Choosing the Best Shopify Plan for Your Business in 2022
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Can You Use Shopify for Free?
- Shopify Free Trials
- Choosing the Right Shopify Plan
- The Starter Plan
- The Basic Plan
- The Shopify Plan
- The Advanced Plan
- The Shopify Plus Plan
- Determining the Best Value Shopify Plan
- Getting a Discounted Shopify Plan
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Welcome to Style Factory, your go-to website for eCommerce reviews and advice. In this article, we will be discussing Shopify pricing plans and helping you choose the right plan for your business. Whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!
Can You Use Shopify for Free?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether or not it is possible to use Shopify for free. Unlike some competing eCommerce platforms, such as Big Cartel or Ecwid, Shopify does not offer a completely free option. However, they do provide free trials that can be extended by request.
Shopify Free Trials
Before we delve into the various pricing plans, let's talk about the different types of free trials available. The regular free trial, which lasts for 14 days, is suitable for merchants who want to stock and sell their own products. However, if you are interested in dropshipping, there is a special trial available specifically designed to guide you through the process of setting up a dropshipping business. This trial provides valuable resources to help you succeed.
Choosing the Right Shopify Plan
Now that you've completed your free trial, it's time to choose a Shopify plan that best suits your needs. Let's explore the available plans and their features in detail.
The Starter Plan
The Starter plan, priced at $5 per month, offers an affordable entry point to selling products online. However, it is important to note that this plan does not provide a fully-functional, standalone online store. Instead, it allows you to sell products on an existing website, social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, and even messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. A notable feature of this plan is the "Buy Button," which allows you to embed your products on another website by adding a snippet of code. However, it is worth considering that the transaction fees for the Starter plan are quite high at 5% per sale. Additionally, it does not come with any point-of-sale features and does not allow you to build a standalone website.
Pros
- Affordable entry point to eCommerce
- Allows selling on existing websites and social media platforms
- Embed products on other websites using the Buy Button
Cons
- High transaction fees
- Lacks point-of-sale features
- Cannot build a standalone website
The Basic Plan
Priced at $29 per month, the Basic plan provides you with a fully-functional, standalone online store. It also offers the ability to sell products at physical locations like retail stores and market stalls. Other features of this plan include content marketing tools like a blog, multilingual store support, and full control over your store's SEO. One significant advantage of the Basic plan is the lower credit card fees and transaction fees. If you use Shopify's built-in payment processor, Shopify Payments, you can even avoid transaction fees altogether. For most merchants, the Basic plan serves as an excellent starting point.
Pros
- Fully-functional standalone online store
- Ability to sell products at physical locations
- Content marketing tools and multilingual store support
- Lower credit card and transaction fees with Shopify Payments
Cons
- No advanced features like automation
The Shopify Plan
For $79 per month, you can upgrade to the Shopify plan, which offers several additional features compared to the Basic plan. With the Shopify plan, you get more user accounts (5 instead of 2), more inventory locations to manage, lower transaction and credit card processing fees, and access to more detailed eCommerce data. One noteworthy feature of this plan is the ability to add the Shopify Flow app, which provides sophisticated automation tools to streamline your eCommerce business. The Shopify plan is a great option for power sellers who want more advanced analytics and automation capabilities.
Pros
- More user accounts and inventory locations
- Lower transaction and credit card fees
- Access to detailed eCommerce data
- Ability to add automation tools
Cons
- Higher monthly cost compared to the Basic plan
The Advanced Plan
If you're looking for even more functionality, the Advanced plan priced at $299 per month might be the right fit for you. This plan caters to small businesses and solopreneurs who require advanced features for selling internationally. In addition to all the features offered by the Shopify plan, you'll have access to eight inventory locations, fifteen user accounts, and advanced reporting tools. The Advanced plan also allows you to set individual product prices for different countries, making it easier to target local markets accurately. Furthermore, you can set duties and import taxes using the Advanced plan, which is not possible with the other plans discussed. If international selling is a key business aim for you, the Advanced plan offers the necessary functionality and flexibility.
Pros
- More inventory locations and user accounts
- Lower transaction and credit card fees
- Advanced reporting tools
- Ability to set individual product prices for different countries
Cons
- Expensive compared to other plans
The Shopify Plus Plan
For larger eCommerce businesses, Shopify offers the Shopify Plus plan, which is designed with more corporate entities in mind. The pricing for Shopify Plus is negotiable but generally starts around $2000 per month. With Shopify Plus, you get all the functionality provided by the Advanced plan, along with additional features tailored for larger eCommerce businesses. These features include a dedicated account manager, full control over the checkout process, automatic currency conversion based on IP address, enhanced security features, and the ability to create and manage up to 10 stores simultaneously. If you have multiple eCommerce websites or require enterprise-class features and account management services, Shopify Plus is a valuable option.
Pros
- Advanced features and functionality
- Dedicated account manager
- Multiple store management
- Enhanced security features
Cons
- Expensive, catered to larger businesses
Determining the Best Value Shopify Plan
After considering all the available plans, you may wonder which one offers the best value for your business. Here's a summary to help you make a decision:
- For merchants starting out, the Basic plan provides core eCommerce tools at an affordable price.
- If you need advanced reporting and automation features but don't require advanced international selling tools, the Shopify plan is a good option.
- If international selling is a key business aim, the Advanced plan offers specific tools and flexibility.
- For managing multiple Shopify stores or requiring enterprise-class features, Shopify Plus is the most suitable plan.
Getting a Discounted Shopify Plan
When it comes to paying for your chosen Shopify plan, there are ways to secure a discount. Typically, Shopify offers a 10% discount for paying upfront for one year, a 20% discount for two years, and a 25% discount for three years. However, keep an eye out for promotional discounts that may offer more significant savings, such as 50% off or a few months for free. These promotions may vary depending on your location and are subject to change. Before upgrading from a free trial to a paid plan, it's worth checking the Shopify pricing page for any ongoing offers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Shopify pricing plan is crucial for the success of your eCommerce business. By understanding the different plans and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed decision. From the affordable Starter plan to the feature-rich Advanced plan and the enterprise-level Shopify Plus, there is a Shopify plan suitable for every business. Remember to check for any ongoing discounts and promotional offers to maximize your savings. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment, and we'll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Shopify for free?
While Shopify does not offer a completely free option, they provide free trials that can be extended upon request.
2. What is the difference between the Starter and Basic plans?
The Starter plan is an affordable option but does not provide a fully-functional online store or point-of-sale features. The Basic plan offers a fully-functional standalone online store, the ability to sell products at physical locations, and lower transaction fees.
3. Which Shopify plan is best for international selling?
The Advanced plan is tailored for international selling, allowing you to sell products at individual prices for specific countries and set duties and import taxes.
4. Can I manage multiple stores with Shopify?
Yes, the Shopify Plus plan allows you to create and manage up to 10 stores simultaneously, making it suitable for larger eCommerce businesses with multiple websites.
5. How can I get a discounted Shopify plan?
Shopify typically offers discounts for annual upfront payments, ranging from 10% to 25%. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotional discounts that may provide even more significant savings.
6. Which Shopify plan offers the best value?
The best value plan depends on your specific needs. The Basic plan is a well-rounded option for starting out, while the Advanced plan is ideal for those focused on international selling. For enterprise-level features, Shopify Plus provides the most value.
