as a prominent provider of storage solutions for events across the nation, delivering secure and efficient services at a variety of gatherings. They specialize in offering locker trucks and mobile bag check systems, suitable for events ranging from large-scale festivals to corporate conferences.

What sets The Mobile Locker Co. apart is its commitment to streamlining the storage process for event organizers and attendees. Utilizing Shopify for their services, they offer an intuitive and user-friendly platform, ensuring smooth logistics for their locker trucks and bag check systems. This results in a hassle-free approach to managing attendee belongings, contributing to a seamless event experience.

The Mobile Locker Co. excels in providing safe storage options, whether securing personal items at a music festival or offering an efficient bag check at a business conference. Their use of Shopify is integral, facilitating effortless reservation, tracking, and management of their storage services, thereby elevating the overall experience for everyone involved.

3. Novanym

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples-3

Novanym is an innovative and simple solution in the business world, offering a specialized service to help businesses find the perfect name and corresponding .com domain. The platform pairs businesses with unique names and domains, simplifying the complex process of crafting a brand identity. 

Using a carefully curated Shopify store, Novanym provides a virtual marketplace where businesses can explore, evaluate, and secure their ideal brand identity with ease. It’s not just a naming service; Novanym is an enabler of brand creation, a partner in establishing a solid online presence, and a testament to simplicity’s power in the complex business identity world.

4. Corra

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples-4

In the digital commerce realm, Corra is a seasoned guide for lifestyle brands and B2B organizations, specializing in guiding them toward growth and success on Shopify Plus. With over two decades of experience, Corra addresses unique challenges by developing complex backend integrations and custom apps for Shopify stores. 

What sets Corra apart is its commitment to providing tailored solutions that go beyond standard offerings. The agency leverages the Shopify platform to showcase its expertise and facilitate seamless client interactions. Corra is not just a digital commerce agency but a strategic partner in the journey of brands seeking growth and distinction in the competitive e-commerce landscape, focusing on innovation, customization, and unparalleled expertise.

5. Happily Ever Borrowed 

Shopify Service-Based Businesses Examples-5

In luxury e-commerce, Happily Ever Borrowed redefines the wedding experience by offering a rental service for bridal accessories. The platform provides brides with a dazzling array of veils, headpieces, tiaras, and more to enhance their wedding day elegance without the hefty price tag. 

A distinctive feature, the “Send Before You Spend” box, allows brides to try three pieces before their wedding day, adding excitement to the preparation process. 

Through its unique rental model and commitment to customer satisfaction, Happily Ever Borrowed has carved a niche in the wedding industry, proving that luxury and convenience can go hand in hand.

Seven Tips To Promote My Shopify Services Business

Promoting your Shopify services business requires a strategic approach to stand out in the competitive digital marketplace. Here are seven practical tips to enhance your visibility and attract more clients:

Build a Robust Online Presence

For a Shopify-focused business aiming to build a solid online presence, developing a well-crafted website is crucial. This digital platform acts as your business’s face, necessitating a professional look, easy navigation, and strategic search engine optimization (SEO). Highlight your Shopify expertise, display various services, and promote client testimonials to build trust and establish credibility in the competitive e-commerce arena.

Engaging and retaining website visitors is essential, and it is achieved through consistently publishing valuable content. Keep your site updated with educational blog posts, detailed case studies, and in-depth guides about Shopify. This content showcases your expertise and improves your website’s SEO, leading to a gradual increase in organic traffic.

Use Social Media

Harness the power of social media to expand the reach of your Shopify-centric business. Choose platforms strategically based on your target audience’s preferences and behaviors. For B2B services, LinkedIn is an excellent choice for demonstrating expertise and networking with potential clients. Meanwhile, Instagram and Facebook are more suited for reaching a wider consumer audience due to their diverse user base.

Use social media not just for promoting your services but also for sharing insightful content. Provide Shopify tips and tricks, showcase client successes, and keep abreast of industry trends. Engage actively with your audience by responding to comments, joining discussions, and cultivating a community around your brand. This interactive approach enhances your brand’s identity and helps build a loyal customer base, fostering ongoing business growth.

