SHOPIFY VS SHOPIFY PLUS

When it comes to building a successful online store, Shopify is one of the most popular and powerful e-commerce platforms available. However, as your business grows, you may wonder whether upgrading to Shopify Plus is the right move.

While both versions provide robust e-commerce solutions, Shopify Plus is specifically designed for high-growth and enterprise-level brands that need more scalability, customization, and automation.

At SimplSo, a trusted Shopify Plus agency, we help businesses navigate this critical decision. Whether you're a startup looking for a reliable e-commerce foundation or an established brand aiming for seamless expansion, our team specializes in optimizing Shopify and Shopify Plus stores for maximum performance.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, helping you determine which platform best suits your business goals.

What Is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is Shopify’s enterprise-level e-commerce platform designed for high-growth and large-scale businesses. Unlike standard Shopify plans, which cater to small and medium-sized businesses, Shopify Plus offers advanced customization, automation, and scalability to meet the demands of larger enterprises.

It provides merchants with greater control over their storefronts, seamless integrations, and dedicated support, making it an ideal choice for brands experiencing rapid expansion.

One of the biggest advantages of Shopify Plus is its ability to handle high-traffic volumes and large-scale sales events without compromising performance. Additionally, Shopify Plus users gain access to a dedicated account manager and priority support, ensuring smooth business operations.

Beyond performance and automation, Shopify Plus offers extensive API access for deeper customization, advanced security features, and multi-channel selling capabilities. It allows businesses to sell across various platforms, including social media, marketplaces, and even B2B sales channels.

For enterprises looking for a robust and scalable e-commerce solution, Shopify Plus provides the tools and flexibility needed to drive long-term growth.

Shopify VS Shopify Plus: The Key Differences To Know

Shopify and Shopify Plus are two tiers of Shopify's e-commerce platform, each tailored to different business needs. While both offer robust tools for online selling, they differ significantly in features, customization options, support, and pricing.

This detailed comparison will help you understand these differences and determine which platform best suits your business requirements.

1. Overview

• Shopify: is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing a user-friendly interface and essential e-commerce functionalities. It offers multiple pricing plans; Basic, Shopify, and Advanced, each with varying features to accommodate business growth.

• Shopify Plus:on the other hand, is an enterprise-level solution tailored for high-growth and large-scale businesses. It caters to companies with advanced e-commerce needs, offering enhanced customization, scalability, and support.

2. Pricing Structure

• Shopify: Offers tiered pricing plans starting from $39 per month, scaling up based on additional features and capabilities.
• Shopify Plus: Features custom pricing, typically starting at around $2,300 per month, designed to meet the specific needs of larger enterprises and high-volume businesses.

3. Customization & Development

• Shopify: Provides access to a variety of themes and basic customization options suitable for standard business requirements.
• Shopify Plus: Offers advanced customization capabilities, including access to Shopify's Script Editor, allowing businesses to create personalized checkout experiences and tailor functionalities to specific needs.

4. Support & Account Management

• Shopify: Includes standard customer support accessible via email or chat.
• Shopify Plus: Provides dedicated account management with a Launch Engineer to assist during the onboarding process, ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing support.

5. API Access & Integrations

• Shopify: Offers standard API access suitable for typical integrations and functionalities.
• Shopify Plus: Provides enhanced API resources, facilitating complex integrations and custom app development, essential for businesses requiring sophisticated solutions.

6. Scalability & Performance

• Shopify: Designed to handle moderate traffic and sales volumes efficiently.
• Shopify Plus: Built to support high-volume transactions and significant traffic surges, ensuring optimal performance during peak periods.

7. Wholesale & B2B Functionality

• Shopify: Lacks native wholesale features, often requiring third-party apps to manage B2B operations.
• Shopify Plus: Includes a dedicated wholesale channel, enabling businesses to create separate, password-protected storefronts for B2B customers, streamlining wholesale operations.

8. Automation & Operational Efficiency

• Shopify: Offers basic automation tools suitable for standard business processes.
• Shopify Plus: Features advanced automation tools like Shopify Flow, allowing businesses to automate complex tasks such as order management, customer segmentation, and inventory tracking, enhancing operational efficiency.

9. Staff Accounts & Permissions

• Shopify: Limits the number of staff accounts based on the plan, up to 15 on the Advanced plan.
• Shopify Plus: Offers unlimited staff accounts with advanced permission settings, accommodating larger teams and complex organizational structures.

10. Checkout Customization

• Shopify: Provides a standardized checkout process with limited customization options.
• Shopify Plus: Allows extensive checkout customization through access to the checkout.liquid file, enabling businesses to tailor the checkout experience to their specific needs, potentially enhancing conversion rates.

11. Analytics & Reporting

• Shopify: Offers basic reporting and analytics tools suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Shopify Plus: Provides advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, including access to Shopify's analytics API, enabling deeper insights into business performance and customer behavior.

