Shopify Pricing Plans: Choose the Best for You

Shopify is one of the top platforms in eCommerce, with over 2.1 million active users daily. It’s an ideal solution for anyone wanting to start and grow an online store, whether you're an experienced seller or just getting started.

In this guide, we’ll break down Shopify's pricing plans, transaction fees, and explore some alternatives to help you choose the best option for your business. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to get your store up and run smoothly.

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Shopify pricing plan overview

Shopify offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different business needs and budgets. Whether you're just starting out or running an established store, there’s a plan that fits your business.

Here’s a breakdown of the monthly and annual pricing for each plan, along with the transaction fees that can add up over time. Let’s dive into the specifics so you can choose the right plan for your store.

Start

• Monthly Price: $5
• Annual Price: Not available
• Transaction Fees: 5% + $0.30 per online transaction

Basic

• Monthly Price: $39
• Annual Price: $29/month (Save 25%)
• Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction

Retail

• Monthly Price: $89
• Annual Price: $79/month (Save 25%)
• Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction

Shopify

• Monthly Price: $105
• Annual Price: $79/month (Save 25%)
• Transaction Fees: 2.7% + $0.30 per online transaction

Advanced

• Monthly Price: $399
• Annual Price: $299/month (Save 25%)
• Transaction Fees: 2.5% + $0.30 per online transaction

Shopify Plus

• Starting Monthly Price: $2,300
• Annual Price: Not available
• Transaction Fees: Lowest fees of any plan, vary by country

While it’s essential to carefully evaluate each plan’s features, Shopify offers a great opportunity to try things out first. You can sign up for a free trial and then lock in the next three months for just $1/month to test out the platform’s capabilities before committing to a plan.

With Shopify's flexible plans, you can choose the one that aligns with your goals and budget while scaling your store as you grow.

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Find the best Shopify plan for your store

When selecting the best Shopify plan for your online store, it’s crucial to look beyond just the pricing. You’ll want to consider the features, benefits, and transaction fees associated with each plan to make an informed decision.

In this section, we’ll take a deeper dive into the details of each Shopify plan, helping you determine which one aligns best with the needs of your new or established store.

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Shopify Starter Plan

The Shopify Starter Plan is the most budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for newcomers to eCommerce. Whether you're just getting started or exploring Shopify through a trial, this plan allows you to launch your store with ease.

All you need to begin is an image and a description of the product you're selling. It’s that simple.

Key Features:

• Sell on Social Media: Leverage Linkpop to sell directly through popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok.
• Mobile Shopify Point of Sale: Use your smartphone to sell in-person, wherever you are.
• Online Store: Get your own custom product pages and checkout experience, all integrated within Shopify.
• Order Management: Simplify inventory tracking and order fulfillment, using the Shopify Fulfillment Network, without having to handle the logistics yourself.
• Store Analytics: Access key sales and customer insights to help grow your business.

Best For:

• New to eCommerce
• Social media influencers
• Casual sellers
• Small businesses and startups
• Testing out new business ideas

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: $5
• Shopify Transaction Fee: 5% + $0.30 per transaction if using Shopify Payments

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Shopify Basic Plan

As your business grows and you find the Shopify Starter Plan limiting, the Shopify Basic Plan is the perfect next step. It provides additional features to help your business scale smoothly and efficiently.

The Basic Shopify plan is designed to give you more flexibility and control, with everything you need to create a professional online presence.

Key Features:

• Two Admin Accounts: Provide access to the Shopify admin panel for two team members, enhancing your ability to manage operations effectively.
• Custom Online Store: Customize your store’s appearance with Shopify’s intuitive online store builder, offering you more design freedom.
• Built-in Blogging Engine: Publish blog posts, share updates, and engage directly with your audience to foster stronger relationships.
• Basic Reports: Access essential reports like product analytics, sales performance, customer acquisition, inventory tracking, and marketing insights.
• Shopify Fulfillment: Manage up to 1,000 inventory locations and take advantage of up to 77% off shipping rates from major carriers like DHL Express, UPS, or USPS.

