Shopify Plus vs. Shopify: What's the Difference? - Flxpoint
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What Is Shopify Plus vs. Shopify?
If you’re on a regular Shopify plan, you receive access to core features such as:
- a standalone online store
- multilingual selling tools
- dropshipping tools
- multi-currency selling tools
- point-of-sale functionality
- unlimited products and transactions
- free SSL certificate
- abandoned cart recovery
... and more. However, if you’re an enterprise-level ecommerce retailer, you may be interested in a premium version of the platform called Shopify Plus. The Plus level adds to these features and targets retailers that need a high-powered platform to cater to a more extensive catalog and sales volume.
No, Shopify Plus is not a separate platform. Both versions use the same basic technology, have interchangeable themes, and provide the same dashboard and core functionality. The differences between the plans come down to enterprise-level features that you unlock with Shopify Plus, including reduced payment processing fees, more staff accounts, additional inventory locations, and more.
What Are the Key Differences Between Shopify Plus vs. Shopify?
Before diving into a more detailed comparison of the two levels of Shopify plans, let’s look at a quick snapshot of the main differences between Shopify Plus vs. Shopify.
| Shopify | Shopify Plus | |
| Cost | Starts at $9/month | Starts at $2,000/month (fees vary based on business needs) |
| Payment processing fees | Fees start at 2.9% plus 30 cents for online card sales — add a transaction fee of 0.5% to 2% for third-party payment processor | Quote-based — tack on an additional 0.15% transaction fee when using a third-party payment processor |
| Contract options | Monthly, annual, or biennial | Monthly, annual, or biennial |
| Support | Live, 24/7 support is available by phone, email, and chat | Live, 24/7 support is available by phone, email, and chat |
| Ease | Easy, intuitive interface | Moderate. If you’re not an experienced Shopify merchant, you may need help performing certain tasks. |
Merchant Success Program
When it comes to customer support, there are fundamental differences between the Shopify and Shopify Plus offerings. Regular Shopify plans are great for ecommerce retailers with a basic understanding of the platform. When you’re on a Shopify Plus plan, you gain access to a Launch Team that will hold your hand, enabling you to launch faster and assisting with integrations and migrations. There’s also a Merchant Success program that can help you with an ongoing strategy for your online business.
More Theme Customization
To attract new customers, increase brand trust, and provide a better, seamless experience, you need a professional Shopify theme customized to your brand. Shopify’s Theme Marketplace is available to all sellers, regardless of plan, but Shopify Plus provides you with access to Liquid.
Unlimited Staff Accounts
The number of admin accounts you can create for your Shopify store varies by plan. The Basic Shopify plan comes with two admin accounts, which is enough for more small ecommerce businesses. If you have more employees, you may be happier with the Shopify plan, which allows five accounts. If you need to provide more employees access to your POS, the Advanced Plan allows you to create 15. With Shopify Plus, you receive unlimited user accounts so you can create logins for all of your employees.
More Control Over Checkout
The customer checkout experience is a critical aspect of any online store. Shopify Plus offers fully-customizable checkout pages, while regular Shopify does NOT. Additional features like Shop Pay Cash enhance the checkout experience by offering customers flexible payment options, making the overall shopping process smoother.
Advanced Multi-Currency Features
If you need to be able to sell in multiple currencies, you should strongly consider Shopify Plus. The premium version includes an automation tool that sets customers’ currency and country based on their IP address. The supported currencies are:
- United States $
- Euro €
- Australian $
- Canadian $
- Danish Krona
- Hong Kong $
- Japanese yen ¥
- New Zealand $
- British £
- Singapore $
- Swedish Krona
Exclusive Apps
All Shopify users have access to over 8,000 apps found in the App Store. However, Shopify Plus users can choose from an even wider range of applications.
Additional Inventory Locations
If you’re a multichannel merchant, you likely source products from more than one location. With a Shopify Plus plan, you can store and manage inventory in more locations than you can on a regular plan.
Wholesale Channels
With Shopify Plus, you can boost order volume and reach new audiences through wholesale retail.
Manage Multiple Stores
With a Shopify Plus subscription, you can create up to ten stores. Creating additional stores beyond ten incurs an extra fee of $250 per month.
Exclusive Access to Other Resources and Advanced Support
Retailers using Shopify Plus have access to a wide range of exclusive resources and tools, including dedicated account managers and access to the Shopify Plus Academy.
More In-Depth Analytics Options
Shopify Plus provides advanced report building and more functionality. High-growth merchants will prefer Plus for all available in-depth reports.
Shopify Plus vs. Shopify: How Do Costs Compare?
Shopify’s pricing ranges from $9 to $299 USD per month with various plans.
- Shopify Lite — $9 per month
- Basic Shopify — $29 per month
- Shopify — $79 per month
- Advanced Shopify — $299 per month
Shopify Plus costs $2,000 per month or a negotiated percentage of monthly sales.
Which Shopify Plan Is Right for You?
There isn’t an easy answer to this because every ecommerce project is unique. You may not need the superior features offered by Shopify Plus. If you’re considering Shopify Plus, I’d generally view it as being worth serious consideration if you:
- have a large number of brick-and-mortar locations
- have advanced API requirements
- have a large, international customer base
- need a platform that allows the use of multiple inventory locations
- desire total control over the customer checkout process
- have a need to manage multiple Shopify stores under one organizational umbrella
Shopify vs. Shopify Plus FAQ
What are the main differences between the regular Shopify plans and Shopify Plus?
The main differences lie in advanced features like dedicated support, customizable checkout, and automation tools available only with Shopify Plus.
How many stores can I build and manage with Shopify Plus?
You can build up to ten Shopify stores with Shopify Plus.
How much does Shopify Plus cost?
Shopify Plus costs $2,000 per month for a typical setup.
How do I purchase a Shopify Plus plan?
To start using Shopify Plus, contact the Shopify Plus team.