Choosing the right Shopify plan for your business can be a daunting task, given the variety of options available. Shopify offers a range of plans tailored to different business needs, from startups to large-scale enterprises. In this article, we will break down each Shopify plan, discuss its features, pros and cons, and help you determine which plan is best suited for your business.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify offers a range of plans from the affordable Shopify Starter to the high-end Shopify Plus, catering to businesses of all sizes.
- The Shopify Basic plan is ideal for small businesses looking to grow, while the Shopify plan is best for established stores.
- The Advanced Shopify plan is designed for large-scale businesses with substantial growth, offering more advanced features.
- Shopify Plus is suited for industry leaders and enterprises requiring custom solutions and extensive support.
- Understanding your business's monthly turnover can help you decide when to upgrade to a higher-tier Shopify plan.
Shopify Basic Plan
What you get with Shopify Basic
Shopify Basic is designed for small businesses just starting out on their online sales adventure. It allows for just two staff accounts, and while it does offer the Shopify point-of-sale app for offline sales, you don’t get access to some of the hardware support available to the other plans. For $39 per month (or $29 per month if paid annually), you get an online store with both a website and blog. Users can list unlimited items and sell on online marketplaces and social media channels.
Pros and Cons of Shopify Basic
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Includes an online store with a website and blog
- Unlimited product listings
- Omnichannel selling capabilities, including dropshipping
- 24/7 phone support
Cons:
- Limited to two staff accounts
- Limited hardware support for offline sales
Is Shopify Basic right for you?
If you're a small business just starting out, Shopify Basic could be a great fit. It offers essential features at an affordable price, making it easier to manage your online store. However, if you need more staff accounts or advanced hardware support for offline sales, you might want to consider upgrading to a higher plan.
Shopify Basic is perfect for small businesses looking to build a comprehensive online store without breaking the bank.
Shopify Plan
Features of the Shopify Plan
The Shopify Plan is ideal for growing businesses with consistent online sales. It includes everything mentioned in the Basic plan, plus some additional features that can help you scale. Here’s what you get:
- Performance reports
- Up to five staff accounts
- Assistance with the purchase of gift cards
- Abandoned cart recovery tool
- Country-specific domains and currency conversions
These features make it easier to manage your store as it grows and starts to attract international customers.
Pros and Cons of the Shopify Plan
Pros:
- More advanced reporting tools
- Ability to manage up to five staff accounts
- Enhanced customer recovery options with abandoned cart recovery
- Better suited for international sales with currency conversion and country-specific domains
Cons:
- Higher monthly cost compared to the Basic plan
- Some features may not be necessary for smaller businesses
Is the Shopify Plan worth it?
If your business is growing and you’re starting to see consistent sales, the Shopify Plan could be a great fit. The additional features like performance reports and abandoned cart recovery can help you optimize your sales process. However, the higher cost means it’s only worth it if you’re ready to take advantage of these extra tools.
The Shopify Plan is a solid middle-ground option for businesses that are outgrowing the Basic plan but aren’t quite ready for the Advanced plan. If you’re looking to expand internationally, this plan offers the tools you need to make that transition smoother.
Shopify advanced
The Shopify Advanced plan is designed for businesses that are scaling up and need more robust features. With this plan, you get unlimited storage, up to 15 staff accounts, and 3rd-party calculated shipping rates. Additionally, you have access to custom reports and analytics, which can be a game-changer for understanding your business metrics.
Pros
- Unlimited storage
- Up to 15 staff accounts
- 3rd-party calculated shipping rates
- Custom reports and analytics
- 24/7 chat support
Cons
- Higher cost at $399 per month
- May be overkill for smaller businesses
If your business is experiencing high sales volume both online and in-store, the Shopify Advanced plan could be the right fit for you. It's particularly beneficial for large businesses and enterprises that need advanced features to manage increased traffic and sales. If you need custom reports and analytics to make data-driven decisions, this plan is worth considering.
The Shopify Advanced plan is ideal for businesses that are ready to scale and need advanced features to manage their growth effectively.
Shopify plus
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is designed for enterprise-level businesses and very high-volume merchants. There’s no set price, as you have to call up and get a quote directly from Shopify. This plan is aimed at businesses with more than $750,000 in annual revenue, and prices start from $2,000 per month, so you’ll need to be in with the high rollers to make this plan worth it.
Pros and Cons of Shopify Plus
Pros:
- Scalability: Perfect for high-growth merchants and huge companies.
- Advanced Features: Includes Shopify Flow, Launchpad, and exclusive APIs.
- Dedicated Support: Access to a dedicated Merchant Success Manager.
Cons:
- Cost: Starts at $2,000 per month, which can be steep for smaller businesses.
- Complexity: May offer more features than a small to medium-sized business needs.