Best For:

• Individual sellers
• Small businesses ready to scale
• Entrepreneurs looking for a more customizable store

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: $39, or $29 per month with an annual plan
• Shopify Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction when using Shopify Payments

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Shopify Retail Plan

The Shopify Retail Plan is a great choice for businesses looking to manage both their online and in-store presence seamlessly. It combines features from both the Basic Shopify and Shopify plans, offering additional tools to streamline inventory management, staff coordination, and customer interactions.

This plan is perfect if you’re operating a physical retail location alongside your online store.

Key Features:

• Two Admin Accounts: Provide access to your store’s admin panel for two team members, enabling efficient store management and team collaboration.
• Unlimited Point of Sale Logins: Scale your in-person sales by allowing unlimited team members to log into your Point of Sale system, helping you manage sales across multiple locations.
• Spotlight Theme: Customize your store's design with the Spotlight theme, which allows you to personalize the look of your store with a cover photo, business logo, and customizable theme colors.
• Shopify Fulfillment: Manage up to 1,000 inventory locations and take advantage of Shopify’s powerful fulfillment tools.

Best For:

• Retail businesses with both online and physical locations
• Businesses that need more robust inventory management tools

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: $89, or $79 per month with an annual plan
• Shopify Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction when using Shopify Payments

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Shopify Plan

The Shopify Plan is designed to support a growing business with advanced tools for scaling. It offers all the features of the Basic Shopify Plan, plus additional capabilities for a more streamlined operation, including lower transaction and credit card processing fees.

This plan is ideal for businesses looking to grow quickly while managing a larger team and expanding their online presence.

Key Features:

• Five Admin Accounts: Allow up to five team members to access your store’s admin panel, making collaboration and store management more efficient.
• Shopify POS Pro: Provide your entire team with unrestricted access to the Shopify Point of Sale system, plus additional features such as automatic discounts and retail store analytics.
• Professional Reports: Generate detailed sales, retail, and profit reports to track the performance of your business and make informed decisions.
• Shopify Markets: Utilize Shopify’s cross-border management tools to create tailored shopping experiences for different countries, enabling smoother international expansion.

Best For:

• Retailers with larger teams
• Growing online businesses looking for advanced features and quick expansion

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: $105, or $79 per month with an annual plan
• Shopify Transaction Fee: 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction when using Shopify Payments

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Shopify Advanced Plan

The Advanced Shopify Plan is tailored for businesses experiencing rapid growth that require advanced eCommerce features and tools to support high sales volumes. With this plan, you'll benefit from the best payment rates and the most robust capabilities to scale your business effectively.

Key Features:

• 15 Staff Accounts: Grant access to your Shopify admin panel for up to 15 team members, enabling better management and collaboration.
• Unlimited POS Logins: Allow your entire team to use the Shopify Point of Sale system without any limitations, streamlining in-person sales.
• Carrier-Calculated Shipping: Offer your customers the most up-to-date and accurate shipping rates by integrating with third-party carriers.
• Custom Reports: Take advantage of Shopify’s default reports or create your own customized reports to track your business performance more effectively.
• Shopify Markets: Use Shopify’s built-in tool to handle duties, taxes, and currency adjustments, allowing you to set prices by country or region for a more personalized international experience.

Best For:

• Rapidly growing online businesses
• Established brands
• Medium-sized to large businesses seeking advanced features and scalability

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: $399, or $299 per month with an annual plan
• Shopify Transaction Fee: 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction when using Shopify Payments

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Shopify Plus Plan

Shopify Plus is a premium, enterprise-level solution designed for large-scale businesses with complex needs. Offering all the features of the Shopify Advanced plan, plus additional tools and customization options, Shopify Plus is built to support high-volume sellers who need robust and scalable eCommerce solutions.

Key Features:

• Unlimited Staff Accounts: Grant as many team members access to the admin panel as you need, without any restrictions, ensuring smooth and scalable operations.
• Organization Settings: Efficiently manage multiple stores, users, and billing all from one central location, making it easier to oversee complex business operations.
• 20 Shopify POS Pro Locations: Expand your in-person sales across up to 20 locations while maintaining accurate order and inventory tracking.
• Advanced Shopify Apps: Gain access to exclusive apps designed for high-growth businesses, such as B2B features, wholesale channels, and Launchpad for streamlined product launches.
• Shopify Plus Partners: Work with industry experts and experienced partners who can provide tailored guidance to boost revenue and improve operational efficiency.

