Table of Contents
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: What’s Best for Your Growing Store?
Introduction
In the evolving world of digital commerce, the United States continues to lead with a booming eCommerce landscape. As new and established businesses rush to establish their digital presence, Shopify remains one of the most popular choices for building an online store. However, the real dilemma many companies face today lies in choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus.
While both platforms offer robust eCommerce functionalities, their differences are more than skin-deep. The right decision depends on your business scale, sales volume, feature requirements, and future ambitions. In this article, we provide a comprehensive examination of the key differences between Shopify Plus and Shopify, enabling businesses to make an informed, strategic decision.
Quick highlights before we begin
- Shopify Plus offers unlimited staff accounts and better multi-store management for online stores.
- The transaction fees for Shopify Stores differ significantly between Shopify and Shopify Plus.
- Checkout customization and extensibility are available only in Shopify Plus.
- Shopify Plus includes exclusive access to Shopify Flow and Launchpad.
- Shopify Plus provides access to custom reports and advanced analytics tools in your Shopify account.
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Complete features comparison & key differences
While Shopify suits most small to medium-sized businesses, Shopify Plus is designed for fast-scaling brands that require deeper customization, automation, and support. Below is a detailed analysis comparing these platforms in terms of features, pricing, and scalability.
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Target Users | Small to medium eCommerce businesses |
High-growth, enterprise-level brands
|
| Pricing | $39 to $399/month (based on plan) |
Starts at $2,000/month (scales with volume and complexity)
|
| Transaction Fees | 2% with third-party gateways, 0% with Shopify Payments |
As low as 0.15% with Shopify Payments
|
| Number of Stores | 1 store per account |
Up to 10 stores (main + 9 expansion stores)
|
| Multi-Store Management | Limited, requires workarounds |
Native support with Organization Settings Dashboard
|
| Checkout Customization | Limited |
Fully customizable checkout with Checkout Extensibility & Scripts
|
| Checkout Extensibility | Not available |
Advanced support using Shopify Functions, Scripts, and Editor
|
| Staff Accounts | Up to 15 (Advanced plan) |
Unlimited staff accounts with advanced permissions
|
| Custom Reports | Available on Advanced plan |
Advanced reports + ShopifyQL Notebooks
|
| Shopify Flow | Not available |
Included — full access to automated workflows
|
| Launchpad | Not available |
Available — automate flash sales, launches, campaigns
|
| Wholesale/B2B Selling | Not natively supported |
Built-in wholesale tools + customer-specific catalogs
|
| Shopify POS Pro Locations | Up to 10 |
Includes 20 locations with possibility to expand
|
| Custom Apps & API Access | Standard API rate limits |
Higher API limits, access to custom/private apps
|
| Advanced Customization Options | Basic theme customization |
100 stored themes, advanced scripts, and storefront flexibility
|
| Advanced Analytics | Limited to standard reports |
Deep analytics with ShopifyQL + custom dashboards
|
| Customer Segmentation | Basic filters |
Dynamic segments and automation integrations
|
| Support | Shopify support team |
Dedicated account manager + priority support
|
| Merchant Success Program | Not included |
Included — with Merchant Success Manager
|
| Shopify Academy Access | Standard courses |
Premium courses & certifications
|
| Omnichannel Sales | Available across social platforms |
100+ social platforms, 80+ marketplaces with mapping tools
|
| Digital Marketing Tools | Via Shopify Apps |
Enhanced integrations + Shopify Audiences support
|
| Custom Pricing and Catalogs | Not available |
Available for B2B and regional pricing rules
|
| Flash Sales Readiness | Basic |
Launchpad scheduling + site-speed optimization
|
| Inventory Management | Included |
Enhanced with better analytics and flow triggers
|
| Online Sales Management | Available |
Advanced tools to scale internationally and across verticals
|
| Scalability | Best for stable, smaller operations |
Engineered for growing eCommerce stores and brands
|
| Theme Customization | Standard |
Custom themes and sandbox environments
|
| Custom Scripts | Not supported |
Supported — powerful checkout and cart customizations
|
| Priority Support | Not included |
Included, with 24/7 access and faster resolution
|
| Multiple Locations | Up to 10 |
Up to 200 locations managed via dashboard
|
| Customer Data Access | Basic |
Granular access to customer behavior, segmentation, and LTV
|
| Custom Domain Support | Included |
Included, with advanced domain and redirect options
|
Shopify and Shopify Plus: Feature comparison
Let us begin by examining the most critical features of both platforms and delve into how they perform across various business functions. This breakdown offers a side-by-side view of the key differences that matter.
