Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Which One is Best for Your Business?

As one of the world’s leading eCommerce platforms, Shopify has made it easier than ever to launch, manage, and grow an online store. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur just starting out or an established business looking to expand online, Shopify offers a user-friendly, customizable platform that meets the needs of businesses of all sizes. But when comparing Shopify vs Shopify Plus, it’s clear that the latter offers additional features and resources for those needing more robust solutions. With an extensive range of themes, apps, and support options, Shopify is designed to help you create a seamless shopping experience that reflects your brand.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the Shopify vs Shopify Plus unique features and benefits. We’ll explore the differences in pricing, customization, support, and scalability to help you decide which version best fits your business goals. Whether you’re just getting started with Shopify or considering the upgrade to Shopify Plus, this guide will help you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.

What Is Shopify?

Shopify is a popular eCommerce platform designed to help businesses of all sizes set up and manage an online store. It offers a range of tools for building your website, managing inventory, processing payments, and tracking orders. Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and affordability, making it a great option for small to medium-sized businesses or startups. As of 2024, Shopify serves over 4.9 million merchants globally, providing a platform for small to medium-sized businesses with its accessible plans.

What Is Shopify Plus?

For businesses with higher sales volumes or those looking for advanced features and scalability, Shopify Plus offers a more robust solution. Shopify Plus includes all the features of the standard Shopify plan, plus advanced customization options, automation tools, and additional support. This enterprise-level plan is tailored to meet the needs of larger businesses or those experiencing rapid growth. As of 2024, over 61,000 Shopify Plus stores will be operating globally, utilizing its cutting-edge capabilities for extensive commercial operations.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Shopify

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for small businesses.
• Easy-to-use interface with a variety of templates.
• Access to a large library of third-party apps.

Cons:

• Limited customization compared to Shopify Plus.
• Basic reporting and analytics tools.
• Less control over the checkout experience.

Pros and Cons of Shopify Plus

Pros:

• Advanced customization and automation options.
• Higher scalability and control over the backend.
• Priority support and dedicated account management.

Cons:

• Significantly higher price point.
• May require technical expertise for advanced features.
• Overkill for small businesses or those with lower sales volumes.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: What are the Key Differences?

While both platforms share many of the same features, there are some notable key differences between Shopify vs Shopify Plus. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare.

Exclusive Features of Shopify Plus: What You Get Beyond the Standard Shopify Plan

1. Advanced Customization

One of the most significant advantages of Shopify Plus is the ability to deeply customize your store using Shopify’s Liquid code. Liquid is Shopify’s templating language that allows developers to modify store themes beyond what is available in the basic Shopify plans. This enables advanced customizations like:

• Custom designs and functionality: Create unique, brand-specific designs and add sophisticated features to your store.
• Tailored user experiences: Personalize the browsing experience based on customer data, products, or browsing history.
• Exclusive app integrations: With access to APIs and Liquid code, you can integrate your store with third-party applications and services that require custom configurations.

This level of customization ensures that your store stands out and meets your specific business needs without being constrained by the limitations of Shopify’s regular plans. 

If your store requires unique features or custom integrations, consider working with a Shopify development company. Hire Shopify experts from Krishang Teacholab that can leverage Liquid Code effectively, ensuring that your store is built to your exact specifications and optimized for performance.

Read More About : How much does it cost to hire a Shopify expert?

2. Dedicated Account Manager

When you upgrade to Shopify Plus, you are assigned a Dedicated Account Manager who serves as a point of contact for all your store’s needs. This is a highly valued feature because it provides you with personalized support, business advice, and tailored solutions. Your account manager can assist with:

• Store setup and optimization: They help you configure your store, ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently.
• Troubleshooting: If you face any issues, your account manager will work directly with Shopify’s technical team to resolve them as quickly as possible.
• Strategic advice: You’ll receive guidance on improving your business processes, from enhancing your customer experience to optimizing your product listings.

This dedicated support ensures that you get the most out of your Shopify Plus subscription, reducing the time spent solving problems or navigating the platform.

