Are you confused about choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus? Give this blog a read before making the final choice!
Among many e-commerce platforms available today, Shopify has established itself as one of the most scalable and user-friendly solutions for businesses. Its extensive ecosystem of apps, dynamic features, and intuitive user interface enable merchants and small business owners alike to launch and scale their online stores. However, when brands reach a certain level of growth and complexity, standard Shopify stores may not be sufficient. Here comes the Shopify Plus version, designed for high-volume stores.
In this detailed Shopify vs Shopify Plus comparison, you will learn about every aspect that makes them different.
An Overview of Shopify Vs Shopify Plus
Before getting into the detailed comparison, let’s start with a brief overview of both e-commerce platforms. Both platforms offer tools for merchants to design and handle their online stores. Many key functions like payment integrations, checkout systems, and product listings remain similar on both platforms. However, by offering advanced automation features, enterprise-level support, better performance, and customization, Shopify Plus goes a step further.
All types of startups and businesses looking for a reliable and practical e-commerce solution can benefit from Shopify. Many Shopify experts in the USA recommend it for small to medium-sized companies. On the other hand, Shopify Plus is more suitable for large-scale enterprises.
What is Shopify?
It’s an e-commerce platform that is cloud-based. Without requiring deep technical knowledge, it enables users to build and manage their online brands. From marketing automation and inventory management to website design tools and hosting, it offers everything. Moreover, it’s a nice platform to build and maintain a scalable e-commerce presence. You can also hire Shopify developers to assist you in your brand presence.
Are you looking to scale up your e-store?
What is Shopify Plus?
This is an enterprise version of standard Shopify. Retailers who have outgrown the standard plans of Shopify need more customization options and powerful tools; Shopify Plus is the best fit for them. Although it is packed with all the useful features of Shopify, it also offers advanced options like customizable checkout processes, automation tools such as Launchpad and Shopify Flow, unlimited staff accounts, and higher API limits.
One of the notable Shopify Plus features and benefits is its continuous and dedicated support for users. A Merchant Success Manager is assigned to every store owner, who assists in ongoing optimization, strategic planning, and onboarding.
Shopify Vs Shopify Plus: Comparison Table
Let’s look at this table to see the clear difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus platforms:
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| 1. Suitable for | Small to medium sized businesses | Large-scale enterprises Fast scaling brands |
| 2. Cost | $39-$399/month | Starting at $2000/month |
| 3. Personalization Level | Standard | High (Dedicated features, API access) |
| 4. Support | 24/7 | Priority Support |
| 5. Checkout customization | Limited customization | Full customization |
| 6. Tools for Automation | Basic | Advanced |
| 7. Multichannel selling | Yes available | Yes available Enhanced Integrations |
| 8. B2B Functionality | Limited | Built-in |
| 9. API Integrations | Moderate level | Expanded API limits |
Detailed Comparison of Shopify Vs Shopify Plus
A detailed Shopify Plus Shopify comparison is given here that would help you in making the right choice for running your online brand outlet:
1. Cost
The pricing of Shopify is particularly designed to be accessible to small business owners. Usually, its plans start at $39/ month. Many necessary tools are provided for store owners by Shopify like basic analytics, app access, and a professional storefront. With the expansion of your business, you may need higher-tier features and additional functionality.
Starting at $2000/month, Shopify Plus offers customizable prices according to your requirements. It’s a quite big jump in cost in comparison with Shopify. However, around the globe, especially in the USA, such investment pays off in the form of better performance, reduced third-party costs due to built-in features, and greater customization.
2. Customization and Checkout Process
In the case of Shopify, customization is often limited because of restrictions in theme editor and specific app-based functionalities. So, you cannot completely integrate custom logic or modify the checkout process.
On the other hand, Shopify Plus removes all such limitations. For discounts, customizing checkout flows, and payment gateways Shopify Plus offers a Script Editor. In this way, you can give a unique user experience tailored to your brand’s operational requirements.
3. Workflow Management and Automation
If we compare Shopify vs Shopify Plus features like automation and workflow management, standard Shopify plans only offer basic automation with third-party applications. This may need additional setup and cost.
Shopify Flow and Launchpad are offered by Shopify Plus. They are built-in tools to take care of the automation of repetitive tasks, scheduling updates, and managing campaigns. For high-volume stores, these features are particularly useful to manage complex operational workflows.
4. Customer Support Services
Both Shopify and Shopify Plus users have access to 24/7 customer support. With Shopify, they can have support via email, phone, or chat. Businesses having more technical issues may need a more efficient response. Shopify Plus provides a dedicated Merchant Success Manager who offers a direct line to the engineering team, onboarding support, and strategic guidance.
5. Performance and Scalability
You may face performance limitations with Shopify, as it allows a certain level of scalability for business growth. In contrast, Shopify Plus is designed to scale. It can manage thousands of transactions within minutes, offers reliability and greater bandwidth, and backs up multi-storefront operations. That’s why it’s an ideal option for peak shopping periods and flash sales.
6. Wholesale and B2B Capabilities
When it comes to B2B support, Shopify has limitations and needs third-party solutions to set up portals and wholesale pricing. Shopify Plus is packed with a Wholesale Channel by default. It allows any software development company in the USA or anywhere else in the world to create password-protected storefronts for their customers. It also offers customized checkouts, discounts, and pricing options.
Shopify Vs Shopify Plus: Pricing
Depending upon certain factors like project requirements, timeline, and expertise there is a huge difference in Shopify vs Shopify Plus pricing. You can estimate this cost difference by this figure the standard Shopify plan starts at $39/ month while the Shopify Plus plan usually starts at $2000/month and cost increases with time.
Let’s Manage Your Shopify Store with Devace Technologies
At Devace Technologies we specialize in helping companies to improve their business. Whether you are building a new Shopify or Shopify Plus or want to migrate to the latest version, our services including theme design and customization, app development and integration, complete data protection and customized solutions have you covered.
Wrapping Up
Selection between Shopify vs Shopify Plus depends upon your business requirements, size, complexity, and goals. For small and medium-sized businesses, Shopify is an excellent choice. On the other hand, Shopify Plus is designed to cater to enterprise-level businesses requiring support and scalability.
Looking for a smooth Shopify Plus migration?
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
The primary difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus is customization, support, and scalability. Shopify Plus is built to cater the enterprise-level businesses and is packed with features such as modern automation tools, dedicated support, and customizable checkouts.
2. Is Shopify Plus worth it?
Yes, of course, for high-volume businesses, Shopify Plus is the best fit. It’s a valuable investment due to its advanced features, dedicated support team, and automation capabilities.
3. Is it possible to upgrade easily from Shopify to Shopify Plus?
Absolutely, you can easily upgrade your existing Shopify store to Shopify Plus without facing any downtime.
4. Do I need Shopify Plus for B2B?
Shopify Plus is recommended when B2B is an essential part of your business. Its built-in Wholesale Channel supports customer management and B2B operations.
5. When is the ideal time to shift to Shopify Plus?
When you need automation, features like checkout customization or your revenue scales up, you can opt for Shopify Plus.
