Shopify Plus vs Shopify: The Ultimate 2024 Comparison for E-commerce Brands

If you’re running an e-commerce business (or thinking about starting one), you've probably come across the names Shopify and Shopify Plus a few times.

Both platforms are wildly popular, but how do you know which one is right for your business in 2024? And more importantly, how do you avoid paying for features you don’t need—or worse, miss out on features that could supercharge your growth?

Well, that's what we’re here to answer. Whether you're a small shop owner, an established brand, or an ambitious entrepreneur ready to dive into the world of online sales, this guide is for you.

We’re going to break down Shopify vs Shopify Plus, compare their key features, and help you decide which platform aligns best with your business goals.

Here’s the deal: choosing the right platform is more than just about upfront costs. It’s about future-proofing your store—making sure you’re set up to grow, scale, and avoid any "I-wish-I-had-done-this-sooner" moments.

Plus, as e-commerce keeps evolving, maximizing growth while keeping costs in check has never been more critical.

So, if you're ready to figure out which Shopify plan fits your needs, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and see which option makes the most sense for your brand. Spoiler alert: it’s all about understanding where your business is today and where you want it to be tomorrow.

What is Shopify?

If you’ve been anywhere near the e-commerce world, you’ve probably heard of Shopify—and for good reason. Shopify is basically the Swiss Army knife of e-commerce platforms.

Whether you're selling handmade soaps from your garage or launching the next big thing in fashion, Shopify gives you everything you need to get your online store up and running without needing a tech degree.

Launched in 2006, Shopify has quickly become one of the most popular platforms out there, powering over 4 million businesses around the globe. The reason it's so popular? Simplicity.

Shopify makes building and managing an online store as easy as picking out a Netflix show (well, maybe easier!). You don’t have to worry about coding, complex setups, or even web hosting—Shopify takes care of all that behind the scenes so you can focus on what really matters: growing your business.

Key Features of Shopify

So, what makes Shopify so great for e-commerce newbies and seasoned pros alike? Let’s break it down:

• Easy Setup: If you can drag and drop, you can build a Shopify store. Choose from tons of beautiful, mobile-responsive templates that are fully customizable. You don’t need to be a designer or a coder—just plug in your brand colors, upload some product photos, and you’re good to go.
• App Ecosystem: Shopify’s app store is like the App Store for your business. There are thousands of apps to help you do everything from managing inventory to running marketing campaigns and even automating customer support. If there's a feature you want, there’s probably an app for it.
• Secure Payments: Shopify integrates with over 100 payment gateways, including Shopify Payments, which allows you to accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay right out of the box.
• Analytics & Reports: Want to know how many people visited your site? What your top-selling product is? Shopify gives you built-in analytics so you can track your performance and see what’s working.

Starting Small with Shopify

Let’s say you’re Sarah, a solo entrepreneur who loves making homemade candles. You’ve been selling them at local markets, and now you’re ready to take the plunge and sell online. Sarah chooses Shopify because, frankly, she doesn't have time to learn coding or deal with complicated web hosting setups.

She picks a clean, minimalist template, customizes it with her brand's colors, and uploads photos of her products. In a matter of hours, Sarah's candle shop is live and ready to take orders from across the country.

But it doesn’t stop there—Sarah installs a couple of free apps to help her with email marketing and social media integrations, so her shop is fully equipped to attract new customers. With Shopify’s built-in analytics, Sarah can see exactly where her traffic is coming from and which candles are the most popular.

As her business grows, she knows she has all the tools she needs to scale up—without switching platforms or re-learning a whole new system.

What is Shopify Plus?

Alright, if Shopify is the go-to platform for most small to medium-sized businesses, think of Shopify Plus as Shopify’s turbocharged big sibling. It’s designed for enterprises and high-growth brands that are ready to scale to new heights—think businesses that need more muscle to handle huge traffic, higher sales volumes, and advanced customization options.

While Shopify gives you all the tools you need to start and run an online store, Shopify Plus is for those who need a bit more power under the hood. It’s built to grow with your business when the standard Shopify plan just doesn’t cut it anymore.

What Makes Shopify Plus Special?

