As your online store grows, you may find that your ecommerce platform no longer meets your needs. Are you missing out on opportunities due to platform limitations? We compare Shopify to its enterprise offering, Shopify Plus, to help you decide when it’s time to upgrade.
introduction to Shopify and Shopify Plus
Shopify is one of the largest ecommerce platforms in the world, powering over 4.5 million online stores. It provides a scalable, user-friendly solution for businesses of all sizes.
Before diving into the differences, it’s important to understand what Shopify offers.
Shopify pricing, plans, and transaction fees
Shopify offers three core plans, each including:
- An ecommerce website and blog
- Unlimited products
- 24/7 support
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Discount codes
- Fraud analysis
Shopify vs Shopify Plus: key differences
Shopify’s core plans provide powerful tools for growing retailers, but Shopify Plus is designed for high-growth brands needing more customisation and scalability.
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £25 - £255 | Starting from £1,600 |
| Transaction fees | 1.5% - 2% + payment processing fees | 1.6% + payment processing fees |
| Staff accounts | Up to 15 | Unlimited |
| Custom checkout | No | Yes |
| Advanced reporting | Yes (from Shopify plan) | Yes |
| Dedicated support | Standard support | Dedicated account manager |
| Multi-currency & localisation | Limited | Full customisation |
When should you upgrade to Shopify Plus?
Not every business needs Shopify Plus, but if the following apply to your store, it may be time to upgrade.
Your team has more than 15 people
Shopify limits team accounts to 15, which can slow operations if your business is expanding.
Your store generates over £1-2 million in annual revenue
While there is no strict revenue threshold, businesses surpassing this mark often benefit from advanced features, automation, and dedicated support.
You need greater control over conversion optimisation
Shopify Plus enables advanced A/B testing, custom checkout flows, and dynamic content tailored to customer behaviour.
You are expanding into international markets
Shopify Plus provides dedicated storefronts for different regions, allowing tailored pricing, taxes, and content per country.
Shopify Plus pricing structure
Shopify Plus pricing starts at £1,600 per month for stores with revenue under £630,000 per month. Above this, pricing shifts to a revenue-based model:
- Up to £630,000 - £1,600 per month
- £800,000 revenue - £2,000 per month
- £5,000,000 revenue - £10,000 per month
- £12,000,000 revenue - £24,000 per month
- £16,000,000+ - £32,000 per month
Additional transaction fees apply if using a third-party payment processor.
Choosing the right Shopify plan for your business
Both Shopify and Shopify Plus provide robust ecommerce solutions, but the right choice depends on your store’s size, complexity, and growth trajectory.
- If you are a small to mid-sized business, Shopifyoffers powerful tools to scale efficiently.
- If you are a high-growth retailer needing enterprise-level customisation, Shopify Plus provides the flexibility to optimise sales and operations.
Understanding the costs, features, and benefits of each plan ensures you are making the right investment in your ecommerce growth.