Selecting the right Shopify plan is crucial for the success and growth of your online store. Shopify offers a range of pricing plans, each with different features designed to meet various business needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down each plan, evaluate your business requirements, and help you make an informed decision.
Shopify Plans at a Glance
For most new stores, Basic is more than enough to get started — it covers unlimited products and the core features you need. We usually suggest upgrading to Grow once sales are consistent and you need advanced reporting or gift card options.
Starter – Lightweight plan for selling via links or social media.
Basic – Full online store with essential tools.
Grow(previously called “Shopify”) – Adds reporting, more staff accounts, and better rates.
Advanced – Includes advanced reports and third-party calculated shipping rates.
Plus (Enterprise) – For high-volume merchants needing enterprise controls.
Evaluating Your Business Size and Sales Volume.
Small Businesses
If you are just starting or have a lower sales volume, the Basic Shopify plan might be the best fit. It provides all the necessary tools to get your online store up and running without a significant investment.
For example, a local handmade jewelry store could benefit from the basic features without incurring high monthly costs.
Medium-Sized Businesses
If your business is growing and you need more advanced features and better reporting, the Shopify plan could be the right choice. It allows for more staff accounts and offers additional sales tools.
An example might be a clothing retailer expanding their online presence and needing more detailed sales reports.
Large Businesses
For businesses with a high sales volume or those needing advanced features like custom reporting and third-party shipping rates, the Advanced Shopify plan or Shopify Plus may be necessary.
A nationwide electronics retailer, for instance, would benefit from the advanced reporting and shipping options available in these plans.
Considering Your Budget and Projected Growth
Budget Constraints:- If budget is a primary concern, start with the Basic Shopify plan. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a more advanced plan. This approach allows you to manage costs while still accessing essential features.
Projected Growth:- Consider your business goals and projected growth. If you expect rapid growth, it may be beneficial to invest in a higher plan from the start to avoid frequent upgrades. A startup with a strong growth trajectory might choose the Shopify plan initially to accommodate scaling operations without frequent plan changes.
Identifying Essential Features for Your Business
eCommerce Features
Determine the essential features your business needs. Basic Shopify provides the core features, while the higher plans offer advanced tools and reports. For instance, if you need professional reporting, the Shopify or Advanced Shopify plans are more suitable.
Staff Accounts
Evaluate how many staff accounts you need. Basic Shopify includes two, while the Advanced plan includes up to 15. A business with multiple team members managing different aspects of the store would require more staff accounts.
Reporting and Analytics
Advanced reporting tools are available in the Shopify and Advanced plans, which can be crucial for tracking business performance. If detailed sales and customer insights are important to your strategy, opting for these plans would be beneficial.
Shopify Plan Pricing by Country
Prices shown are monthly on annual billing (save ~25% vs. monthly). Rates are official Shopify pricing as of 2025.
Professional reports, gift cards, 5 staff accounts.
Lower transaction fees than Basic.
Best for growing businesses with consistent sales.
Advanced
Advanced reports and report builder.
Third-party carrier shipping (where available).
15 staff accounts.
Plus (Enterprise)
From $2,300/month (3-year term) or $2,500/month (1-year).
Custom checkout, 200+ staff, and priority support.
For high-volume, multi-brand retailers.
Key Cost Factors Beyond the Subscription
Third-Party Gateways – 2% / 1% / 0.6% depending on plan, if you don’t use Shopify Payments.
International Selling – Shopify adds fees for duties, tax collection, and currency conversions.
POS Retail Add-Ons – POS Pro is extra (region-specific).
Annual Billing Discounts – Save ~25% if you pay yearly.
Promotions – Common trial: $1/month for 3 months.
💡 Tip: Many merchants find that while Basic works in the early months, they often move to Grow plan within a year as sales increase, reporting needs expand, and international transactions become part of the business.
Case Studies and Examples
Small Business Success Stories with Basic Shopify
Many small businesses have successfully launched and grown using the Basic Shopify plan. For example, a local handmade jewelry store could leverage the basic features without incurring high monthly costs, focusing on building their brand and customer base.
Medium-Sized Business Growth with Shopify Plan
A medium-sized retailer might find the additional reporting and staff accounts available in the Shopify plan essential for managing their growing business and analyzing sales data. An expanding clothing retailer, for instance, would benefit from the advanced sales tools and professional reports to track performance and strategize growth.
Large Enterprise Achievements with Advanced Shopify and Plus
Large enterprises often need the advanced reporting and third-party calculated shipping rates available in the Advanced Shopify plan. Shopify Plus provides the added benefit of customization and dedicated support, making it ideal for high-volume merchants. For example, a nationwide electronics retailer would find these advanced features crucial for managing large inventories and complex shipping requirements.
Making the Final Decision
How to Upgrade or Downgrade Your Plan
Shopify makes it easy to upgrade or downgrade your plan as your business needs change. You can adjust your plan through the Shopify admin interface without losing any data or settings. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to changing circumstances without significant disruptions.
Using Shopify’s Free Trial to Make an Informed Choice
Shopify offers a free trial period, allowing you to explore the platform and its features before committing to a plan. Take advantage of this trial to assess which plan best suits your business needs. During the trial, you can test different functionalities and see how they align with your business operations.
Seeking Expert Advice and Consulting Services
If you’re unsure which plan to choose, consider consulting with a Shopify expert or agency. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your business goals and requirements. Expert advice can help you navigate the options and select a plan that aligns with your business strategy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Shopify plan is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the growth and efficiency of your online store.
By carefully evaluating the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose a Shopify plan that not only meets your current requirements but also facilitates future growth. Whether you’re launching a new small business or expanding a large enterprise, Shopify offers a range of plans designed to help you achieve your objectives.
Ensure your online store is primed for success with CartCoders. Explore our expertise in Shopify Store Setup to optimize your e-commerce journey and improve your operational efficiency.
FAQs
What is the cheapest Shopify plan in 2025?
The lowest plan is Starter, priced at $5 USD per month (or local equivalent). It’s designed for selling through links and social media rather than a full store.
How much does the Basic plan cost in different countries?
Upgrade once you need professional reports, lower transaction fees, or more staff accounts. Many merchants make the move within 12 months as sales grow.
Are Shopify Payments available everywhere?
No. Shopify Payments works in supported countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. In UAE and Saudi Arabia, you must use third-party gateways such as PayTabs or Telr, plus Shopify’s extra transaction fee.
What does the Advanced plan include?
Advanced offers advanced reporting, third-party carrier shipping rates, and up to 15 staff accounts. It’s built for scaling stores with higher sales volume.
Is there a transaction fee for third-party gateways?
Yes. If you don’t use Shopify Payments, Shopify charges an extra fee: 2% on Basic, 1% on Grow, and 0.6% on Advanced.
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