Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: How do they compare?

• What is Shopify?
• What is Shopify Plus?
• What are the Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
• What are the Benefits of Upgrading to Shopify Plus?
• Are There Any Downsides to Shopify Plus?
• When is the Right Time to Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
• Shopify Support with Absolute Design

Shopify is a popular cloud-based eCommerce platform for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. There are various plans, including Shopify Basic and Shopify Advanced. It is easy to use and offers a wide range of features including:

• A drag-and-drop website builder   
• A powerful admin dashboard  
• A variety of payment options, such as Shopify Payments 
• Shipping and fulfillment tools   
• Marketing and analytics tools   
• A mobile app    

Shopify Plus is an enterprise-grade version of Shopify suitable for businesses that handle high volumes of traffic and sales or have multiple stores or multiple websites.  Additional features of this Shopify plan include:

• Increased transaction volume   
• Unlimited staff accounts  
• Dedicated support   
• Advanced security features   
• Customisation options  
• B2B functionality

There are several key differences between Shopify vs. Shopify Plus:   

Pricing

One of the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus is the pricing structure. Shopify plans are more affordable and suitable for businesses with smaller budgets or lower sales volumes. Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is an enterprise-level solution that comes with a higher price tag, so you will be looking to pay more in terms of Shopify Plus pricing.

B2B or Wholesale Businesses 

B2B and wholesale can take advantage of features that are built into Shopify Plus such as tiered pricing, trade accounts and buyer-specific prices or terms. A standard Shopify plan may not be suitable.

Access to Extras 

With Shopify Plus, businesses gain access to additional extras not available in regular Shopify plans. These include a dedicated success manager who provides personalised support and guidance. The Shopify Plus Academy offers educational resources, training, and networking opportunities to help businesses optimise their eCommerce operations.   

Transaction Fees

Transaction fees vary between Shopify and Shopify Plus. Regular Shopify plans charge a transaction fee on top of the payment processing fees, with the percentage varying depending on the plan. In contrast, Shopify Plus customers have the option to negotiate custom pricing for payment processing, potentially reducing or eliminating transaction fees altogether. 

This can be particularly advantageous for high-volume businesses that process a large number of transactions. Typically, Plus customers can expect to pay 1.3% credit card fee, compared to 1.7% on Advanced Plan. Shopify POS (Point of Sale) helps you process transactions and accept payments.  

Analytics and Reporting Tools 

Shopify Plus provides enhanced analytics and reporting tools, offering deeper insights into the performance of the online store allows businesses to gather more detailed data, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions to optimise their eCommerce strategies. Regular Shopify plans still provide reporting features but have more limited functionality.  

Shopify Flow 

Tasks like creating low stock notifications or tagging repeat high-value customers for specific marketing campaigns can be automated to improve business processes in Shopify Flow.  

While standard Shopify plans offer affordability and a solid feature set for smaller businesses, Shopify Plus caters to enterprise-level needs, providing advanced functionalities, custom pricing options, and personalised support. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements, scale, and budget of the business.  

Upgrading to Shopify Plus offers several benefits that can significantly enhance the eCommerce experience for businesses:  

Better Theme Customisation 

Shopify Plus provides businesses with enhanced theme customisation, allowing for greater control over the appearance and branding of their online stores so Shopify Plus users can create unique and tailored designs that align with their brand identity.  

Wider Choice of Apps 

Shopify Plus offers a broader range of apps and integrations compared to standard Shopify plans, such as Launchpad, to schedule and automate sales and promotions, and Bulk Account Inviter, simplifying the process of inviting and managing staff accounts.  

More Checkout Control 

Shopify Plus users can leverage Shopify Functions to implement custom promotions, discounts, and shipping options during the checkout process. This level of control empowers businesses to optimise conversions and provide a personalised checkout journey for their customers.   

More API Integrations 

Shopify Plus offers enhanced Shopify API access, allowing businesses to connect with a wider range of third-party systems. This provides greater flexibility in terms of building bespoke integrations, syncing data with external platforms, and automating workflows to seamlessly integrate their eCommerce operations into existing business processes.   

Better Multi-Currency Options 

For businesses selling globally, Shopify Plus provides improved multi-currency options to display prices in multiple currencies, allowing customers to browse and make purchases in their preferred currency. This simplifies the international shopping experience and reduces barriers to purchase, increasing conversions.  

Unlimited Staff Accounts 

Shopify Plus offers unlimited staff accounts, unlike a regular Shopify plan. This is particularly beneficial for enterprises that require multiple team members or departments to manage several aspects of their online stores and ensure that everyone involved in the business can access and contribute to the eCommerce operations seamlessly.   

By upgrading to Shopify Plus, businesses can take advantage of better theme customisation, a wider choice of apps, more checkout control, expanded API integrations, improved multi-currency options, and unlimited staff accounts. Combined, these benefits provide the tools and flexibility needed to effectively scale eCommerce operations, deliver a unique customer experience, and drive growth.

