Table of Contents
- Understanding Shopify Plans: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
- Comparison of Shopify and Shopify Plus
- Understanding the Differences for Australian Users
- Exclusive Features of Shopify Plus
- Who Should Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
- When Not to Upgrade to Shopify Plus
- Final Verdict: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
- How WPPRO Can Assist with Migration to Shopify Plus
For those new to Shopify management, choosing the right platform is essential, as each plan offers distinct advantages and limitations.
Opting for a higher-priced plan may lead to increased overhead costs with features that might not align with your business needs.
This article aims to clarify the various Shopify plans, helping you decide which one is best suited for your Australian business, especially if you’re just starting.
Understanding Shopify Plans: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
Overview of Shopify
Shopify is a no-code e-commerce platform that allows users to create and customise their online stores easily. It encompasses everything from payment processing to inventory and marketing tools, all without writing any code. Shopify offers four primary pricing plans, beginning with the Basic plan at AU$59/month and escalating to the Advanced plan at AU$299/month, each tailored to meet varying business requirements.
Overview of Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution priced at approximately AU$3,600/month. It caters to large businesses managing extensive inventories and high traffic, providing advanced customisation options, dedicated support, and infrastructure capable of handling complex operations.
Comparison of Shopify and Shopify Plus
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | From AU$59/month | From AU$3,600/month |
| Theme Customisation | Basic editing | Full control |
| Checkout Customisation | Not available | Full access + scripts |
| Support | Standard 24/7 | Dedicated Aussie rep |
| Scalability | Small to medium businesses | Enterprise-level |
| Automation | Basic tools | Shopify Flow |
| Wholesale/B2B | Not available | Built-in |
| API Access | Standard | Extended limits |
| Multi-store Admin | Not included | Centralised dashboard |
| Advanced Reports | Limited (Advanced plan) | Full analytics & BI tools |
| Global Selling | Manual setup | Native AUD & multi-currency |
| Onboarding Help | Self-guided | Launch engineer support |
| Staff Accounts | Up to 15 | Unlimited |
| Inventory Locations | Up to 10 | Up to 200 |
| POS Pro | Add-on ($139 AUD/month/location) | Included (up to 200 locations) |
| Theme Storage | Up to 20 themes | Up to 100 themes |
| AI Tools | Shopify Magic (basic) | Advanced AI & automation |
| Launchpad Access | Not included | Included |
| Omnichannel Selling | Basic (e.g. Meta, Insta) | Full marketplace integration |
Understanding the Differences for Australian Users
Shopify Plan
1. Pricing & Scalability
Shopify starts at AU$59/month, which is suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises with moderate traffic. It allows for further scaling as business needs grow.
2. Customisation & Automation
Shopify provides basic theme customisation and limited automation tools. These are often sufficient for those just starting in e-commerce.
3. Support & API Access
Users have access to standard API for basic integrations, making it easy to manage their e-commerce operations.
4. Reporting & Analytics
Shopify includes basic reporting and analytics, helping users track their products, pricing, and sales efficiently.
Shopify Plus Plan
1. Enterprise-Level Features and Scalability
Shopify Plus is designed for businesses that require high-volume transaction capabilities. It supports unlimited staff accounts, extensive inventory locations, and advanced reporting, making it ideal for businesses akin to major global brands.
2. Advanced Customisation & Flexibility
This plan allows complete control over checkout processes and advanced theme modifications, catering to complex business requirements.
3. Dedicated Support & Personalisation
With Shopify Plus, you receive a dedicated account manager and advanced onboarding support, crucial for businesses in growth mode.
4. Enhanced API Access & Automation
Extended API access allows for seamless integration with ERP or CRM solutions, enhancing business functionality significantly.
5. Multi-Store Management
Shopify Plus offers robust wholesale capabilities and the ability to manage multiple stores under a single dashboard.
Exclusive Features of Shopify Plus
1. Increased Checkout Capacity
Shopify Plus allows for up to 160,000 products to be fulfilled per minute, a capability exclusive to this plan.
2. Localisation for Multiple Locations
This plan enables localisation for up to 50 different locations or languages, streamlining the setup process for diverse markets.
3. Launchpad App
The Launchpad app provides event scheduling options, automated discounts, and theme changes tailored for promotional events.
4. Custom Scripts
Shopify Plus allows for custom scripts to modify the checkout process and automate various functions, enhancing user experience.
5. Shopify POS Pro
This feature includes 200 designated point-of-sale options, allowing for real-time order processing and tracking.
Who Should Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is beneficial for businesses generating over $1 million annually or $100,000 monthly. Consider it if:
- High-Volume Retailers: Businesses with significant annual revenue.
- Global Businesses: Companies selling internationally with complex currency and language needs.
- Advanced Customisation Needs: Businesses requiring tailored checkout processes.
- Omnichannel Operations: Retailers needing both online and in-store integration.
- B2B/Wholesale Operations: Companies offering wholesale pricing and bulk orders.
- Rapidly Growing Businesses: Those anticipating significant scalability.
When Not to Upgrade to Shopify Plus
1. Cost vs ROI Doesn’t Add Up
If your return on investment is under six figures, the costs of Shopify Plus may outweigh the benefits.
2. Standard Integrations Offer More Flexibility
The standard Shopify plan often has more public apps and integrations available, providing greater flexibility.
3. You’re Still Locked into the Ecosystem
Upgrading does not free you from Shopify’s core system, making future migrations challenging.
Final Verdict: Shopify vs Shopify Plus
Your choice between Shopify and Shopify Plus should reflect your business’s needs, scale, and budget. Shopify is ideal for smaller businesses, while Shopify Plus suits larger operations requiring advanced features.
Assess your requirements and future goals to select the most suitable Shopify plan for your Australian business. For further assistance, feel free to contact us for a free development consultation.
How WPPRO Can Assist with Migration to Shopify Plus
WPPRO, one of Australia’s leading Shopify development agencies, is here to assist businesses in transitioning from Shopify Standard to Shopify Plus. Our expert developers can facilitate your migration process, ensuring smooth operations with minimal disruption.
We provide advanced customisations and SEO services to optimise your store, ensuring it meets diverse market needs. To learn more, BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.
