When deciding between Shopify and Shopify Plus, consider your business size and goals. If you run a small to medium-sized business with standard needs, Shopify is suitable with its lower pricing tiers. For larger enterprises needing advanced features, scalability, and customization, Shopify Plus offers dedicated support, improved customization options, and unlimited staff accounts. Shopify Plus is ideal for businesses aiming for high growth, extensive API integrations, and tailored solutions. Assess your business requirements and growth aspirations to determine which platform aligns best with your objectives. Understanding your needs is key to making the right choice. More insights await.
Shopify vs. Shopify Plus – Which Suits You Best?
When deciding between Shopify and Shopify Plus, consider your business size and growth aspirations to determine which platform best suits your needs. Shopify caters to small businesses with pricing tiers ranging from $29 to $299 per month.
In contrast, Shopify Plus targets larger enterprises, starting at $2,000 per month. Shopify offers good customization options, while Shopify Plus provides advanced analytics and unlimited functionalities for high-volume businesses.
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Summary
To summarize the comparison between Shopify and Shopify Plus:
Consider the distinct features and pricing models of each platform to make an informed decision based on your business needs and growth goals.
Shopify is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, while Shopify Plus caters to larger enterprises.
Shopify offers limited functionalities as you scale, while Shopify Plus provides unlimited functionalities, dedicated support, and advanced features tailored to larger businesses.
12 Main Differences Between Shopify & Shopify Plus
When comparing Shopify and Shopify Plus, you'll notice several key differences.
Shopify Plus offers a dedicated account manager, providing personalized support for your business.
Additionally, Shopify Plus gives you more control over theme customization, staff accounts, checkout processes, and API integrations to tailor your online store to your specific needs.
1. Dedicated Account Manager
Shopify Plus distinguishes itself from Shopify by providing a dedicated account manager for personalized support tailored to enterprise-level needs. The account manager assists with onboarding, customization, integrations, and scaling strategies, ensuring priority support.
This feature offers high-growth businesses strategic guidance and tailored solutions, setting Shopify Plus apart with its emphasis on customer support and attention to detail for larger businesses.
2. Theme customization
For improved customization options and design flexibility, Shopify Plus stands out by offering advanced theme customization features tailored to enterprise-level businesses. Take a look at the comparison below to understand the differences in theme customization between Shopify and Shopify Plus:
| Features | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plans | Limited themes and templates | Unlimited themes |
| Advanced Customization | Basic design flexibility | Extensive design options |
| API-Based Customizations | Limited API integrations | API-based customizations |
3. Staff accounts
To improve team management capabilities, consider the stark contrast in staff account allowances between Shopify and Shopify Plus.
Shopify limits staff accounts based on pricing tiers, while Shopify Plus offers unlimited staff accounts for advanced team management.
Shopify Plus enables multiple users with varying permission levels, boosting security and control.
Assigning roles, controlling data access, and streamlining operations efficiently are key advantages of Shopify Plus for workflow management.
4. Control over checkout
By improving control over the checkout process, you can customize every aspect to align seamlessly with your business goals and branding on Shopify Plus.
- Tailor the checkout process to improve customer experience.
- Optimize for better conversion rates.
- Integrate third-party tools for added functionality.
- Boost customer retention through a streamlined purchasing journey.
5. API integrations
Improving control over the checkout process on Shopify Plus allows you to seamlessly integrate over 8,000 paid and free apps for API integrations, providing extensive customization options.
Shopify Plus enables integration with ERP or CRM systems, ensuring seamless data exchange. Additionally, support for third-party apps boosts marketing and order management capabilities.
Leveraging API integrations, businesses can achieve advanced checkout control and discover headless commerce for unique storefront experiences.
6. Exclusive apps
When comparing Shopify and Shopify Plus, users can access exclusive apps tailored specifically for high-growth businesses to improve functionality and customization options.
- Exclusive apps provide advanced functionality
- Tailored for high-growth businesses
- Boost store performance
- Optimize customer experience
These apps are designed to cater to the specific needs of Shopify Plus users, optimizing performance and driving success in the competitive e-commerce market.
