Choosing the right Shopify plan can feel like a major decision, especially as your brand grows quickly. Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus are two of the most popular plans on the Shopify platform, but they are designed for different stages of business growth. This guide will explore the differences between these plans and help you decide when to stay with the Advanced plan and when it's time to upgrade to Plus.
Why Shopify Advanced Works for Growing Brands
If your brand is consistently generating revenue and you want to scale your operations without making huge investments, Shopify Advanced could be the perfect choice.
Key Features of Shopify Advanced:
- Advanced Reporting: Get in-depth insights into sales and customer behavior.
- Lower Transaction Fees: Reduced fees for third-party payment services save money as sales grow.
- International Expansion: Manage up to three markets, with the option to add more at €59/month per market.
Who is Shopify Advanced Suitable For?
Choose Shopify Advanced if:
- You are in the growth stage but haven’t yet reached an annual revenue of one million euros.
- Your business is primarily direct-to-consumer (D2C) with no wholesale requirements.
- You are expanding into international markets but don’t need extensive localization tools.
When is Shopify Plus the Better Choice?
Shopify Plus is not just an upgraded version of Shopify Advanced – it’s a completely different solution. It’s designed for fast-growing brands that need more control, customization, and support than any other Shopify plan can provide.
Why Shopify Plus is Worth the Investment:
- Customizable Checkout Process: Shopify Plus allows you to fully customize the checkout process using the Script Editor, enabling you to offer tiered discounts or free gifts to customers spending large amounts.
- B2B and Wholesale Features: Unlike Shopify Advanced, Shopify Plus includes a dedicated wholesale channel. Whether you’re running B2C and B2B operations side by side or focusing solely on wholesale, Plus makes it seamless.
- Global Reach: Shopify Plus supports sales in 50 markets with advanced features like localized pricing, currencies, and domains.
- Unlimited User Accounts: As your team grows, you won’t have to worry about user account limits. Shopify Plus provides unlimited user accounts, making collaboration easier.
- Dedicated Support: Shopify Plus merchants receive assistance from a commissioning engineer and 24/7 priority support for quick issue resolution.
Shopify Advanced vs. Shopify Plus: Comparison
| Feature | Shopify Advanced | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Customizable Checkout | No | Yes |
| Wholesale Features | No | Yes |
| International Sales | Up to 3 markets | 50+ markets |
| Number of User Accounts | 15 user accounts | Unlimited |
| Customer Support | General support | 24/7 priority support |
When to Move to Shopify Plus?
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a significant investment, but it can be a game-changer if your business meets the following criteria:
- Annual Revenue Over One Million Euros: If your business is growing rapidly, Plus provides the tools and flexibility needed to manage large sales volumes.
- International Expansion: If you're selling in multiple regions or need localized customer experiences, Plus’s global tools are unmatched.
- Complex Business Needs: Whether it's B2B operations, advanced workflows, or unique checkout processes, Plus offers solutions that Shopify Advanced doesn't.
- Large Teams: Unlimited user accounts and advanced permissions make Plus ideal for larger businesses.
In Conclusion: Advanced or Plus?
The decision between Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus depends on the stage of your brand’s growth. If you’re in steady growth and need more powerful tools without committing to an enterprise-level solution, Shopify Advanced offers everything you need. But if you're ready to own your niche, expand globally, and elevate the customer experience, Shopify Plus is the next step.
This decision should not be taken lightly – it's not just about price, but about securing the future of your brand. The question is: are you ready to invest in your future?
