What is the Difference Between Shopify and Shopify Plus?

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is a pivotal decision for any online business. Shopify is widely known as one of the best platforms for launching and managing online stores. 

However, as your business scales, you may hear about Shopify Plus, an enterprise-grade solution designed for larger, high-growth brands. But what exactly is the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus? And how do you decide which is right for your business?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key distinctions, delve into Shopify Plus features, discuss Shopify Plus benefits, and answer common questions like is Shopify Plus worth it?, How to upgrade to Shopify Plus, and more.

At its core, Shopify and Shopify Plus share the same fundamental technology and user-friendly interface, but they serve different types of businesses.

• Shopify is primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses and startups. It provides essential eCommerce features, flexible themes, and easy management tools.
• Shopify Plus is built for enterprise-level businesses, high-volume merchants, and fast-growing companies that require advanced capabilities, more control, and greater support.

The difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus is best understood by comparing their offerings in terms of features, scalability, customization, and support.

Shopify’s standard plans include Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify. They offer:

• User-friendly store management
• Secure hosting and PCI compliance
• Payment gateways and checkout features
• App marketplace access for integrations

However, they have some limits in terms of API calls, customizations, and multi-store management, which are crucial for larger brands.

Many businesses considering an upgrade compare Shopify Plus vs Shopify Advanced. The Advanced Shopify plan is the highest tier in the regular Shopify lineup and includes better reporting and lower transaction fees. However, Shopify Plus takes this further by offering:

• Higher API limits: Essential for custom integrations and complex operations.
• Shopify Flow: An automation platform that helps streamline repetitive tasks and workflows.
• Multiple stores management: Manage multiple stores globally with centralized control.
• Customizable checkout: Access to Shopify Scripts lets you create tailored checkout experiences.
• Dedicated support: 24/7 priority support, including a dedicated account manager.
• Greater security: Advanced security and compliance options.

These Shopify Plus features make it suitable for businesses that need enterprise-level flexibility and control.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes Shopify Plus stand out and why many growing businesses consider it the best upgrade path.

1. Shopify Plus Security

Security is paramount for any online business, especially for those handling large volumes of transactions and sensitive customer data. Shopify Plus offers PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, the highest security standard, along with:

• Advanced fraud protection
• Customizable user permissions
• Enhanced SSL certificates
• Shopify Plus security audits

This ensures your store stays safe and compliant, which is a significant Shopify Plus advantage over regular plans.

2. Automation with Shopify Flow

One of the standout Shopify Plus features is Shopify Flow, an automation platform that lets you create workflows without coding. You can automate inventory management, order routing, customer segmentation, and more, saving time and reducing human error.

3. Multi-Channel Selling and Global Expansion

Shopify Plus supports multi-channel sales on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, it enables global selling by managing multiple stores across regions with localized pricing, currencies, and languages.

4. Customization and Scalability

Shopify Plus provides access to the Shopify Plus development company ecosystem, enabling extensive customizations including:

• Custom APIs with higher limits
• Shopify Scripts for checkout customization
• Access to Shopify’s Liquid template language for advanced storefront design

This flexibility ensures your store can scale efficiently as your business grows.

5. Dedicated Support and Onboarding

With Shopify Plus, you get a dedicated account manager and 24/7 priority support, unlike the standard Shopify plans. 

This means faster issue resolution and personalized assistance during critical business moments.

A common concern is Shopify Plus cost and Shopify Plus pricing. Unlike fixed pricing tiers in regular Shopify plans, Shopify Plus pricing is tailored based on your business needs, monthly revenue, and transaction volume.

• The starting price is generally around $2,000 per month.
• Additional fees may apply depending on customization, integrations, and add-ons.
• This premium pricing reflects the value of enhanced features, support, and scalability.

While the Shopify Plus cost is significantly higher than standard plans, the ROI often justifies the expense for businesses with complex needs and high sales volumes.

One of the most asked questions is, Is Shopify Plus worth it? The answer depends largely on your business size and growth plans.

When Shopify Plus Is Worth It:

• You’re processing large order volumes regularly.
• You need custom checkout options and workflow automation.
• You operate multiple stores globally.
• Your business requires dedicated account management and priority support.
• You need higher API limits for complex integrations.

For such businesses, the Shopify Plus benefits — like improved efficiency, better customer experience, and scalable infrastructure — far outweigh the cost.

However, for startups and small businesses, Shopify’s regular plans provide excellent value without the need for Shopify Plus’s advanced features.

If you’re convinced about the upgrade, the next step is how to upgrade to Shopify Plus:

• Contact Shopify Plus sales directly or get in touch with a trusted Shopify Plus development company.
• Provide details about your current store, traffic, sales volume, and specific needs.
• Review your custom pricing and contract terms.
• Plan your migration with Shopify Plus experts to ensure a smooth transition.
• Leverage onboarding support to set up Shopify Plus features and automate your workflows.

The migration process is designed to minimize downtime and disruption, making it easier for your business to scale seamlessly.

To further clarify the difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus, here’s a quick comparison table:

The difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus lies in their ability to serve different business needs. Shopify is perfect for small to mid-sized businesses, offering a simple and effective eCommerce solution. 

On the other hand, Shopify Plus is designed for enterprise clients that require advanced tools, customizations, and dedicated support.

Understanding the Shopify Plus advantages and Shopify Plus features pricing helps you assess whether the investment aligns with your growth ambitions. 

If you’re looking to scale rapidly, automate complex processes, or manage multiple global stores, Shopify Plus could be the best fit.

To ensure a smooth transition and optimal use of Shopify Plus features, consider partnering with a specialized Shopify Plus development company that can tailor the platform to your unique requirements.