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Multi-store Management | Single storefront |
Up to 9 expansion stores, centralized control
|
| Checkout Customization | Fixed checkout, limited branding |
Fully customizable checkout, custom fields & functions
|
| Automation (Shopify Flow) | Not included |
Automate tasks with Shopify Flow
|
| Custom Apps & API | Standard API limits |
Higher API limits, access to Launchpad & custom apps
|
| Scalability & Performance | Suitable for small to mid-sized stores |
Handles high traffic & flash sales with ease
|
| Advanced Reporting | Basic analytics |
Custom reports, ShopifyQL, real-time dashboards
|
| Support & Account Management | General support |
Dedicated Success Manager, priority support
|
| Wholesale/B2B Selling | Limited options |
Dedicated B2B tools, catalogs, pricing & terms
|
| Omnichannel Support | Limited integrations |
100+ platforms, marketplaces, POS Pro access
|
| Staff/Admin Access | Limited staff accounts |
Unlimited accounts, advanced permissions
|
1. Multi-store management
Shopify allows you to operate a single storefront, with some flexibility using language and currency tools. Shopify Plus, on the other hand, offers up to nine expansion stores, perfect for brands managing multiple brands or operating in international markets. Through the Organization Settings Dashboard, Shopify Plus simplifies control across all stores with centralized user permissions, billing, and analytics.
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Manage multiple stores from one dashboard.
-
Customize stores per region, brand, or B2B clients
-
Use up to 50 markets and 200 locations
-
Maintain consistent design via stored themes (up to 100)
2. Checkout customization & checkout extensibility
Regular Shopify provides a fixed checkout page with limited branding options. Shopify Plus gives complete control over the checkout experience through the new Checkout Editor. Merchants can personalize the checkout page to align with branding and user preferences.
-
Fully customizable checkout with custom fields
-
Checkout extensibility with Shopify Functions and Scripts
-
Add custom pricing, localized tax handling, and personalized discounts
-
Multilingual and multi-currency support for global buyers
3. Shopify Flow & automated workflows
Shopify Flow, a visual automation tool, is exclusive to Shopify Plus. It enables the creation of workflows to automate repetitive tasks, such as reordering stock, tagging VIP customers, or flagging high-risk orders.
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Reduce manual effort via automation.
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Improve inventory management and fulfillment speed.
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Create conditional flows based on customer segments.
4. Custom apps & API access
Shopify Plus supports higher API limits, enabling seamless integration with custom apps and external systems. Brands can build unique solutions for inventory, logistics, and digital marketing.
-
Build or integrate with custom apps.
-
High API rate limits for complex workflows
-
Access to apps like ShopifyQL Notebooks and Launchpad
5. Scalability and performance
Shopify Plus is built for growing eCommerce stores handling large traffic and order volumes. Brands like Nestlé and Gymshark trust its infrastructure.
-
Better site speed during flash sales and high-traffic events
-
Handles thousands of transactions per minute
-
Launchpad support for automated sales campaigns
6. Advanced reporting and analytics
While core Shopify plans include basic analytics, Shopify Plus offers access to advanced reporting and tools, such as ShopifyQL and custom reports.
-
Custom dashboards for inventory, sales campaigns, and customer data
-
Deep analytics for online sales, returns, and conversion trends
-
Real-time reporting during flash sales
7. Support & account management
Shopify Plus offers dedicated support, including a Merchant Success Manager and access to the Shopify Plus Partners Program. Regular Shopify users rely on general customer service.
-
Dedicated account manager for strategic guidance
-
24/7 priority support
-
Shopify Academy premium training access
8. Wholesale & B2B selling
Shopify Plus includes tools to manage wholesale customers with dedicated catalogs, pricing, and user permissions.
