Shopify Pricing Plans 2024: Costs, Fees & Plan Comparison

Shopify stands as a trusted tool for anyone looking to set up shop online. It's a comprehensive platform that helps sellers build their online store, keep an eye on inventory, handle orders, and wade through the complex world of e-commerce with more confidence.

In terms of cost, Shopify's pricing plans are as varied as their features. They start at $39 for beginners and go up to $399 for larger businesses with high sales volumes. Each level is designed to grow with your business. So, you can be sure to find a Shopify plan that perfectly fits the size and needs of your business.

Let's dive into the details of Shopify's pricing plans. We'll offer analysis, compare the different options, and offer advice to assist you in selecting the plan that best suits your needs.

What is Shopify?

Shopify is a major player in the online world, offering a platform that changes the game for those looking to sell online. It's not just a place to build a website; it's a comprehensive service that helps you run a business smoothly and effectively.

Shopify is the ultimate e-commerce multitool. It's packed with features for building your online store exactly how you want it. It covers all the bases—from showcasing your products to processing payments along with keeping track of your stock.

It is the perfect platform for beginners. With a few clicks, you can pick a design, add your products, and set up a way to get paid. Shopify lets you sell through different channels, like online marketplaces or social media.

Shopify Pricing Plans – How Much Does Shopify Cost?

Shopify has a variety of plans that are tailored to fit the budget & needs of any size business. Plus, the platform understands that managing your business finances is key, which is why you can opt to pay for your plan on a monthly or annual basis. This choice lets you match your payment schedule with your business’s financial planning.

Let’s take a look at the Shopify pricing plans.

Our Take: Shopify Offers Comprehensive Sales Features

Shopify’s eCommerce Plans

Shopify's eCommerce offerings come in three plans, each serving a different business size. If you're just starting, their individual plan has you covered. For small businesses looking to expand, there's a plan specifically for that middle ground. And if you're steering a medium to large business, the top-tier plan is designed to handle more complexity and greater demands.

The Shopify pricing plans vary mainly in how many people can use the account, the transaction fees you'll pay, and how detailed your site's traffic and sales reports are. This way, you can pick a plan that matches the size of your business without paying for extras you don't need.

Features	Basic	Shopify	Advanced
Shopify pricing per month (paid monthly)	$39 per month	$105 per month	$399 per month
Shopify pricing per month (paid annually)	$29 per month	$79 per month	$299 per month
Staff accounts	2	5	15
Unlimited products	✓	✓	✓
Inventory locations	Up to 1,000	Up to 1,000	Up to 1,000
Discount codes	✓	✓	✓
Abandoned cart recovery	✓	✓	✓
Reports	Basic	Standard	Advanced
Third-party calculated shipping rates	–	–	✓
Shipping discount	Up to 77%	Up to 88%	Up to 88%
Third-party transaction fees	2.0%	1.0%	0.5%

Now, let’s take a closer look into the details of Shopify pricing plans to understand the value they provide for your investment.

Basic Plan

The Basic plan is the cheapest Shopify plan. This plan is ideal for individuals or small businesses just stepping into e-commerce. It's ideal for those who need a solid foundation for selling online without the complexity of advanced features that larger shops require.

The Shopify Basic plan offers the following features:

• Track your store's performance with basic reports to support your business decisions.
• Manage up to 1,000 inventory locations to efficiently manage stock.
• Save up to 77% on shipping costs.
• Add an unlimited number of products, giving you plenty of room for growth
• Access to 24/7 customer support so you can always get help.
• 2% fee on transactions made through third-party payment gateways.

​​The Shopify Basic plan strips the e-commerce experience down to the essentials, making it not only affordable but also robust enough for the needs of early-stage businesses.

Shopify Basic Plan is Best for:

• Budding Entrepreneurs: Ideal for those who are just starting and need an affordable platform to launch their first online store.
• Small Business Owners: Great for small business owners with limited products and require a simple yet effective e-commerce solution.
• Side Hustlers: Perfect for individuals looking to start a side business online without a significant upfront investment in an existing website.
• Pop-up Shops: A good fit for temporary stores or event-based selling due to its ease of setup and low cost.
• Marketplace Testers: Suitable for those who want to test the e-commerce waters before diving into a more extensive setup.