3. Priority Support 24/7

Shopify Plus customers enjoy 24/7 priority support, which is a step up from the standard support available to regular Shopify users. With Shopify Plus, your queries and technical issues are addressed faster, minimizing any potential downtime for your business. The benefits of this service include:

• Quicker response times: Your inquiries are placed at the top of the queue, meaning you won’t have to wait long for assistance.
• Advanced troubleshooting: Shopify Plus support agents have deeper knowledge and access to tools that allow them to solve more complex issues quickly.
• Business-critical help: Whether it’s troubleshooting a payment issue or fixing a broken feature on your site, Shopify Plus support is there to make sure your store is up and running.

This priority access to support ensures you can operate smoothly, even when facing technical challenges.

4. Higher API Call Limits

Shopify Plus offers up to four times more API calls than standard Shopify plans. API calls are requests made by your store to communicate with other systems, such as your inventory, accounting, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools. For businesses with high sales volumes, or those integrating with multiple apps and services, this feature is crucial. The advantages include:

• Faster data synchronization: Your integrations and apps will run more efficiently, allowing you to manage inventory, process orders, and update customer data without hitting limitations.
• Enhanced app performance: Apps that rely on APIs to sync data will perform better, leading to a smoother operation and better user experience.
• Scalability: If your business is growing, higher API limits mean your store can handle increased traffic and transactions without experiencing slowdowns.

For businesses with high transaction volumes or complex integrations, it’s beneficial to hire Shopify developers with experience in API management. A skilled developer can optimize your API usage to get the best performance from your store.

5. Multi-Channel Integration

Shopify Plus supports integration with a wide range of sales channels, including major platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Instagram. It allows you to sell your products across multiple marketplaces without the need to manage separate stores or systems. Key benefits include:

• Centralized management: You can manage your inventory, orders, and customer data across all channels from a single Shopify Plus dashboard.
• Global reach: Sell in multiple countries and languages without managing multiple platforms.
• Consistent branding: Maintain a consistent customer experience, regardless of where your customers make a purchase.

For businesses looking to expand their reach, Shopify Plus provides the tools to sell across a variety of online platforms while keeping your operations unified.

6. Advanced Reporting and Analytics

Shopify Plus provides access to advanced reporting and analytics tools that go beyond the basic reporting options available on other plans. This includes:

• Customizable reports: Tailor reports to track key metrics that are specific to your business, such as sales performance, traffic sources, and customer behavior.
• Real-time data: Access real-time data on your store’s performance to make informed decisions quickly.
• Customer insights: Use detailed analytics to better understand your customers’ purchasing patterns, which helps you optimize marketing and product strategies.

With these insights, you can drive data-driven decisions that enhance your business operations, improve customer experiences, and increase sales.

7. Exclusive Payment Gateway

Shopify Plus offers Shopify Payments at a reduced transaction fee compared to other plans. Additionally, Shopify Plus users have the flexibility to use third-party payment gateways without incurring additional fees, making it easier to tailor your payment processes. Benefits include:

• Lower transaction costs: With Shopify Payments, you pay a lower fee, which can add up to significant savings if you process a large number of transactions.
• Flexible payment methods: You can offer a wide range of payment options for your customers, such as credit card payments, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more.
• Global payment support: Shopify Plus supports multi-currency payments, making it easier to handle international transactions.

This gives you more flexibility in how you manage payments and helps optimize the cost of running your eCommerce business.

8. Customizable Checkout

Shopify Plus allows you to fully customize your checkout process, which can have a significant impact on conversion rates and customer satisfaction. You can make changes such as:

• Custom fields: Add custom fields to collect additional information during checkout, such as personalized messages or special instructions.
• Discounts and promotions: Implement advanced discounting rules, such as volume-based discounts or loyalty rewards.
• Branded checkout experience: Align the checkout process with your brand’s aesthetic and offer a seamless experience for your customers.

A streamlined and personalized checkout process can increase customer satisfaction and boost conversion rates, which ultimately helps drive more revenue.

9. Unlimited Staff Accounts

Unlike other Shopify plans, Shopify Plus allows you to create unlimited staff accounts, which is perfect for larger teams. This feature is ideal if you have a growing team or need to grant different levels of access to various team members. The key advantages include:

• Flexible permissions: Control what staff members can access and modify within your store. For example, you can give your marketing team access to campaigns while restricting access to sensitive financial data.
• Better team collaboration: Multiple users can work on the store simultaneously, without interfering with each other’s tasks.

This feature is vital for large teams and businesses that need more control over how their staff interacts with the store.

