Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Which is Right for You?

Businesses that are aiming to build a standout online presence find it difficult to choose the right e-commerce platform. With several options available — Shopify and Shopify Plus are two popular choices. However, it is important to know the difference that would help to pick the right one for your business. Shopify is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses. Shopify Plus is the right option for large enterprises offering scalability, customization, and advanced security features. 

In this article, we will break down the core difference between Shopify vs Shopify Plus. Moreover, it will help you understand when and why to choose each and how the Shopify Plus development agency can help you with it.  

What is Shopify? 

It is a user-friendly platform providing e-commerce businesses with a complete solution to design, scale, and maintain their online stores. The reason for its popularity is the ease of use, accessibility, and wide range of application ecosystems. It also provides features like customization of templates, inventory management, and built-in payment systems. These features allow developers and any shopify development agency to easily manage and launch an online business.

What is Shopify Plus? 

Shopify Plus is an upgraded version of Shopify, providing enterprise-level e-commerce solutions. The reasons that make Shopify Plus popular are its more advanced features of customization, flexibility, and automation. These capabilities allow Shopify Plus developers to easily manage heavy traffic and large-scale inventory. Partnering with the Shopify Plus development agency can help to fully leverage these features.  

Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Plus 

Let’s see the main features that make Shopify and Shopify Plus separate: 

1. Pricing

There is a range of pricing in both Shopify and Shopify Plus, depending on the size and requirements of a business.    

• Shopify offers monthly fees for different plans such as $5 for Shopify starters, $39 for Shopify basic, $105 for standard Shopify, and around $400 for advanced Shopify. These price ranges are suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. 

• Shopify Plus plan starts from $2300 and increases with complex business needs and structure. This also varies from region to region and sales frequency.  

The price of Shopify Plus is high but hiring a Shopify Plus development agency can assist you to fully leverage its features and make the price worth it.  

2. Customization Options 

Both platforms offer great options for customization, however, Shopify Plus provides greater flexibility to tackle complex business requirements. 

• Shopify allows a wide range of customization features including themes and templates, drag-and-drop editor, and basic check-out customization.  

• On the other hand, Shopify Plus provides next-level customization options such as launchpad, custom scripts, and full access to checkout customization. 

Businesses can modify every customer engagement point with a deep understanding customization option of both platforms. Also, the Shopify Plus development agency can help achieve customization goals. 

3. Support 

Users and store owners need support, but it depends on the size of the business, its complexities, and how much support is required.  

• Shopify provides basic support through emails, chat, and help centers. Startups and small size businesses need assistance in setting up stores, adding new applications, and solving issues. 

• While Shopify Plus offers priority support round the clock and has access to Merchant Success Manager. Enterprise-level businesses often need quick and expert solutions for their complex problems. 

Shopify Plus is best for those businesses who cannot afford delays and need expert assistance to guide them. It not only offers technical but also strategic support.  

4. Workflow Automation 

To streamline operations, lessen manual tasks, and enhance efficiency businesses require workflow automation features. 

• Shopify Flow is on the top of Shopify automation features, it streamlines tasks of inventory management, order notifications, customer emails, and fraud checks.  
• Shopify Plus offers Shopify flow and more advanced tools like Launchpad and Script Editor. These can automate a wide range of tasks like promotional campaigns, launching products, updating sales, and customizing checkout. 

With the help of these tools, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce manual effort, and simplify backend tasks. 

5. API Integrations 

Advanced applications demand API integration to smoothly connect with third-party tools, systems, and platforms. Shopify and Shopify Plus both offer API integrations with their level of capabilities.  

• Shopify has API integrations that allow you to connect with third-party tools for payments, shipping, CRM, marketing, and inventory management. Small and medium-sized businesses use these integrations to streamline their operations. 

• Shopify Plus, however, has advanced API integrations like Shopify Plus API, GraphQL Admin API, REST admin API, and custom integrations. These integrations help large-scale businesses to easily manage their complicated workflows. 

With the help of these integrations' businesses can enhance the flexibility of applications. And when these are implemented by the Shopify Plus development company, they can provide more customized solutions to cater to customers' modern needs. 

6. Security 

In this modern area, every platform provides security, however, the need for this security varies from business to business.  

• Shopify offers essential security with features such as Level 1 PCI DSS compliance and SSL. These security features ensure that stores have no risk of fraud, safe transactions, and data protection.  

• Shopify Plus has higher-level security features like Advanced SSL Certificates, built-in fraud detection tools, and two-factor authentication.  

Businesses that are more concerned about security hire expert developers who understand security features well. Also, they have hands-on experience in implementing these features during the process of Shopify migration. So, to protect all the sensitive data while migrating to the robust platform. 

When and Why Choose Shopify? 

The best use cases of Shopify are: 

• When a business is a startup and small with limited resources 

• Need easy to use and cost-effective solution 

• Have yet less traffic and fewer manageable transactions 

• Your online presence does not need heavy personalized options and themes 

Shopify is the best option which provides robust features. It is a complete solution catering to all the needs of businesses that are small or medium-sized. 

When and Why Choose Shopify Plus? 

The best use cases of Shopify Plus are: 

• When business is at a stable stage  

• Dealing with heavy traffic and more transactions 

• Need more customization, especially during checkout 

• A team needs support and automation tools 

• Trying to expand globally with multiple storefronts and languages 

In this case, working with the Shopify Plus development agency is the right decision to help you handle all operations smoothly. 

The Right Pick for You 

This comparison table can make it clearer what is the difference between Shopify vs Shopify Plus. And it will make it easy for you to decide which platform is the right pick for your business. It shows a detailed comparison of eCommerce platforms’ pricing, customization, support, automation, integration, security, and best use cases. 

Conclusion

The selection between Shopify and Shopify Plus depends on the size of the business, its goals, and requirements. Both have the same features, but the frequency of usage, level of customization, support, workflow automation, security, and integrations differ. Making Shopify ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Shopify Plus is best for already-established brands that are looking to expand and demand more advanced features.  

If still not sure which platform is the right choice for your business, consulting a Shopify Plus development agency like Bizmia is the perfect idea. They will analyze your store first, understand your goals, and help you decide faster. Moreover, we will also provide you with expert Shopify and Shopify Plus developers to help you with e-commerce problems.