Leverage Email Marketing

An effective email marketing strategy is crucial for maintaining a solid connection with your audience. Develop a newsletter that provides valuable Shopify tips, updates on industry news, and exclusive promotions. This regular communication keeps your audience engaged and informed about the latest developments in your services. 

Furthermore, personalized emails can be a potent tool for reaching out to potential clients or businesses that stand to benefit from your Shopify expertise. Craft tailored messages that speak directly to the needs of your recipients, showcasing how your services can address their specific challenges. 

Networking and Partnerships

Actively engage in the Shopify and e-commerce community by participating in relevant events, workshops, and webinars. These platforms offer valuable learning experiences and opportunities to network with potential clients and industry peers. Building a personal connection in these settings can contribute significantly to establishing trust and credibility within the Shopify ecosystem.

In addition, explore collaborations with businesses or influencers operating in complementary niches. Forming partnerships can lead to mutual benefits such as client referrals and an expanded reach for both parties involved. By strategically aligning with others in the industry, you enhance your business’s visibility and tap into new audiences interested in your Shopify services. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and can drive business growth in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Harness the power of paid advertising to elevate your Shopify-focused business. Utilize Google Ads to target individuals actively seeking services related to Shopify. Craft compelling ad copy and employ relevant keywords to ensure visibility to users searching for solutions in the e-commerce space. 

Additionally, implement targeted advertising campaigns on popular social media platforms. This approach allows you to reach potential clients more effectively, leveraging the detailed targeting options on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Offer Exceptional Service

Differentiate your business by focusing on the delivery of high-quality service. Prioritize customer satisfaction to retain existing clients and generate positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. 

Consider implementing a referral program that incentivizes existing clients to refer new business your way. This not only rewards loyal customers but also expands your client base through the endorsement of satisfied clients.

Use Case Studies and Testimonials

Showcase your achievements by presenting detailed case studies and client testimonials on your website and social media channels. 

You offer concrete proof of your expertise and success by displaying real-world examples of the results you’ve delivered for clients. Such transparency in highlighting positive client experiences fosters credibility and trust among prospective clients. Demonstrating the tangible benefits of your Shopify services positions your business as a dependable and efficient ally in the e-commerce sector, thus enhancing your market appeal.

Bottom Line

Shopify goes beyond traditional product sales and is well-suited for service-based businesses like coaching, classes, consultancy, event management, or rentals. It offers an all-in-one solution with ease of use, security, performance, and great support. The success stories of a lot of businesses showcase Shopify’s adaptability.

See more: Top 15 Shopify B2B Examples You Should Learn From  

Shopify for Service Businesses: FAQs

Absolutely. Shopify is designed to accommodate both product and service-based businesses. Its diverse range of tools and features can be tailored to suit the unique needs of a service-oriented model, whether it’s for bookings, consultations, rentals, or educational services.
Yes, you can. Shopify is an excellent choice for consulting businesses. It allows you to present your services, manage client interactions, schedule appointments, and handle payments, all within a single, streamlined platform.
Definitely, while Shopify is primarily known for eCommerce, its capabilities are not limited to selling physical products. Its flexible framework is well-suited for non-eCommerce businesses, including service-based models, consultancy, and educational platforms.
Shopify is adaptable to a wide range of service businesses. This includes coaching, consultancy, educational classes, event planning, rental services, and more. Its ability to handle different operational aspects makes it suitable for almost any service business.
Yes, you can. Shopify supports various apps that allow you to take bookings or appointments directly through your website. These apps can integrate with your calendar and offer real-time availability, making it easy for customers to schedule appointments or book services.

Setting up a service business on Shopify involves a few key steps:

  • Choose a theme that aligns with your service offering.
  • Customize your site to reflect your brand and services.
  • Set up your service listings as products, detailing what each service entails.
  • Utilize Shopify’s various apps to add functionality like appointment bookings or consultations.
  • Integrate payment gateways to handle transactions for your services.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.