Deciding Between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Shopify Advance vs Shopify Plus: An Overview
- Interface Similarities
- Compatibility with 2.0
- Suite of Tools
- Choosing Between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
- Shopify Advance as the Top Tier Option
- The Pricing Model of Shopify Plus
- Comparing Transaction Fees
- Cash Flow and Payment Options
- Factors to Consider in Choosing Between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
- Localization and SEO Considerations
- Customization and Checkout Flow
- Level of Support
- Brand Vision and Goals
Article:
Shopify Advance vs Shopify Plus: An In-depth Comparison
Introduction
Welcome to our new mini-series where we dive deep into the differences between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two Shopify plans to help you understand which one is the best fit for your brand. Whether you are a growing business or have big global growth aspirations, we've got you covered. So let's get started!
Shopify Advance vs Shopify Plus: An Overview
When it comes to the interface and user experience, both Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus offer a similar layout and design. You won't see a drastic change in the interface when switching from Advance to Plus. The good news is that both plans are compatible with Shopify 2.0, ensuring that you can make use of 2.0 compatible themes without any hassle.
Suite of Tools
One of the key similarities between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus is the suite of tools available to users. Regardless of the plan you choose, you will still have access to the app directory and the same theme architecture. However, there are some exclusive Shopify Plus specific applications that provide additional functionality and options. These applications come into play when you start utilizing Shopify Plus features, which we will discuss further.
Choosing Between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
Shopify Advance is ideal for fast-paced growth and hungry brands that are aiming to reach turnover levels between £300K to £5 million per annum. Many brands in this range continue to successfully operate on Advance without the need to upgrade to Plus. However, if your brand requires specific features and functionalities that are only available in Shopify Plus, it might be worth considering the upgrade.
Shopify Advance as the Top Tier Option
Technically, Shopify Plus is its own product, and Shopify Advance is the top tier of the standard suite of tools offered by Shopify. Think of Advance as the highest level you can achieve within the standard Shopify plans. If you exclude Plus from the options, Advance is what you should strive for as a growing brand.
The Pricing Model of Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus has a pricing model that starts at $2,000 per month and can go up to a hefty $800,000 per month for high-volume businesses. The pricing changes at the $800,000 mark, so it's important to understand how your business's volume, revenue, and turnover can impact your decision between Advance and Plus. In the next section, we will provide a formula to help you calculate the costings for both plans.
Comparing Transaction Fees
Transaction fees are an important aspect to consider when choosing between the two plans. While the online transaction fee remains the same for all plans at 0.25p, the percentage fee drops from 2% to 1.5% as you move up to higher-tier plans. However, with Shopify Plus and Shopify payments, you may have the opportunity to negotiate a lower percentage fee, saving you even more on transaction costs.
Cash Flow and Payment Options
If your brand is cash flow positive, it's recommended to pay for your Shopify plan yearly or even multiple years in advance. This not only helps you save substantially on monthly fees but also ensures stability in your online operations. Shopify offers refund options for upfront payments, and the savings can be substantial. By paying upfront, you are securing your long-term tech stack vision and potentially unlocking additional benefits.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
Apart from pricing and transaction fees, there are several other factors to consider when deciding between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus. If you require localization and need a store solution that fulfills your international strategy, Shopify Plus offers better options. Plus also provides customization flexibility, allowing you to modify the checkout flow and access custom fields.
Level of Support
Another significant advantage of Shopify Plus is the level of support it offers. By being a Shopify Plus merchant, you gain close contact with Shopify through a dedicated sales success manager and a solutions architect. These experts can provide you with strategic guidance, consultancy, and solutions architecture, allowing you to maximize the potential of your online store.
Brand Vision and Goals
Lastly, your brand's vision and goals also play a crucial role in determining the right Shopify plan. If you have big global growth aspirations or you need to build a brand that requires innovative bespoke technology, Shopify Plus might be the better option. On the other hand, if you have a niche localized business and your requirements can be fulfilled by Shopify's standard features, sticking with Shopify Advance could be a more cost-effective choice.
In the next series, we will delve deeper into these factors, providing you with useful applicable information to aid your decision-making process. We will cover topics such as volume revenue turnover, tech stack budgeting, and provide a template for organizing and managing your tech stack fees effectively. Stay tuned!
Highlights:
- Comprehensive comparison between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus
- Similar interface with compatibility for 2.0 themes
- Suite of tools available for both plans
- Factors to consider for choosing between Advance and Plus
- Pricing model and transaction fee comparisons
- Cash flow considerations for upfront payments
- Localization, customization, and support options
- Brand vision and goals as decision-making factors
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus?
A: Shopify Advance is the top tier within Shopify's standard suite of tools, suitable for growing brands. Shopify Plus is its own product, specifically designed for high-volume businesses with advanced features and support.
Q: How much does Shopify Plus cost?
A: Shopify Plus pricing starts at $2,000 per month and can go up to $800,000 per month for businesses with high turnovers.
Q: Can I negotiate transaction fees with Shopify Plus?
A: Yes, with Shopify Plus and Shopify payments, you may have the opportunity to negotiate lower transaction fees, potentially saving you more on costs.
Q: What level of support does Shopify Plus provide?
A: Shopify Plus offers closer support through a dedicated sales success manager and solutions architect, providing strategic guidance and solutions architecture for your online store.
Q: Should I pay for Shopify upfront or monthly?
A: If you are cash flow positive, paying upfront for Shopify can result in substantial savings on fees. However, monthly payments are also an option depending on your business's financial situation.
Q: How can I decide between Shopify Advance and Shopify Plus?
A: Factors such as your brand's volume revenue turnover, localization needs, customization requirements, and long-term vision should be considered when deciding between Advance and Plus.
