Shopify VS Shopify Plus: Which One Is Right for You?

Stuck choosing between Shopify vs Shopify Plus? You are not alone! Many store owners wonder whether they should stick with Shopify’s standard plans or upgrade to Shopify Plus for more advanced features. The decision can be confusing, but don’t worry, we are here to simplify it.

Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms, powering 20% of all online stores. It’s perfect for businesses at any stage, whether you’re just starting or scaling up. But, Shopify Plus might be the right upgrade if you run a high-volume business and need more control, automation, and customization.

This guide will explain Shopify vs Shopify Plus, compare key features, and help you choose the best fit for your business.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform allowing anyone to create an online store and sell products without technical skills. It provides everything you need to run a business, including website hosting, payment processing, inventory management, and marketing tools.

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is the enterprise version of Shopify, designed for high-growth and large-scale businesses. It offers more advanced features, customization options, and automation tools to handle higher sales volumes and complex operations.

Shopify VS Shopify Plus: Complete Features Comparison & Key Differences

Short on time? Here’s a quick Shopify vs Shopify Plus comparison to help you decide which plan is right for your business.

Which Plan Is Right for You?

If your business generates over $1 million in annual revenue, Shopify Plus can be a good choice with its automation, customization, and dedicated Shopify Plus support. However, if you are a small to medium-sized business, standard Shopify plans offer great value at a lower cost.

Example Scenarios:

• Startup Clothing Brand ($500,000 Annual Revenue)

Shopify Advanced offers all the necessary tools for growing small businesses, including lower transaction fees, custom reports, and third-party calculated shipping rates. If you’re making under $1 million in annual sales, upgrading to Shopify Plus may not be necessary yet.

• Established Tech Store ($3 Million Annual Revenue)

For businesses experiencing high sales volume and rapid scaling, Shopify Plus unlocks automation tools like Shopify Flow, exclusive APIs, and dedicated account management. If your revenue nears or exceeds $3 million, Plus can help streamline operations and increase efficiency.

• Multi-Brand Retailer Expanding Globally ($10 Million+ Annual Revenue)

Enterprise-level brands with multiple storefronts and international expansion plans need the flexibility and scalability of Shopify Plus. With multi-store capabilities, advanced checkout customization, and priority support, Shopify Plus is essential for businesses generating $10 million annually.

Pros and Cons of Shopify

Pros of Shopify

• Affordable pricing plans for small to medium businesses.
• It is an easy-to-use platform with an intuitive interface.
• Access to a variety of themes and plug-ins.
• No high upfront costs or contracts.
• Scales well for growing businesses.

Cons of Shopify

• Limited checkout customization.
• Higher transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments.
• No built-in wholesale channel.
• Basic automation features compared to Shopify Plus.

Pros and Cons of Shopify Plus

Pros of Shopify Plus

• Full checkout customization for better customer experience.
• Advanced automation tools to streamline operations.
• Dedicated merchant success manager for personalized support.
• Lower transaction fees and better payment processing rates.
• Multi-store management and wholesale channel support.

Cons of Shopify Plus

• High monthly starting costs of $2,000 make it unsuitable for small businesses.
• Requires developer assistance for advanced customizations.
• Some advanced features may not be needed by all businesses.
• Long-term commitment due to higher investment.

Cost of Shopify Plus

The Shopify Plus cost starts at $2,000 monthly, with fees increasing as your sales grow. While this is a significant investment, the advanced features, scalability, and automation tools can help large businesses optimize operations and boost revenue.

Example:
A business making $10 million in revenue on Shopify Advanced might pay more transaction fees than on Shopify Plus, making the upgrade cost-effective.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus depends on your business needs and growth stage.

If you are a small to mid-sized business, Shopify offers all the essential tools at an affordable price. However, Shopify Plus is the better investment if you are scaling fast and need advanced features, automation, and customization.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, sales volume, and long-term goals.

FAQs

1. Can I switch from Shopify to Shopify Plus?
Yes, you can upgrade to Shopify Plus anytime. Shopify provides migration support to help businesses transition smoothly.

2. Is Shopify Plus worth it for small businesses?
No, Shopify Plus is designed for enterprise-level businesses. The standard Shopify plans are more cost-effective if you are a small business.

3. What are the transaction fees on Shopify Plus?
With Shopify Payments, transaction fees are significantly reduced or eliminated. However, if you use third-party payment gateways, fees apply.

4. Can I manage multiple stores with Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus allows you to manage multiple stores from one centralized dashboard, making it ideal for global brands with different regional storefronts.

5. How does Shopify Plus help with international expansion?
Shopify Plus offers advanced multi-currency and multi-language support, helping brands expand their reach globally with localized experiences.