Is Shopify Plus worth the investment?
If you're processing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, Shopify Plus could be a game-changer for your business. The advanced features and dedicated support can help you scale efficiently. However, if your revenue is below $750,000 annually, you might find the cost outweighs the benefits.
Shopify Plus is a decent choice for high-growth merchants and huge companies like Rothy’s, Heinz, and Allbirds.
Shopify starter
What you get with Shopify Starter
Shopify Starter is the cheapest plan offered by Shopify, costing just $15 a month with transaction fees starting at 5%. This plan includes basic features such as accepting credit cards both in person and online, and adding purchase links on existing websites. However, it doesn't offer access to the Shopify online store platform. Instead, you can use the Shopify sales platform to sell on Facebook and communicate with your customers using Messenger. You can also use Shopify Starter to sell products on another website you already own, like WordPress, Squarespace, or Tumblr.
Pros and Cons of Shopify Starter
Pros:
- Affordable at $15 per month
- Basic order management tools
- Sales analytics
- Access to Shopify’s app market
- Ideal for side hustles and social media selling
Cons:
- No access to Shopify's online store platform
- Limited to product pages, a contact page, and a checkout page
- Higher transaction fees at 5%
- Limited customization options
Is Shopify Starter right for you?
Shopify Starter is perfect for entrepreneurs testing out new products or those selling as a side hustle. If you're just getting started with selling online and primarily use social media or an existing website to drive sales, this plan could be a great fit. However, if you need more customization options and additional tools like blogging and discounts, you might want to consider upgrading to the Basic plan.
Shopify Starter is ideal for side hustles and businesses looking to get started on social media.
Related: Shopify Starter VS Basic
Shopify POS
Overview of Shopify POS
Shopify POS is a versatile point-of-sale system that allows you to sell products both online and in person. It's perfect for businesses that want to manage their entire operation from one dashboard. Whether you're selling globally or locally, Shopify POS has you covered. With features like inventory management, mobile card readers, and seamless integration with your Shopify online store, it's a comprehensive solution for modern retailers.
Pros and Cons of Shopify POS
Pros:
- Seamless integration with your Shopify online store
- Supports multiple inventory locations
- Allows for localized global selling
- Offers both POS Lite and POS Pro options
- Supports various 3rd-party payment providers
Cons:
- Additional cost for POS Pro ($89/month per location)
- May require additional hardware for in-person sales
Is Shopify POS right for your business?
If you're looking to streamline your sales process and manage both online and in-person transactions from a single platform, Shopify POS could be a great fit. It's especially beneficial for businesses with multiple inventory locations and those looking to expand their reach globally. However, if you're a small business with limited in-person sales, the additional cost of POS Pro might not be justified.
Shopify POS is flexible enough to support a variety of businesses at any stage of growth. Whether you're a small retailer or an enterprise-level business, the system can scale to meet your needs.
From what monthly turnover is it worth choosing Shopify basic plan?
Understanding Monthly Turnover
When you're running a small business, understanding your monthly turnover is crucial. It's the total sales you make in a month before any expenses are deducted. For many small businesses, this figure can fluctuate, but having a steady turnover can help you decide when to upgrade your Shopify plan.
When to Upgrade from Shopify Starter
If you're currently on the Shopify Starter plan, you might be wondering when it's time to make the leap to the Basic plan. Generally, if your monthly turnover consistently exceeds $1,000, it's worth considering the upgrade. The Basic plan offers more features that can help you manage and grow your business more effectively.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Shopify Starter | Shopify Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (Annual Billing) | $5 | $29 |
| Online Store | No | Yes |
| Unlimited Products | No | Yes |
| Staff Accounts | 0 | 2 |
| Transaction Fees (without Shopify Payments) | 5% | 2% |
Case Studies
Let's look at a couple of examples:
-
Jane's Handmade Jewelry: Jane started with the Shopify Starter plan, selling her handmade jewelry on social media. As her business grew, her monthly turnover hit $1,200. She upgraded to the Basic plan to take advantage of the online store feature and saw her sales increase by 30% in the next three months.
-
Mike's Custom T-Shirts: Mike was using the Starter plan and making around $800 a month. He decided to stick with the Starter plan until his turnover reached $1,500. Once he upgraded to the Basic plan, he was able to list unlimited products and saw a significant boost in his sales.
Upgrading to the Shopify Basic plan can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to scale. The additional features and lower transaction fees can make a big difference in your bottom line.
From what monthly turnover is it worth choosing "Shopify" plan?
Monthly Turnover Insights
When considering the Shopify plan, it's essential to evaluate your business's monthly turnover. If your business is seeing substantial growth over time, the Shopify plan can be a great fit. This plan serves as a middle ground between the Basic plan, which supports new merchants, and the Advanced plan, which caters to high-growth businesses.
