As online businesses expand, many find themselves comparing Shopify vs. Shopify Plus. People mainly do that to decide which platform can better support their growth. Many small and midsize brands start on standard Shopify. But as they grow, they often hit limits. This can lead them to switch to Shopify Plus. In 2024, there were over 45,000 live Shopify Plus merchants globally. This was just 13,000 in 2023, showing a rapid migration of fast-growing stores to the enterprise plan. Today, Shopify controls roughly 30% of the top million eCommerce sites. This is about 24% via regular Shopify and 6% via Shopify Plus. Businesses often consider this migration for a few reasons.
To know the reasons, delve deep into this blog. This blog answers all your queries. Starting from the brief of Shopify and Shopify Plus to their pricing plans and also the signs of when to have this migration.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is the top eCommerce platform. It helps businesses create, manage, and grow their online stores easily. It has an easy interface, secure payment methods, and themes that brands can customize. In recent years, Shopify development trends have focused on advanced app integrations. Businesses utilize the headless commerce features to enhance user experience. AI-driven personalization helps merchants boost their operations. It keeps them competitive in the changing digital retail world.
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is the enterprise version of Shopify. It's made for high-volume and fast-growing businesses. It offers advanced customization, better security, and dedicated support. This helps merchants grow efficiently.
Key Shopify Plus features include:
- Automation tools
- Multi-channel selling
- Strong analytics
These tools streamline operations and boost growth. Shopify Plus features help businesses manage big inventories and handle high traffic. It also provides a smooth shopping experience. This makes it a top choice for ambitious eCommerce brands.
Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: Head-to-Head Difference Table
| Features | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Small to medium businesses. | High-volume, enterprise-level businesses. |
| Monthly Cost | $39–$399/month | Starts at $2,000/month (custom pricing) |
| Support | 24/7 standard support | Dedicated account manager + priority support |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ (for Basic) | Lower fees; negotiable for high-volume merchants |
| Customization | Standard themes and limited APIs | Advanced APIs, custom scripts, and automation (Shopify Plus features) |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Supported | Enhanced multi-channel selling with integrations |
| Scalability | Suitable for growing stores | Designed for rapid growth and high traffic |
| Analytics & Reporting | Basic reports | Advanced reporting and analytics dashboards |
| Apps & Integrations | Access to the Shopify App Store | Supports enterprise-grade integrations and custom apps |
| Checkout Options | Standard checkout | Fully customizable checkout experience |
How to Know It’s Time for Shopify Plus Features
There are various reasons for which businesses want to adopt Shopify Plus advantages. Here, some indications are discussed that help you to know when to switch to Shopify Plus:
- Revenue Over Seven Figures: When yearly revenue goes over seven figures, switching to Shopify Plus is a wise decision. Standard Shopify may struggle with complex tasks. Upgrading to Shopify Plus lets you use Shopify Scripts and Shopify Flow. These tools help automate tasks, improve checkout, and manage high-volume transactions efficiently.
- High Traffic Brings Strain: Big sales and promotions can boost traffic. This surge may slow down your store and hurt the customer experience. Search for reliable Shopify development services and upgrade to Shopify Plus. This approach ensures your platform can handle peak demand smoothly, maintaining customer experience.
- Customized Checkout Functionality: As your business grows, standard checkout options may limit conversions. Shopify Plus offers custom checkout functionality. This allows you to tailor the purchasing experience. You can implement advanced payment options and streamline the process to boost sales. This improves overall customer satisfaction.
- Unified Brand Operations: Managing multiple storefronts can become complex as your brand expands. Shopify Plus enables multi-store management. You can control inventory, pricing, and promotions across different regions. This ensures consistency and efficiency for teams and customers alike.
- Advanced Enterprise Integrations: As businesses grow, it's vital to connect with ERP, CRM, and other systems. Shopify Plus websites allow strong enterprise integrations. This means data flows smoothly, operations are streamlined, and efficiency improves.
- Growing Team Access: As your business grows, you’ll need more staff accounts to keep things running smoothly. Shopify Plus boosts user permissions, enhancing collaboration and productivity. A successful Shopify app can simplify tasks and improve team workflows in your store.
- Scaling for Global Markets: Expanding into the international market demands advanced capabilities. This includes multi-currency support, localized checkout, and regional compliance. Working with a Shopify Plus Development Agency helps your store reach a global audience. Their expertise gives you smooth integrations and operations. You’ll enjoy a better shopping experience in many regions.
- Unlock B2B Features: If you’re a merchant targeting wholesale or business clients, advanced B2B features are essential. Hire Shopify developers to unlock the advanced B2B features of Shopify Plus. A proficient developer customizes all your needs to the storefront. This may include bulk ordering, tiered pricing, and exclusive access. Their inclusion empowers your store to serve both B2C and B2B customers.
- Advanced Analytics Insights: Shopify Plus provides a powerful dashboard with enhanced analytics. This dashboard offers detailed insights into sales, customer behavior, and performance. Businesses can use this data to support a robust Shopify marketing strategy. This strategy helps make data-driven decisions. It optimizes campaigns and boosts revenue growth.
- Streamlined Workflow Automation: Shopify Plus allows businesses to schedule and automate routine workflows. It reduces manual effort and errors. These automation features save time. They boost efficiency and ensure consistent management in the store.
How Much Do Shopify Plus Pricing Plans Cost?
Standard Monthly Plan: Starts at $2,000/month. This plan suits high-volume merchants who want enterprise-level features.
Annual Subscription: Yearly plans can save money and still include all advanced features.
Custom Shopify Plus Plans: Designed for complex stores, global growth, or special needs. Its pricing depends on scale and requirements.
Transaction Savings: Shopify Plus transaction fees are significantly lower than standard Shopify plans. They help large-scale merchants to maximize profits.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a smart move for growing businesses. It offers scalability, advanced features, and better operational efficiency. It enhances checkout customization and multi-store management for enterprise integrations and B2B capabilities. All these features empower merchants to meet high-volume demands while optimizing customer experience. Utilizing the advanced tools and insights, businesses can streamline their workflows, boost conversions, and stay ahead of competitors. Choosing the right development partner helps your store grow and succeed in the long run.
The Tech Clouds (TTC) stands out as a unique Shopify Plus development agency. We offer enterprise-level solutions for growing businesses, combining advanced features. These solutions help them operate seamlessly and scale accordingly. Their dedicated Shopify Developers craft customized stores and manage high-volume sales. Their expertise ensures a competitive edge in today's dynamic eCommerce landscape.
If you need support in deciding which plans to choose. Don’t wait. Call us now and get insights into Shopify development plans and pricing.