7. Integration with existing platforms
To optimize your e-commerce platform's functionality and customization options, understanding the main differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus lies in their integration capabilities with existing platforms.
Shopify Plus offers advanced API integrations, extensive customization options, deeper integration with third-party apps, headless commerce capabilities, and supports complex integrations with over 8,000 apps.
These features improve operational efficiency and flexibility for high-volume merchants seeking seamless connections with existing systems.
8. Access to wholesale channels
Access wholesale channels on Shopify Plus provide high-volume merchants with specialized B2B Wholesale Tools for direct business-to-business selling. This includes tailored customer profiles and customized catalogs.
- Specific payment terms tailored for wholesale transactions
- Easy setup of wholesale channels on the Shopify Plus platform
- Improved B2B selling experience for high-volume merchants
- Increased efficiency in managing wholesale transactions
9. Merchant Success Program
The Merchant Success Program on Shopify and Shopify Plus offers exclusive support and services tailored to high-growth businesses. This program sets them apart with specialized assistance and growth strategies.
Shopify Plus provides dedicated Merchant Success Managers to help you scale and optimize operations efficiently. On the other hand, Shopify's Merchant Success Program focuses on providing resources and guidance to businesses on the standard platform.
Merchant Success support on Shopify Plus includes personalized assistance, strategic planning, and tailored solutions for enterprise-level needs.
10. Unified dashboard with in- depth analytics
With Shopify Plus, you gain access to a unified dashboard equipped with advanced analytics tools for in-depth insights into your business performance.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Monitor sales metrics
- Access daily reports and SEO optimization data
- Utilize customizable reports for improved decision-making
11. Pricing
Comparing the pricing structures of Shopify and Shopify Plus reveals significant differences. Shopify core plans range from $29 to $299 per month, while Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month. Shopify Plus pricing is revenue-based and can reach up to $40,000 monthly.
Plus offers improved customization options, lower transaction fees, and dedicated merchant support, making it ideal for high-volume enterprises seeking scalability and advanced features.
12. eCommerce automation tools
When considering the eCommerce automation tools available, one can observe distinct differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus.
- Shopify Plus offers advanced automation tools like Launchpad and Flow for high-volume businesses.
- Businesses can automate tasks like product launches and updates with Shopify Plus.
- Automation capabilities in Shopify Plus streamline operations and boost efficiency.
- Shopify Plus provides robust automation options to scale and grow effectively.
Who Should Use Shopify Plus
If you run a high-volume e-commerce business or seek advanced customization options, Shopify Plus might be the right choice for you.
Businesses with international sales aspirations or those needing dedicated support could benefit from the features of Shopify Plus.
Companies looking for enterprise-grade capabilities such as multiple storefronts and advanced API integrations should consider Shopify Plus for their growth needs.
High- Volume E- commerce Businesses
For high-volume e-commerce businesses looking to scale and optimize operations, Shopify Plus offers tailored solutions and advanced features to support growth and maximize potential revenue.
- Scalability: Seamlessly handle high order volumes.
- Customization: Tailor the platform to suit your specific needs.
- Enterprise Solutions: Designed for established businesses.
- Tailored Support: Access advanced functionality and integrations.
Brands Seeking Advanced Customization
Ideal for brands seeking advanced customization options beyond the capabilities of regular Shopify, Shopify Plus caters to businesses with specific design, functionality, and integration requirements.
Shopify Plus offers exclusive features, tailored online store options, and scalability for high-growth businesses.
If you aim for a highly customized and unique online store experience, consider Shopify Plus for its advanced customization capabilities and flexibility to meet the needs of growing brands.
Businesses with International Sales Aspirations
Catering to businesses with international sales aspirations, Shopify Plus offers advanced features for supporting multiple languages and currencies, enhancing global customer reach and engagement.
- Tailored Checkout Experiences: Tailored for global customers.
- Dedicated Account Management: Support for international operations.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Managing multiple storefronts across regions.
- Online Presence Customization: Catering to various international markets.