Best For:

• Large enterprises with complex needs
• High-volume sellers looking for a robust platform
• Businesses requiring custom solutions and extensive support

Pricing and Transaction Fees:

• Monthly Fee: Starting at approximately $2,300
• Transaction fees vary depending on specific agreements with Shopify.

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Shopify Plans Compared

Wait, why haven’t we discussed Shopify Lite yet?

While some long-time Shopify users are still on the Shopify Lite plan, it's important to note that new merchants can no longer sign up for this plan. However, if you’re just starting, the Shopify Starter plan at just $5/month is an excellent alternative, offering all the basics to test the waters and see if Shopify is the right platform for your needs.

The Shopify Starter plan allows you to sell directly on social media and messenger platforms, perfect for small-scale sellers looking to dive into eCommerce with minimal investment.

If you're aiming to grow your small business and want more features like a dedicated online store and detailed marketing reports, consider upgrading to the Basic Shopify plan at $39/month (or $29/month with the annual plan). This plan gives you all the tools you need to kickstart your online business.

For those who already have a profitable business or need more advanced features, the Shopify plan at $105/month (or $79/month annually) could be the right fit. This plan offers lower transaction fees and additional features like professional reports, which are essential for businesses that are scaling.

If you're in rapid growth mode and want to manage multiple store locations or expand internationally, Advanced Shopify plans are the way to go. These plans not only offer even lower fees but also advanced tools that allow you to manage multiple stores and make your business truly global.

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Start a Shopify eCommerce business with Tapstitch

Launching your own eCommerce store is simple with Shopify and Tapstitch. Whether you’re new to online retail or an experienced seller, this powerful combination allows you to create, sell, and ship custom products effortlessly.

1.Sign Up

Create your Tapstitch account in just a few steps. Simply enter your email, set a password, or log in with your Gmail account to get started.

2. Create Products

Explore Tapstitch's vast Product Catalog, featuring the industry’s largest selection. Choose the items that best suit your Shopify store, then upload or design your own graphics using our free Product Creator. Customize your designs with layers, text, and our easy-to-use design tools.

3. Connect Your Store

Link your Shopify store to Tapstitch with just a few clicks. We also integrate with popular eCommerce platforms like Etsy, Walmart, and WooCommerce, making it easy to automate product creation and order fulfillment.

Start selling custom products with ease, and let Tapstitch handle the printing and shipping for you!

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Additional Shopify costs

Shopify stores face more than just subscription and transaction fees on this eCommerce platform.

To manage your store successfully, it’s crucial to understand all the additional features and services you may need. Let’s dive into the extra costs associated with running your Shopify store!

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Shopify POS

If you're selling in person at a physical location or during events, the Point of Sale (POS) system is the perfect solution for managing inventory and ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers.

However, for a complete POS setup, you’ll need to account for additional software and hardware costs, all of which Shopify provides.

Subscription Costs:

• Free: A POS Lite location is included with all Shopify plans, offering basic features like limited staff access, customer profiles, and easy purchase returns and exchanges.
• $89 per month per location (billed monthly): Upgrades to POS Pro offer advanced features such as unlimited staff logins, customer lifetime value reports, and local pickup options.

Hardware Costs:

• Free: Use Tap to Pay on your iPhone to accept contactless payments without needing extra hardware.
• $49: Small Tap & Chip Card Reader for accepting chip and contactless payments.
• $299: POS Go terminal with a barcode scanner and card reader.
• $349: Shopify POS Terminal that includes both a POS Go and a compatible dock. It also allows you to customize the checkout experience with branded images.

For a complete retail setup, check out Shopify's Retail Collection for additional accessories like docks, cases, tablet stands, and terminal kits.

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Shopify apps

The Shopify App Store provides a wide range of apps for everything from store customization and management to marketing automation and order fulfillment.

While many apps offer free versions, some may come with a subscription fee or require a one-time purchase.

For example, you can integrate with Tapstitch to create and sell custom products at no cost. You’ll only pay for order fulfillment.

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Shopify themes

Shopify provides all the essential tools for running a successful online business, including a wide selection of high-quality website themes.

