Did you know Shopify powers over 4 million businesses worldwide? Whether you’re starting a small online store or scaling a thriving eCommerce business, understanding Shopify pricing is essential to making the best decision for your needs.
Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for online businesses, offering powerful tools to manage sales, payments, and inventory effortlessly. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Shopify pricing plans, fees, and additional costs to help you choose the right plan and maximize your investment.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a powerful platform designed to help businesses create professional e-commerce websites and securely process payments. It’s not just for online stores—you can sell on marketplaces like Amazon and Instagram, too.
Shopify also caters to brick-and-mortar stores, offering tools like mobile card readers, its own POS software, and inventory management. From solopreneurs to growing brands, Shopify delivers an all-in-one solution for modern merchants.
Shopify Pricing Plans
Is Shopify Free?
If you’re wondering whether Shopify is free, here’s the deal: Shopify provides a three-day free trial for new users, followed by a $1 subscription for the first month. During the trial, you can explore features and even design your store, but you can’t start selling until you subscribe to a paid plan. Don’t worry about surprise charges—Shopify doesn’t auto-renew after the trial. If you don’t choose a plan, your store pauses, and you can sign up later without any unexpected costs.
Basic Plan
Looking for a plan to support your growing business? The Basic Shopify plan priced at $29 per month is a popular choice for small businesses starting to scale. At an affordable price, it offers tools to set up and manage an online store with ease. Key features include:
- A customizable online store with numerous Shopify themes.
- POS Lite integration.
- Support for up to 10 inventory locations.
- Unlimited product listings and gift card options.
- Marketing automation and alternative sales channels.
- Discounts on shipping rates and label printing.
- 24/7 chat support.
Shopify Plan
For businesses ready to expand, the Shopify plan that comes at $79 per month is an excellent option. It adds more advanced tools than the Basic plan to manage operations effectively. Along with the features in the Basic plan, you get:
- Up to 5 additional staff accounts for collaboration
- 10 inventory locations
- Up to 88% shipping discount and insurance.
- Advanced reports to track sales and performance.
- 24/7 chat support
This plan is ideal for small teams trying to establish their presence in the e-commerce world.
Advanced
As your business begins to scale, the demands on your e-commerce site will increase. Keep it adaptable with the Advanced plan available at $299 per month. Notable features of this plan include:
- Up to 88% shipping discount, insurance, and third-party calculated rates
- Custom reports and analytics
- Dedicated 24/7 chat support
- Localized global selling for up to 3 markets
- 15 additional staff accounts
- Enhanced checkout capacity
- POS Lite
This plan has been designed to help businesses scale, optimize their operations, and cater to a larger customer base.
Plus Plan
The Shopify Plus plan is an enterprise-level solution designed for large-scale businesses or high-volume sellers. Priced at $2300 per month, it offers advanced customization, 24/7 priority support, and powerful integrations. Features like multi-channel selling and tailored checkout experiences make it a powerhouse for global commerce.
Remember that this is the Shopify pricing at the moment and that these rates are subject to change without notice.
Confused about which plan is best for your business? Consult our Shopify expert for personalized recommendations.
How to Choose the Right Shopify Plan?
Picking the perfect Shopify plan is critical for your business’s success. To make the best choice, consider these key factors:
- Revenue and Transaction Volumes: Higher sales may justify the Advanced or Plus plans due to lower transaction fees.
- Business Goals and Size: Small stores can start with Basic, while larger enterprises might benefit from the Advanced plan’s features.
- Customization Needs: Complex stores with many apps and integrations may require higher-tier plans.
Choosing the right plan ensures you get the most value for your investment.
Not sure which Shopify plan aligns with your business needs? Our Shopify agency can guide you through the selection process!
Is Shopify Worth It for a Small Business?
Absolutely! Shopify is a scalable and user-friendly platform ideal for small businesses. Here are some great reasons to consider Shopify:
- Affordable entry-level plans like the Shopify Starter plan.
- Tools for managing products, customers, and sales effortlessly.
- Access to advanced features as your business grows.
The benefits, including time-saving automation and global reach, outweigh the costs for most small businesses. It’s a platform that grows with you, making it a solid choice for new entrepreneurs.
Understanding Shopify Payments
Selling online requires a payment processor, and Shopify Payments offers a seamless, built-in solution. Unlike platforms with revenue-based fees, Shopify provides transparent pricing that’s easy to understand. Here’s why it stands out:
- Shopify Payments eliminates the need for third-party processors, reducing transaction fees.
- It supports various payment methods like Shop Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay.
- Offering multiple checkout options enhances the customer experience.
Remember to factor transaction fees into your budget. With Shopify’s flexible payment integrations, you can provide your customers with the convenience they deserve without compromising on cost efficiency.
Pros and Cons of Using Shopify Payments
Pros
- Easy Setup: Activate Shopify Payments in just four steps.
- Wide Payment Options: Accept payments via credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and more.
- No Extra Fees: Avoid additional transaction fees for Shop Pay and manual payment methods.
- Higher Profits: Shopify Plus often beats rates from third-party processors.
Cons
- Standard Fees Apply: Expect 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction on most cards.
- Chargeback Fees: These can add up quickly.
- Industry Restrictions: Not available for all sectors, especially high-risk ones.
- Separate PayPal Setup: You’ll need to configure PayPal independently.
- Account Suspensions: Suspicious activity may lead to frozen funds.
What Happens If Shopify Plus Merchants Do Not Use Shopify Payments?