Shopify Basic Plan is Not Suitable for:

• Large Businesses: Not ideal for large businesses with a need for advanced reporting features or multiple staff accounts.
• High-Volume Retailers: Not the best option for retailers with high transaction volumes who would benefit more from lower transaction fees on higher-tier plans.
• Businesses with Complex Shipping Needs: Companies that need advanced shipping solutions might find the Basic Shopify plan’s options too limiting.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effective for those just starting out or with a limited budget.	Charges a 2% transaction fee for third-party payment gateways.
Offers up to 77% shipping discounts.	Only basic reports are available.
Allows store management collaboration between two users.	Lacks features like professional reports and third-party calculated shipping rates.
Capability to create and offer discount codes to customers.
Supports up to 1,000 inventory locations.

Shopify pricing for the Basic plan	$39 per month (monthly cycle)
	$29 per month (annual cycle)
Annual Saving	$120 on the annual billing cycle

Shopify Plan

The Shopify plan stands as the mid-level option in Shopify's suite of e-commerce solutions. It strikes a balance between essential features and affordability. It's designed for growing businesses that have begun to see a steady flow of customers and are ready to scale up their operations.

The Shopify plan offers the following features:

• Gain deeper insights with more detailed analytics and reporting capabilities
• Benefit from up to 88% off on shipping rates
• Manage your store with up to 5 staff accounts, enabling better team collaboration and division of responsibilities.
• Filter and group customers into numerous segments for targeted marketing
• You can add as many customer contacts as you need
• Reduced third-party transaction fees down to 1%
• Receive up to $200 coverage on eligible Shopify Shipping labels

With the Shopify plan, merchants receive a robust platform. It supports their expanding business, offering the tools necessary for scaling operations while keeping additional costs in check.

Are you wondering about the online stores you can make with Shopify? Here are some great Shopify eCommerce stores to inspire you.

Shopify Plan is Best for:

• Growing Businesses: Perfect for shops with increasing sales and customer flow ready for expansion.
• Entrepreneurs with Scaling Aspirations: Suitable for those seeking advanced analytics to inform strategic decisions.
• Medium-Sized eCommerce Platform: A good fit for businesses outgrowing basic plans but not needing enterprise solutions.
• Teams: Businesses that require more than two staff accounts for operational efficiency.

Shopify Plan is Not Suitable for:

• Individual Hobbyists: Overly comprehensive for individuals with small, hobby-based sales not looking to scale.
• Small Startups: May not be cost-effective for startups still validating their market with minimal sales.
• Large Enterprises: Might fall short for very large businesses needing advanced features like advanced report builder or third-party calculated rates.
• Single-Owner Stores: Single proprietors without staff might find the five Shopify account limit unnecessary.

Pros	Cons
Provides detailed insights on sales, customers, and inventory.	Limited reporting capabilities for detailed, customized reports.
Up to 5 staff accounts allow for better team management.	May not be cost-effective for small businesses.
Up to 88% off shipping rates can significantly reduce operational costs.	Does not offer third-party calculated shipping rates.
Enables you to sell globally with store translation.
Lower fees at 1% for third-party payment gateways.
Offers up to $200 coverage per eligible shipment.

Shopify pricing for the Shopify plan	$105 per month (monthly cycle)
	$79 per month (annual cycle)
Annual Saving	$312 on the annual billing cycle

Advanced Plan

The Shopify Advanced Plan is the premier solution for well-established businesses seeking to leverage a full suite of features for scaling up. It's ideally suited for medium to large enterprises that handle a significant volume of transactions.

The Shopify Advanced plan offers the following features:

• Craft detailed reports tailored to your business needs.
• Manage up to 1,000 inventory locations, allowing for intricate logistics.
• Receive up to 88% off on shipping costs.
• With 15 staff accounts, delegate and distribute work effectively among your team.
• Offer real-time shipping rates from carriers at checkout using your own shipping accounts.
• Enjoy one of the lowest transaction fee rates for third-party payments at just 0.5%.
• Calculate and collect import taxes and duties at the point of sale, offering complete cost clarity to your customers.

