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How To Pick A Shopify Plan [2024]

One of the big questions when re-platforming to Shopify is "What will my total cost be" and "Are there additional fees" and "Do I need Shopify Plus." These are all great questions, and if you talk to Shopify, they will sell you on a higher plan even though you most likely don't need it.

We have serviced hundreds of Shopify stores over the years and have seen companies decide on what plan they need, some overpay for plans they don't need, and some have the perfect plan. It's not as complicated as it seems. It is easy if you look at it the way we do. The $29 plan on Shopify gives you everything a store would need. No traffic limits, no difference in core software features, etc. There are only a few deciding factors in moving up, and here they are:

  1. Do you need gift card functionality? Really think about this because we see many companies say yes, but there is no return on investment in most cases between the monthly cost hike and based on how many people actually buy one. Sure it is nice to have, but is it making you any money? The base plan does not offer this functionality.
  2. Do you need advanced reporting? Most companies say yes, even though they never use it, or they have a third party ERP order management system that combines all channels together that reports a more accurately. Shopify's base reporting is usually perfect for everyone else. Advanced reporting is not included in the base plan, but standard reporting is.
  3. Do you need Shopify to calculate UPS or FedEx live retail rates on the checkout pages? Well, this one is easy because if you do, then in most cases, it makes sense to contact Shopify to add this feature on for a small monthly fee. Last we heard it was around $20/month a-la-carte, so there is no reason to upgrade for this.

Here Are Some Reasons to Upgrade Your Shopify Plan

Upgrading your Shopify plan can be a strategic move for your business, offering financial and operational benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to consider making the switch:

  1. Lower Credit Card Rates for High Monthly Volume: If your monthly sales volume is substantial, the savings from lower credit card transaction fees can outweigh the higher monthly cost of an upgraded plan. Shopify offers discounted rates on Shopify Payments by Stripe depending on your plan. To determine if this upgrade makes financial sense, calculate your monthly revenue using the base plan’s credit card percentage and subtract the difference with the upgraded plan’s discounted rate. This comparison will highlight the potential savings and justify the upgrade.
  2. Discounted Shipping Rates: Printing labels directly from Shopify's admin can offer better-discounted shipping rates, especially beneficial if you handle a large volume of shipments. While many businesses use external programs like ShipStation to manage their logistics across multiple sales channels, the convenience of processing shipments directly from Shopify can be advantageous. Evaluate the discounted shipping rates available with higher plans to see if the cost savings justify the upgrade.
  3. Enhanced Capabilities for Large Brands: For large-scale operations generating tens of millions in revenue, upgrading to Shopify Plus might be the best option. Shopify Plus, which starts at $2,000 per month, offers advanced features suitable for high-volume stores, including the ability to manage up to four stores under one plan. The benefits of Shopify Plus include greater control over payment gateways, enhanced SSL certification, and advanced customization options through direct code access. These features provide the flexibility and security necessary for large enterprises.

Additional Benefits of Upgrading Your Shopify Plan

  1. Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Higher-tier plans offer more comprehensive reporting tools, giving you deeper insights into your store’s performance. Advanced analytics can help you make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Enhanced Customer Support: With an upgraded plan, you gain access to priority customer support, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. This can be crucial for maintaining smooth operations, especially during peak times.
  3. Increased Automation and Workflow Customization: Higher plans provide more options for automation and workflow customization, allowing you to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to scale without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
  4. Expanded API and Integrations: Upgrading your plan can unlock access to a wider range of APIs and integrations, enabling you to connect with more third-party tools and services. This flexibility can enhance your store’s functionality and provide a more seamless shopping experience for your customers.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Shopify plan can offer significant advantages, from financial savings on transaction fees to operational efficiencies and advanced features. Carefully evaluate your business needs and the potential benefits of each plan to make an informed decision. By aligning your Shopify plan with your business goals, you can optimize performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth.

Shopify 2024 Pricing

This Shopify pricing graphic was taken mid-2024 and is subject to change at any time without notice by Shopify and not Pelican Commerce. Check Shopify's plans and pricing page to see the exact details. 

We have seen companies with high traffic stores and even high volume use the Basic Shopify plan without a blip. Some stores with millions of visitors and no problems with any limits, no crashing, just smooth selling. So we believe the factor in picking your plan should simply be based on the facts and on what makes financial sense.

If you need help setting up your store, then reach out to us today. We help companies migrate from old legacy shopping carts and even new carts like Volusion, WordPress, and BigCommerce, and we help get them fully re-platformed to Shopify the right way while retaining their existing traffic.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How will the Shopify plan change in 2024?

A: Shopify periodically updates its plans and pricing. In 2024, there may be changes to features, pricing, and available plans. It’s essential to check Shopify’s official plans and pricing page for the most current information.

Q: What is the best plan to start with on Shopify?

A: For most new stores, the Basic Shopify plan is a great starting point. It offers essential features at an affordable price, making it suitable for stores with moderate traffic and straightforward needs.

Q: When should I upgrade my Shopify plan?

A: Consider upgrading your plan if your sales volume increases significantly, you need advanced reporting, lower transaction fees, or additional features like gift cards and professional reports. Upgrading can help you save on fees and access more tools to manage your growing business.

Q: How much is a yearly Shopify plan?

A: The cost of a yearly Shopify plan varies based on the selected tier. As of 2024, Shopify offers discounts for annual billing, which can reduce the monthly cost. For exact pricing, visit Shopify’s pricing page.

Q: Can I change my Shopify plan later?

A: Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your Shopify plan at any time. Shopify allows flexibility to switch plans based on your evolving business needs. To change your plan, go to your Shopify admin and navigate to the “Plans” section.

Additional Considerations

When picking a Shopify plan, evaluate your current needs and future growth. Lower transaction fees, better shipping discounts, and advanced features can justify the cost of higher plans as your business scales. If you need personalized assistance, reach out to us for expert guidance.

By aligning your Shopify plan with your business goals, you can optimize performance, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. If you need help setting up your store or migrating to Shopify, contact Pelican Commerce for professional assistance.

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