Introduction: Shopify and Shopify Plus
The Shopify platform offers various pricing plans for businesses of different scales. Standard Shopify plans are suitable for most small and medium-sized enterprises, but as a business grows, the question of upgrading to an enterprise level — Shopify Plus — arises.
Important to Know
Shopify Plus is not just a more expensive plan, but a comprehensive enterprise solution with advanced capabilities for scaling, automation, and personalization of your business.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows entrepreneurs to create and grow online stores. Standard Shopify plans:
- Basic Shopify ($29/month)
- Shopify ($79/month)
- Advanced Shopify ($299/month)
These plans offer basic features for managing an online store, including hosting, security, payment processing, and basic analytics.
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is Shopify's enterprise plan, designed specifically for large businesses and enterprises with high sales volumes. Pricing starts at $2,000/month or 0.25% of monthly turnover (whichever is greater).
Shopify Plus offers advanced capabilities for scaling, automation, personalization, and international trade, as well as dedicated support and access to exclusive features.
Key Differences
| Feature | Shopify Advanced | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $299/month | From $2,000/month |
| Target Audience | Small and medium-sized businesses | Large businesses and enterprises |
| Transaction Fees | 0.5% - 2.0% | 0.15% - 0.25% |
| Number of Staff Accounts | 15 | Unlimited |
| Dedicated Support | No | Yes (personal manager) |
| Automation (Shopify Flow) | No | Yes |
| Checkout Page Customization | Limited | Advanced |
| B2B Functionality | No | Yes |
Comparing Shopify and Shopify Plus Features
To make an informed decision about upgrading to Shopify Plus, it's important to understand in detail what additional capabilities you will get compared to standard Shopify plans.
Core Features
Checkout Customization
Shopify Advanced: Basic customization with limited options.
Shopify Plus: Full customization using Checkout Extensions, including scripts, additional fields, and branding.
Staff Accounts
Shopify Advanced: Up to 15 staff accounts.
Shopify Plus: Unlimited number of staff accounts with advanced permission settings.
Transaction Fees
Shopify Advanced: 0.5% when using Shopify Payments, 1.5% when using third-party payment systems.
Shopify Plus: 0.15% when using Shopify Payments, 0.25% when using third-party payment systems.
Analytics and Reports
Shopify Advanced: Standard reports and customizable reports.
Shopify Plus: Advanced analytics, including Shopify Flow for report automation and integration with BI tools.
API and Integrations
Shopify Advanced: Standard access to the API with limitations.
Shopify Plus: Enhanced API access with higher limits, priority access to beta features.
Scalability
Performance and Bandwidth
Shopify Advanced: Standard performance, suitable for most stores.
Shopify Plus: Increased performance to handle peak loads, including sales and flash sales.
Automation (Shopify Flow)
Shopify Advanced: Not available.
Shopify Plus: Full access to Shopify Flow for automating business processes, including order, customer, and inventory management.
Multiple Stores
Shopify Advanced: One store per account.
Shopify Plus: Up to 10 stores under one account with centralized management.
Omnichannel
Shopify Advanced: Basic omnichannel capabilities.
Shopify Plus: Advanced capabilities for integrating online and offline channels, including POS Pro and special integrations.
Personalization
Theme Customization
Shopify Advanced: Standard theme customization options.
Shopify Plus: Advanced customization options, including access to the Shopify Plus Partner Program for creating unique solutions.
Scripts and Functions
Shopify Advanced: Limited scripting capabilities.
Shopify Plus: Full access to Shopify Scripts for customizing the cart, discounts, and checkout.
Discount Management
Shopify Advanced: Basic options for creating discounts.
Shopify Plus: Advanced options for creating complex discounts, including Launchpad for planning and automating promotions.
Customer Personalization
Shopify Advanced: Basic customer segmentation.
Shopify Plus: Advanced personalization with Shopify Flow, including dynamic content and personalized offers.
International Trade
Multi-Currency
Shopify Advanced: Basic multi-currency support.
Shopify Plus: Advanced support with automatic currency conversion and localized pricing.
Multi-Language
Shopify Advanced: Basic multi-language support.
Shopify Plus: Advanced support with the ability to create fully localized stores for different regions.
International Shipping
Shopify Advanced: Standard shipping settings.
Shopify Plus: Advanced options for setting up international shipping, including integration with global logistics partners.
Compliance with International Regulations
Shopify Advanced: Basic support.
Shopify Plus: Advanced support for compliance with international regulations and requirements, including GDPR, PCI DSS, and others.
