Short Answer
- Shopify is ideal for small to medium businesses, with affordable plans starting at $29/month
- Shopify Plus targets high-volume merchants, starting at $2,000/month
- Key differences:
- Customization: Shopify Plus offers more control
- API access: Shopify Plus has fewer limitations
- Support: Shopify Plus provides dedicated assistance
- Tools: Shopify Plus includes advanced features like Launchpad and Flow
- Shopify Plus may be worth the investment for businesses:
- Processing high sales volumes (typically $1M+ annually)
- Needing complex customizations or integrations
- Requiring dedicated support
- Planning rapid growth
- Choose based on your current needs, budget, and future growth plans
- Many successful brands start with Shopify and upgrade to Plus as they scale
Introduction
Are you looking to start or scale your ecommerce business, but not sure whether to choose Shopify or Shopify Plus? You're not alone. With over 1.7 million merchants using Shopify worldwide, it's one of the most popular ecommerce platforms available. But how do you know if you need the advanced features of Shopify Plus?
Let's break it down:
- Shopify is great for small to medium-sized businesses, with plans starting at just $29/month
- Shopify Plus is designed for high-volume merchants and large enterprises, starting at $2,000/month
- In 2022, Shopify Plus powered over 10,000 of the world's fastest-growing brands
The key differences come down to scalability, customization, and support. But is Shopify Plus worth the higher price tag? And at what point should you make the switch?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore:
- The main features of Shopify vs Shopify Plus
- Pricing breakdowns for both options
- Real examples of businesses using each platform
- How to determine which is the best fit for your unique needs
Ready to find out if it's time to level up your ecommerce game? Let's dive in!
Key Differences in Features
Now that we've introduced Shopify and Shopify Plus, you might be wondering - what exactly sets them apart? Let's dive into the key feature differences between these two popular ecommerce platforms.
Customization Capabilities
How much control do you want over your store's look and functionality? This is where Shopify and Shopify Plus start to diverge:
- Shopify offers over 70 professional themes and basic customization options
- Shopify Plus allows full control over your store's code and checkout process
For example, fashion brand Gymshark used Shopify Plus to create a fully customized shopping experience that helped them grow to $1.3 billion in annual revenue.
API Access and Integration Options
Do you need to connect your store with other business systems? Here's how the two platforms compare:
- Shopify has a robust API, but with some limitations
- Shopify Plus offers unlimited API calls and access to more powerful APIs
This means Shopify Plus merchants can build more complex integrations with ERPs, CRMs, and other enterprise software.
Dedicated Support and Account Management
How much hands-on help do you need? The level of support differs significantly:
- Shopify offers 24/7 support via email, live chat, and phone
- Shopify Plus provides a dedicated Launch Engineer and Merchant Success Manager
For high-volume stores, this personalized support can be crucial for optimizing performance and solving issues quickly.
Exclusive Apps and Tools
Want access to advanced features? Shopify Plus unlocks some powerful tools:
- Launchpad for coordinating sales and product releases
- Script Editor for customizing checkout logic
- Flow for automating backend processes
These tools have helped brands like Kylie Cosmetics manage flash sales that generate millions in revenue within minutes.
Multicurrency and Multilanguage Support
Planning to sell internationally? Here's how the platforms stack up:
- Shopify supports multiple languages and currencies
- Shopify Plus offers more advanced options for global selling
For example, Shopify Plus allowed watch brand MVMT to expand into 200+ countries and territories.
As we can see, Shopify Plus offers significantly more power and flexibility - but do you need all those advanced features? In the next section, we'll break down the pricing to help you determine if Shopify Plus is worth the investment for your business.
Pricing and Transaction Fees
Now that we've explored the key feature differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, you might be wondering - how much do these advanced capabilities actually cost? And is the investment worth it for your business?