Let’s break down what sets Shopify Plus apart from its little sibling:

• Advanced Automation Tools: One of the coolest features of Shopify Plus is the automation. We’re talking about serious time-savers here. With tools like Shopify Flow, you can automate just about anything—whether it’s restocking inventory, tagging VIP customers, or setting up custom workflows that trigger based on specific actions. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps.
• Dedicated Support: When you’re running an enterprise-level business, customer support can’t just be an afterthought. Shopify Plus gives you 24/7 priority support with a dedicated Merchant Success Manager. This means you’ll have someone in your corner who understands your business and helps you navigate growth challenges. Basically, it’s like having a Shopify expert on speed dial.
• Customization & API Access: Shopify Plus lets you go way beyond just drag-and-drop design. With access to the Script Editor, you can customize your checkout experience down to the tiniest details—whether that’s offering dynamic discounts, creating unique shipping rules, or personalizing the entire process for different customer segments. Plus, with Shopify Plus, you get access to a more robust set of APIs, which means more flexibility to integrate with other enterprise systems and build custom apps.
• Multi-Store Management: Planning to expand internationally? No problem. Shopify Plus allows you to create multiple storefronts from a single account, each tailored to different regions, languages, and currencies. You can easily manage all these stores under one dashboard—perfect for brands with a global footprint.

How Does Shopify Plus Compare to Shopify?

Here’s where it gets interesting: Shopify and Shopify Plus share the same core DNA, but Shopify Plus is built to handle bigger, more complex operations.

• Scale: Shopify is awesome for small and growing businesses, but if you’re processing thousands of orders a day or planning major global expansion, you’ll want Shopify Plus. The infrastructure is optimized for high-volume sales, meaning you can handle massive traffic spikes without breaking a sweat (hello, Black Friday!).
• Power: While Shopify gets you started quickly with pre-built themes and apps, Shopify Plus unlocks a whole new level of control and customization. Want to create a completely custom checkout flow? Done. Need to integrate with a third-party system or ERP? Easy. With Shopify Plus, the sky’s the limit when it comes to how deeply you can tailor your store.
• Flexibility: If you’re running a large operation, flexibility is key. Shopify Plus gives you access to Launchpad (for automating big events like flash sales) and Shopify Flow, which automates everything from marketing campaigns to back-end operations. Shopify is great for standard use, but Shopify Plus is built for businesses that need to fine-tune their operations and customer experience at a deeper level.

Shopify Plus vs Shopify: Main Differences

So, what’s the real difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus? Think of it like this: if Shopify is a trusty sedan that gets you where you need to go, Shopify Plus is a fully-loaded sports car with all the bells and whistles—designed for speed, power, and ultimate control. Both get the job done, but depending on the size of your business and your goals, one might make more sense than the other.

Let’s dive into the key differences between Shopify vs Shopify Plus, feature by feature.

1. Flexibility

• Shopify: With Shopify, you get access to plenty of beautiful themes and customization options that make it easy to set up and design your store. However, the level of customization is somewhat limited to the available themes, apps, and basic design settings. If you’re a smaller business looking for a simple setup, this works just fine.
• Shopify Plus: Now, Shopify Plus? It takes customization to a whole new level. You get access to the Script Editor, which allows you to customize your checkout process, shipping rules, discounts, and more—down to the tiniest detail. Whether you want to offer personalized checkout experiences or create complex discount structures, Shopify Plus gives you the flexibility to do it.

Example: A small business selling custom jewelry might thrive with Shopify’s pre-made templates and app integrations. But if you’re a brand like Allbirds, known for its unique customer experience, Shopify Plus lets you build a checkout that fits your brand’s exact needs.

2. Speed and Scalability

• Shopify: Shopify is perfect for businesses that are just starting out or growing at a steady pace. It’s designed to handle moderate traffic and transactions without slowing down, so for most small to mid-sized businesses, it’s more than enough.
• Shopify Plus: But when your store starts experiencing high traffic volumes, you need something that can handle the pressure. Shopify Plus is built for scale. You can process thousands of transactions a minute without your site breaking a sweat. Plus, you get unlimited bandwidth, so you’re ready for massive sales events like Black Friday or a viral product launch.

Example: A local coffee roaster selling artisanal blends can comfortably run on Shopify, but when a global brand like Heinz launches a flash sale on Shopify Plus, the platform handles the surge in traffic effortlessly.

3. Automation

• Shopify: While Shopify offers basic automation through apps, most of the heavy lifting still needs manual input. You might use third-party apps to automate simple tasks like email marketing or inventory updates, but there’s a limit to what you can automate natively on Shopify.
• Shopify Plus: This is where Shopify Plus really shines. With tools like Shopify Flow and Launchpad, you can automate a ton of processes. Shopify Flow lets you create custom workflows for everything from tagging VIP customers to managing inventory. And with Launchpad, you can set up and automate product launches, sales, and campaigns with a click.

Example: Think about a high-end fashion brand managing hundreds of SKUs. Shopify Plus lets them automate everything from restocking notifications to personalized follow-up emails for their high-value customers—something a small boutique using standard Shopify might not need yet.

