Table of Contents
Shopify vs Shopify Plus
When it comes to building an online store, Shopify is one of the most popular platforms available today. But what about Shopify Plus? It’s the advanced version, designed for businesses that require more robust tools, features, and support. In this article, we’ll compare Shopify vs Shopify Plus to help you decide which option is right for your e-commerce needs. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up a large enterprise, the differences between the two can significantly impact your store’s performance and growth.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create and manage their own online stores. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for designing, selling, and marketing products, whether physical or digital. Shopify is known for its ease of use, scalability, and wide range of features catering to different types of sellers.
Shopify: Best for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
Shopify is ideal for new businesses, entrepreneurs, or small to medium-sized businesses looking to scale. It offers a range of features at an affordable price point and is easy to use for those who are new to e-commerce.
Pros of Shopify
User-Friendly Interface: Shopify is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible to users with limited technical skills. The drag-and-drop editor simplifies the design process.
All-in-One Solution: It offers everything needed to set up an online store, including website hosting, domain purchasing, payment processing, inventory management, and marketing tools.
Customizable Templates: Shopify provides a variety of professionally designed templates that can be easily customized to fit a brand’s identity.
Mobile-Optimized: All Shopify stores are mobile-responsive, ensuring a good browsing experience on smartphones and tablets.
App Integration: The Shopify App Store boasts thousands of apps that enhance functionality, allowing you to add features like email marketing, inventory management, and customer support.
Cons of Shopify
Monthly Fees: Shopify operates on a subscription-based model, which can be a financial burden for small businesses, especially if they are just starting.
Transaction Fees: If you choose to use a payment provider outside of Shopify Payments, transaction fees apply, which could add up over time.
Limited Customization for Lower Plans: The lower-tier subscription plans have limitations concerning features and customization compared to higher-tier plans.
Learning Curve: While the platform is user-friendly, there can still be a learning curve for users who are entirely new to e-commerce.
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is the enterprise-level solution offered by Shopify, designed for high-volume merchants and larger businesses. It provides advanced features, greater customization options, and enhanced support compared to standard Shopify plans.
Shopify Plus: Best for Large Enterprises
If you run a large company with complex needs, Shopify Plus might be the better choice. It’s tailored for high-volume businesses that require advanced functionality, more control over store customization, and enhanced support. Think of Shopify Plus as the “enterprise solution” for e-commerce.
Pros of Shopify Plus
Scalability: Shopify Plus can handle high-volume transactions and large product catalogs, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Customization: It offers advanced customization options through the use of Liquid, Shopify’s templating language, as well as APIs and SDKs for further development.
Dedicated Support: Shopify Plus merchants get access to dedicated account managers and 24/7 support, which can be crucial for businesses needing quick resolution of issues.
Multi-Channel Selling: The platform supports selling across various channels (e.g., social media, marketplaces), allowing businesses to reach a larger audience.
Increased Security: Shopify Plus provides enhanced security features, including PCI compliance, which is essential for businesses handling sensitive customer data.
Cons of Shopify Plus
Cost: Shopify Plus has a higher price point compared to standard Shopify plans, which may not be justifiable for all businesses, particularly smaller ones.
Complexity: With increased functionality and customization capabilities comes complexity. Managing and maintaining a Shopify Plus store can require more expertise and resources.
Limited Themes: While Shopify Plus offers customization, there are fewer themes specifically designed for it, which can limit some aesthetic choices.
Learning Curve: Businesses migrating to Shopify Plus may face a steep learning curve, especially if they are accustomed to simpler platforms.
Pricing Structure: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
| Plan | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $39 – $399/month | Starting at $2,000/month |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | Lower rates available |
Basic Shopify ($39/month): This plan is perfect for new businesses just starting out. It includes the essential e-commerce features, including an online store, payment processing, and basic reporting.
Shopify ($105/month): Aimed at growing businesses that need more advanced reporting, additional staff accounts, and slightly lower transaction fees.
Advanced Shopify ($399/month): Designed for businesses with higher traffic or more complex needs. It includes advanced reporting tools, better shipping discounts, and enhanced functionality for scaling.
Shopify Plus (from $2,000/month): The custom-priced plan for large enterprises that require advanced features like custom checkout, dedicated support, custom API integrations, and more. Shopify Plus is a highly scalable, flexible solution for businesses with high-volume sales and complex requirements.
Feature Comparison: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Checkout | Limited customization | Fully customizable checkout |
| Multi-Currency Support | Available (with extra fees) | Built-in multi-currency support |
| API Access | Limited API calls | 24/7 API access, higher limits |
| Inventory Locations | Up to 5 locations | Unlimited locations |
| Reporting | Basic reporting | Advanced reporting & analytics |
| Integration | Limited integrations | Unlimited integrations and API access |
Custom Checkout
Shopify
Shopify provides a straightforward checkout process that is easy to implement but has restrictions on how you can modify it. Store owners can make minor adjustments, like changing colors or adding logos, but the overall workflow and layout cannot be extensively altered. This may limit branding opportunities for businesses looking to create a highly unique customer experience at checkout.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus allows for extensive customization of the checkout experience, giving businesses greater control over branding and user experience. Merchants using Shopify Plus can utilize Liquid (Shopify’s templating language) to change the layout, introduce custom fields, and adjust the customer journey. This level of personalization can significantly enhance the shopping experience and reinforce brand identity.