B2B Capabilities
B2B Functionality
Shopify Advanced: Limited B2B functionality through third-party apps.
Shopify Plus: Built-in B2B functionality with the ability to create companies, manage wholesale prices, and payment terms.
Wholesale Catalogs
Shopify Advanced: Via third-party apps.
Shopify Plus: Built-in capability to create personalized wholesale catalogs for different customers.
Payment Terms for B2B
Shopify Advanced: Limited options via third-party apps.
Shopify Plus: Built-in options for setting payment terms, including Net 30, Net 60, and others.
Permission Management for B2B Customers
Shopify Advanced: Limited options.
Shopify Plus: Advanced options for managing B2B customer permissions, including different roles and access levels.
Expert Advice
When comparing plans, pay special attention to the features that are critically important for your business now and in the next 1-2 years. Don't overpay for features you won't use.
When Should You Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a serious decision that should be based on the specific needs and goals of your business. Here are a few key indicators that may signal it's time to consider upgrading to the enterprise plan.
1. Sales Volume
If your monthly turnover exceeds $800,000, upgrading to Shopify Plus can be economically advantageous due to lower transaction fees.
Break-even Point Calculation:
With a turnover of $800,000/month, savings on commissions (0.35%) will be around $2,800, which is roughly the cost of Shopify Plus.
2. Complexity of Business Processes
If you spend significant time on manual order, inventory, or customer management, automation via Shopify Flow can significantly increase efficiency.
- Order processing automation
- Inventory management
- Customer segmentation
- Automatic notifications
- Integration with other systems
3. International Expansion
If you plan to enter international markets, Shopify Plus offers advanced capabilities for multi-currency and multi-language trade.
- Up to 10 stores under one account
- Localized prices and currencies
- Content adaptation for different markets
- Compliance with international regulations
4. B2B Direction
If you are developing a wholesale direction or B2B sales, the built-in B2B functionality of Shopify Plus can be a decisive factor.
- Company and location management
- Personalized catalogs and prices
- Payment terms for B2B customers
- Integration with corporate systems
5. Personalization and Branding
If you need deep personalization of the store and checkout process, Shopify Plus provides advanced customization options.
- Checkout page customization
- Scripts for cart and discounts
- Personalized experience for different customer segments
- Integration with CRM and marketing systems
6. Support and Stability
If store stability and quick problem resolution are critically important for your business, dedicated Shopify Plus support can be a valuable advantage.
- Personal Manager (Launch Engineer)
- Priority 24/7 technical support
- Access to the Shopify Plus community
- Consultations on development strategy
Typical Growth Path on Shopify
Initial Stage (Basic Shopify)
Store launch, first sales, building a customer base. Monthly turnover up to $50,000.
Growth Stage (Shopify)
Expanding product range, increasing marketing activities, sales growth. Monthly turnover $50,000-$150,000.
Scaling Stage (Advanced Shopify)
Optimizing business processes, expanding the team, implementing analytics. Monthly turnover $150,000-$800,000.
Enterprise Stage (Shopify Plus)
Process automation, international expansion, developing B2B direction. Monthly turnover over $800,000.
Important Warning
Upgrading to Shopify Plus requires not only financial investment but also team readiness to use the platform's advanced features. Ensure you have the resources to maximize the benefits of the enterprise plan.
Return on Investment Calculator
To help you make an informed decision about upgrading to Shopify Plus, we have developed a Return on Investment (ROI) calculator. Enter your business data to estimate the potential benefit of switching to the enterprise plan.
Calculation Tip
When assessing the ROI of Shopify Plus, consider not only direct savings on commissions but also indirect benefits: staff time savings, increased conversion due to improved checkout, opportunities for international expansion, and B2B sales.
Shopify Plus ROI Calculator
Calculation Results
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Enter your data and click "Calculate ROI" to see the results.
Success Stories: Who Chooses Shopify Plus
Many well-known brands and growing companies choose Shopify Plus to develop their business. Let's look at a few examples of successful upgrades to the enterprise plan and the results achieved.
Example 1: Fashion Brand
Initial Situation: A growing fashion brand with a monthly turnover of $500,000 faced limitations during seasonal sales. The site could not handle peak loads, leading to lost sales.
Solution: Upgraded to Shopify Plus using Launchpad for sales automation and increased performance.
Results:
- 25% increase in conversion during sales
- 15% increase in average order value
- Saved 30 staff hours per month
- Stable site performance even with a 10x increase in traffic
Example 2: Home Goods Manufacturer
Initial Situation: A home goods manufacturer with a turnover of $1.2 million per month wanted to develop its B2B direction but faced limitations with the standard plan.
