Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Deciding whether to go for Shopify or upgrade to Shopify Plus?

Before we start comparing Shopify vs Shopify Plus, let’s understand what Shopify is!

Shopify is recognized as a reliable platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to enter the online retail market. However, for larger corporations generating millions in revenue, a customized selling experience may be more attractive. This is where Shopify Plus comes into play, offering essentially the same platform as Shopify but enhanced with a suite of features designed for major entities.

Shopify Plus extends the robust base provided by Shopify, maintaining the easy-to-use dashboard and core functions while introducing a range of new features, deeper integrations, and the capacity to modify the store’s underlying code. It also provides exclusive support options and numerous extra benefits.

While Shopify is the preferred choice for individuals initiating small to medium-sized business endeavors, Shopify Plus is tailored for the demands of enterprise-level operations, boasting clientele like global giants Nestle, Hawkers, Kylie Jenner, and Budweiser.

This article delves into the comparison between Shopify vs Shopify Plus, highlighting every exclusive and exciting new feature offered by Shopify Plus.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: What’s the difference?

Shopify Plus, while built on the foundational principles of the basic Shopify plan, introduces a range of bonuses. This discussion is centered on distinguishing the exclusive benefits and standout features of Shopify Plus in comparison to its standard counterpart.

Exploring the realm of Shopify Plus unveils 13 innovative features/enhancements designed to advance one’s e-commerce presence.

1. A dedicated account manager (Launch Manager/Engineer)

Shopify offers support to its users through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. For more complex issues, users can enlist the services of certified Shopify Experts.

Meanwhile, Shopify Plus enhances the support experience by offering customized and dedicated assistance for online stores. This includes the provision of a Launch Engineer, who assists clients throughout the process of setting up or migrating their store. This support extends to incorporating third-party integrations or finding the ideal partners for custom projects tailored to an enterprise’s needs, with the Launch Engineer providing guidance at every step.

2. More theme customization with access to Liquid

With standard Shopify plans, individuals have the ability to modify their Shopify theme templates through the use of the editor. However, transitioning to an entirely new theme can present some challenges.

On the other hand, the Shopify Plus plan offers a significant expansion in customization options by providing access to Shopify’s unique theme language, Liquid. With Liquid, users have the opportunity to adjust the backend at the code level, allowing for unmatched control over the functionality of their site.

3. Unlimited staff accounts

When deciding between Shopify and Shopify Plus, one should also take into account the availability of staff accounts. The standard Shopify plan provides a restricted number of staff accounts.

On the other hand, Shopify Plus allows for an unlimited number of staff accounts and offers improved permission settings.

This allows for an endless number of team members to work together on the digital storefront and enhances the management of staff activities within the store’s admin area.

4. More control over the checkout

Understanding the importance of offering personalized attention to their top-spending customers and their activities on the checkout page is a common sentiment among shopkeepers.

Shopify Plus provides a vast array of options for customizing the checkout experience. This ranges from adapting based on the shopping cart’s value to other specific conditions, ensuring a personalized journey for every shopper.

Moreover, with access to Shopify Scripts, users gain an even more detailed level of customization. The Script Editor enables modifications to shipping methods, customer fields, and payment options according to preferences. Such flexibility is not as easily accessible on Shopify, where typically, specific apps would be required for checkout customizations.

5. More API integrations

In the digital ecosystem of websites, APIs are the unsung heroes enabling smooth integrations with external applications.

Shopify Plus enhances this capability by providing advanced API resources such as GiftCard, User, and Multipass, aimed at maximizing the utility of third-party applications.

The GiftCard API introduces a novel payment method, while Multipass login allows seamless access to the Shopify store without needing separate login credentials, eliminating the need to sync customer databases. Additionally, the User feature simplifies staff account management, offering straightforward options to add, delete, modify, and access staff information.

Furthermore, Shopify Plus extends the possibility to integrate with custom applications or to create bespoke apps, offering unmatched flexibility.

6. Exclusive apps

Users of Shopify Plus gain exclusive access to a selection of elite Shopify apps, which are only available in their specialized app store and not accessible to the standard Shopify user base. These tools offer powerful features to enhance the eCommerce experience:

• A robust wholesale channel supports users involved in large-scale B2B sales.
• Shopify Flow is an eCommerce automation tool that features an intuitive visual builder. It allows for the automation of various tasks and streamlines processes within the store.
• Launchpad simplifies the orchestration and automation of flash sales, product launches, or any sales-driven events, with easy reversal of changes after the event.
• The Script Editor allows for the creation of customized shopping cart and checkout experiences, enabling custom discounts and tailored shipping and payment methods with minimal coding. This feature is key in reducing cart abandonment.
• The Transporter app enables smooth importing of customer, product, and order data into the Shopify store, acting like a digital moving van to securely transfer valuable information.
• For migrating customer databases, the Bulk Account Inviter is an essential tool that streamlines the process of inviting imported customers to activate their accounts on the new platform, ensuring a seamless transition for both the business and its customers.