4. Customer Support

• Shopify: Shopify offers 24/7 support, which is great for most businesses. You can chat, email, or call their support team whenever you hit a snag. It’s reliable, and for smaller stores, it’s usually all you need.
• Shopify Plus: But for bigger businesses with more complex needs, Shopify Plus provides dedicated support through a Merchant Success Manager. This isn’t just a customer service rep—it’s someone who understands your business and works closely with you to help you scale, optimize, and troubleshoot any unique issues you might face.

Example: Imagine a growing skincare brand needing advice on integrating custom apps or expanding into international markets. A Shopify Plus Merchant Success Manager can guide them through the process and offer tailored solutions.

5. Internationalization and Multi-Store Management

• Shopify: Shopify allows you to sell in multiple currencies and languages, but managing multiple storefronts can get a little tricky if you're trying to expand globally. You might have to juggle different apps or workarounds to make it all function smoothly.
• Shopify Plus: With Shopify Plus, you can manage multiple storefronts seamlessly from one dashboard. This makes it easy to run different stores for different regions, each with localized languages, currencies, and product offerings—all while keeping your backend organized.

Example: A small online bookshop with customers in a few countries can make do with Shopify’s basic tools. But a global brand like Gymshark, which operates in several markets with unique pricing and product lines, needs the multi-store management tools that Shopify Plus provides.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Key Features Comparison Table

Feature	Shopify	Shopify Plus
Customization	Basic customization via themes & apps	Advanced customization with Script Editor
Scalability	Suitable for small to mid-sized stores	Built to handle high-traffic, high-volume sales
Automation	Limited automation via third-party apps	Advanced automation with Shopify Flow and Launchpad
Customer Support	24/7 support via chat, email, phone	Dedicated Merchant Success Manager and priority support
Checkout Control	Standard checkout with some app customization	Fully customizable checkout experience
Multi-Store Management	Limited multi-currency support	Manage multiple storefronts under one dashboard
Cost	$39 - $399 per month	Starts at $2,000 per month

Wrapping Up the Differences

Between Shopify Plus vs Shopify, if you’re running a smaller business or just starting out, Shopify is your best bet for an affordable and user-friendly platform. But if you’re running a high-growth business with complex needs, Shopify Plus gives you the tools to take things to the next level with automation, scalability, and enterprise-level support.

Shopify Plus vs Shopify: Cost Comparison

Okay, let’s talk about one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind: cost. It’s no secret that Shopify Plus is the pricier option, but the real question is—what are you getting for that extra cash, and is it worth it for your business? Let’s break it down and figure out whether you're better off sticking with standard Shopify or leveling up to Shopify Plus.

Shopify Pricing Tiers

Shopify offers a tiered pricing structure, designed to scale with your business as you grow. Here’s a quick look at the plans available:

• Basic Shopify: $19/month

  Great for new e-commerce stores with just a few products or smaller sales volume. Think of this as your entry-level package.

• Shopify: $49/month

  This is the most popular plan, offering more features like professional reports and lower transaction fees. It’s perfect for businesses that are starting to grow.

• Advanced Shopify: $299/month

  For established businesses looking for more powerful reporting tools, advanced shipping options, and lower credit card rates.

Shopify Plus Pricing

Now, Shopify Plus operates on a whole different level. Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month. However, this price can vary depending on your store’s sales volume and specific needs.

If you’re doing big numbers, the cost may increase. But with that higher price tag comes a suite of enterprise-level features that can dramatically streamline your business.

So, why such a huge jump in cost from Shopify to Shopify Plus? It’s not just about the fancy extras; it's about unlocking serious scalability, customization, and support that standard Shopify simply can’t provide.

The Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Before you get too comfortable with those monthly prices, let’s talk about the hidden costs that can sneak up on you, regardless of whether you’re using Shopify or Shopify Plus.

• Transaction Fees: If you're not using Shopify Payments (which lets you accept payments directly through Shopify), you’ll be hit with extra transaction fees. On the basic plans, these fees range from 2.0% to 0.5% depending on your pricing tier. Shopify Plus reduces this fee significantly, but if you’re processing a lot of transactions, it can still add up.
• App Costs: Shopify’s app store is full of amazing tools to enhance your store, but most of the best apps come with a price tag. For example, apps for email marketing, customer support, or SEO can easily add an extra $50 to $200+ per month, depending on the features you need.
• Credit Card Fees: While Shopify Payments offers competitive rates (starting around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction on the basic plan), these fees can still eat into your margins, especially if your store is handling a large number of small transactions.