Multi-Currency Support
Shopify
Shopify supports multi-currency transactions, but this feature often comes with extra fees. Merchants can enable multi-currency to accommodate customers from different countries, but they may incur additional costs related to cross-border transactions, which can affect profitability.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus includes robust multi-currency functionality without extra fees. This makes it easier for merchants to sell internationally without worrying about additional charges, ensuring that customers can purchase in their local currency. This enhances the customer experience and can help to boost global sales.
API Access
Shopify
The standard Shopify plan comes with restrictions on API calls, which can limit the functionality of certain apps and integrations, especially for larger stores with higher demand for data access. This could affect the ability of merchants to rely on external applications for inventory management, shipping logistics, analytics, and more.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus provides improved API accessibility with higher call limits, allowing businesses to integrate more complex systems and applications seamlessly. This is particularly beneficial for larger enterprises that require more sophisticated data handling, such as syncing products, managing large inventories, and executing real-time analytics. Continuous API access ensures that stores remain efficient and competitive, minimizing downtime and improving user experience.
Inventory Locations
Shopify
Standard Shopify allows merchants to manage inventory across a maximum of five different locations. While this may serve many small to medium-sized businesses adequately, it poses limitations for larger operations that may require warehouses or stores in various regions for optimized shipping and fulfillment.
Shopify Plus
In contrast, Shopify Plus supports an unlimited number of inventory locations, enabling large businesses to manage complex logistics more effectively. Companies that have multiple warehouses or retail locations can route inventory and fulfill orders more dynamically based on customer demand and location. This flexibility can lead to improved shipping times and customer satisfaction.
Advanced Reporting
Shopify
With standard Shopify, access to analytics is limited primarily to basic reports concerning sales, traffic, and customer information. While this may be sufficient for smaller businesses, it may not provide deeper insights needed for strategic decision-making as companies grow.
Via Shopify
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus offers advanced reporting and analytics options that provide a more in-depth view of business performance. Merchants gain access to more comprehensive reports, including tailored metrics and real-time data analysis, which can help detect trends, improve inventory management, and optimize the overall sales process. Advanced analytics tools enable businesses to make informed decisions based on detailed insights.
Integration
Shopify
The standard version of Shopify features a restricted set of integrations, which may hinder businesses that require specific tools and applications to operate more efficiently. Depending on the nature of the business, the available integrations might not cover all necessary functions.
Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus, by contrast, offers unlimited integrations and the capability to connect with various third-party applications via powerful APIs. This flexibility allows enterprises to customize their technology stack according to their unique workflows and operational needs, supporting improved efficiencies and enhanced customer experiences. This feature is especially valuable for businesses that rely on complex systems for managing everything from customer relationships to supply chain logistics.
Conclusion
When choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus, pricing is a major consideration, as Shopify Plus comes with a significantly higher price tag. However, the advanced features—such as unlimited staff accounts, custom checkout options, priority support, and advanced reporting—make it a suitable choice for large enterprises or businesses expecting rapid growth.
For businesses with high sales volumes, complex workflows, or the need for custom integrations, Shopify Plus offers unmatched scalability, flexibility, and support. On the other hand, for smaller businesses just starting out, Shopify provides excellent value with an easy-to-use platform, and the ability to scale as needed.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
The primary difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus lies in the scale of your business and the advanced features that Shopify Plus offers.
Shopify is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need a user-friendly platform to set up an online store quickly. It comes with basic tools for building, managing, and growing an e-commerce site, but has limitations in customization, staff accounts, reporting, and support.
Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is designed for large enterprises or high-volume businesses with more complex needs. It offers enterprise-level features such as advanced reporting, unlimited staff accounts, custom checkout options, higher API limits, and a dedicated account manager. Shopify Plus also provides more flexibility in terms of store customization, payment gateways, and integrations.
How much does Shopify Plus cost compared to Shopify?
The pricing for Shopify and Shopify Plus is significantly different.
Shopify: Pricing starts at $39/month for the Basic Shopify plan and can go up to $399/month for the Advanced Shopify plan. These prices are based on the level of features and support needed by your business.
Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus does not have a fixed price. It is a custom-priced plan, typically starting around $2,000/month, depending on the scale and needs of your business. The price can increase based on additional services, customization, and sales volume.
While Shopify is more affordable, Shopify Plus offers a range of advanced features, support, and scalability that make it a worthwhile investment for high-volume and large businesses.
Does Shopify Plus provide more customization options than Shopify?
Yes, Shopify Plus provides much more flexibility and advanced customization options compared to Shopify.
