Shopify Plus vs Shopify Advanced: is it time to upgrade?

November 23, 2023

Understanding the nuances between Shopify Plus and Shopify Advanced is crucial for businesses looking to scale their online presence. 

Both options offer cutting-edge features, but the decision to upgrade depends on various factors. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between Shopify Plus and Shopify Advanced and help you decide whether it’s time to make the switch.

Do I need Shopify Plus?

Choosing to upgrade from Shopify Advanced to Shopify Plus can be a difficult decision, as it can have a profound impact on your ecommerce businesses’ profitability and how it operates. On the one hand, upgrading too soon leaves you spending money on features you don’t really need, while failing to switch when you’ve reached the limitations of the Advanced plan can hinder business growth and profitability.

Let’s take a more detailed look at what each of these plans offer.

Shopify Plus vs Advanced: what’s the difference?

Shopify Advanced overview

Pricing structure:

• Shopify Advanced is a mid-tier plan, offering more features than the basic plans but less than Shopify Plus.
• Monthly fees are affordable at £344 per month, making it suitable for growing businesses with moderate requirements.

Customisation and features:

• Provides access to a wide range of themes and customisation options. 
• Advanced features such as custom reporting and third-party calculated shipping rates are available.

Transaction fees:

• Transaction fees are lower than the basic plans, providing cost savings for businesses with higher sales volumes.

Integration capabilities:

• Integrates with numerous third-party apps, allowing businesses to extend functionality based on specific needs.

Support and resources:

• Priority support is available to address technical issues promptly.
• Extensive documentation and community forums assist with problem-solving.

Shopify Plus overview

Enterprise-level ecommerce:

• Designed for high-volume merchants and large enterprises.
• Scales seamlessly to handle large inventories, high traffic, and complex business requirements.

Advanced customisation:

• Offers more advanced customisation options, including dedicated APIs for tailored solutions.
• Enables scripting for fine-grained control over storefronts.

Global expansion:

• Built-in multi-currency and multi-language support facilitates global expansion.
• Handles international transactions and compliance effortlessly.

Dedicated support:

• 24/7 priority support with a dedicated account manager.
• Assistance with onboarding and migration to ensure a smooth transition.

Security and compliance:

• Enhanced security measures and compliance with industry standards.
• Suitable for businesses dealing with sensitive data or requiring stringent security protocols.

When to upgrade to Shopify Plus

While the decision to upgrade really depends on individual circumstances and requirements,  there are some general indicators that tell you it may be time to upgrade. If you meet the following criteria, consider upgrading to Shopify Plus:

1. You’ve experienced rapid growth

If your business is experiencing significant growth in terms of sales volume, customer base, and product offerings.

2. You have complex business requirements

When your ecommerce operations demand advanced customisation, scripting, and API access for tailored solutions.

3. You have global expansion plans

If your business is planning to expand internationally and requires features like multi-currency support and global compliance.

4. You need enterprise-level security

For businesses dealing with sensitive customer data or requiring top-notch security features and compliance.

5. You’re planning to launch high-traffic events

If your business regularly hosts high-traffic events, such as flash sales or product launches, requiring a robust and scalable platform.

6. You need dedicated support and onboarding

When the need for 24/7 priority support and a dedicated account manager becomes crucial for your business operations.

When making the move from Shopify Plus, it’s always best to consult a specialist Shopify agency first. We can help you decide which plan is right for you, and ensure the switch is as seamless as possible – send us a message to get started.