If you’re dreaming of launching an online store but your wallet says, “Girl, please,” let me introduce you to your new BFF: Payhip. Whether you’re a side hustler, aspiring entrepreneur, or a total newbie with a big dream and a tight budget, it is the ultimate low-cost launchpad for your e-commerce empire.
What is Payhip?
Start selling online for free. You can sell digital products, physical products, memberships, courses, and more. The free plans allow you to sell unlimited products and come with unlimited features for free.
Payhip is a user-friendly e-commerce platform that lets you sell digital products, physical goods, memberships, and more—all without needing a tech degree or a giant stack of cash. It’s basically Shopify’s chill cousin who doesn’t charge you rent to hang out.
Best Pricing: Free Forever (Yes, Really!)
One of the best things you need to know is that you can get started for FREE. Yep, the Free Forever Plan has no monthly fees. You only pay a small 5% transaction fee per sale. As your store grows, you can upgrade to:
- Plus Plan: $29/month with a 2% transaction fee
- Pro Plan: $99/month with 0% transaction fees
Every plan—even the free one—comes with unlimited products and full access to every feature. You don’t get penalized for being broke. Bless.
Who is Payhip Best For?
It is perfect for:
- First-time sellers and creatives
- Coaches, course creators, and freelancers
- Makers of physical products like stickers, journals, scrunchies, candles, etc.
- Bloggers and influencers who want to monetize with digital + physical items
Features That Make Payhip a Beginner’s Dream
1. Easy Store Setup
You can build your store in less than 30 minutes. Just pick a name, upload your products, connect your payment method, and you’re live. No tech drama.
2. Custom Domain Support (No Extra Charge)
Buy your domain from Namecheap and connect it to Payhip for free. Your store looks professional without the fancy price tag.
3. Sell Digital + Physical Products
Unlike Big Cartel or Etsy clones, Payhip lets you sell BOTH types of products right from day one.
4. Built-in Email Marketing with AWeber
AWeber has a free plan that integrates with Payhip so you can build your list and send emails without extra software costs.
5. Free Blog Feature for SEO
Payhip lets you create a blog directly on your store to boost your SEO and share content like gift guides, product care tips, or brand stories.
6. Affiliate Program Tools
Want others to promote your products for you? You can set up your own affiliate program inside Payhip. Yes, even on the free plan.
7. Multiple Payment Options
Accept payments with PayPal or Stripe, both of which are free to connect and widely trusted by buyers.
Why Payhip is Better Than Big Cartel (Especially for Broke Newbies)
| Feature | Payhip | Big Cartel |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Product Limit | Unlimited | 5 |
| Blog | Yes | No |
| Digital Products | Yes | Limited (via apps) |
| Affiliate Tools | Yes | No |
| Transaction Fees (Free) | 5% | 0% |
| Payment Gateways | PayPal, Stripe | PayPal, Stripe |
While Big Cartel is nice for ultra-simple physical shops, Payhip gives you way more features, freedom, and room to grow without hitting a product cap or paying extra for every little add-on.
The Best Products to Sell
Here are 5 low-cost, lightweight items that are perfect for beginners:
- Self-care kits (lip balm, tea bag, crystal, affirmation card)
- Sticker packs
- Mini journals or notepads
- Scrunchie sets
- Affirmation card decks
All of these are easy to ship, inexpensive to make or buy wholesale, and loved by Pinterest & Instagram audiences.
Final Thoughts: Built for Dreamers on a Budget
Payhip is like that one friend who gets you. It won’t drain your bank account, it helps you grow, and it doesn’t punish you for starting small. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, downloadable printables, or a mix of both, it gives you the tools to start now, grow smart, and build something beautiful.
So go ahead, grab your dream, your domain, and a cup of cafecito—your online store is just a few clicks away.
Ready to launch? Visit Payhip.com and start for free today!