12. Security & Compliance

• Shopify: Ensures standard security measures, including SSL certification and PCI compliance.
• Shopify Plus: Offers additional security features such as a dedicated SSL certificate and advanced compliance options, catering to enterprises with stringent security requirements.

13. Internationalization & Multi-Currency Support

• Shopify: Supports multi-currency selling with limitations and may require third-party apps for comprehensive functionality.
• Shopify Plus: Offers advanced multi-currency and multi-language support, including the ability to create multiple storefronts for different regions, facilitating global expansion strategies.

14. Transaction Fees

• Shopify: Charges transaction fees ranging from 2.4% to 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the plan.
• Shopify Plus: Offers lower transaction fees, which can be negotiated based on sales volume, potentially resulting in significant cost savings for high-revenue businesses.

15. App & Theme Store Access

• Shopify: Provides access to Shopify's App and Theme Stores, offering a wide range of plugins and themes to enhance store functionality and appearance.
• Shopify Plus: Grants access to exclusive apps and themes, along with the ability to create custom apps, providing greater flexibility and tailored solutions for complex business needs.

What Are The Benefits Of Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is an advanced e-commerce platform tailored for high-growth and enterprise-level businesses seeking scalability, customization, and comprehensive support. Here are the key benefits that distinguish Shopify Plus from standard Shopify plans:

1. Advanced Customization & Control

Shopify Plus provides extensive customization capabilities, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to specific needs:

• Checkout Customization: Access to Shopify's Script Editor enables personalized checkout experiences, such as custom discounts, shipping rules, and upsell opportunities, enhancing the overall customer journey.
• Headless Commerce: The platform supports headless commerce architectures, enabling businesses to decouple the front-end and back-end systems for greater flexibility in design and user experience.

2. Enhanced E-commerce Features

Shopify Plus offers a suite of features designed to optimize e-commerce operations:

• Multi-Channel Integration: Seamlessly sell across various platforms, including social media, online marketplaces, and in-person retail, ensuring a unified brand presence.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Automated tools help recover lost sales by reminding customers of unpurchased items, boosting conversion rates.

3. Scalability & Performance

Designed to handle high-volume sales and traffic spikes, Shopify Plus ensures reliable performance during peak periods:

• High-Volume Order Management: The platform efficiently processes large order volumes, making it ideal for businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal surges.
• Global Content Delivery Network (CDN): Ensures fast load times and optimal site performance for customers worldwide, enhancing user experience.

• Up to 200 Locations: Shopify Plus allows businesses to manage inventory, shipping, and fulfillment across up to 200 locations, compared to the limit of 10 locations on standard Shopify plans. This is beneficial for large enterprises with multiple warehouses or retail outlets.

4. Dedicated Support & Resources

Shopify Plus clients receive personalized support to maximize their platform's potential:

• Launch Engineer: Assists with store setup, migration, and customization, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
• Merchant Success Program: Provides ongoing strategic guidance to help businesses leverage Shopify Plus features effectively.

5. Automation & Operational Efficiency

Advanced automation tools streamline business processes, reducing manual workloads:

• Shopify Flow: Automates tasks like order management, customer segmentation, and inventory updates, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Launchpad: Simplifies the execution of flash sales and product launches by automating tasks such as theme changes and inventory adjustments.
• Bulk Account Management: Allows businesses to manage multiple staff accounts with advanced permission settings, ideal for larger teams.

6. Global Expansion Capabilities

Shopify Plus supports international growth with features tailored for global markets:

• Multiple Storefronts: Operate up to 10 stores under a single account, each customized for different regions, languages, or customer segments.
• Multi-Currency & Multi-Language Support: Cater to diverse customer bases by offering localized shopping experiences.
• Up to 50 Markets: Shopify Plus allows businesses to create up to 50 different “Markets” with localized settings. This means a brand can tailor its storefront for different countries or regions, adjusting pricing, language, and payment options accordingly.

7. Security & Compliance

Robust security measures protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards:

• PCI DSS Compliance: Ensures secure handling of payment information, building customer trust.
• Dedicated SSL Certificates: Enhance site security and improve SEO rankings by encrypting data transmitted between the server and users.

What Is Shopify Plus Pricing?

Shopify Plus is Shopify's enterprise-level e-commerce platform, designed to accommodate high-growth businesses with advanced needs. The pricing structure for Shopify Plus is tailored to reflect the scale and complexity of such operations.

Base Subscription Fees

The standard pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 USD per month. This base fee covers a comprehensive suite of features, including advanced customization options, dedicated support, and enhanced scalability, all geared toward supporting large-scale e-commerce operations.