Shopify Plus Hidden Costs:

With Shopify Plus, you’ll still face these same costs (transaction fees, app costs, and credit card processing fees), but there’s a key difference: the larger your sales volume, the more important it becomes to optimize these costs.

Shopify Plus offers negotiated rates for transaction fees and credit card processing, which can make a huge difference if you're doing large volumes of business.

Bottom Line: Shopify Plus vs Shopify Cost

When deciding between Shopify and Shopify Plus, the real question isn’t just about the monthly subscription cost—it’s about what your business needs today and in the future.

Shopify’s standard plans are perfect for smaller businesses or those just getting started. They offer an affordable and scalable solution with everything you need to run a successful online store.

But if you’re running a high-growth business and need enterprise-level tools, Shopify Plus is worth every penny. With advanced customization, automation, and the ability to handle massive traffic and global sales, Shopify Plus pays for itself by helping your business run smoother, scale faster, and sell more.

Key Benefits of Shopify Plus for Growing Brands

So, you’re a growing brand and thinking about whether Shopify Plus is really worth the hype. What does it actually do that’s so special? Well, let’s just say Shopify Plus is like giving your e-commerce business a secret superpower.

It’s packed with advanced features that help you automate, customize, and scale like never before. If you’re looking to take your brand to the next level, Shopify Plus isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a total game-changer.

Here are the key features that make Shopify Plus a must-have for businesses on the rise:

1. Shopify Flow: Automate the Mundane

Ever feel like your business is running you, instead of the other way around? That’s where Shopify Flow comes in. Shopify Flow is an automation tool that takes care of the repetitive, time-sucking tasks you don’t have time for. It lets you set up custom workflows to automate everything from inventory management to customer segmentation to order tracking.

Real-Life Scenario:

Let’s say you run a booming skincare brand, and you want to tag VIP customers so you can offer them exclusive deals. Instead of manually going through each order, you set up Shopify Flow to automatically tag customers who spend over $200. It’s like having an extra set of hands behind the scenes, doing the heavy lifting while you focus on growing your brand.

Flow also works magic when it comes to inventory management. If a product sells out, you can automate restock alerts or even update your marketing campaigns automatically. It’s the time-saver you didn’t know you needed.

2. Script Editor: Customize Like a Pro

Shopify Plus takes customization to the next level with the Script Editor. This feature allows you to create completely custom experiences for your customers, especially at checkout.

Want to offer personalized discounts? Maybe tweak shipping rates for specific regions? Or even create “buy one, get one” deals with a twist? With Script Editor, you can control every detail of your customer’s checkout experience.

Real-Life Scenario:

Imagine you’re a high-end fashion retailer, and you want to run a promotion where customers get a free luxury tote bag if they spend over $500. With Shopify’s standard plans, you’d have to rely on third-party apps or basic discount settings.

But with Script Editor, you can set up this custom rule at checkout, automatically adding the free tote to qualifying orders. It’s smooth, seamless, and ensures your customers feel like they’re getting a truly unique experience.

This level of customization is why big-name brands like Heinz and Gymshark rely on Shopify Plus to create checkout experiences that reflect their brand’s personality and cater to specific customer needs.

3. Launchpad: Stress-Free Sales Events

If you’ve ever run a flash sale or a big product launch, you know it’s a full-on sprint. Launching new products, adjusting prices, and coordinating marketing campaigns can feel like chaos. Enter Launchpad, Shopify Plus’s tool designed to make running flash sales, product launches, and seasonal promotions as easy as hitting "play" on a playlist.

With Launchpad, you can schedule sales events in advance, automate pricing changes, and even lock certain products or collections until the sale goes live. And the best part? Everything goes live at the exact time you set, so you can sit back and watch the magic happen.

Real-Life Scenario:

Imagine you’re running a streetwear brand, and your latest limited-edition sneaker drop is coming up. With Launchpad, you can schedule the launch ahead of time—no need to wake up at 4 AM to flip the switch. You can automatically adjust the prices, release the products, and even track the performance of the sale as it happens. It’s a must-have if your brand relies on big sales events or frequent product launches.

4. Scalability: Grow Without Limits

Here’s the thing: as your business grows, so do your needs. More orders, more traffic, more complexity. Shopify Plus is built to scale with you—whether you’re handling a handful of daily orders or tens of thousands during a viral sales event. With unlimited bandwidth, powerful servers, and the ability to handle huge traffic spikes, Shopify Plus ensures that your site runs smoothly no matter how many visitors are hitting your store.

Real-Life Scenario:

Think about brands like Allbirds or Bombas—they didn’t start out as e-commerce giants, but as they scaled, they needed a platform that could handle their massive growth. Shopify Plus offers exactly that, letting these brands grow from small startups to internationally recognized names without switching platforms. You can scale your business globally, managing multiple storefronts, currencies, and languages—all from a single dashboard.