Let's dive into the pricing structures for Shopify vs Shopify Plus:
Shopify Pricing
Shopify offers three main pricing tiers:
- Basic Shopify: $29/month
- Shopify: $79/month
- Advanced Shopify: $299/month
All plans include core features like unlimited products, 24/7 support, and abandoned cart recovery. The higher tiers unlock additional features like professional reports and lower credit card rates.
Shopify Plus Pricing
Shopify Plus pricing starts at $2,000 per month, with a variable fee structure for high-volume merchants. The exact cost depends on your sales volume and specific needs.
While this may seem like a big jump, consider that many Shopify Plus stores are processing millions in sales each month. For example, fashion brand Fashion Nova reportedly generates over $1 million in sales per day on their Shopify Plus store.
Transaction Fees
Another key difference in Shopify vs Shopify Plus pricing is transaction fees:
- Shopify charges 0.5% - 2% for external payment gateways
- Shopify Plus waives these fees if you use Shopify Payments
For high-volume merchants, this fee difference alone can offset much of the higher monthly cost of Shopify Plus.
Additional Costs to Consider
When comparing Shopify vs Shopify Plus, don't forget about potential add-on costs like:
- Apps and integrations
- Custom development
- Design services
Shopify Plus does include some advanced tools that you'd need to pay extra for on regular Shopify plans. However, complex customizations may still require additional investment on either platform.
So how do you decide if Shopify Plus is worth the higher price tag for your business? Let's look at some key factors to consider in the next section.
Analytics
Now that we've covered the key features and pricing differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, you might be wondering - how do the analytics capabilities compare? After all, data is crucial for making informed business decisions.
Let's dive into how Shopify vs Shopify Plus stack up when it comes to analytics and reporting:
Shopify Analytics
Shopify offers robust analytics tools across all its plans, including:
- Sales reports
- Customer behavior data
- Marketing performance tracking
- Inventory analytics
However, the depth of reporting increases with higher-tier plans. For example, the Advanced Shopify plan ($299/month) unlocks custom report builders and calculated staff costs.
Shopify Plus Analytics
So what extra analytics firepower does Shopify Plus bring to the table? Here are some key additions:
- Enhanced ecommerce Google Analytics
- Shopify Flow for automated reporting
- Custom report builders
- In-depth user behavior analysis
For instance, Gymshark uses Shopify Plus's advanced analytics to track customer lifetime value across multiple storefronts and optimize their marketing spend accordingly.
Third-Party Integrations
Another major difference in Shopify vs Shopify Plus analytics is the ability to integrate with enterprise-level business intelligence tools:
- Shopify allows basic integrations with tools like Google Analytics
- Shopify Plus enables deeper integrations with platforms like Tableau and Looker
This means Shopify Plus merchants can create more sophisticated dashboards and predictive models to drive their business strategy.
Real-Time Data Access
How quickly can you access your store's performance data? Here's how it breaks down:
- Shopify provides near real-time data updates
- Shopify Plus offers true real-time data access via APIs
For high-volume stores processing thousands of orders per hour, this real-time access can be crucial for inventory management and fraud prevention.
So, is the enhanced analytics capability of Shopify Plus worth the higher price tag? The answer depends on your business needs and data requirements. For many growing ecommerce brands, the advanced insights provided by Shopify Plus can be a game-changer in driving growth and optimizing operations.
Help and Support
After analyzing the key features and pricing differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, let's examine how they differ in terms of help and support. After all, getting timely and effective assistance when issues arise is crucial, isn't it?
So what sets Shopify and Shopify Plus apart when it comes to customer support? Let's break it down:
Shopify Support
Shopify offers the following for all plans:
- 24/7 support (via email, live chat, and phone)
- Help center documentation
- Community forums
This is sufficient for most small to medium-sized merchants. But what if your business is larger and requires more personalized support?
Shopify Plus Support
Shopify Plus provides additional support for enterprise-level merchants, including:
- Dedicated Launch Engineer to help set up and migrate your store
- Designated Merchant Success Manager for ongoing guidance on business growth
- Priority 24/7 support
- Access to Shopify Plus Academy training resources
This highly personalized support is crucial for handling complex issues and optimizing high-traffic stores. For example, fashion brand Fashion Nova relies on Shopify Plus's support team to manage its millions in monthly sales.