Solution: Upgraded to Shopify Plus using built-in B2B functionality and setting up wholesale catalogs.
Results:
- Launched B2B direction with a separate login for wholesale customers
- 40% increase in total turnover due to B2B sales
- Automated approval process for wholesale customers
- Integration with corporate client systems
Example 3: Cosmetics Brand
Initial Situation: A cosmetics brand with a turnover of $800,000 per month planned international expansion but faced problems with localization and managing multiple stores.
Solution: Upgraded to Shopify Plus, creating separate stores for different regions and setting up multi-currency.
Results:
- Launched 5 localized stores for different regions
- 120% increase in international sales in the first year
- 30% reduction in bounce rate thanks to localized pricing
- Centralized management of all stores from one account
Key Takeaways from Success Stories
- Companies that maximize the use of its unique features benefit most from Shopify Plus
- Automating routine processes via Shopify Flow often leads to significant savings in time and resources
- The ability to create multiple stores is particularly valuable for international expansion
- B2B functionality can open up a new significant sales channel
The Process of Upgrading to Shopify Plus
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a well-structured process that includes several stages. Understanding this process will help you prepare and ensure a smooth transition without interrupting your business operations.
Stage 1: Consultation and Assessment
The first step is a consultation with a Shopify Plus representative to assess your business needs and determine if the enterprise plan is suitable for you.
- Analysis of the current store and business processes
- Definition of key goals and objectives
- Assessment of potential benefits from upgrading
- Formation of a preliminary migration plan
Stage 2: Migration Preparation
After deciding to upgrade, the preparation stage begins, which includes planning and setting up the new account.
- Assignment of a personal manager (Launch Engineer)
- Creation of a detailed migration plan
- Data and content preparation
- Setting up integrations and apps
Stage 3: Migration and Setup
At this stage, the actual migration to Shopify Plus and setup of all necessary features takes place.
- Data migration (if you are moving from another platform)
- Setup of advanced Shopify Plus features
- Integration with external systems
- Automation setup via Shopify Flow
Stage 4: Testing and Launch
Before the full launch, thorough testing of all functions and processes is conducted.
- Testing all store functions
- Checking integrations and automations
- Training staff on new features
- Launching the store on Shopify Plus
Stage 5: Continuous Optimization
After launch, the stage of continuous optimization and development of the store begins with the help of the Shopify Plus team.
- Regular consultations with the personal manager
- Optimization of business processes
- Implementation of new features and capabilities
- Performance analysis and scaling
Migration Tip
If you are already using Shopify, upgrading to Shopify Plus usually occurs without interrupting store operations. However, it is recommended to plan the implementation of new features gradually, starting with those that will bring the greatest benefit to your business.
Shopify Plus Support Team
One of the key advantages of Shopify Plus is the dedicated support team that will help you at all stages of working with the platform.
Launch Engineer
A personal manager who helps with the migration and setup of the store on Shopify Plus. They guide you through the entire transition process and help you maximize the platform's capabilities.
Merchant Success Manager
After launch, you are assigned a Merchant Success Manager who helps with business development, provides strategic recommendations, and ensures access to Shopify Plus resources.
Priority Technical Support
Shopify Plus clients get access to priority 24/7 technical support that helps resolve any technical issues in the shortest possible time.
Shopify Plus Community
Access to the exclusive Shopify Plus community, where you can connect with other major brands, share experiences, and get advice on business development.
Alternatives to Shopify Plus
Before making a final decision to upgrade to Shopify Plus, it is worth considering alternative options that may better suit your business needs.
| Solution | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Shopify Advanced $299/month |
|
|
Small and medium-sized businesses with turnover up to $800,000/month without complex business processes |
|
Shopify Plus + Apps $2,000+/month |
|
|
Large businesses with turnover over $800,000/month, international sales, B2B |
|
Shopify Advanced + Third-Party Solutions $299+/month |
|
|
Medium-sized businesses with turnover $300,000-$800,000/month with some complex processes |
|
Custom Solution From $10,000+ |
|
|
Large businesses with unique requirements that cannot be met by off-the-shelf solutions |
Selection Tip
If you are unsure whether your business is ready to upgrade to Shopify Plus, consider gradually implementing individual features through third-party apps on the Advanced Shopify plan. This will allow you to assess the potential benefits before fully transitioning to the enterprise plan.