7. Integrations with existing platforms

In today’s highly competitive digital marketplace, businesses seeking to enhance their operations and customer experience have various integration options with Shopify through its API. Shopify plus enables seamless connections with a range of platforms, each offering distinct advantages:

• Product Information Management (PIM) emerges as a critical asset for brands in the modern marketplace, acting as a strategic partner in managing, enriching, and distributing product data across multiple channels. PIM promotes clarity, efficiency, and growth in the digital arena.
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an essential tool that integrates various business processes, including finance, HR, manufacturing, and supply chain management, into a cohesive system. ERP aids in improving decision-making, boosting efficiency, and driving business growth.
• Inventory and Order Management Systems (IMS and OMS) are pivotal components of retail and eCommerce operations, tracking stock levels and managing orders to maintain the delicate balance between supply and demand. These systems empower businesses to meet customer demands efficiently.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools play a vital role in enhancing business-customer interactions. CRM involves understanding and responding to customer needs, fostering a connection that leads to loyalty and satisfaction.
• Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are crucial in optimizing supply chain efficiency. They handle warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment, enabling businesses to scale by overcoming logistical challenges.
• Warehouse Management Software (WMS) acts as a digital navigator, streamlining the flow of goods from warehouses to customers. WMS ensures precision in stock management, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Global fulfillment partners are key to businesses aiming to expand internationally. They assist in navigating customs, managing warehouses, and ensuring prompt deliveries, simplifying the complexity of international logistics.

By integrating these platforms, businesses can streamline their operations, improve customer satisfaction, and explore new growth avenues.

8. Wholesale channels

In the competitive landscape of online retail platforms, the wholesale channel emerges as a significant differentiator when it comes to Shopify vs Shopify Plus. As businesses grow, the demand for purchasing products in bulk typically increases. It is reasonable to expect that an enterprise-level platform would facilitate and streamline the process of making wholesale purchases.

This wholesale channel acts as a unique, secure extension of an existing online store, enabling the business to offer exclusive pricing on their products or even products that are exclusively available to wholesale customers, with the added security of password protection.

Additionally, the platform offers the flexibility to create custom price lists or special discount codes for wholesale buyers. Shopify Plus provides its users with the capability to issue invoices, track orders, and utilize up-to-date product information and integrations. Thus efficiently managing both direct-to-consumer and business-to-business sales models simultaneously.

9. Merchant Success Program

Shopify Plus introduces a Merchant Success Program specifically designed to optimize the benefits its users obtain from the platform. Assistance is readily available for integrating third-party services, managing product portfolios, and navigating different platforms.

The program also includes training to help users fully leverage their capabilities. By collaborating with a Merchant Success Manager, users gain access to dedicated support for their wide array of needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Furthermore, the platform provides 24/7 support, with a team ready to assist in selecting Shopify Plus Partners that have been thoroughly vetted. This support is geared towards keeping users updated on the latest industry trends and providing assistance during high-traffic occurrences, such as flash sales.

10. Exclusive access to other resources

The Merchant Success Program is far from the only advantage for Shopify Plus users. They have access to an impressive array of resources:

• An active Facebook group tailored for Shopify Plus enthusiasts, offering a space to share insights and stories with like-minded individuals.
• A comprehensive partners directory where technology meets agency and solution partners, ready for exploration.
• Exclusive early access to beta programs.
• Admission to the Shopify Plus Academy, designed to help users master the Shopify Plus platform.

11. A unified dashboard to manage multiple stores

Shopify Plus recently introduced a new dashboard that serves as a command center for its users. It consolidates the management of multiple stores, insightful analytics, staff accounts, user permissions, and innovative automation tools like Shopify Flow into a single interface.

This intuitive dashboard offers a comprehensive view of an enterprise, promoting collaboration within teams and improving automation features. This is especially beneficial for those overseeing multiple stores or locations.

12. More in-depth analytics options

Shopify offers a comprehensive analytics dashboard, enabling the monitoring of various metrics like sales volumes, top-selling products, primary landing pages, referral sources, and repeat customer rates, among others. This functionality provides the ability to create sophisticated reports, ensuring the latest insights into the store’s performance are always accessible.

While this might meet the needs of numerous businesses, Shopify Plus works in conjunction with leading analytics agencies, guaranteeing that the most current trends impacting the store are continually provided.

13. Shopify Plus pricing – higher prices (that vary based on sales)

In comparing Shopify vs Shopify Plus, a significant factor to consider is the pricing structure which differentiates the two. Shopify offers consistent pricing plans, ensuring that costs remain the same regardless of sales volume. However, for a more tailored cost analysis with Shopify Plus, interaction with their sales team is necessary.

The monthly fee for Shopify Plus starts at a minimum of $2,000 or 0.25% of monthly sales volume, whichever is greater, with a maximum cap of $40,000 to keep expenses under control. For example, a store generating $2 million in monthly sales would incur a $5,000 fee. Conversely, sales amounting to $100,000 monthly would result in a flat $2,000 fee instead of the 0.25% rate.

When it comes to the services provided, both Shopify and Shopify Plus offer the same fundamental features, including their user dashboard and basic eCommerce functions. The difference comes with Shopify Plus, which provides more flexibility, a wider range of support options, and deeper access to the coding of a store.

The decision to upgrade to Shopify Plus, with its starting fee of $2,000 monthly, is significant. It may be more prudent for stores not yet generating substantial sales to continue with the standard Shopify platform unless the enhanced features of Shopify Plus are deemed essential and can justify the investment.