Response Times
How quickly can you expect a response? Here are some key differences:
- Shopify typically responds within 24 hours
- Shopify Plus promises 1-hour response times for urgent issues
For large merchants potentially losing thousands in sales every minute, this rapid response can be a game-changer.
Community and Resources
Beyond direct support, what additional resources do Shopify and Shopify Plus offer?
- Shopify has an active public forum
- Shopify Plus provides exclusive Facebook groups for enterprise-level merchants to connect
This peer network can be invaluable for sharing best practices and solving unique enterprise-level challenges.
So, is upgrading to Shopify Plus worth it for this enhanced support? The answer depends on your business needs and growth goals. For many rapidly expanding brands, Shopify Plus's expert support can be a key driver in scaling their business.
Which level of support do you think would best suit your business? In the next section, we'll summarize the main differences between Shopify vs Shopify Plus to help you make your final decision.
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Final Verdict
Now that we've dived deep into the features, analytics, support, and pricing of Shopify and Shopify Plus, you might be wondering - which one is right for my business? Let's sum up the key differences and help you make that crucial decision.
Shopify: The Small Business Champion
Who is Shopify best for?
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- New ecommerce entrepreneurs
- Companies with straightforward selling needs
Shopify shines with its:
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing starting at $29/month
- Solid basic features for most online stores
For example, many successful small businesses like Bombas socks started on Shopify before scaling up.
Shopify Plus: The Enterprise Powerhouse
Who should consider Shopify Plus?
- High-volume merchants (typically $1M+ in annual revenue)
- Rapidly growing brands
- Businesses with complex customization needs
Shopify Plus stands out with:
- Advanced customization capabilities
- Dedicated support and account management
- Powerful tools like Shopify Flow for automation
Brands like Gymshark and Kylie Cosmetics have leveraged Shopify Plus to scale to 9-figure revenues.
Making Your Decision
So how do you choose between Shopify and Shopify Plus? Ask yourself:
- What's your current and projected sales volume?
- Do you need advanced customization or integration capabilities?
- Would you benefit from dedicated support and account management?
- Can your budget accommodate the higher cost of Shopify Plus?
Remember, it's not just about where your business is now, but where you want it to be in the future. Many successful brands start with Shopify and upgrade to Shopify Plus as they grow.
Ultimately, both Shopify and Shopify Plus offer robust ecommerce solutions. The key is choosing the one that aligns best with your business goals and resources.
What's your take? Based on what we've covered, which platform do you think is the better fit for your business - Shopify or Shopify Plus?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I switch from Shopify to Shopify Plus later?
A1: Yes, you can upgrade from Shopify to Shopify Plus at any time as your business grows and needs change.
Q2: Is Shopify Plus worth it for a new business?
A2: For most new businesses, regular Shopify is sufficient. Shopify Plus is typically more suitable for established businesses with high sales volumes.
Q3: What's the main advantage of Shopify Plus over regular Shopify?
A3: The main advantages of Shopify Plus include advanced customization options, dedicated support, and powerful tools for high-volume sales and automation.
Q4: How much do I need to be selling to justify Shopify Plus?
A4: While there's no strict threshold, businesses typically consider Shopify Plus when they're approaching or exceeding $1 million in annual revenue.
Q5: Can I use my own domain with both Shopify and Shopify Plus?
A5: Yes, both Shopify and Shopify Plus allow you to use your own custom domain for your online store.
My Opinion
While Shopify and Shopify Plus both offer powerful ecommerce solutions, I believe the choice ultimately depends on your business's growth trajectory. For most startups and SMBs, regular Shopify provides ample features at an accessible price point. However, if you're experiencing rapid growth or have complex needs, Shopify Plus's advanced capabilities and dedicated support can be game-changing. The key is to align your choice with your long-term vision and be prepared to scale up when the time is right.