5. Multi-Store Management: Expand Globally with Ease

For brands looking to expand internationally, Shopify Plus is your golden ticket. With multi-store management, you can create and run multiple versions of your store for different regions, languages, and currencies—all from one central account. Whether you're selling in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, Shopify Plus makes it easy to cater to local markets without complicating your backend.

Real-Life Scenario:

Let’s say you run a luxury watch brand that’s starting to pick up steam in both the U.S. and Europe. With Shopify Plus, you can run two separate storefronts—one for U.S. customers in dollars and one for European customers in euros—without the headache of managing two completely separate operations. Each store can have its own products, pricing, and language, but it’s all handled under one roof.

6. Dedicated Support: Expert Help Whenever You Need It

Shopify Plus isn’t just about tools and features—it’s about support. When you’re running a high-growth brand, having dedicated support is invaluable. With Shopify Plus, you get a Merchant Success Manager, someone who knows your business and is there to help you navigate challenges, optimize your store, and hit your growth goals.

Real-Life Scenario:

Imagine you’re planning a major expansion into new markets and want to integrate custom apps or fine-tune your checkout process. Instead of figuring it all out alone, your Merchant Success Manager helps guide you through the process, ensuring you’re set up for success. It’s like having a personal e-commerce expert on call whenever you need them.

Why Enterprise-Level Businesses Choose Shopify Plus

At the end of the day, Shopify Plus is designed for brands that are growing fast or already operating at an enterprise level. If you’re handling large order volumes, running global operations, or need deep customization and automation, Shopify Plus has the features to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine.

It’s not just about scaling; it’s about optimizing your processes, saving time, and creating unique experiences that keep your customers coming back. For businesses like Heinz, Gymshark, and Allbirds, Shopify Plus isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity to stay competitive and meet the demands of a rapidly growing customer base.

Is Shopify Plus Worth It?

So, you’re probably wondering: Is Shopify Plus really worth the hefty price tag? Let’s be honest—at $2,000+ a month, Shopify Plus isn’t exactly pocket change. But here’s the thing: for the right businesses, it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a total game-changer.

If you’re growing fast, handling a ton of transactions, or simply need more customization and support than what Shopify’s standard plans offer, Shopify Plus can pay for itself pretty quickly. Let’s break down why Shopify Plus might be worth it (or not) for your business.

When Is Shopify Plus Worth It?

Let’s say you’re a brand that’s already doing big numbers—like over $1 million in annual sales—or you’re rapidly growing and outgrowing Shopify’s standard plans. Here’s why upgrading to Shopify Plus makes sense:

• Time-Saving Automation: One of the biggest advantages of Shopify Plus is the automation features, especially Shopify Flow and Launchpad. If your team is spending hours manually handling things like restocking, tagging customers, or updating product info, these tools can save you a ton of time. And you know what they say—time is money.
• Lower Transaction Fees: With Shopify’s standard plans, you’re hit with transaction fees for every sale if you’re not using Shopify Payments. While Shopify Plus still has fees, they’re negotiable and usually lower. If your business is processing thousands of transactions every month, those fee savings can add up quickly and directly impact your bottom line.
• Custom Checkout: If your brand lives and dies by customer experience, Shopify Plus gives you full control over your checkout. You can customize everything, from offering specific payment methods to applying complex discounts. This level of personalization can improve conversion rates, increase average order value (AOV), and reduce cart abandonment.

Real-Life Example:

Take Bombas, the now-famous sock brand. When they first started, Shopify’s standard plans were enough. But as their sales volume skyrocketed, they needed more robust automation, advanced customization, and the ability to handle flash sales (hello, Black Friday!).

Bombas upgraded to Shopify Plus and used its Launchpad feature to run their seasonal sales without worrying about their site crashing. They also customized their checkout process with Script Editor to offer exclusive discounts to their most loyal customers—leading to higher repeat purchases and increased customer satisfaction.