10. International Expansion

Shopify Plus supports international expansion by allowing you to create multiple stores for different regions, each with its own:

• Language: Tailor your store’s language to suit the local market.
• Currency: Set up different currencies for each market, offering localized payment options.
• Taxes and duties: Automatically calculate taxes and duties for international shipments, helping you comply with local laws.

With these capabilities, Shopify Plus allows you to scale your business across borders without needing multiple systems or platforms.

11. Exclusive Apps and Features

Shopify Plus customers have access to exclusive apps and features that help automate and optimize their store’s operations. Some of these include:

• Launchpad: Automate your sales campaigns and promotions, such as flash sales, product launches, and seasonal campaigns.
• Shopify Flow: Create automated workflows that manage routine tasks like order processing, customer follow-ups, and inventory updates.
• Script Editor: Customize your checkout process with personalized discounts, shipping rules, and more using scripts.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Comparison at Glance

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Customization and Design Flexibility

Customization Options for Shopify Standard Plans

Shopify’s standard plans allow you to customize your website to an extent, with access to themes and apps that let you personalize your storefront. However, the level of customization has some limitations compared to Shopify Plus.

Enhanced Design Flexibility in Shopify Plus

With Shopify Plus, you get access to Shopify’s Liquid code and other customization tools, allowing for much more control over your site’s look and feel. This is especially useful if you want a unique and tailored experience for your customers.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Checkout Customization

Shopify Plus Customizable Checkout

One of the standout features of Shopify Plus is its customizable checkout. Unlike the standard plans, where you’re limited to Shopify’s default checkout, Shopify Plus lets you modify your checkout process to improve conversions and enhance the customer experience.

Shopify’s Standard Checkout Limitations

On the standard Shopify plans, the checkout process is less flexible. You still get a functional checkout, but you can’t customize it in the same ways as you can with Shopify Plus.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: SEO and Marketing Features

Built-In SEO Tools in Shopify and Shopify Plus

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus come with built-in SEO features, including customizable meta tags, URLs, and automatic sitemaps, which help your store rank well on search engines. However, Shopify Plus’s customization allows for more advanced SEO strategies.

Shopify Plus Marketing Automation

Shopify Plus offers additional marketing tools, such as integration with Shopify Flow, which allows you to automate tasks and streamline marketing efforts. This can save you time and help you run more complex marketing campaigns.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Shopify Apps and Integrations

Shopify App Store Access for All Plans

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus provide access to the Shopify App Store, allowing you to enhance your store’s functionality with apps. Whether you’re using Shopify or Shopify Plus, these apps let you add features without extensive custom development.

Enhanced API Access in Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus offers more advanced API access, giving you greater flexibility to connect with custom apps or third-party tools. This is ideal for businesses that need more integrated and automated workflows.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Multi-Channel Selling

Multi-Channel Selling on All Plans

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus allow you to sell on multiple channels, such as Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and more. This feature helps businesses expand their reach and increase sales by connecting their store to various online marketplaces and social media platforms.

Advanced Multi-Channel Features with Shopify Plus

While the multi-channel selling feature is available on both plans, Shopify Plus takes it a step further. With Shopify Plus, you can unlock more advanced customization and greater control over the integration of your store with channels. For example, you can create tailored checkout experiences or integrate more complex inventory workflows across different channels, making it ideal for larger enterprises that require more flexibility in how they sell across diverse platforms.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Security Features

SSL Encryption on All Plans

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus provide SSL encryption as standard. This ensures that all transactions and customer data are protected, keeping your store secure and helping you maintain trust with your customers.

Additional Security Features with Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus offers additional security protocols, including enhanced fraud protection tools, advanced account permissions, and the option to set up two-factor authentication for your store’s users. These added security measures are perfect for businesses handling sensitive customer data and looking for extra peace of mind.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Reporting and Analytics

Basic Analytics on Shopify

Shopify gives you access to basic reports, such as sales data, traffic insights, and customer demographics. These are useful for tracking your store’s performance and making data-driven decisions.

Advanced Reporting with Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus users enjoy advanced reporting capabilities, including real-time data, more customization options, and access to third-party analytics tools. You can create reports tailored to your business needs, helping you gain deeper insights into your operations and performance.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: International Capabilities

International Selling on Shopify

Shopify supports international selling with features like multi-currency options, localization tools, and international shipping integrations. This helps businesses sell globally, though the options are more basic for smaller stores.