Merchants Needing Dedicated Support
When needing specialized support and personalized assistance, consider utilizing Shopify Plus for your e-commerce business.
Shopify Plus caters to merchants requiring dedicated support, advanced features, custom solutions, and priority assistance.
It offers tailored solutions for high-volume sales and complex business needs.
With dedicated account management and access to the Shopify Plus Partners Program, it's ideal for businesses looking to scale and receive specialized support.
Companies Looking for Enterprise- Grade Features
Consider upgrading to Shopify Plus if your business requires enterprise-grade features and advanced customization options to support high sales volumes and scalability.
- Access advanced customization options
- Support high sales volumes
- Benefit from dedicated support
- Enable international expansion opportunities
Who Should Not Use Shopify Plus
If you're a small startup operating on a limited budget, Shopify Plus may not be the most cost-effective solution for your e-commerce needs.
Merchants who prefer complete control over their hosting environment might find the features of regular Shopify plans sufficient for their operations.
Businesses with minimal e-commerce needs, not planning rapid expansion, or seeking straightforward storefronts may not require the advanced capabilities offered by Shopify Plus.
Small Startups with Limited Budgets
Small startups with limited budgets should steer clear of Shopify Plus due to its higher pricing starting at $2,000 per month.
- Regular Shopify plans are more suitable for initial growth stages.
- Shopify Plus may not align with small startups' requirements.
- Budget constraints make Shopify Plus less cost-effective for startups.
- Starting with a basic Shopify plan allows for affordable growth opportunities.
Merchants Preferring Complete Control Over Hosting
Would merchants seeking complete control over hosting environments find Shopify Plus suitable for their needs? Shopify Plus does not cater to those desiring complete control over hosting. It is a fully managed solution without direct server access, making it unsuitable for those looking for self-hosting options. Consider other platforms offering more hosting control if you require direct management of the underlying infrastructure.
| Shopify Plus Hosting Control | Not Suitable |
|---|---|
| Complete control over hosting environments | No |
| Direct server access | No |
| Managed hosting | Yes |
Businesses with Minimal E- commerce Needs
Businesses with minimal e-commerce needs should consider alternative platforms instead of opting for Shopify Plus due to its advanced features and higher cost.
- Minimal online store requirements
- Standard Shopify plans more affordable
- Ideal for small startups
- Advanced features unnecessary
Companies Not Planning to Scale Quickly
If you don't foresee rapid expansion in your operations, opting for Shopify Plus may not be the most cost-effective choice for your company. Businesses not aiming for extensive scaling or enterprise-level features may find Shopify's standard plans more suitable.
Shopify Plus caters to high-growth businesses with specific needs and capabilities, which may not be essential for companies planning to maintain a smaller scale.
Merchants Seeking Simple, Basic Storefronts
For merchants seeking a straightforward online presence without the need for extensive customization, Shopify presents a more suitable option compared to Shopify Plus.
- Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses
- Basic storefronts without advanced features
- Lower pricing for businesses with limited growth aspirations
- Beginner-friendly platform for online stores
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Shopify Plus Better Than Shopify?
When comparing Shopify and Shopify Plus, consider advanced features, increased scalability, customization options, dedicated support, enterprise-level solutions, and improved performance. Shopify Plus offers unique functionality tailored for large operations, making it better suited for high-growth businesses.
When Should You Switch to Shopify Plus?
When should you switch to Shopify Plus? Evaluate revenue growth exceeding $1 million annually. Consider advanced customization, scalability, and dedicated support. Improve user experience with unlimited features. Migrate seamlessly for high-growth potential.
What Type of Merchants Are Best Suited for the Shopify Plus Plan?
For enterprise clients, high volume businesses, and those with customization needs or global expansion goals, Shopify Plus offers advanced analytics and dedicated support. Ideal for companies with complex operations and B2B selling requirements.
What Is a Better Option Than Shopify?
When considering e-commerce platforms, investigate alternatives like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or Magento for more customization options than Shopify. Compare pricing, performance metrics, and integration capabilities to make an informed decision. Customer support is essential.