Return on Investment (ROI) of Shopify Plus

If you’re trying to figure out whether the upgrade will bring enough ROI, the short answer is: it depends on your business. Shopify Plus is best for businesses that are either already doing large volumes or expect to in the near future. Here’s why:

• Automation Saves You Time (and Headaches): For fast-growing businesses, automating repetitive tasks can be a huge money-saver. Let’s say you’re a fashion brand that regularly runs flash sales and promotions. Without Shopify Plus, you’d need to manually set up and tear down your promotions, manage discounts, and monitor your inventory. With Shopify Plus’s Launchpad and Shopify Flow, you can automate everything, from price changes to inventory management, in advance. You’re basically paying for peace of mind and time saved.
• Custom Features Drive Revenue: Let’s talk numbers. A study by Forrester Consulting found that companies using Shopify Plus saw an ROI of 319% over three years. That’s huge. One of the reasons is that the custom checkout options alone can boost your average order value by 30-50%. By personalizing discounts or offering loyalty perks right at checkout, you’re encouraging customers to spend more—and come back again.
• Improved Customer Retention: The dedicated support Shopify Plus provides, including a Merchant Success Manager, helps businesses optimize their operations and customer experience. This can result in fewer lost customers and higher customer lifetime value (CLV), which directly impacts your bottom line.

Example of ROI in Action:

Take Gymshark, the fitness apparel brand. As they started to scale, they needed a platform that could handle major international expansions and huge traffic spikes, especially during product launches.

By upgrading to Shopify Plus, Gymshark was able to run seamless global campaigns, manage multiple storefronts for different regions, and optimize their checkout experience to reduce cart abandonment. The result? They hit over $1 billion in annual sales.

When Shopify Plus Might Not Be Worth It

If you’re just getting started or you’re a smaller business with modest sales, Shopify Plus might be overkill for now. The standard Shopify plans are more than capable of handling a growing store with a few thousand dollars in monthly sales. You won’t miss out on anything critical in the beginning stages, and you can always upgrade when your business reaches a tipping point.

When to Upgrade:

• Your business is scaling rapidly, and you’re processing hundreds (or thousands) of transactions each day.
• You need advanced tools like Shopify Flow, Launchpad, or Script Editor to manage promotions, automate tasks, and fully customize your store.
• You’re expanding globally and need multi-store management with localized currencies, languages, and products.

Final Verdict: Is Shopify Plus Worth It?

In short: Yes, but only if your business is ready to scale or you’re already dealing with large sales volumes. Shopify Plus offers enterprise-level features, advanced automation, and deep customization options that can dramatically improve your store’s efficiency and customer experience.

The ROI comes in the form of time saved, higher conversions, and more repeat customers—all of which can take your brand to the next level.

However, if you’re still growing and aren’t quite ready for that level of investment, sticking with a standard Shopify plan might be the smarter choice for now. The key is knowing where your business stands today and planning for where it’ll be tomorrow.

Why Would You Need Shopify Plus?

So, you’ve got a thriving online business, and you’re wondering: Is it time to level up to Shopify Plus? You’re not alone—this is a big decision, and the last thing you want to do is outgrow your platform when your business starts gaining serious momentum.

But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade? Let’s break down the key triggers that signal it might be time to switch gears and the big benefits of moving to Shopify Plus.

1. You’re Ready to Scale—Fast

Scaling a business isn’t just about selling more products—it’s about handling everything that comes with it. If your store is starting to feel the weight of high traffic and large transaction volumes, Shopify Plus is built to help you handle that growth seamlessly.

With unlimited bandwidth, enterprise-level servers, and the ability to process thousands of orders per minute, Shopify Plus ensures your store performs under pressure. No more worrying about your site crashing during a product launch or flash sale—Shopify Plus can handle it all, even during peak traffic.

Real-Life Trigger:

Imagine you’re running a home décor business, and after a viral Instagram post, you’re hit with an influx of orders. On a standard Shopify plan, that might mean slower load times or even a temporary site crash during peak hours.

But with Shopify Plus, you can handle that traffic surge with ease, keeping your store running smoothly no matter how many people are shopping.

2. You Need Advanced Customization

As your business grows, so does the need to stand out. And sometimes, the basics just won’t cut it anymore. Shopify Plus offers a level of customization that’s perfect for businesses looking to create unique, tailored experiences for their customers.

With the Script Editor, you can customize everything from discounts and special offers to shipping rates and checkout experiences. Want to offer personalized product recommendations or tiered discounts based on customer loyalty? Shopify Plus lets you do all that and more.

Real-Life Trigger:

Let’s say you run a subscription box service and want to offer your most loyal customers an extra 10% off their next box after three months of membership. With Shopify’s standard plans, you might struggle to set up this kind of custom promotion.

But with Shopify Plus, the Script Editor makes it a breeze. This helps you build stronger relationships with your top customers while creating a seamless, automated experience at checkout.

3. Global Expansion is on the Horizon

Thinking about going global? Whether you're expanding to new markets or already seeing international traffic, managing different currencies, languages, and product lines can get messy fast. Shopify Plus makes global expansion easy with multi-store management, allowing you to run multiple stores from one dashboard.