The Advanced Plan is Shopify's ultimate offering, designed for businesses ready to take full advantage of the platform's potential. It's for those who demand the highest level of analytics and control.

Advanced Plan is Best for:

• Scaling Enterprises: Ideal for businesses that are expanding rapidly and need a robust infrastructure.
• Large Online Retailers: Perfect for e-commerce sites with a broad product range or those operating in multiple markets.
• Data-Driven Businesses: Suited for companies that rely on comprehensive data and analytics.
• International Sellers: A great fit for merchants dealing with international sales, which can benefit from calculated duties and taxes at checkout.
• High-Volume Sellers: For businesses that process a high number of transactions and can take advantage of lower Shopify transaction fees.

Advanced Plan is Not Suitable for:

• Startup Ventures: Not ideal for new businesses or solo entrepreneurs just starting due to the plan's complexity and cost.
• Small Businesses with Limited Budgets: The advanced features and higher price points may not be cost-effective for small operations.
• Infrequent Sellers: Not the best choice for those who sell occasionally or have a very small inventory.

Pros	Cons
Customize reports for better insights.	May be prohibitively expensive for small startups or those with a tight budget.
At just 0.5%, you keep more of your earnings.	The advanced functionalities may require more time and resources to master effectively.
Save up to 88% on Shopify shipping costs.	Not cost-effective if you're not processing enough sales to leverage the plan's benefits.
Show calculated rates with your account or third-party Shopify apps.
Up to 15 accounts to support a larger team's collaboration.
Estimate and collect taxes at checkout for international sales clarity.
Shopify Payments has a built-in feature to flag potential fraud orders.

Shopify pricing for the Advanced plan	$399 per month (monthly cycle)
	$299 per month (annual cycle)
Annual Saving	$1200 on the annual billing cycle

Monthly vs. Annual Payment Plan

Choosing between paying for Shopify every month or for a whole year upfront is an essential decision for business owners. Let's break down this Shopify pricing to help you decide what's best for you.

Monthly Payment Plan

The monthly plan is great for those just starting out or if your business is still figuring things out. It's flexible, so you can change Shopify pricing plans as your business needs change without being tied down. If your sales go up and down during the year, or you like to try new things often, the monthly Shopify pricing option could be right for you.

Annual Payment Plan

If your business is steady and you know what you'll need for the year ahead, paying for a year of Shopify can save you money. There's a 25% discount for paying yearly, so it's cheaper over time. Choosing the annual Shopify pricing option shows you're in it for the long haul with your business and Shopify. Plus, it means one less bill to worry about each month, which can make managing your money simpler.

Are there specific Shopify plans tailored to different business needs?

Shopify understands that every business is different, so it offers tailored plans for varied needs. There's the Starter plan for selling on social media or in-person events and a Retail plan for physical stores needing sophisticated management tools. There is also a Shopify Plus plan for large-scale enterprises demanding extensive capabilities.

These specialized Shopify plans ensure that whether you're just starting or scaling up, there's a Shopify solution to support your growth.

Shopify Starter plan

The Shopify Starter plan is ideal for anyone who wants to sell online without complex website building. This plan has replaced the Shopify Lite plan. The Starter plan is especially user-friendly because you don't need to know any coding to get started. This plan fits well for those who want to make the most of social media to sell their items.

If your business shines on social media, the Shopify Starter plan could be a great fit for you. It allows you to easily link your products to your social media accounts, like Instagram and WhatsApp, making it simple for customers to buy from you. They'll enjoy the quick and secure payment process Shopify offers, which helps build trust.

The Shopify pricing for the Starter plan starts from $15 per month.

Shopify Retail plan

The Shopify Retail plan is designed specifically for merchants selling in person. Whether you're operating a brick-and-mortar storefront, running pop-up shops, or selling goods at local markets, this plan equips you with the tools needed to process payments securely, no matter where your sales happen.

