Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: Powering or Preparing for Millions?

Introduction

• There are more than 4.6 million Shopify stores globally.  

• Shopify controls 26% of the overall eCommerce market. 

• As of 2024, Shopify serves 700 million customers.  

• There are 2 million active sellers on Shopify.  

• Shopify currently has 2.1 million active users.  

• Shopify reported $1.9 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2024.  

• The average Shopify store generates $92 per customer.  

• Shopify Plus is now used by more than 49,700 websites.  

• 37.57% of Shopify websites are hosted in the United States.  
  
  

Shopify dominates the eCommerce industry, with over 4.6 million merchants using its platform to reach a remarkable 700 million customers. However, with such a large user base, an essential issue arises: is the normal Shopify plan sufficient, or is Shopify Plus the key to achieving rapid growth? 

This blog goes into the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, utilizing the most recent statistics (as of June 2024) to help you decide. We will look at how Shopify empowers millions of businesses, while Shopify Plus is designed for those looking to join the ranks of the eCommerce elite and generate millions in sales. Choosing your Shopify development partner is also a big decision. 

Shopify: Built for Businesses Taking Flight. 

The essence of Shopify is a vibrant marketplace overflowing with enterprises. Its primary offerings are designed exclusively for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) striving to build their online empire. 

Consider it a full startup package. Shopify provides everything you need to launch an eCommerce business, from an easy-to-use store builder to built-in marketing tools. This makes it ideal for new businesses or established brick-and-mortar stores wishing to broaden their reach through an online presence. 

Shopify Development Partners 

Shopify development partners are experts who can personalize and optimize your Shopify store. They provide a variety of services that help you in creating a high-converting online store that reflects your brand and increases sales. 

Shopify Plus: Built for Enterprise-Level  

Designed for established giants such as Converse and Sony, Shopify Plus provides a rich range of tools and functions that are specifically geared to the demands of high-volume business organizations. 

The focus here moves from merely opening a store to taking it to new heights. Shopify Plus has comprehensive customization choices, dedicated account management, and the ability to handle huge sales volumes, providing enterprises with everything they need to outperform the competition. 

Shopify Plus Development Partners 

Shopify Plus development partners are experts who can help you achieve the full potential of Shopify Plus. They provide advanced services such as headless commerce deployment and B2B wholesale tool configuration to assist you scale your enterprise business. 

Details	Shopify	Shopify Plus
Costs	Shopify costs $29 per month for Basic, $79 per month for Shopify, and $299 per month for Advanced	Shopify Plus costs $2,000 a month for standard setups and integrations, with a variable fee option available for bigger volume businesses.
Limit on Sales	Technically unrestricted, although Shopify proposes a limit of 100,000. After exceeding that figure, it might be time to compare your existing plan to Shopify Plus.	Unconstrained sales limit
Payment Processing Fees	Shopify charges a basic fee of 2.9% + 30 cents for online card sales, which is stable. 2.7% for in-person sales.   • Shopify: 2.6% + 30 cents every online card sale, flat 2.5% for in-person sales.   • Advanced: 2.4% plus 30 cents every online card sale, flat 2.4% for in-person sales.	Credit card fees vary by country. Third-party payment processors charge 0.15% for every transaction; however, if you utilize Shopify Payments, this fee is waived.
POS	POS Lite	POS Pro (20 locations)
Contract specifications	Monthly, yearly, or biennially	Monthly, yearly, or bienially
Software Support	24/7 live assistance through email, phone, or chat.	24/7 live assistance through email, phone, or chat.
Apps	Access to a choice of apps via the Shopify app marketplace	Access to Shopify plus exclusive apps and API tools for custom integration.
Additional Features	Sell unlimited products (including digital products), recover abandoned carts, gift cards, and professional reports.	All of Shopify's stated capabilities, plus an advanced report builder and real-time carrier shipping
Ideal for	E-commerce companies with annual revenue under $1 million, regardless of size or product offerings.	Enterprise-level firms that consistently sell hundreds of thousands of products and bring in far over $1 million per year.

 

Shopify Plus Partners are skilled agencies and developers who offer tailored e-commerce solutions, specialized support, and advanced integrations to high-growth, enterprise-level firms using the Shopify Plus platform. They focus on customization, speed optimization, and scalability to help Shopify Plus stores expand their capabilities and global reach. 

A concise explanation of the primary benefits of Shopify Plus: 

• Dedicated Support and Partners: Get expert help from Shopify and a network of certified Shopify Plus development partners. These partners can assist you with anything from store design to marketing and inventory management. 

• Advanced Features: Access features such as headless commerce for increased freedom, vast theme storage for design exploration, and a powerful checkout editor for a smooth purchasing experience. 

• Omnichannel Selling: Reach clients through numerous channels, including social media and online marketplaces, all handled from your Shopify Plus dashboard. 

• Growth Potential: Manage up to 200 locations, develop up to 50 customized marketplaces for worldwide reach, and use B2B wholesale capabilities to grow your clientele. 

• Reduced costs: Remove transaction fees on most Shopify Payments transactions. For high-volume firms, this might result in significant cost savings. 

Choosing the Right Platform 

The choice between Shopify and Shopify Plus is determined by the size of your business and its objectives. 

• For small and medium-sized businesses, Shopify is a simple and cost-effective option. 

• For Established Businesses: Shopify Plus is recommended if you require sophisticated functionality, dedicated support, and the flexibility to scale your business. 

Need Help Creating Your Shopify Store?

Regardless of your decision, think about hiring dedicated Shopify developers or collaborating with Shopify development partners to take your online business to the next level. Their knowledge can help to shorten the development process and ensure that your store is well-positioned for success. 

FAQs 

1. I own a small business. Is Shopify Plus appropriate for me? 

Probably not. Shopify Plus is intended for large-scale organizations with demanding needs. Shopify's regular plans provide a simple and cost-effective solution for creating and operating your online store. 

2. What are the main advantages of Shopify Plus? 

Shopify Plus provides various benefits, including: 

• Shopify and its network of accredited partners provide dedicated support. 

• Advanced features include headless commerce, broad customization, and a robust checkout editor. 

• Omnichannel selling allows you to sell on social media, marketplaces, and your own store all from a single dashboard. 

• Growth opportunities include managing several sites, creating customized markets, and utilizing B2B wholesale solutions. 

• Reduced costs: Remove transaction fees from most Shopify Payments transactions. 

3. How much does Shopify Plus cost? 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Pricing is established by Shopify after a consultation about your business needs. However, Shopify Plus typically starts at about $2,300 per month. 

4. Can I utilize Shopify development partners on both platforms? 

Absolutely! Whether you pick Shopify or Shopify Plus, working with a Shopify development specialist can be a wise decision. Their knowledge may help to speed development, ensure your store runs smoothly, and optimize it for success. 

5. What if I'm unsure which platform to choose?

Shopify provides a free 14-day trial, allowing you to test the platform and see if it satisfies your requirements. Consider your company's goals and available resources. If you're a developing firm with big aspirations, Shopify Plus can be a worthwhile investment. 

Also read, Become a Shopify Partner and Accelerate your E-commerce Growth