Each store can be tailored to its specific market with localized pricing, language options, and even regional product offerings. Plus, with features like Shopify Payments, you can accept payments in local currencies without complicated setup.

Real-Life Trigger:

Suppose you’re an apparel brand based in the U.S. that’s starting to gain traction in Europe. With Shopify Plus, you can run a U.S. store in dollars and a European store in euros, both tailored to their respective regions.

You get the flexibility to offer different shipping rates, taxes, and even exclusive regional product lines—without having to juggle multiple platforms.

4. You Want to Automate and Save Time

Let’s face it—growing a business means more work. But what if you could automate those repetitive tasks and focus on the bigger picture? Shopify Plus offers powerful automation tools like Shopify Flow and Launchpad, designed to take the busywork off your plate.

With Shopify Flow, you can automate everything from inventory management and order processing to customer tagging and marketing campaigns. And with Launchpad, you can schedule and automate entire events—like product launches or flash sales—so they run seamlessly without you having to lift a finger.

Real-Life Trigger:

Imagine you’re running an electronics store, and you want to set up an automatic discount for customers who’ve purchased from you before. Shopify Flow lets you tag those customers, set up the discount rule, and apply it automatically during checkout. No manual work, no hassle—just smooth, automated processes that save you hours of time each week.

5. You Need Dedicated Support for Complex Challenges

When you’re running a large-scale operation, sometimes you just need someone who gets it—someone who understands your business and can help you tackle the unique challenges you’re facing. With Shopify Plus, you get a dedicated Merchant Success Manager who acts as your personal guide to optimizing and growing your store.

Whether it’s expanding into new markets, optimizing your checkout process, or integrating third-party tools, your Merchant Success Manager is there to help you navigate the complexities of scaling. It’s like having a Shopify expert on your speed dial.

Real-Life Trigger:

Let’s say you’re launching a new product line and want to integrate with a custom app for loyalty rewards. Instead of spending hours figuring it out on your own, you can reach out to your Merchant Success Manager, who will walk you through the best approach and even recommend resources to make it happen smoothly.

How Shopify Plus Fuels Brand Success

At the end of the day, Shopify Plus isn’t just a fancier version of Shopify—it’s a platform designed for businesses that are ready to scale, automate, and dominate.

By providing the tools and support to streamline operations, expand globally, and deliver customized customer experiences, Shopify Plus sets brands up for long-term success.

Whether you’re hitting high traffic volumes, needing advanced customization, or looking to automate complex workflows, Shopify Plus has the dedicated resources and features to fuel your brand’s growth and keep you ahead of the competition.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Who Should Choose What?

You’ve got a growing business, and now comes the big question: Should you stick with Shopify, or is it time to upgrade to Shopify Plus? The answer really depends on where your business stands today and, more importantly, where you want it to go. Let’s break down who should choose Shopify and who should opt for Shopify Plus, based on business size, revenue, and long-term goals.

Who Should Choose Shopify?

Shopify is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that are just getting started or growing steadily. If your main focus is building a functional, easy-to-manage online store without all the bells and whistles, Shopify has you covered. It’s also perfect if you’re on a budget but still want access to a powerful platform that can grow with you—up to a point.

You should choose Shopify if:

• Your revenue is under $1 million per year: If you’re just starting out or in the early stages of growth, Shopify’s standard plans (ranging from $39 to $399 per month) are probably more than enough.
• You don’t need heavy customization: Shopify offers plenty of beautiful themes and easy-to-use apps that cover the essentials. If you don’t need super-custom checkout experiences or advanced discounting rules, Shopify will do the job.
• Your focus is on ease of use: Shopify is known for its simplicity. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get your store up and running, which is a huge plus for smaller businesses or solo entrepreneurs.

Who Should Choose Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is designed for fast-growing businesses and large enterprises that need more than just a basic storefront. It’s for companies that have outgrown Shopify’s standard plans and require advanced tools, customization options, and dedicated support to continue scaling.

If your business is hitting high sales volumes and you’re ready to expand globally or automate complex processes, Shopify Plus could be the best investment you’ll ever make.