It's an ideal choice for Shopify merchants that want the flexibility to sell to customers face-to-face while still having the option to grow online. The Shopify Retail plan has straightforward features that help you establish an online presence.

The Shopify pricing for the Retail plan starts from $89 per month.

Shopify Plus plan

Shopify Plus is to cater to the needs of high-volume businesses, providing a comprehensive platform that offers extensive customization options. This premium solution offers scalability for growing brands, allowing them to tailor their online storefront and backend processes. With Shopify Plus, businesses can handle heavy traffic and large order volumes without compromising performance.

In addition to robust online selling capabilities, Shopify Plus integrates seamlessly with various marketplaces and social commerce platforms. The plan also includes features geared towards international B2B transactions, offering global businesses the tools to operate efficiently and expand their reach.

The Shopify pricing for the Plus plan starts from $2000 per month.

What are Shopify's Transaction Fees and Credit Card Fees?

Shopify charges fees for transactions that are made through its platform. When you use Shopify Payments for your shop, there are certain credit card fees apply depending on your chosen plan. These are fees for securely processing your customers' credit card transactions.

On the other hand, if you choose a payment processor apart from Shopify Payments, the platform adds an extra charge for each sale you make – this is their transaction fee. This cost is on top of any charges from the payment processor you choose and is for using Shopify's platform with a payment system of your preference.

Credit Card Fees

In both physical and online Shopify stores, a fee that always comes into play is the credit card payment processing fee. It's an unavoidable charge for each transaction made through a credit card. The rate you pay for processing credit card payments depends on the payment processor you use.

With Shopify Payments, the rates are set according to your Shopify pricing plan:

• Basic Shopify Plan: 2.9% plus an additional 30 cents on each online transaction
• Shopify Plan: 2.6% plus an additional 30 cents on each online transaction
• Advanced Shopify Plan: 2.4% plus an additional 30 cents on each online transaction

For sales made in person, like in a store or at a market stall using Shopify's POS system, these fees are a bit lower:

• Basic Shopify Plan: 2.7%
• Shopify Plan: 2.5%
• Advanced Shopify Plan: 2.4%

These Shopify fees are charged for each transaction and not for each item sold. So, if a customer buys several items at once, the fixed fee is applied only once to the total sale and not to each item.

Transaction Fees

If you opt not to use Shopify Payments for your transactions, Shopify applies an additional transaction fee. This means that each time a customer makes a purchase, a percentage of the sale is paid to Shopify. These fees vary depending on the Shopify pricing plan you have chosen.

• Basic Shopify Plan: 2%
• Shopify Plan: 1%
• Advanced Shopify Plan: 0.5%

It's important to factor in these Shopify fees when deciding on a plan, as they can affect the overall profitability of your business. Remember, these transaction fees are in addition to any credit card processing fees charged on each sale made through your Shopify store.

How can you avoid Shopify Transaction Fees?

To avoid transaction fees on your Shopify store, you can use Shopify Payments, the platform's payment service. However, you'll still need to cover credit card fees. These fees are simply part of the deal when accepting credit card payments online and are charged by Shopify to manage the money transfer from buyers to you.

If you use Shopify Payments, you could benefit from lower credit card fees depending on which Shopify pricing plan you have. But there's a catch: Shopify Payments isn't available everywhere.

Shopify Payments is only for stores in certain countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Denmark
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Spain
• UK
• US

If your dropshipping store isn't in one of these countries or regions, you'll need to find a payment processor other than Shopify Payments. You'll also need to factor in the transaction fees Shopify charges.

Which Shopify Pricing Plan should you choose?

Selecting a Shopify pricing plan is about finding the right fit for your business's current stage and future growth.

If you're just starting, the Basic Shopify pricing plan is your entry point. It's budget-friendly and provides all the necessary tools to get your online store up and running. It's perfect for newcomers to e-commerce who want to start selling without a hefty investment.

As your business begins to grow and attract more customers, the Shopify pricing plan is the next logical step. This plan is tailored for businesses that have started to grow and need more features, such as better reporting tools for understanding sales patterns, as well as lower credit card and transaction fees, which can save money as sales volume increases.