When Shopify Plus Might NOT Be Suitable for Your Business
Low Sales Volume
If your monthly turnover is significantly below $800,000, investing in Shopify Plus may not pay off through commission savings.
Simple Business Processes
If your business processes are fairly simple and do not require complex automation, you may not get significant benefits from Shopify Plus features.
Lack of Resources to Master
If you lack the resources (time, staff, budget) to fully utilize the capabilities of Shopify Plus, you will not be able to get the maximum return on your investment.
Unique Requirements
If your business has very specific requirements that cannot be met even with Shopify Plus, you may need a custom solution.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a serious decision that can significantly impact the development of your business. The enterprise plan provides advanced capabilities for scaling, automation, personalization, and international trade, which can help your business reach a new level.
However, this decision should be based on a thorough analysis of your business needs, current limitations, and the potential benefits of upgrading. Use the information in this article and the ROI calculator to assess whether your business is ready to switch to Shopify Plus.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify Plus provides advanced capabilities for large businesses with turnover from $800,000 per month
- Key benefits include automation, B2B functionality, international trade, and dedicated support
- Upgrading to Shopify Plus is economically advantageous at high turnover due to lower transaction fees
- The migration process is well-structured and supported by a dedicated Shopify Plus team
- Before making a decision, it is important to assess the return on investment and the team's readiness to use new features
Ready to take your business to the next level with Shopify Plus?
Assess the potential benefits for your business and get expert consultation on upgrading to the enterprise plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopify Plus pricing starts at $2,000 per month or 0.25% of monthly turnover (whichever is greater). The maximum monthly fee is $40,000. In addition to the base cost, transaction fees (0.15% when using Shopify Payments, 0.25% when using third-party payment systems), as well as the cost of additional apps and services, should be considered.
If you are already using Shopify, upgrading to Shopify Plus can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your store and the required settings. If you are migrating from another platform, the process can take from 2 to 3 months, including data migration, setup, and testing.
Yes, you can downgrade from Shopify Plus to a standard plan if you decide that the enterprise plan is no longer needed. However, you should be aware that you will lose access to all exclusive Shopify Plus features, including automation, B2B functionality, dedicated support, and others. Changes to store settings may also be required.
Shopify Plus, like standard Shopify plans, is a cloud-based solution, so there are no special technical requirements. You don't need to worry about hosting, security, or infrastructure scaling. However, to maximize the use of Shopify Plus capabilities, it is recommended to have specialists on your team familiar with Liquid (Shopify's templating language), JavaScript, and the Shopify API.
Shopify Flow is a business process automation tool available only on Shopify Plus. It allows you to create automated workflows based on triggers, conditions, and actions. For example, you can automatically tag high-risk orders, send low-stock notifications, segment customers based on their behavior, and much more. Shopify Flow has a visual editor that allows you to create automations without coding.
B2B functionality in Shopify Plus allows you to create companies and locations for your B2B customers, set up personalized catalogs with wholesale prices, establish payment terms (Net 30, Net 60, etc.), and manage permissions for B2B customers. You can create a separate login for B2B customers or use a single store for B2B and B2C sales. B2B functionality is fully integrated with other Shopify features, allowing you to manage all sales from one place.
Yes, Shopify Plus supports multi-currency selling. You can set up price display in different currencies and also accept payments in these currencies. For this, you can use Shopify Markets — a tool for managing international sales. You can set up automatic currency conversion based on current exchange rates or set fixed prices for each currency.
Despite its advanced capabilities, Shopify Plus has some limitations:
- Maximum of 10 stores under one account
- Limitations on customizing Shopify's core architecture
- Some API limitations, although they are significantly higher than on standard plans
- Dependence on the Shopify app ecosystem for extending functionality
However, for most businesses, these limitations are not critical, and the advantages of Shopify Plus far outweigh the disadvantages.
Shopify Plus customers receive dedicated support, which includes:
- A personal manager (Launch Engineer) during the migration and setup phase
- A Merchant Success Manager for strategic consulting after launch
- Priority 24/7 technical support
- Access to the exclusive Shopify Plus community
- Priority access to beta features and new capabilities
This support helps to maximize the use of the platform's capabilities and quickly resolve any issues that arise.
Shopify Plus provides several tools for international sales:
- Ability to create up to 10 stores under one account for different regions
- Support for multi-currency and multi-language
- Integration with Shopify Markets for managing international sales
- Setup of localized prices, taxes, and shipping
- Compliance with international norms and requirements
These tools allow you to create a comprehensive international expansion strategy and effectively manage sales in different regions.