While there are numerous benefits to Shopify Plus vs. Shopify, there are some potential downsides. It's important to note these, while still acknowledging the advantages of upgrading to Shopify Plus. Let's explore these factors:  

Higher Cost

One of the primary drawbacks of Shopify Plus is its higher cost compared to standard Shopify plans. Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution, and its pricing is tailored individually for each business based on factors such as sales volume and customisation requirements which may be a deterrent for smaller businesses operating on tighter budgets.  

Complexity of Multi-Order Process

Handling complex workflows and integrating orders from various sources can require additional customisation and technical expertise. This complexity may require businesses to invest in additional resources or rely on external expertise to streamline their multi-order process effectively.   

The decision to upgrade to Shopify Plus should be based on a thorough assessment of the business's requirements, budget, and growth plans. While the higher cost and potential challenges may be deterrents for some, for larger businesses with complex needs, the benefits and added functionality of Shopify Plus can provide a competitive edge and support their long-term success.

Deciding when to upgrade to Shopify Plus depends on several factors, but a common guideline is when a merchant's annual revenue reaches around £5-6 million. Let's summarise the guide and explain the benefits that Shopify Plus can bring to a big business:  

Revenue Threshold 

When a merchant's annual revenue reaches a certain level, it may indicate that their business has grown beyond the capabilities of standard Shopify plans. This revenue threshold serves as a guideline to consider upgrading to Shopify Plus, which is specifically designed to meet the needs of larger businesses with higher sales volumes and complex requirements.  

Scalability and Performance 

One of the significant benefits of upgrading to Shopify Plus is the enhanced scalability and performance it offers. As a big business, handling high volumes of traffic, transactions, and inventory becomes crucial. Shopify Plus provides a robust infrastructure that can efficiently handle increased demands, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers even during peak times.  

Advanced Customisation 

Shopify Plus offers advanced customisation options that allow big businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific branding and functionality requirements. The platform provides greater control over themes, checkout processes, and user experiences, enabling businesses to create unique and personalised shopping journeys that align with their brand identity. 

Enhanced Features and Tools 

With Shopify Plus, big businesses gain access to an expanded set of features and tools that cater to enterprise-level needs such as advanced reporting and analytics, automation, and improved integration options with third-party systems. These additional functionalities empower businesses to optimise their operations, make data-driven decisions, and streamline processes for increased efficiency and growth.  

Dedicated Support 

Shopify Plus offers dedicated support and resources to big businesses, including a dedicated account manager and access to a team of experts specialising in the unique requirements of enterprise users. This level of support ensures that businesses have the assistance they need to tackle complex challenges, implement custom solutions, and make the most of the platform's capabilities.  

In summary, upgrading to the more advanced Shopify Plus is often the right time for larger merchants when their annual revenue reaches a certain threshold, typically £5-6 million. Shopify Plus brings numerous benefits, including enhanced scalability, advanced customisation options, expanded features and tools, dedicated support, and custom pricing. 

These advantages enable big businesses to scale their operations, deliver a tailored shopping experience, optimise efficiency, and drive growth in line with their enterprise-level requirements. 

You can get in touch with our Shopify Plus experts today to upgrade or migrate.

An accredited Shopify expert and development agency can be instrumental in assisting merchants with migrating to Shopify Plus plan or getting started with the platform. Here are some ways in which a Shopify development agency can provide support:   

Expertise and Experience 

Absolute has extensive experience working with the Shopify platform and a deep understanding of its capabilities. We are well-versed in the migration process and can guide clients through the migration smoothly, minimising disruptions to their business operations.   

Needs Assessment and Planning 

Absolute can assess the client's business requirements, goals, and growth plans to determine if upgrading to Shopify Plus is the right choice. We can provide valuable insights and recommendations on whether the platform aligns with the client's objectives, ensuring a well-informed decision.   

Seamless Migration 

Migrating from regular Shopify to Shopify Plus needs to be carefully considered. Absolute, an accredited Shopify development agency, can handle the technical aspects of the migration, including data transfer, theme customisation, app integration, and ensure a seamless transition without any loss of functionality or data.   

Custom Development and Integrations 

Shopify Plus offers advanced customisation options and API access, allowing businesses to create tailored solutions and integrate with external systems. Absolute can develop custom functionalities, build bespoke integrations, and extend the capabilities of Shopify Plus to meet the unique needs of the client's business.  

Theme Development and Design 

If the client desires a fresh look for their online store, Absolute can create custom themes or modify existing ones to reflect the client's branding and design preferences. They have the expertise to create visually appealing, user-friendly, and responsive themes that enhance the overall shopping experience.   

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

After the upgrade or initial setup, Absolute can provide ongoing support and maintenance. This includes monitoring the website's performance, resolving technical issues, updating themes and plugins, and staying updated with the latest Shopify store features to ensure the client's online store remains functional, secure, and optimised at all times.

By partnering with Absolute, an accredited Shopify development agency, clients can leverage their expertise, experience, and resources to navigate the process of upgrading to a Shopify Plus plan or getting started with a Shopify store. Our support streamlines the transition, enables clients to maximise the benefits of Shopify Plus, and ensures that they receive professional assistance in maintaining and optimising their online store.