When Shopify was first launched in 2006, it was all about helping small businesses get online quickly and easily. And honestly, it worked—countless entrepreneurs turned their ideas into reality using Shopify’s simple tools.
But the story didn’t end there. As those businesses grew, they started facing new challenges. For instance, they needed more power, more flexibility, and more features to support their growing customer base.
That’s when Shopify came up with Shopify Plus.
The idea was simple: Keep Shopify’s ease of use but make it powerful enough for growing businesses.
So, is Shopify Plus the right fit for you? Let’s find out in this post.
What is Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is Shopify’s premium platform designed for businesses that are growing fast or already operating at a large scale. It offers the same easy-to-use foundation that Shopify is known for but adds more power, flexibility, and advanced tools to meet the demands of bigger brands.
You can think of it as Shopify with an upgrade—a version that’s built to handle high traffic, large sales volumes, and complex needs, all while keeping things simple for the business owner.
Shopify Plans Comparison
| Feature | Standard Shopify Plans | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Small to medium-sized businesses | Fast-growing and enterprise-level businesses |
| Checkout Customization | Basic, non-customizable checkout | Fully customizable checkout experience |
| Performance and Scalability | Handles moderate traffic and sales volumes | Built to handle high-traffic and global sales |
| Exclusive Tools | Limited tools, suitable for smaller operations | Advanced tools like Shopify Flow, Launchpad, and Scripts |
| Support | General 24/7 support | Dedicated Merchant Success Manager and priority support |
| Pricing | Starts at $39/month (depending on the plan) | Starts at $2,000/month, scales with your business |
We ensure your business gets the most out of this powerful platform.
Key Features of Shopify Plus
Here are some of the features that make Shopify Plus the go-to platform for businesses looking to scale without compromising on performance or flexibility.
1. Unlimited Scalability
Shopify Plus is built to handle the demands of high-growth businesses. Whether it’s a flash sale or a seasonal spike in traffic, the platform can manage high-volume traffic and process unlimited transactions without slowing down. This makes it a reliable choice for brands that can’t afford downtime.
2. Customizable Checkout
Unlike standard Shopify plans, Shopify Plus gives you full control over your checkout process. You can tweak everything from the layout to the functionality to create a unique, branded experience that converts. For example, you can add custom discount logic, integrate third-party payment options, or streamline the checkout flow for specific customer segments.
3. Multi-Store Management
For businesses operating in multiple markets, Shopify Plus offers a centralized dashboard to manage all your stores. You can run multiple stores in different languages, currencies, and regions—all from a single account. This feature is perfect for brands expanding internationally or managing multiple product lines.
4. Dedicated Support
Shopify Plus goes beyond standard support by assigning you a dedicated Merchant Success Manager. This person works with you to optimize your store, plan for growth, and solve complex issues. Plus, you get 24/7 priority support to ensure your operations run smoothly at all times.
5. Advanced Automation
One of the standout features of Shopify Plus is its focus on automation. With tools like Shopify Flow, you can automate repetitive tasks like inventory updates, customer segmentation, and order management. This not only saves time but also reduces the chances of human error.
6. Robust Integrations
Shopify Plus supports a wide range of third-party apps and APIs, giving you the flexibility to build custom workflows and integrations. Whether you need to connect to your CRM, ERP, or marketing tools, Shopify Plus can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems.
Benefits of Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus is designed to help businesses grow effortlessly while providing an outstanding customer experience. With its powerful tools, global reach, and unmatched flexibility, it’s built to support the needs of fast-growing brands.
1. Improved User Experience
Shopify Plus is built to make shopping easy and enjoyable. With quick page loads, smooth checkout, and designs that adapt to any device, your customers can browse and buy with no hassles. These features not only make them happier but also help increase your conversion rates.
2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Automation tools like Shopify Flow and Launchpad simplify your day-to-day operations. From updating inventory to scheduling promotions and segmenting customers, these tools save your team valuable time, allowing them to focus on driving strategic growth.
3. Global Reach
Expanding into international markets is easy with Shopify Plus. The platform supports multiple languages, currencies, and tax rules, so you can connect with customers worldwide. Whether you are running local promotions or customizing your stores for different regions, Shopify Plus has everything you need to scale globally.
4. Brand Customization
Shopify Plus gives you complete freedom to design a Shopify store that truly represents your brand. From fully customizable checkout experiences to tailored product pages, the platform offers powerful tools to help your store stand out. With Shopify Scripts, you can also add personalized touches, like discounts or shipping rules, to enhance the shopping experience.
Who Should Consider Shopify Plus?