For larger businesses looking for advanced features, the Advanced Shopify pricing plan is the way to go. It offers in-depth analytics, the best shipping discounts for those shipping large volumes, and it supports up to 15 staff accounts. This plan is designed to support a business that is scaling up.

At the high end, there's Shopify Plus for the big players. This is for businesses at the enterprise level that need a platform that can handle a high volume of online transactions and complex e-commerce operations. It provides extensive customization options and dedicated support to meet the demands of large-scale businesses.

Understanding Additional Shopify Costs

When running an online store with Shopify, it's essential to look beyond the basic monthly fees and consider other possible expenses. Knowing these costs helps you plan your budget better and keeps your business on track.

Shopify App Store

The Shopify App Store is like a large online shop filled with over 6,000 different tools and add-ons for your Shopify website. These tools are made by various companies and are designed to add new features to your online store. While browsing this wide range of options, remember that some tools may cost extra.

For example, if you want to offer customer memberships or manage a dropshipping business, you might need to purchase specific Shopify apps that provide these functions. These optional online purchases can give your Shopify store more capabilities and help meet your specific business requirements.

Domain Name

When setting up your online store, remember that a domain name isn't part of the package on Shopify. You can purchase one directly from Shopify, simplifying the process by keeping your store and domain in one place. Alternatively, you can use external services like Namecheap to buy your domain. Regardless of where you get it from, this cost is billed annually and is separate from your monthly Shopify subscription.

If you're unsure what to name your store, our free domain name generator can help you decide.

Shopify POS

With Shopify, you get a basic point-of-sale system known as POS Lite. This setup lets you process payments and track orders in person, syncing everything with your Shopify store. If you need more features, like handling sales across various channels, managing your team and customers, and getting detailed reports on your sales, Shopify offers a POS Pro upgrade. This advanced service comes with an extra cost of $89 each month. This is for each location.

Shopify themes

Shopify has a variety of themes to help your store look its best. You can choose from free Shopify themes, but if you want your store to stand out with a unique design and more features, you might opt for a premium theme. These special themes range in price from $150 to $350.

Email Hosting

Shopify itself doesn't offer email hosting as part of its core services. However, if you're looking to send emails that display your store's domain, you'll need an additional app for that.

Shopify has an app called “Shopify Email” that you can add for free. With it, you can send up to 10,000 emails monthly without cost. And if you need to send more emails, you'll be charged $1 for every additional thousand emails you send.

Shopify Cost vs. Competitor Prices

Known for its extensive selling tools and intuitive design, Shopify stands as a popular choice for many businesses. But when it comes to the cost, how does Shopify stack up against other eCommerce platforms?

• Shopify vs Wix: Unlike Shopify, Wix doesn't impose regular transaction fees. However, to sell products, you must subscribe to the VIP or eCommerce plan, which comes with a higher monthly cost. While Shopify provides extensive in-person selling capabilities through its POS system, Wix lacks native POS integration.
• Shopify vs Squarespace: Squarespace may not be ideal for larger businesses like Shopify, but it excels as a website builder for small online shops. It also surpasses Shopify's online marketing capabilities with features like an integrated email campaign manager and additional tools like chatbots to enhance customer shopping experiences.
• Shopify vs BigCommerce: BigCommerce offers a range of accounting and reporting tools comparable to Shopify's but stands out because it doesn't impose transaction fees on sales. However, BigCommerce does have sales limits based on your plan, a restriction not present with Shopify.
• Shopify vs Weebly: Weebly falls short of Shopify's extensive eCommerce features but now offers Square Online, a new eCommerce platform. It's competitively priced, starting at $10 monthly for shopping carts without extra transaction fees, yet lacks Shopify's advanced sales and inventory management functions.

Getting Started with Shopify

The Shopify pricing plans are tailored for any business level. The Shopify Basic Plan is budget-friendly for newcomers, the mid-tier Shopify Plan provides growth tools with reduced costs, and the Advanced Plan offers extensive features for large-scale operations with the best payment and shipping rates. Choose the plan that aligns with your business needs, and let Shopify help you scale your success.

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