Selecting the right e-commerce platform lays the groundwork for your online success. With Shopify leading the pack for its user-friendly interface and robust features, it's essential to understand the nuances between its two primary versions: Shopify and Shopify Plus. Let's delve into the comparison to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business requirements.
Shopify: Empowering businesses of all sizes
Shopify has been a reliable e-commerce platform for businesses of all sizes venturing into the online market. Its accessibility, user-friendliness, and comprehensive features empower merchants to seamlessly launch, manage, and expand their online stores. With a diverse range of themes, an extensive app marketplace, and flexible pricing plans, Shopify caters to businesses aiming for growth across various industries.
Shopify Plus: Tailored for enterprise players
For high-volume merchants and larger enterprises seeking advanced capabilities and unparalleled flexibility, Shopify Plus emerges as the ultimate solution. Building upon Shopify's sturdy foundation, Shopify Plus extends stronger capabilities, including enhanced customisation options, dedicated support, and features tailored to meet the demands of large-scale operations. Designed to navigate the complexities of scaling up, Shopify Plus empowers businesses to expand their reach, streamline operations, and deliver exceptional shopping experiences to a global audience.
Shopify vs. Shopify Plus:
Let's dissect the key factors essential that e-commerce brands need to consider when choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus:
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Theme customisation | Theme editor + access to Liquid programming tools | Full control from core Shopify to headless commerce |
| Online store with the world’s most converting checkout experience | Full featured | Full featured |
| Unlimited Products | Yes | Yes |
| Staff accounts | Basic plan: 2 Shopify plan: 5 Advanced plan: 15 |
Unlimited |
| Locations | Up to 5 | Up to 20 |
| Multiple currencies | Yes | Yes |
| Sales channels (social channels & marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon) | Yes | Yes |
| POS | POS Lite | POS Pro with an additional fee |
| Apps | Shopify app marketplace | Shopify app marketplace Additional Shopify Plus certified app partners |
| Analytics | Standard analytics | Advanced plan with custom reports & analytics Custom reports & analytics |
| Help & Support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat Dedicated account manager & priority support by phone or email, plus merchant success program |
| Shipping Calculation | Only available for Advanced plan | Yes |
| Advanced customisation to Shopify Checkout | No | Yes |
| B2B / Wholesale Channel | No | Yes |
| Launchpad | No | Yes |
| Custom app built with Shopify Functions | No | Yes |
| Free expansion stores | No | 9 free expansion stores |
| Exclusive API access & endpoints | No | Yes |
| Bot Protection | No | Yes |
| Shopify Plus Academy | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Basic plan: AUD $42/mo Shopify plan: AUD $114/mo Advanced plan: AUD 430/mo |
Custom pricing: USD $2,300/mo (3 year term) |
Shopify Plus features in depth
Customisation and design
While Shopify offers customisable templates, Shopify Plus elevates the game by providing extensive design options and full checkout customisation, ensuring consistent brand experiences across all touchpoints.
Features
Shopify Plus unlocks exclusive features such as wholesale functions, advanced analytics, multi-store creation, and increased staff accounts, catering to complex operations and strategic decision-making.
Dedicated account manager & merchant success program
Shopify Plus store owners have access to a dedicated account manager who serves as the main point of contact for any sort of support. Additionally, a Merchant Success Program offers ongoing strategies for your Shopify Plus store.
Expansion stores
Shopify Plus allows you to create up to 9 expansion online stores. This feature proves invaluable for businesses operating internationally with distinct e-commerce websites for various countries, or those offering diverse product ranges across multiple online platforms.
To consolidate management of multiple ecommerce stores under a single admin, upgrading to Shopify Plus from a regular Shopify account is necessary. Otherwise, opting for separate accounts for each store becomes the alternative approach.
Shopify POS Pro
With standard Shopify plans, unlocking the Pro version of the point-of-sale software entails an additional cost (AUD $129/mo, as of April 2024).
Shopify Plus offers POS Pro for all your store locations at no additional expense. This means your customers can make debit and credit card payments in-store effortlessly. Moreover, you can seamlessly synchronise your ecommerce marketplace with your physical stores.
Pricing and value
While Shopify's standard plans offer affordability, Shopify Plus represents an investment in business growth, offering additional features that justify its premium price.
Scalability and performance
In the realm of rapid growth, Shopify Plus reigns supreme with superior scalability, equipped to handle surges in traffic and sales during peak periods, ensuring uninterrupted performance for your store.
Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus
The decision hinges on your business's current needs and future aspirations. Shopify's simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for startups, while Shopify Plus provides the tools and support necessary for significant growth or large-scale operations.
Key takeaways:
- While the disparity between Shopify and Shopify Plus exists, Shopify remains the cornerstone for every e-commerce brand. Your choice should align with your business's size, growth strategies, and specific requirements.
- Before making a decision, evaluate your needs, budget, and long-term goals. If uncertain, consult with Shopify experts to optimise your online presence and pave the path to e-commerce success.
- Remember, regardless of your starting point or future ambitions, the potential for success in e-commerce is within reach. Seize the opportunity and embark on your e-commerce journey with confidence!
Already have an ecommerce website and considering switching to Shopify? Check out Shopify services by our Shopify Plus Agency in Australia
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