I’ll be honest– Shopify Plus isn’t for everyone, but it’s the perfect fit for businesses that need more than what standard Shopify plans offer. Here are the types of businesses that should seriously consider upgrading to Shopify Plus:
1. Businesses Experiencing Rapid Growth
If your business is growing quickly and experiencing a surge in traffic and transactions, Shopify Plus is the ideal platform. It’s built to handle large volumes of activity, including up to 10,000+ checkouts per minute and unlimited bandwidth. Whether you are running a flash sale, a product launch, or a Black Friday event, Shopify Plus ensures your site remains fast and reliable, no matter the demand.
2. Enterprises Needing High Customization and Integration
For businesses with complex needs, Shopify Plus offers advanced customization options. Whether it’s creating a unique checkout experience or integrating with third-party tools like CRMs or ERPs, Shopify Plus provides the flexibility and tools to tailor your store to your exact requirements.
3. eCommerce Stores Generating $1M+ Annually
Shopify Plus is designed for stores with significant revenue. If you are generating over $1 million annually, the platform’s advanced features, automation tools, and scalability can help you optimize operations and maximize growth.
4. Brands Aiming to Expand Globally or Manage Multiple Stores
If you are planning to enter new markets or already operate in multiple regions, Shopify Plus makes it easy to manage everything from a single dashboard. You can set up stores in different languages, handle multiple currencies, and ensure a consistent brand experience across all markets.
With features like high scalability, global reach, and extensive customization options, Shopify Plus is perfect for businesses ready to scale to the next level. And if any of these scenarios sound familiar, it might be time for you to explore Shopify Plus.
Costs and ROI: Is It Worth the Investment?
Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month, and the price increases based on your business’s revenue and specific needs. While it may seem pricey compared to Shopify’s basic plans (which start at just $39 per month), the value it offers is hard to ignore:
- Enterprise-Level Features: You get advanced tools, unlimited bandwidth, and the ability to integrate custom solutions tailored to your business.
- Dedicated Support: You’ll have direct access to a Merchant Success Manager and priority customer service to keep things running smoothly.
- Global Functionality: Manage multiple stores, customize for different regions, and scale as your business grows.
The ROI of Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus offers a solid return on investment in a few key ways:
- Increased Sales: Shopify Plus can handle high traffic and busy sales periods without downtime, so you don’t have to worry about losing customers during crucial moments like product launches or flash sales. With customizable checkouts and advanced personalization tools, you can also boost your conversion rates.
- Operational Efficiency: Automation tools like Shopify Flow help reduce manual tasks, saving your team time and cutting costs. Plus, features like Launchpad make it easier to run promotions and manage events, streamlining your processes.
- Scalability: As your business grows, Shopify Plus grows with you. It removes the hassle and expense of migrating to a new platform by providing a scalable foundation that supports your long-term needs.
Shopify vs. Other Enterprise Solutions
When compared to other enterprise-level eCommerce platforms like Magento or BigCommerce Enterprise, Shopify Plus stands out in terms of simplicity, speed, and cost-efficiency:
| Platform | Starting Cost | Ease of Use | Customization | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify Plus | $2,000/month+ | User-friendly | Extensive, with APIs | Minimal, cloud-hosted |
| Magento Enterprise | $22,000/year+ hosting | Complex | High, but developer-heavy | High, self-hosted |
| Magento Enterprise | $1,000-$15,000/month | User-friendly | Limited compared to Plus | Minimal, cloud-hosted |
So, Is It Worth It?
If your business is generating over $1 million in annual revenue, Shopify Plus can quickly pay for itself by improving efficiency, driving sales, and making it easier to scale. If you are experiencing rapid growth, expanding globally, or feeling limited by your current platform, Shopify Plus is probably a smart investment for the next stage of your business.
Conclusion
Shopify Plus isn’t just another eCommerce platform—it’s a powerful solution made for fast-growing and enterprise-level businesses looking to scale without limits. With features like customizable checkouts, multi-store management, advanced automation, and dedicated support, it’s built to tackle the unique challenges that come with high-volume merchants.
If your business is growing quickly, bringing in significant revenue, or expanding into new markets, Shopify Plus is the answer. It offers the scalability, flexibility, and tools you need to take things to the next level. Just be sure to assess your business needs, goals, and budget to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Additionally, partnering with a Shopify Plus Agency can help you get the most out of the platform. Shopify Development Experts like cmsMinds know the ins and outs of eCommerce development and can help you create a store that’s perfectly tailored to your business. With their help, you can focus on growing your business while they handle the heavy lifting, making it easier to reach your goals and thrive.
Ready to scale your business with Shopify Plus? We’ll help you maximize the platform’s potential.
