How do I start a Shopify store on a tight budget?

Spend on the things that actually drive sales and DIY the rest at first. The non-negotiables: the Shopify subscription, a domain, and decent product photos (you can shoot these well yourself with daylight and a clean background). Start on the free Dawn theme, use Shopify's built-in tools for email and basic discounts, and add paid apps only when a specific need proves itself.

Resist the urge to buy a premium theme and a dozen apps on day one. Launch lean, get your first orders, and reinvest profit into the things data shows matter, a better theme, key apps, or custom work. A scrappy store that's live beats a perfect one that never ships.