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Manage customer-specific catalogs
-
Apply custom pricing and payment terms
-
Simplify bulk purchases and reordering
9. Omnichannel & retail support
Shopify Plus expands off-site selling capabilities and includes 20 Shopify POS Pro locations for managing retail stores and pop-ups.
-
Sell across 100+ social media platforms.
-
Access 80+ online marketplaces
-
Manage retail and online inventory centrally.
10. Staff & admin access
Shopify Plus supports unlimited staff accounts with advanced role permissions, unlike the capped staff access in core Shopify plans.
-
Control permissions at granular levels
-
Simplify internal collaboration
-
Access to Shopify admin for all team members
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: Pricing comparison
One of the most critical considerations for store owners is pricing. Let us compare the two in terms of cost and what you get for each dollar spent.
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
| Pricing | Basic: $39/moShopify: $105/moAdvanced: $399/moLite: $9/mo |
Starts at $2,000/mo (varies by business)
|
| Transaction Fees | Up to 2% with 3rd-party gateways |
As low as 0.15% with 3rd-party gateways
|
| Included Features | Hosting, SSL, Shopify Payments |
All Shopify features + unlimited staff, better APIs, exclusive apps
|
Shopify Pricing Plans
-
Basic Shopify: $39/month
-
Shopify: $105/month
-
Advanced Shopify: $399/month
-
Shopify Lite (only Buy Button): $9/month
Shopify Plus Pricing
Starts at $2,000/month, but varies based on store complexity and sales volume.
Transaction Fees
-
Shopify charges up to 2% for third-party payment gateways unless you use Shopify Payments.
-
Shopify Plus can reduce this fee to 0.15%, significantly lowering operational costs for large stores.
Other considerations
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Shopify Plus includes added features such as unlimited staff, better APIs, and exclusive apps.
-
Web hosting, SSL certificates, and Shopify Payments are included in all plans.
The verdict on Shopify vs Shopify Plus
Choosing between Shopify and Shopify Plus depends on your business size, aspirations, and operational complexity. Here is a verdict to guide you.
If you are a small-to-medium eCommerce business focused on launching quickly and managing costs, the core Shopify plans offer everything you need. Examples are inventory management, customer segments, Shopify Payments integration, and theme customization. With additional apps from the Shopify App Store, you can scale gradually.
However, once your business grows and begins to serve wholesale customers, or you manage multiple brands or markets, Shopify Plus becomes indispensable. It is designed to offer advanced customization options, reduce transaction fees, and scale your infrastructure as your operations expand.
Summing up the verdict
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Choose Shopify if you are starting out or scaling gradually.
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Opt for Shopify Plus when handling high traffic, need advanced reports, or targeting international markets.
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Shopify Plus is ideal for managing multiple brands, flash sales, and complex digital marketing workflows.
How ClickPost Shopify Returns Plus can help scale your store effortlessly?
ClickPost's Shopify Returns App
is more than just a returns portal, but a retention tool, a profit lever, and an operational ally. Whether you are on Shopify or Shopify Plus, returns can drain profits if not managed well. ClickPost transforms your return process into a growth engine.
Key features:
-
Branded Returns Portal: Fully customizable interface for a smooth customer experience.
-
Automated Approvals: Use automated rules to reduce manual work.
-
Return Trends & Product Feedback: Gain detailed analytics to improve inventory planning.
-
Seamless Integration: Compatible with both Shopify and Shopify Plus stores.
ClickPost Shopify Returns is the smart companion your eCommerce business needs to scale without bottlenecks. Book a free demo today and discover how easy returns can drive loyalty.
Final word: Tailor your eCommerce engine to fit your growth blueprint
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to eCommerce platforms. Shopify delivers power and simplicity to new entrants, while Shopify Plus pushes the ceiling higher for ambitious brands. From checkout extensibility to unlimited staff accounts, from multi-store management to deeper analytics, the choice is not just about now, it is about where you see your business tomorrow.
So before making a decision, ask not just what you need today, but what you want to achieve next quarter, next year, and beyond. Choose wisely, scale boldly.