Global Expansion with Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus provides even more robust features for international selling. You can offer multi-currency checkout, manage localized storefronts, and integrate with advanced international shipping options. Plus, Shopify Plus makes it easy to manage multiple stores, ideal for businesses with global operations.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Pricing

When you’re deciding between Shopify vs Shopify Plus, one of the key factors that can guide your decision is Shopify pricing. Understanding the costs associated with each platform will help you make the right choice based on your business’s size, needs, and budget. Let’s break it down so you can clearly see Shopify pricing tiers the differences.

Shopify Pricing Overview

For most businesses, Shopify’s pricing is structured in three main plans:

• Basic Shopify – $29/month
• Shopify – $79/month
• Advanced Shopify – $299/month

Each plan comes with different features, such as the number of staff accounts, reporting capabilities, and shipping discounts. The pricing scale is designed to accommodate businesses of various sizes, so if you’re just starting out or you have a smaller store, the Basic Shopify plan might be the most cost-effective. However, if you need more advanced features like detailed reporting or extra staff accounts, you might consider the higher tiers.

Transaction Fees are another important consideration. Shopify charges a fee for every sale you make, unless you’re using Shopify Payments, which waives the fee. If you use a third-party payment gateway, a fee of up to 2% may apply depending on your plan.

Shopify Plus Pricing Overview

Shopify Plus is the Shopify enterprise plan of Shopify, tailored for large businesses with complex needs. The pricing for Shopify Plus is not fixed—it typically starts at $2,300 per month but can go higher depending on your business volume and the services you require.

The higher price point comes with access to advanced features that can support large-scale operations, such as:

• More customization: Shopify Plus gives you full access to the Liquid templating language, allowing for deep customization of your store’s front-end.
• Dedicated support: A Shopify Plus account provides you with a dedicated account manager and 24/7 priority support.
• Advanced reporting: Shopify Plus offers robust reporting tools, including enhanced analytics and customizable dashboards.
• Higher API limits: If you rely on apps and integrations, Shopify Plus offers significantly higher API limits, which is crucial for larger operations.

Additionally, Shopify Plus does not charge additional transaction fees on top of the regular fees you pay for using Shopify Payments or a third-party gateway, which can save you a lot of money if you’re processing large volumes of transactions.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus — Which One is Right for You?

When deciding between Shopify vs Shopify Plus, it all comes down to your business’s size, goals, and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Choose Shopify if:
  • You’re a small to medium-sized business or just starting out.
  • You need a cost-effective and user-friendly platform to set up and manage your online store.
  • You don’t require highly complex features or customizations just yet.
• Choose Shopify Plus if:
  • Your business is scaling rapidly or already an enterprise-level operation.
  • You need advanced features, greater customization, and automation to streamline operations.
  • You’re looking for enterprise-level support and need assistance from a dedicated account manager.

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus offer robust features that can help you run a successful eCommerce business. The key difference lies in how far you plan to take your business. If you’re ready to scale and need more advanced tools, Shopify Plus is the perfect fit. However, if you’re still building your business or just starting out, Shopify provides everything you need at an affordable price point.

Conclusion

Choosing between Shopify vs. Shopify Plus ultimately depends on your business size, budget, and growth trajectory. Shopify offers everything you need at an affordable price if you’re a smaller business or just starting out. But if you’re a larger enterprise or need more advanced features, Shopify Plus offers the tools and support to help you scale successfully.

By understanding your specific needs, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and pick the platform that helps you achieve your eCommerce goals.

Streamline Operations and Boost Growth for Your Shopify Store with Krishang Technolab

Are you looking to optimize your Shopify store’s performance and drive business growth? With Shopify Development Services from Krishang Technolab, you can streamline your operations and create a seamless shopping experience for your customers. Whether you need custom solutions, theme customization, or app integration, we’re here to ensure your store is optimized for success.

By partnering with us, you can hire Shopify developers who specialize in enhancing the functionality, design, and scalability of your Shopify store. We are a top-rated Shopify expert agency dedicated to providing you with tailored solutions that address your unique business needs, ensuring your Shopify store is always running smoothly and efficiently. Let’s work together to unlock the full potential of your online business and boost your growth.