You should choose Shopify Plus if:

• Your revenue is $1 million or more annually: If you’re processing thousands of orders per month and need more bandwidth, flexibility, and power, Shopify Plus is built for you.
• You need advanced customization and automation: If your brand thrives on creating personalized experiences (like custom checkout flows, tailored discounts, or exclusive promotions for VIP customers), Shopify Plus’s Script Editor and Shopify Flow offer the deep customization and automation features you need.
• You’re expanding globally: Running multiple stores in different regions, each with their own pricing, currencies, and language? Shopify Plus lets you handle it all from one dashboard, making global expansion way more manageable.
• You require dedicated support: If your business has complex needs, having a Merchant Success Manager to help you navigate challenges and optimize your store is invaluable.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus: A Quick Recap

Criteria	Shopify	Shopify Plus
Business Size	Small to medium-sized businesses	Large, enterprise-level businesses
Revenue	Under $1 million annually	Over $1 million annually
Customization	Basic customization (themes, apps)	Advanced customization with Script Editor
Automation	Basic, app-based automation	Shopify Flow and Launchpad for deep automation
Global Expansion	Limited multi-currency options	Multi-store management for multiple regions
Support	Standard 24/7 support	Dedicated Merchant Success Manager
Price	$39 - $399 per month	Starts at $2,000 per month

So, Which Should You Choose?

Choose Shopify if you’re a small to medium-sized business focused on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and getting your store up and running quickly. It’s perfect for brands in the early stages of growth, and it offers everything you need to run a successful online store without breaking the bank.

Choose Shopify Plus if your business is growing fast and you need more advanced tools to handle increased traffic, complex workflows, and global expansion. If you’re scaling your brand and need enterprise-level features, deep customization, and dedicated support, Shopify Plus is the way to go.

In the end, the choice between Shopify and Shopify Plus comes down to where you are right now and where you want your business to go. Shopify is perfect for brands starting or growing steadily, but if your business is ready for the big leagues, Shopify Plus offers the tools and scalability to take you there.

Conclusion

Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus isn’t just about picking a platform—it’s about aligning your e-commerce strategy with your business goals for 2024 and beyond.

If you’re a small to medium-sized business looking for simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, Shopify has everything you need to build and grow a successful online store. It’s perfect for brands starting out or scaling steadily without the need for advanced customization or complex workflows.

On the other hand, if your business is hitting high sales volumes, expanding globally, or needing advanced automation and customization, then Shopify Plus is the tool you need to take your store to the next level. It’s designed for fast-growing businesses that require powerful features to scale seamlessly and manage complexity without slowing down.

Align Your Platform with Your Growth Strategy

As you plan your growth strategy for 2024, think about where your business is now and where it’s headed. Shopify is great if you’re in the early or growth stages and need something straightforward.

But if your brand is on a growth trajectory and you’re ready for more automation, international expansion, or enterprise-level support, Shopify Plus could be the perfect fit.

No matter where your business stands today, choosing the right platform can future-proof your growth, save time, and ultimately increase your bottom line.

Need Help Deciding? Consult Ecom Experts

If you’re still not sure which platform is right for your business—or if you’re looking for expert help with optimizing your Shopify store—Ecom Experts is here to help. Whether you’re launching your store, optimizing site speed, or looking for a custom build, our team specializes in helping e-commerce brands get the most out of their Shopify or Shopify Plus investment.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us at Ecom Experts for a personalized solution that fits your business and growth goals.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus?

The biggest differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus come down to scalability, customization, and support. Shopify is great for small to medium-sized businesses, offering the core tools needed to build and grow an online store.

Shopify Plus, however, is designed for high-growth businesses and enterprises that need advanced customization (like custom checkouts and tailored workflows), automation (through tools like Shopify Flow), and dedicated support with a Merchant Success Manager.

Q2. Is it worth upgrading to Shopify Plus?

If your business is generating over $1 million in annual revenue or you’re handling thousands of transactions each month, Shopify Plus can be a game-changer.

It offers lower transaction fees, advanced automation tools, and full control over the checkout process, all of which can lead to higher conversion rates and improved efficiency. For smaller businesses, though, the standard Shopify plans may be more than enough until you grow further.

Q3. Why would I need Shopify Plus?

You’d need Shopify Plus if your business is scaling rapidly, requires customized checkout experiences, or needs advanced automation to manage complex workflows. It’s also ideal for businesses looking to expand globally, as it allows you to manage multiple storefronts with different currencies, languages, and localized products—all from one dashboard.

Q4. What is the cost difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?

Shopify’s standard plans range from $19 to $499 per month, while Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month. The exact cost of Shopify Plus can vary depending on your sales volume and business needs.

While the upfront cost is higher, it comes with advanced features like Shopify Flow, Launchpad, and dedicated support, making it worth the investment for larger businesses.

5. Can I switch from Shopify to Shopify Plus?

Yes, you can easily switch from a standard Shopify plan to Shopify Plus as your business grows. Many businesses start on Shopify and upgrade to Shopify Plus when they need more robust tools for customization, automation, and scaling.

The transition is smooth, and you can retain all your data, customers, and integrations while unlocking the additional features that come with Shopify Plus.