When to Upgrade from Shopify Basic
If you're currently on the Shopify Basic plan and your business is expanding, it might be time to upgrade. Here are some indicators:
- Your monthly turnover is consistently increasing.
- You need more advanced features to support your growth.
- You're looking to reduce transaction fees.
Real-World Examples
Let's look at some real-world scenarios:
| Plan | Annual Price | Monthly Price | Transaction Fees (without Shopify Payments) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29/month | $39/month | 2% |
| Shopify | $79/month | $105/month | 1% |
| Advanced | $299/month | $399/month | 0.6% |
If you pay yearly and save 25%, the Shopify plan becomes even more cost-effective.
In summary, if your business is growing and you need more robust features, the Shopify plan is worth considering. Pay monthly or pay yearly and save 25%—the choice is yours!
From what monthly turnover is it worth choosing Shopify advanced plan?
Evaluating Monthly Turnover
When considering the Shopify Advanced plan, it's crucial to evaluate your monthly turnover. This plan is designed for businesses with high sales volumes, both online and in-store. If your business is consistently generating substantial revenue, the advanced features can provide significant value.
When to Upgrade from Shopify Plan
You should think about upgrading from the Shopify Plan to the Advanced Plan when:
- Your monthly turnover is growing rapidly.
- You need more than 15 employee logins.
- Advanced sales and performance reports are essential for your business.
- You're handling a lot of shipping and need third-party calculated shipping rates.
Success Stories
Many businesses have seen remarkable growth after upgrading to the Shopify Advanced plan. The advanced reporting and automation features have enabled them to streamline operations and focus on scaling their business.
Here's a quick comparison of the costs involved:
| Plan | Monthly Price (Annual Payment) | Monthly Price (Monthly Payment) |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Advanced | $299 | $399 |
Remember, the transaction fees also play a role in your decision. The Shopify Advanced plan offers lower transaction fees compared to the lower-tier plans, which can save you money as your sales volume increases.
From what monthly turnover is it worth choosing Shopify Plus plan?
Monthly Turnover Considerations
When considering the Shopify Plus plan, it's essential to understand that this plan is designed for enterprise-level businesses and very high-volume merchants. If your business is generating more than $750,000 in annual revenue, then Shopify Plus might be worth the investment. The pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month, so you'll need to be in the high rollers' league to make this plan worthwhile.
When to Upgrade from Shopify Advanced
Upgrading from the Shopify Advanced plan to Shopify Plus should be considered when your business needs more advanced features and support. Here are some indicators that it might be time to upgrade:
- Your monthly revenue consistently exceeds $62,500.
- You require lower transaction fees to save on costs.
- You need premium support and advanced customization options.
- Your business structure is becoming more complex and demands higher volume capabilities.
Industry Examples
To give you a better idea, here are some industry examples where Shopify Plus is often the go-to choice:
- Fashion and Apparel: High-volume sales and frequent product launches.
- Electronics: Large-scale operations with complex inventory management.
- Health and Beauty: High customer engagement and frequent promotions.
If your business fits into one of these categories and meets the revenue criteria, Shopify Plus could be a game-changer for scaling your operations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Shopify plan for your business can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're just starting out with a side hustle or you're running a large-scale enterprise, Shopify has a plan that fits your needs and budget. From the affordable Shopify Starter plan to the feature-rich Shopify Plus, each plan offers unique benefits tailored to different stages of business growth. Remember, you can always start with a lower-tier plan and upgrade as your business expands. Don't forget to take advantage of Shopify's free trial to explore the features and find the perfect fit for your online store. Happy selling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Shopify plan?
The cheapest Shopify plan is the Shopify Starter plan, which costs $5 per month.
Which Shopify plan is best for small businesses?
The Shopify Basic plan, at $29 per month, is best for small businesses looking to grow.
What features are included in the Shopify Basic plan?
The Shopify Basic plan includes features like an online store, unlimited products, 24/7 support, and sales channels.
When should I upgrade from Shopify Starter to Shopify Basic?
You should consider upgrading from Shopify Starter to Shopify Basic when your business starts to grow and you need more advanced features and support.
Is there a free trial available for Shopify plans?
Yes, Shopify offers a free trial so you can explore the features and decide which plan suits your business best.
What is the difference between Shopify and Shopify Advanced plans?
The Shopify plan ($79/month) offers more features than the Basic plan, such as professional reports and international pricing. The Advanced plan ($299/month) includes advanced report building and third-party calculated shipping rates.
Is Shopify Plus worth the investment for large businesses?
Shopify Plus is worth the investment for large businesses that need advanced features, customization, and dedicated support. It starts at $2,300 per month.
Can I sell in person with Shopify plans?
Yes, Shopify offers POS (Point of Sale) features and hardware to support businesses that sell in person.