Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Key Differences

Shopify is an e-commerce CMS (Content Management System) ideal for sellers who want to create their online store simply. It's an easy-to-access, intuitive, customizable, and, most importantly, online-sales-adapted solution. However, for a few years now, the platform has offered two distinct options: Shopify and Shopify Plus. Both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, and site owners are sometimes confused by the information provided. The two concepts are, in fact, different and offer very distinct functionalities. Shopify or Shopify Plus: which one to choose? The following comparison should allow any e-merchant to make an informed choice. If you have a migration project or a redesign under Shopify, contact us.

Shopify and Shopify Plus: Definitions

Shopify and Shopify Plus are two offerings from the same Canadian company. However, they have some differences.

Shopify, the e-commerce platform for SMEs

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that is very popular with e-merchants, offering them the possibility to create an online sales store very simply. This online store builder indeed offers very accessible options, allowing anyone to create an e-commerce site in just a few clicks. It's possible to intuitively create a product catalog, integrate different payment methods, or configure various delivery methods.

Shopify offers three different plans:

• Shopify Basic, for e-merchants who are just starting their activity;
• Shopify, the standard version, recommended for small and medium-sized e-merchants;
• Shopify Advanced, for sufficiently developed stores and managers who want to benefit from comprehensive reports.

These plans have different prices and also differing functionalities, such as the number of people who can access the site's back-office or the level of detail in the generated management reports.

Shopify Plus, the e-commerce CMS dedicated to large enterprises

Shopify Plus is an e-commerce platform primarily designed for large businesses managing large-scale stores. The CMS offers advanced features for customer service, automation tools, and payment options. Shopify Plus also provides more solutions for customizing the online store.

Ultimately, it is the premium version of Shopify. The hosting and SEO performance of the site are improved. Sites designed with Shopify Plus are faster and their performance is optimized. It is also possible to translate the site into different languages and currencies. Finally, Shopify Plus allows for an administrator account that can view all sales across all back-offices.

Shopify and Shopify Plus: Key Differences

Shopify and Shopify Plus have certain differences. Shopify Plus generally offers a more comprehensive offering with unique functionalities.

Number of Staff Accounts

With Shopify Plus, it is possible to create an unlimited number of staff accounts with access to the platform. On Shopify Basic, only five staff accounts can be created (or fifteen with Shopify Advanced).

Support Offered

Shopify Plus's support service is more comprehensive than Shopify's. The support is entirely personalized, and the online store owner benefits from a single point of contact to answer their questions.

With Shopify Plus, it is also possible to access the Shopify Plus Academy, which provides a comprehensive collection of resources (lessons, courses, workshops, etc.) for online store owners to fully develop their business.

Automations Available

The automations offered on Shopify Plus are much more numerous than on Shopify. The site owner has a large number of tools to automate time-consuming tasks and save valuable time. Specifically, Shopify Plus offers the following modules:

• Shopify Flow, to easily automate store and application tasks and processes;
• Launchpad, to schedule key events and promotions.

Shopping Experience

Unlike Shopify, with Shopify Plus it is possible to personalize the user experience thanks to:

• checkout customization (payment gateway, cart discount, etc.);
• the use of augmented reality and 3D videos so that customers can visualize products sold in 360 degrees;
• fully customizable responsive themes.

Website Translation into Different Languages

On Shopify Plus, entrepreneurs can truly engage in international commerce as they can change the store's language and currency.

This option is certainly available on Shopify, but it is limited to two different languages. In contrast, on Shopify Plus, translation is possible into up to twenty languages. The site owner can also create nine additional stores under the same brand.

Pricing Options

Finally, the pricing for Shopify and Shopify Plus are far from the same. On Shopify, e-merchants can opt for three different plans with varied functionalities:

• Shopify Basic, at €36 per month, which is the basic plan of the CMS;
• Shopify Grow, the intermediate plan, which costs €105 per month;
• Shopify Advanced, which costs €384 per month and is the most comprehensive plan.

On Shopify Plus, prices start from $2,100 per month and vary depending on the size of the online store to manage.

Comparative Table of the Two E-commerce CMS Platforms

As explained previously, Shopify and Shopify Plus have certain distinctions. The following summary table outlines the main differences between the two e-commerce platforms.

How to Choose Between the Two Offerings?

To make a choice, the site owner must first ask the following question: do I have a large company or an SME? An SME manager who works alone and has a medium sales volume would be better off opting for Shopify, unless they need the features exclusively available on Shopify Plus.

A manager of a large company, with more than fifteen employees and significant sales volumes, should, however, opt for Shopify Plus, which offers more suitable functionalities.

Ultimately, opting for Shopify Plus becomes advantageous when the site owner wants to offer a more complete user experience to their customers, sells products internationally, and generates a significant number of sales. Indeed, Shopify is designed for businesses starting out in online sales. Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is aimed at major e-commerce players. Finally, the two CMS platforms offer the same standard attributes, but Shopify Plus offers more possibilities in terms of personalization, scalability, and user experience.

You now have a clearer understanding of the major differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus. Before making a decision and choosing one of the two CMS platforms, it's best to assess your ambitions and your business. While it's always possible to migrate, from Shopify to Shopify Plus or vice versa, it's best to start on the right foot from the outset to avoid any additional administrative procedures.