Variable Fees For High-Volume Merchants

For businesses with substantial sales volumes or more complex requirements, Shopify Plus offers a variable fee structure. This involves a negotiable percentage of monthly sales, designed to align with the specific needs and revenue streams of the business.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the subscription fees, businesses should consider other potential costs associated with operating a Shopify Plus store:

• Transaction Fees: While Shopify Payments users may benefit from reduced transaction fees, utilizing third-party payment providers can incur additional charges.
• Third-Party Integrations and Apps: Depending on specific business requirements, integrating additional applications or services may lead to extra expenses.
• Custom Development: Tailoring the platform to meet unique business needs might necessitate custom development work, which can vary in cost based on the complexity and scope of the project.

Is Shopify Plus Worth It?

Shopify Plus is worth considering for businesses experiencing rapid growth, high sales volume, and the need for advanced customization. Unlike standard Shopify plans, Shopify Plus offers enhanced scalability, automation tools, and a fully customizable checkout experience, making it ideal for enterprises and high-revenue brands.

With features like Shopify Flow for automation, Launchpad for scheduled sales events, and multi-storefront management, Shopify Plus streamlines operations while ensuring seamless customer experiences.

However, its value depends on your business size and requirements. If your monthly revenue exceeds $1 million or you need extensive customization, dedicated support, and global expansion capabilities, Shopify Plus justifies its higher price.

But for smaller businesses or startups, the standard Shopify plans might provide sufficient features at a lower cost. Ultimately, Shopify Plus is an investment in efficiency, growth, and long-term scalability.

SimplSo - Your Shopify Plus Agency For Seamless E-Commerce Growth

SimplSo is a premier Shopify Plus agency dedicated to helping high-growth businesses scale effortlessly with tailored e-commerce solutions. As an expert Shopify Plus partner, SimplSo specializes in creating fully optimized, high-performance online stores that drive conversions and enhance user experiences.

From advanced customizations and seamless third-party integrations to optimized checkout flows and automation, the agency ensures that businesses maximize their Shopify Plus investment.

With a deep understanding of Shopify Plus's robust features, such as multi-storefront management, automation tools, and global expansion capabilities, SimplSo empowers brands to streamline operations and boost sales.

Whether you're migrating to Shopify Plus, optimizing an existing store, or looking for ongoing support, SimplSo provides the expertise needed to elevate your e-commerce success.

FAQs

1. When was Shopify Plus launched?

Shopify Plus was launched in 2014 as an enterprise-level solution designed to support high-growth and large-scale e-commerce businesses with advanced features and customization options.

2. How does Shopify Plus work?

Shopify Plus provides a scalable, high-performance e-commerce platform with enhanced customization, automation, and dedicated support. It allows businesses to manage multiple storefronts, optimize checkout, and integrate seamlessly with third-party tools.

3. What is the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus offers advanced features like customizable checkout, automation tools (Shopify Flow), multi-storefront management, and dedicated account support, making it ideal for high-volume businesses. Regular Shopify plans cater to smaller businesses with more basic e-commerce needs.

4. Is Shopify Plus really worth it?

For businesses with high sales volumes and complex operational needs, Shopify Plus is worth the investment. It provides superior scalability, automation, and support, helping brands optimize their e-commerce operations. However, smaller businesses may find standard Shopify plans sufficient.

5. What is the advantage of Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus offers exclusive benefits such as advanced automation, unlimited staff accounts, multi-currency and multi-language support, dedicated account management, and the ability to handle high-traffic sales events without performance issues.

6. Is Shopify Plus faster?

Yes, Shopify Plus is built for speed and performance. It uses a global Content Delivery Network (CDN) to ensure fast page loading times and smooth transactions, even during high-traffic periods like flash sales.

7. How much does Shopify Plus cost?

Shopify Plus pricing starts at around $2,000 per month but varies based on business needs and revenue. It includes enterprise-level features, automation tools, and dedicated support.

8. Can I migrate my existing store to Shopify Plus?

Yes, Shopify Plus provides migration support, ensuring a seamless transition from other platforms or standard Shopify plans with minimal downtime and data loss.

9. Does Shopify Plus support omnichannel selling?

Yes, Shopify Plus integrates with marketplaces, social media, and in-store POS systems, allowing businesses to sell seamlessly across multiple channels.

10. What level of customer support does Shopify Plus offer?

Shopify Plus customers receive 24/7 priority support, a dedicated account manager, and access to Shopify’s Merchant Success Program for strategic guidance.

Conclusion

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus offer powerful e-commerce solutions, but the right choice depends on your business needs. If you're a small to mid-sized business looking for an intuitive, cost-effective platform, Shopify’s standard plans provide all the essential features to run a successful online store.

However, if you operate a high-growth or enterprise-level brand that requires advanced customization, automation, multi-store management, and dedicated support, Shopify Plus is the way to go.

Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a strategic decision that can unlock greater scalability, enhance the customer experience, and streamline operations. If you’re unsure which plan is right for you, SimplSo, a leading Shopify Plus agency, can help you assess your needs and build a seamless, high-performing online store. Contact us today to take your e-commerce business to the next level!