Shopify VS Shopify Plus: Detailed Guide on When to Upgrade

Choosing the right e-commerce platform can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re weighing options like Shopify against Shopify Plus. Here’s a clearer look at what differentiates these two Shopify Inc. offerings, helping you decide when an upgrade might be the right move.

According to Statista, from 2.05 billion U.S. dollars in 2015 to 96.35 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, Shopify’s market capitalization has increased significantly.

What Sets Shopify and Shopify Plus Apart?

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus are robust e-commerce solutions. Shopify is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of templates and tools, making it easy for merchants to set up their online stores without deep technical knowledge.

Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is designed for larger businesses or those experiencing rapid growth. It supports higher volume transactions and offers advanced features necessary for larger operations. These include greater customization options, enhanced automation, and dedicated customer support. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses aiming to scale effectively and maximize their online potential.

When Should I Upgrade from Standard Shopify to Shopify Plus?

Deciding when to upgrade from Shopify to Shopify Plus involves weighing several key factors that align with your business’s growth and operational needs.

Key Considerations for Upgrading to Shopify Plus:

1. High Transaction Volume: If your business regularly handles a large volume of sales, Shopify Plus’s robust infrastructure ensures that your store’s performance remains smooth and efficient. This is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational stability.
2. Customization Needs: Shopify Plus offers enhanced flexibility with deeper customization options and API integrations. This is ideal for businesses that need tailored workflows or specific backend integrations to support unique operational processes.
3. Global Expansion: For businesses planning to reach international markets, Shopify Plus is equipped with essential features like multi-currency support and international domain capabilities. These tools are vital for managing a global customer base and scaling operations across borders.

Additionally, if your business is scaling up its marketing and customer service efforts, the sophisticated automation and dedicated support provided by Shopify Plus can significantly enhance these areas, supporting more complex campaigns and higher customer interaction volumes.

Shopify Vs Shopify Plus Features Comparison:

Shopify Features:

1. E-commerce Storefront: Customizable themes and mobile-friendly designs.
2. Product Management: Comprehensive tools for inventory, variations, and pricing.
3. Marketing and SEO: Integrated SEO features and marketing tools to boost online visibility.
4. Analytics: Dashboard insights into sales trends, customer behaviors, and more.
5. Secure Payment Processing: Reliable and secure payment options to ensure transaction safety.

Shopify Plus Features:

1. Custom Scripts for Shopify Plus Users: Shopify Plus users can automate tasks using custom scripts, which are especially useful for offering promotions, adjusting pricing, and applying discounts. Key uses include:
   • Customizing Checkout: Add fields, validate inputs, and calculate prices.
   • Modifying Cart: Apply custom logic like discounts.
   • Automating Orders: Handle shipping, taxes, and discounts.
   • Customizing Product Pages: Add options or recommendations.
   • Enhancing Analytics: Track events and create reports.
2. Advanced Reporting and Analytics Shopify: This provides sales, product, customer, and marketing reports. Shopify Plus offers advanced analytics for deeper insights into sales and customer behavior.
3. Customizable Checkout Pages: Shopify Plus allows customization to reduce friction during checkout:
   • Custom Fields: Collect additional info
   • Custom Validation: Ensure necessary data.
   • Custom Pricing: Apply rules based on factors like location or cart contents.
   • Custom Scripts: Add unique features.
   • Custom Design: Match brand aesthetics.
   • Multilingual Checkout: Available in 20 languages.
4. Cart Recovery:
   • Shopify Plus aids in recovering abandoned carts:
   • Abandoned Cart Emails: Automatically send reminders and offers.
   • Retargeting Ads: Target customers with ads.
   • Automated Workflows: Set up actions based on events.
5. Better Scalability:
   • Shopify Plus scales for high traffic and sales
   • Handles high volume better than regular Shopify.
   • Ideal for large and fast-growing businesses.
6. Dedicated Account Management: Shopify Plus users get a dedicated account manager for guidance and support. Other features include better API integrations, access to paid APIs like Shopify Flow, and a merchant success program for scaling operation.

Shopify Vs Shopify Plus: Features, Price, Support

Feature	Shopify	Shopify Plus
Cost	$29 per month for Basic (paid annually) $79 per month for Shopify (paid annually) $299 per month for Advanced (Paid Annually)	Starts at $2,000 per month for standard setups
Payment Processing Fees	Basic: 2.9% + 30 cents for online card sales Shopify: 2.6% + 30 cents for online card sales Advanced: 2.4% + 30 cents for online card sales	Varies by country 0.15% per transaction for third-party processors Fees waived if using Shopify Payments
Sales Limits	Unlimited (recommended up to 100K)	Unlimited
Contract Requirements	Monthly, annually, or biennially	Monthly, annually, or biennially
Software Support	24/7 via email, phone, or chat	24/7 via email, phone, or chat
Extra Features	Unlimited product sales, abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, professional reports	All listed shopify features, plus Advanced report builder, real-time carrier shipping.
Best For	Ecommerce of any size under $1M annual revenue	Enterprise-level businesses exceeding $1M annually

Ready to Elevate Your Ecommerce Experience? Let Us Help You Choose the Right Shopify Plan

Confused about whether Shopify or Shopify Plus is the perfect plan based on your needs? With a deep understanding of both platforms, we ensure that your business not only thrives but also enjoys seamless scalability and enhanced functionality. Our Shopify development services experts are here to guide you through every step of the decision-making process. Reach out today to harness the full potential of Shopify tailored specifically to your business needs.