READING TIME: 11 mins
Shopify Pricing Plans: Which Shopify Plan Is Best For 2024
February 21, 2024
Alex Kornyk
CEO, Magento, PHP, and DevOps expertise
Curious about Shopify’s pricing and fees for 2024? It’s cool you’re considering Shopify, a big name in the eCommerce world, known for helping folks like you and me create online stores that look professional and run smoothly.
But, figuring out which Shopify plan fits your budget and needs can be a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes: you need the right fit, style, and price.
Choosing isn’t just about the cost, though. It’s about what you need.
- Do you want lots of support?
- Dreaming of a big store with all the bells and whistles?
- Or maybe you’re starting small but planning big?
We’ve put together this guide to walk you through Shopify’s prices and plans this year, helping you pick the plan that’s just right for you without breaking the bank.
Ready to kickstart your journey with Shopify, but unsure which plan is the perfect fit for you?
Not sure whether Shopify is the right option for you?
Check out our article on Shopify’s pros and cons for more insights about this platform and its features.
General overview of Shopify pricing plans
With 4,628,418 sites live all around the world, Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms. Thus, Shopify’s plans have a range for everyone, starting from a really accessible point at just $9 a month.
But, as you add more features, like your own online store, the price can jump up. Plus, there are some extras you might want to think about, like buying a domain name or picking a fancy theme to make your store stand out.
So, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to budget to get your online store up and running with Shopify, right? Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about scaling up, Shopify has a plan that’s likely a good fit for your business. Here’s a straightforward look at what they offer:
- Starter Plan: Great for selling on social media or messaging apps.
- Basic Plan: Perfect for new online stores, offering all the essentials.
- Shopify Plan: A step-up, with more features for growing businesses.
- Advanced Plan: For scaling businesses that need advanced reporting and lower transaction fees.
And if you’re looking beyond the basics:
- Retail Package: Add-on for selling in physical locations.
- Shopify Plus: The enterprise solution for high-volume merchants and big businesses.
- Enterprise Commerce: Custom solutions for large-scale businesses with unique needs.
Trial offer
Shopify’s trial offer is pretty tempting. For just $1 a month for the first three months, you can take the platform for a test drive. This is an excellent opportunity to set up your store, explore Shopify’s features, and start selling without a big upfront investment. Think of it as Shopify’s way of saying, “Come on in and see if we’re a good fit for your business.” It’s a low-risk chance to experiment with your online store’s look, feel, and functionality before fully committing.
Monthly vs. annual subscription
Now, when it comes to deciding between paying monthly or annually, it’s all about what makes the most sense for your business and cash flow. Monthly payments offer flexibility. You’re not locked in for a long period, which can be great if you’re still figuring things out or if you’re working with a tight budget and can’t commit a larger sum upfront.
On the flip side, the annual subscription is like getting a bulk deal. Shopify offers a 25% discount when you pay for the year upfront. That’s a significant saving, especially as your business grows and you move to more feature-rich plans.
This option is ideal for when you’ve got a clear vision and confidence in your store’s longevity and success on Shopify. It’s a bit like paying for 9 months and getting 3 months free – a smart move if you’re in it for the long haul.
Curious about Shopify beyond just the pricing?
Check out our blog article, “What Is Shopify And How Does It Work In 2024?” for a deep dive into how Shopify can power your online business.
Detailed Shopify pricing and fees comparison
Click here to view the current pricing and features table directly on Shopify’s site, or consider the screenshot provided below.
Starter Plan
Think of the Starter Plan as Shopify’s “on-the-go” option. Perfect if you’re keen on selling directly through social media, emails, or even a quick SMS. It’s super easy to share a product link wherever you’d like, making this plan ideal for those just stepping into the eCommerce arena. However, keep in mind, that this plan is more about simplicity, focusing on selling without a traditional online store setup.
Basic Plan
Who it’s for: Newcomers stepping into the online selling arena. If you’re just starting your eCommerce journey, have a small inventory, or are transitioning from casual seller to serious entrepreneur, this plan is your best bet. The Basic Plan offers the essentials to get your online store off the ground.
Key Features:
- An easy-to-use checkout that converts visitors into buyers.
- Basic analytics to keep an eye on your store’s performance.
- Support for up to 10 inventory locations, letting you manage stock across different spots.
- 24/7 chat support to help you whenever you need it.
- Tools for selling internationally, making your store friendly for global customers.
Dive deeper into what Shopify can do for you.
Shopify Plan
Who it’s for: Growing businesses that are seeing a steady increase in traffic and sales. If you’ve got the basics down and are ready to take things to the next level with more detailed insights and better transaction rates, this plan is for you.
Think of the Shopify Plan as the mentor that helps you grow, offering tools and insights to refine your strategy and boost sales.
Key features:
- Professional reports to give you a deeper understanding of your store’s performance.
- Lower transaction fees than the Basic Plan, saving you money as your sales grow.
- Up to 5 additional staff accounts, so more of your team can help manage and sell.
Advanced Plan
Who it’s for: Scaling businesses ready for serious growth. If your store is booming and you need the most sophisticated tools to manage your expanding operations, this plan has your name on it.
