Shopify Pricing: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for building an online store, being the platform of choice for the top 27% of e-commerce businesses. But for newcomers, understanding the pricing structure can be a little tricky.

Whether you’re starting small or scaling big, picking the right plan impacts not only your budget but also the tools and features available to grow your business.

Let’s break down Shopify’s pricing, what each tier offers, and how to decide which plan is right for you.

The Basics of Shopify Pricing

Shopify offers five main pricing tiers - Starter, Basic, Standard, Advanced, and Shopify Plus. Each one caters to a specific business size and comes with its own perks.

Here’s Shopify’s pricing structure:

The general business model is that cheaper plans come with higher transaction fees.

This is designed extremely well, allowing smaller businesses to keep their overheads low while larger businesses can maximise Return on Investment (ROI).

What’s Included in Each Plan?

One of the secrets to creating a successful Shopify store is choosing the right plan. You may be tempted to just go with the cheapest route and make the most of what you get - no one would blame you.

The starter and basic plans still come with plenty of tools to help you scale your business (albeit with higher transaction costs), but the more premium plans have some pretty unique perks.

Let’s take a look at what each plan offers:

• Starter Plan: Limited functionality, but still offers some extra features like selling on social media platforms and embedding buy buttons. Great for testing the waters without a big upfront investment.

• Basic Plan: Includes a fully functional online store with unlimited product listings, discount codes, and access to Shopify’s POS system.

• Standard Plan: Offers more analytics like professional reports as well as further customisation with gift cards and shipping discounts. Perfect for scaling businesses.

• Advanced Plan: Unlocks powerful analytics, custom reporting, and the ability to set up international pricing. A must for stores with global ambitions.

• Shopify Plus: Full customisation automation with Shopify Flow and access to priority support. For businesses with high processing volumes.

Each tier also comes with reliable hosting, 24/7 support, and access to their app store for extra functionality.

Is Shopify Plus Worth It?

Shopify Plus deserves its own spotlight. While its pricing varies depending on business needs, the investment is significant - very few merchants are willing to pay £1600 a month. So, is it worth it?

For large-scale enterprises with high sales volumes, the answer is often yes. According to Shopify, Shopify Plus can reduce CAC by 50%, increase conversion rates by 50%, and raise AOV by 20%.

It does this by offering custom checkout experiences (which you can already do with other plans with the help of apps like Wizship and Fast Checkout Bundle) , advanced automation, and priority support to handle complex operations.

It also allows for unlimited staff accounts and robust API integrations, making it the go-to choice for brands looking to dominate the market.

However, for smaller businesses, it’s often overkill. Unless you’re generating consistently high revenue or require intricate customisations, you likely aren’t going to make enough to cover the overhead and reap the benefits.

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

While Shopify’s pricing is transparent, there are extra costs to factor in. Custom domain names, premium themes, and third-party apps can all add up quickly. Domains typically cost £10-£20 annually, while some apps charge monthly fees ranging from £5 to £50 (or more).

Shipping is another consideration. While Shopify provides discounted rates with select carriers, you may need additional tools to optimise fulfilment if you are shipping internationally.

Tips For Choosing The Right Plan

Deciding on the best Shopify plan boils down to evaluating your business needs, budget, and growth goals. Here are some tips to guide your decision:

• Start Small, Upgrade Later: If you are unsure about your store’s potential, start with a basic plan. You can always move up as your needs evolve.

• Leverage Free Trials: Shopify offers a free 14-day trial for new users. Use this period to explore features and gauge what you’ll actually use.

• Factor in Transaction Costs: If you expect high sales volumes, upgrading to a higher plan can save you money in the long run through lower fees.

• Think About Growth: If international sales or advanced analytics are in your future, plan ahead by choosing the right tier now to avoid migration headaches later on.

• Consider Add-Ons: The app store offers thousands of tools for marketing, design, and customer management. From marketing apps like Wizpop to design apps like Shogun, budgeting for these extras when deciding on your plan is essential.

Summary

Shopify’s pricing may seem like a maze at first, but understanding each plan makes it easier to decide which one is right for you. Start small if you’re just beginning, and don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” tier right away - you can always adjust as your business grows.

With clear goals and smart budgeting, your investment has all the potential to pay off in the form of a thriving online store.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Shopify Overpriced?

Shopify is a little pricer than most other e-commerce platforms, but most merchants find it to be more than worth it because of its extensive features and potential for scalability.

Is Shopify Worth It Now?

Yes, Shopify is worth it for any businesses that are able to cover the expenses. For many merchants, Shopify brings a substantial ROI.

Can You Cancel Shopify At Any Time?

You can cancel Shopify at any time directly from your admin area in just a couple of minutes.