With Shopify, you can customize your store using themes and templates, but the options for altering the checkout process and back-end functionality are limited.
Shopify Plus allows for full customization, including:
Customizing the checkout experience (for things like upsells, offers, or custom fields).
Unlimited access to APIs, allowing you to integrate with more advanced third-party apps and services.
Full control over your store’s theme code, enabling you to tailor the look and feel of the site to your exact specifications.
Advanced shipping options and custom workflows, which are essential for large or international stores.
What type of support do Shopify and Shopify Plus provide?
Both platforms offer 24/7 customer support, but the level of service differs significantly.
Shopify: Offers support through email, live chat, and phone, with a dedicated team available to help users on all plans. The support is generally quick and effective, but you may have to wait in line during peak hours.
Shopify Plus: Provides 24/7 priority support with a dedicated account manager. This means that businesses using Shopify Plus have faster response times and more personalized assistance. The account manager can help with store setup, troubleshooting, growth strategies, and custom solutions. Plus, Shopify Plus users have access to a VIP support team, which is ideal for troubleshooting complex or enterprise-level issues.
Is Shopify Plus worth the price for small businesses?
For small businesses, Shopify is typically the better option. Shopify Plus offers a wealth of advanced features, but the price tag (starting at around $2,000/month) may not be justifiable unless your business is generating significant sales or requires custom enterprise-level tools.
If you’re a small business just starting out or looking to scale moderately, Shopify provides all the necessary features at a much more affordable price. Shopify Plus is designed for high-volume businesses, so unless you’re hitting major milestones in revenue or growth, it may not be the right fit.
Can I switch from Shopify to Shopify Plus later on?
Yes, you can easily migrate from Shopify to Shopify Plus as your business grows. The migration process is typically smooth, especially with the help of Shopify’s dedicated support team.
When switching to Shopify Plus, you’ll gain access to additional features such as advanced reporting, custom checkout, and unlimited staff accounts. Shopify provides detailed instructions and customer support during the migration to ensure minimal downtime and data loss. The transition can be a great way to scale as your business needs grow, but it’s important to ensure that your business can handle the additional cost and complexity of Shopify Plus.
What are the transaction fees for Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Both Shopify and Shopify Plus charge transaction fees, but the rates differ based on the plan you choose and whether you use Shopify Payments.
Shopify Transaction Fees (for non-Shopify Payments users):
Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
Shopify: 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction
Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 30¢ per transaction
Shopify Plus:
Shopify Plus offers lower transaction fees (depending on your sales volume and the payment gateway used). Rates are negotiable and typically lower than standard Shopify fees, especially if you use Shopify Payments.
One of the benefits of Shopify Plus is that transaction fees can be negotiated based on your business’s volume, so high-volume businesses can expect lower fees, which can translate into significant cost savings.
Can I integrate third-party apps with Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Both Shopify and Shopify Plus support third-party apps via the Shopify App Store, but there are some key differences in how they handle integrations.
Shopify: Offers a wide range of apps through the Shopify App Store. These apps cover everything from marketing and SEO to inventory management and customer service. However, the integration options are limited for highly customized or enterprise-specific needs.
Shopify Plus: Provides access to the same apps, but with unlimited API access, allowing for more complex integrations and custom solutions. Shopify Plus also offers custom integrations for third-party systems like ERPs, CRMs, and custom payment processors, which can be critical for large businesses with complex workflows.
Does Shopify Plus offer better performance and scalability than Shopify?
Yes, Shopify Plus is designed to handle high-volume businesses and offers superior performance and scalability.
Shopify is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and can handle moderate traffic and sales volumes. However, as your store grows, you might encounter performance issues, particularly during peak traffic periods (like holidays or sales events).
Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is built for scalability and can handle millions of transactions with minimal latency. Shopify Plus includes advanced features such as higher API limits, more robust hosting infrastructure, and better site speed optimization. If your business is growing rapidly or has the potential to scale, Shopify Plus ensures that performance and uptime are maintained, even during periods of high traffic.
What are the key advantages of Shopify Plus over Shopify?
Here are the key advantages of Shopify Plus over Shopify:
Full checkout customization: With Shopify Plus, you have complete control over your store’s checkout process, which can be tailored to fit specific needs, like upsell options or unique customer flows.
Unlimited staff accounts: Shopify Plus allows you to have an unlimited number of staff accounts, making it ideal for larger teams.
Advanced analytics and reporting: Shopify Plus provides deeper insights into your store’s performance with more advanced reporting tools that can be customized to your business.
Priority support: Shopify Plus users get priority 24/7 support and access to a dedicated account manager, ensuring that issues are resolved quickly.
Enterprise-level features: Shopify Plus includes a range of features not available on standard Shopify plans, such as custom integrations, advanced API access, and higher transaction volume capabilities.
Scalability and performance: Shopify Plus is optimized for high-traffic stores, providing superior scalability, faster loading times, and a robust infrastructure for handling large volumes of transactions.