The Advanced Plan is like the expert guide leading you through the wilderness of rapid growth, equipped with all the tools you need to scale efficiently.
Key features:
- The lowest transaction fees across all Shopify plans, maximizing your margins as you scale.
- Advanced report builder for custom analytics, letting you dive deep into what’s working and what’s not.
- Support for up to 15 additional staff accounts, so your growing team can all pitch in.
- Enhanced global selling options for an additional fee, allowing for more localized experiences for international markets.
Shopify prices and plans comparison (as of 2024)
Feature/Plan | Basic Shopify | Shopify | Advanced Shopify |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly price (may vary depending on your location) | $24 | $69 | $299 |
Staff accounts | 2 | 5 | 15 |
Inventory locations | Up to 4 | Up to 5 | Up to 8 |
Transaction fees (using external payments) | 2% | 1% | 0.6% |
24/7 support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Professional reports | No | Yes | Yes |
Advanced report builder | No | No | Yes |
Third-party calculated shipping rates | No | No | Yes |
Unlimited products | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Abandoned cart recovery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free SSL certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Product pricing by market | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Duties and import taxes | No | No | Yes |
Refer to this Shopify page for a detailed comparison of each plan’s features and functionality.
Additional costs and considerations
Let’s consider some extra bits you might spend money on when setting up your Shopify store, beyond just the plan costs. Think of these as the accessories that can make your store shine, kind of like picking out the perfect decor for a new home.
1. Domain names
You’ll need one since it’s your online address. While Shopify hooks you up with a default web address, having your unique domain (like “yourshop.com”) is way cooler and more professional. You can grab one from places like Google Domains or DreamHost, usually for about $15 a year. Alternatively, you can go for Shopify domain options.
2. Themes
Shopify’s got a bunch of free themes, and they’re pretty great for getting started. But sometimes, you want your store to have a certain vibe, feature, or trendy storefront design right off the bat. That’s where premium themes come into play. They can cost anywhere from $75 to $300, but they’re packed with features and designs that can save you heaps of time and make your store look amazing from day one.
3. Apps and plugins
Want to add some extra oomph to your store with more features? Shopify’s App Store is like a treasure chest. Some apps are free, like Shopify Magic. But others, especially the premium ones, can cost a bit —from a few dollars a month to a lot more, depending on what you need.
4. Time and development costs
Building a store takes time, and time is money, right? If you’re not super tech-savvy or just want to speed things up, hiring a web developer or designer for Shopify development might be worth considering. They can help get your store looking and working just how you want it, though this can add to your startup costs.
When setting up shop with Shopify is pretty straightforward, keep these additional costs in mind. They can help transform your store from good to great, but they’ll also affect your overall budget.
How to choose the right plan for your business
Choosing the right Shopify pricing plan for your business might feel a bit like navigating a new city without a map. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the perfect plan, with a little help from our friends at Alva Commerce.
Starting out? Go for the Starter Plan
If you’re dipping your toes into online selling for the first time, the Starter Plan is like your welcoming committee. It’s designed for those who want to sell through social media or direct links. It’s straightforward, no-frills, and a great way to get a feel for the eCommerce waters.
Seeing potential? Basic is your best bet
Once you’ve got a taste for online selling and are ready to expand, the Basic Plan is your next step. It gives you more features, like an actual online store, which means more room to grow. Plus, you get access to essential analytics to help you understand your customers better.
Thinking bigger? The Shopify plan is your growth engine
If your business is really starting to pick up steam, and you’re finding yourself in that sweet spot between just starting out and being ready to scale big, then the Shopify Plan might just be your golden ticket. It’s designed for businesses that are seeing a steady increase in sales and are ready to take their operations to the next level.
It includes professional reporting tools that give you deeper insights into how your store is performing, which can be a game-changer for making informed decisions. Also, the transaction fees get a bit friendlier, which is great for your bottom line as your sales volume increases.
Ready to scale? Advanced awaits
For those of you who are starting to see some serious traffic and sales, the Advanced Plan is like moving into a bigger office. It’s equipped with advanced features for scaling businesses, like detailed reports and lower transaction fees, helping you maximize your profits as you grow.
Need a hand? Alva Commerce is here to help
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options? Alva Commerce can guide you through the maze of features and additional costs.
Whether you’re trying to decide which plan fits your current needs or if you’re planning for future growth, we’ve got the expertise to help. Plus, if you’re looking into Shopify Development, we can assist in selecting the best platform, hosting, and tools for your website.
Remember, the right plan is not just about what you need right now, but also about where you see your business in the future. It’s about growth, scalability, and making sure you have the tools you need to succeed. And with a little guidance, choosing the right Shopify plan can be a breeze.
Feeling overwhelmed by Shopify’s options?
Conclusion
Wrapping up our dive into Shopify pricing plans comparison for 2024, it’s clear that Shopify stands as a solid ally for anyone serious about carving out a successful space in the online retail world.
Whether you’re just sketching out your first business plan or gearing up for your next big growth phase, Shopify offers a powerful foundation to build on. It’s not just about making sales — it’s about setting up for success in the long run. With the right plan, a bit of strategy, and some hard work, who knows how far your online store can go?
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