Skipping Shopify Payments as a Shopify Plus merchant has its costs. Standard transaction fees will apply for all orders processed through third-party gateways. Even with custom Shopify Plus pricing, you’ll still pay fees for your chosen payment provider.
Additionally, you’ll miss out on the waived fees for secondary payment methods, a perk exclusive to Shopify Plus merchants who use Shopify Payments as their primary gateway. Carefully consider these factors before deciding.
Understanding Shopify Fees
The intricacies of Shopify fees can feel overwhelming. But, taking time to understand the details is worth it since it empowers you to make informed decisions for your business. Here is a look at some fees that you can expect:
Shopify Transaction Fees
Shopify offers flexibility with its payment options, but transaction fees can vary based on the plan you choose and the payment gateway you use. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Option 1: Shopify Payments
- No Transaction Fees: If you use Shopify Payments as your primary gateway, you won’t incur extra transaction fees for orders processed through Shop Pay, PayPal Express, or manual methods like cash and bank transfers.
- Shopify Plus Advantage: Shopify Plus merchants enjoy waived fees for secondary payment methods like Shop Pay Installments and PayPal Express.
- Manual Payments Are Free: Payment methods like COD and bank transfers don’t include transaction fees.
Option 2: Third-Party Payment Processor
- Additional Fees: You’ll pay the processor’s fees plus an extra Shopify transaction fee.
- Varying Fees: Transaction fees depend on your Shopify plan. Check your admin dashboard under “Settings” for more details.
Transaction Fees on Non-Shopify Payments
If you’re considering non-Shopify payments, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Currency Conversion Fees: If you accept payments in a different currency, Shopify charges a fee of 1.5% for U.S. stores and 2% for others.
- International Transaction Fees: Customers may incur additional charges from their banks, even if they choose to pay in local currency.
- Marketplace Connect Fees: Planning to expand your business to Amazon or eBay through Shopify? You’ll be happy to learn that you’ll get 50 synced orders for free each month. But beyond that, you’ll have to pay a fee of 1% per order, capped at $99 per month.
- Shopify Tax Fees: For U.S.-based sales, the first $100,000 is tax-free annually. After that, a 0.35% fee applies, capped at $0.99 per order and $5,000 per year.
Shopify App Costs
Shopify apps are the secret sauce to scaling your e-commerce business. The Shopify App Store offers both free and paid options to enhance your store’s functionality. From SEO tools to marketing integrations, apps can automate tasks, improve user experience, and drive sales.
While free apps are great for basic needs, premium apps unlock advanced features but come at a cost. Carefully review pricing tiers to ensure they align with your business goals. Apps can be a game-changer for growing stores, but it’s important to choose wisely to maximize your ROI.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Shopify’s straightforward pricing can have some unexpected extras. Here are a few costs to keep on your radar:
- Domain Registration: While Shopify sells domains, you might find cheaper options elsewhere.
- Themes: Shopify offers free themes, but premium ones can cost between $100-$350. Customization by a developer may incur additional charges.
- Shipping and Tax Tools: Calculators for accurate rates often require paid apps.
Stay prepared by factoring these into your budget early.
Avoid unexpected costs with expert help! Our Shopify expert agency will help you plan your budget effectively!
How to Save on Shopify Costs
Running an online store doesn’t have to be expensive. By making smart choices, you can lower your Shopify costs without sacrificing quality.
Cost-Saving Tips for Shopify Users
1. Consider switching to annual billing for your Shopify plan. It’s a simple way to save compared to paying monthly.
2. Take advantage of free apps in the Shopify App Store. They offer basic features like email marketing, SEO, and reviews, which can help you get started without additional expenses.
3. When it comes to design, Shopify’s free themes are a great place to begin. Once your store grows, you can upgrade to a premium theme for more customization options.
Optimize Transaction Fees
Save on transaction fees by using Shopify Payments as your payment gateway. It’s cost-effective and easy to set up. Additionally, reduce abandoned carts by simplifying your checkout process, offering guest checkout, and using automated email reminders to recover sales.
Want to save money while maximizing your Shopify store’s potential? Our Shopify support team can help you optimize your setup!
Maximizing ROI with Shopify
Are you looking to get the most out of your Shopify investment? Boosting your store’s ROI starts with planning and strategic tools.
Invest in Customizations
A professional website design involves a whole lot more than just looking good—it must enhance your branding and create a smooth shopping experience to convert visitors into loyal customers. Customizations like optimized product pages, mobile-friendly layouts, and engaging visuals can make a big difference in sales.
Marketing with Shopify
Shopify has built-in marketing tools that help you reach your audience, from email campaigns to social media integration. Looking for more advanced options? Apps like Klaviyo or HubSpot can supercharge your marketing game by offering tailored campaigns that drive engagement and revenue.
Tracking Performance
Don’t guess—measure. Use Shopify Analytics to track key performance metrics like sales, traffic, and conversion rates. Experiment with A/B testing to fine-tune your store and maximize your results.
Is Shopify the Right Choice for You?
Shopify is a versatile platform that works for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small startup testing the waters or an established enterprise aiming to scale, Shopify offers tools to grow and succeed.
Choosing the right Shopify plan and keeping costs in check is vital for long-term success. From its user-friendly interface to its powerful integrations, Shopify empowers you to create a thriving online store.
Every eCommerce journey starts with a single step. Why not take yours today?
Ready to launch or optimize your Shopify store? Contact us for end-to-end web development and marketing solutions!
