If you’re looking to launch an online store, one of the most popular platforms that entrepreneurs turn to is Shopify. It’s powerful, flexible, and trusted by over a million businesses worldwide. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing brand, understanding the different Shopify plans and pricing is critical to choosing the right solution for your business. In this guide, brought to you by Transform Agency, we’ll walk you through Shopify’s pricing structure, the features offered at each level, and how to decide which plan fits your needs best.
Why Shopify?
Shopify is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that allows you to build, manage, and scale your online store without needing advanced technical skills. It offers a wide range of tools, including payment gateways, inventory management, SEO features, and mobile optimization—making it ideal for startups and large businesses alike.
What sets Shopify apart is its user-friendly interface, reliability, and a vast app ecosystem. Whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or services, Shopify provides everything you need to create a professional online presence.
Overview of Shopify’s Pricing Tiers
Shopify offers several pricing plans tailored to businesses at different stages. Each plan includes essential features but varies in terms of advanced capabilities, staff accounts, and transaction fees.
1. Shopify Starter ($5/month)
Best for: Beginners or creators who want to sell via social media or messaging apps.
Features:
- Shareable product links
- Simple checkout system
- Shopify support
- Limitations: No full online store setup
2. Basic Shopify ($39/month)
Best for: New eCommerce businesses looking to launch their store
Features:
- Online store with website and blog
- Unlimited products
- Two staff accounts
- Basic reports
- Up to 77% shipping discount
- Transaction Fees: 2.9% + 30¢ online; 2.7% in person
3. Shopify Plan ($105/month)
Best for: Growing businesses that need more data insights and advanced features
Features:
- Five staff accounts
- Professional reports
- Lower credit card rates
- More control over your store’s branding
- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + 30¢ online; 2.5% in person
4. Advanced Shopify ($399/month)
Best for: Scaling businesses with high sales volume
Features:
- 15 staff accounts
- Custom reporting
- Third-party calculated shipping rates
- Lower transaction fees
- Transaction Fees: 2.4% + 30¢ online; 2.4% in person
5. Shopify Plus (Starting at $2,000/month)
Best for: Enterprise-level companies needing custom solutions and scalability
Features:
- Advanced automation
- Unlimited staff accounts
- Dedicated support and API access
- Wholesale and B2B functionality
What’s Included in All Plans?
Regardless of the plan you choose, Shopify includes several core features:
- Secure web hosting
- 24/7 customer support
- Mobile-friendly storefronts
- Access to Shopify App Store
- SSL certification for security
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Multichannel selling (Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, etc.)
Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party Gateways
One of the key factors that affect pricing is whether you use Shopify Payments. If you use Shopify’s built-in payment processor, you avoid extra transaction fees. However, using third-party gateways like PayPal or Stripe can incur additional costs ranging from 0.5% to 2% depending on your plan.
Annual Billing Discounts
If you’re planning to stick with Shopify long-term, opting for annual or biennial billing can save you up to 25%. It’s a smart move for entrepreneurs who are confident in their store’s future and want to reduce ongoing costs.
How to Choose the Right Shopify Plan?
Your choice depends largely on the size of your business, expected sales volume, and the features you need.
Just starting out? Go for Basic Shopify to get your store online quickly with essential tools.
Growing fast? The Shopify Plan provides better reporting and lower fees, making it more cost-effective.
High-volume seller? Advanced Shopify or Shopify Plus might be the way to go, especially if you need custom reports or advanced shipping integrations.
Final Thoughts
Shopify’s tiered pricing ensures there’s something for everyone—from casual sellers to large enterprises. But to make the most informed decision, it’s important to carefully evaluate what features you’ll truly need.
For a more detailed breakdown and comparison chart, be sure to check out the Shopify plans and pricing guide by Transform Agency. It offers a clearer look into each plan’s features, limitations, and strategic tips to help you save money and maximize your store’s potential.