Ever tried understanding Shopify’s pricing plans and thought, “Is this a puzzle, or am I just missing something?” You’re not alone. Navigating the labyrinth of Shopify fees and costs can be tricky—like trying to figure out why socks disappear in the laundry. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re just getting started or already running an empire, let’s unravel Shopify’s pricing, fee structures, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Table of Contents
- Shopify Pricing Overview
- How Shopify Fees Work
- Shopify Plan Breakdown: Basic, Shopify, Advanced, Plus
- Starter, Retail, and Enterprise Commerce Plans
- Shopify Pricing Comparison Table
- Hidden Shopify Costs: Themes, Domains, and More
- Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business
- The Power of Data in Optimizing Shopify with AzLytics
- FAQs About Shopify Pricing and Fees
Shopify Pricing Overview
So, you’ve decided to dive into eCommerce and Shopify seems like the right fit. But which plan do you choose? Spoiler alert: it depends on your business size, your revenue goals, and how much you hate surprise fees.
Shopify offers four main plans, each tailored to different stages of business growth:
- Basic Shopify: $39/month ($29/month if you pay annually). Perfect for startups and small businesses.
- Shopify Plan: $105/month ($79/month annually). Great for businesses ready to scale.
- Advanced Shopify: $399/month ($299/month annually). Best for high-volume stores with complex needs.
- Shopify Plus: Starting at $2,000/month. For the powerhouses running large-scale operations.
Whether you’re just selling a few quirky items or running a store that rivals Amazon, there’s a Shopify plan for you. Let’s break down what each plan includes and, more importantly, how much you’re actually going to spend.
How Shopify Fees Work
Now, Shopify’s pricing isn’t as straightforward as their catchy marketing would have you believe. Here’s where the fine print comes into play: Shopify fees aren’t just about your monthly subscription. There are transaction fees, credit card fees, and hidden costs to consider.
- Subscription Fees: Your monthly or yearly Shopify plan.
- Transaction Fees: The percentage Shopify takes if you’re using a third-party payment processor (e.g., PayPal).
- Credit Card Processing Fees: Shopify charges for every transaction, whether it’s made online or in-person. These vary depending on the plan.
Feeling confused yet? Hang tight—we’re about to make this easier than assembling Ikea furniture (well, maybe).
Shopify Plan Breakdown: Basic, Shopify, Advanced, and Plus
Basic Shopify Plan: $39/month ($29/month annually)
Perfect for: Entrepreneurs just getting started or those selling a small volume of products.
- Credit Card Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (online), 2.7% (in-person)
- Transaction Fees: 2% with third-party gateways
- What You Get:
- Unlimited product listings
- Two staff accounts
- Up to 1,000 inventory locations
- Basic reporting tools
Why It’s Great: It’s simple and effective, like using a hammer to nail down the basics.
Shopify Plan: $105/month ($79/month annually)
Ideal for: Growing businesses looking to scale their operations.
- Credit Card Fees: 2.6% + $0.30 per transaction (online), 2.5% (in-person)
- Transaction Fees: 1% with third-party gateways
- What You Get:
- Five staff accounts
- Detailed reporting and analytics
- Gift cards, abandoned cart recovery
- Up to 77% shipping discounts
Why It’s Great: Offers more bang for your buck with useful features to help you grow—like the swiss army knife of eCommerce.
Advanced Shopify Plan: $399/month ($299/month annually)
Best for: High-volume stores and businesses ready for advanced features and lower fees.
- Credit Card Fees: 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction (online), 2.4% (in-person)
- Transaction Fees: 0.5% with third-party gateways
- What You Get:
- 15 staff accounts
- Custom reporting, advanced analytics
- Real-time shipping rate calculations
- Up to 88% shipping discounts
Why It’s Great: It’s like upgrading to first class—you get a lot more for what you’re paying.
Shopify Plus: Custom Pricing (Starting at $2,000/month)
Designed for: Large-scale enterprises that need customized features and support.
- Credit Card Fees: Starting at 2.15% + $0.30 per transaction
- Transaction Fees: 0% if using Shopify Payments
- What You Get:
- Unlimited staff accounts
- Advanced automations
- Global selling and wholesale support
- Priority customer support
Why It’s Great: Shopify Plus is like having a personal butler for your eCommerce empire.
Shopify Starter, Retail, and Enterprise Commerce Plans
For those who don’t need the full Shopify experience, there are smaller (and more affordable) plans. Here’s a quick look at what else is on offer:
Shopify Starter: $5/month
For people selling via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the Starter plan offers a simple storefront and buy button, without the full website.
- Transaction Fees: 2.4% per transaction with Shopify Payments, 2% for third-party payment processors.
Shopify Retail: $89/month
Built for brick-and-mortar businesses, this plan includes tools for in-person selling and syncing inventory across multiple locations.
Shopify Pricing Comparison Table
Let’s face it, numbers are easier to digest in a table. So here’s your cheat sheet for Shopify’s pricing and fees across plans.
Hidden Shopify Costs: Themes, Domains, and More
You thought you were done with costs after picking your plan? Nope. Shopify’s like the gift that keeps on giving, except the gifts are expenses.
- Themes: While free themes exist, the premium ones can set you back anywhere from $150 to $350.
- Domains: A custom domain will cost around $10 to $15 per year. Read more on domain pricing here.
- Apps: Need an app to handle inventory or marketing? Apps can range from $9 to $299 per month, depending on the complexity. For an in-depth look at the best Shopify apps, check this guide.
Choosing the Right Shopify Plan for Your Business
Okay, now that we’ve laid out all the cards on the table, how do you know which plan is right for you? Well, it depends on where you are in your eCommerce journey:
- For new businesses: Start with the Basic Shopify plan to get your feet wet. You can always upgrade later.
- For growing businesses: Shopify Plan is the sweet spot for businesses looking to scale.
- For high-volume sellers: The Advanced Shopify plan will save you money with lower fees and better features.
- For enterprises: If you’ve got the budget, Shopify Plus gives you enterprise-grade tools and the VIP treatment.
The Power of Data in Optimizing Shopify with AzLytics
So, you’ve picked your plan, but how do you really know if it’s working for you? That’s where data comes in—and that’s where AzLytics makes a world of difference.
AzLytics, powered by AI, dives deep into your Shopify data, helping you:
- Identify which products are your top performers.
- Understand where you’re losing customers at checkout.
- Maximize profits by streamlining costs and increasing conversions.
With AzLytics, you’re not just running a store—you’re running a data-driven machine that’s built to succeed.
FAQs About Shopify Pricing and Fees
1. What’s the best Shopify plan for beginners?
The Basic Shopify plan is ideal for those just starting out.
2. Does Shopify charge transaction fees if I use Shopify Payments?
No, Shopify doesn’t charge additional transaction fees when using Shopify Payments, only credit card processing fees.
3. Are there any discounts for annual Shopify plans?
Yes! Shopify offers a discount for annual payments, reducing your monthly fee.
4. Can I change my Shopify plan later?
Absolutely! Shopify is designed to be flexible, so you can upgrade or downgrade your plan as your business grows.