The Shopify Theme Store offers 12 free themes, but if they don’t meet your needs, you can explore over 170 paid themes, ranging from $140 to $400, or opt for a third-party theme.

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Domains

Every Shopify account comes with a default ‘.myshopify.com’ domain, but you have the option to change it to a new ‘.myshopify.com’ domain for free.

If you prefer a custom domain, you can purchase one through Shopify or an external domain registrar.

Domain Costs

1. Domain Provider: Different domain providers, like GoDaddy or Shopify itself, offer varying pricing options based on your business needs.
2. Keywords: If your domain includes popular search terms, it might be more expensive than using less common names.
3. Top-Level Domain (TLD): Pricing can also vary by TLD, with domains like ‘.com,’ ‘.net,’ and ‘.org’ often being pricier than others.

Quick Tip：Use Shopify’s free domain name generator to instantly check if your desired domain is available for purchase.

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Email hosting

To stay connected with customers through newsletters, order follow-ups, and email campaigns, you'll need a reliable email service.

Shopify doesn’t provide email hosting directly, but it does offer built-in marketing features that allow you to send up to 10,000 emails per month for free. After that, it’s $1 for every additional 1,000 emails.

While customers can reply to your campaigns, replies will be sent to a forwarding email address instead of your custom domain email.

If you use a Shopify-managed domain, you can set up unlimited custom domain email addresses that forward messages to your personal or business email (such as Gmail or Outlook).

Alternatively, you can use third-party email hosting services like Google Workspace ($6–$18 per user/month) or Zoho Mail (as low as $1 per user, billed annually).

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Shopify vs alternatives: A pricing comparison

When considering your eCommerce store's platform, it’s crucial to weigh your options and find what works best for your needs. Here’s a comparison of Shopify with Wix and Squarespace, which can give you some insight into what’s out there.

Pricing

• Shopify starts at $5/month with the Start plan, providing a solid foundation for new stores.
• Wix offers its Light plan for $16/month, which is also beginner-friendly, but with some additional features that might interest you if you’re focusing on design.
• Squarespace has a similar starting price at $16/month (Personal plan), with a focus on strong design features but fewer built-in integrations for eCommerce than Shopify.

Ease of Use

• Shopify is user-friendly and feature-packed, which makes it great for both small businesses and those looking to expand. You’ll feel at home creating and selling on Shopify, especially with tools like Tapstitch to help streamline your print-on-demand needs.
• Wix is super intuitive for beginners, which makes it appealing if you’re just getting started.
• Squarespace is simple but tends to be more design-oriented, so it’s perfect if aesthetics are a major priority for your brand.

Features

• Shopify offers access to a massive library of themes, apps, and integrations, including some amazing tools for a custom clothing line, perfect for your needs if you’re looking to push forward in the fashion world.
• Wix shines with multilingual support and fast performance, along with a broad range of integrations that might help as you scale.
• Squarespace excels in its design features, but its app ecosystem isn’t as extensive as Shopify’s.

Marketing & Sales

• Shopify has excellent email marketing and blogging capabilities, which should serve you well if you want to tell your brand story effectively and engage customers.
• Wix stands out with strong email marketing and blogging features, perfect for a creator looking to blend content and sales.
• Squarespace offers email marketing with a subscription but can be a bit limiting compared to Shopify’s expansive integrations.

Ultimately, each platform has its strengths. But given your focus on building a fashion brand with Tapstitch's print-on-demand capabilities, Shopify would be the ideal choice to support your business growth, while offering customization, scalability, and a robust set of marketing tools. You’ll have the flexibility to integrate seamlessly and grow without limitations.

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Shopify pricing FAQ

1.What is the cost of Shopify?

Shopify pricing starts at $5/month with the Shopify Starter plan, which is ideal for selling on social media platforms. The basic Shopify plan costs $39/month (or $29/month on the annual plan). The more advanced plans (Shopify, Advanced Shopify, and Shopify Plus) range from $105/month to $2,300/month, depending on the features and scale you need.

2.Can I get a free trial on Shopify?

Yes, Shopify offers a 3-day free trial for new users to explore the platform and its features. You can set up your store and see how Shopify works before committing to a paid plan.

3.Are there additional costs I should be aware of?

Yes, besides your monthly fee, consider other potential costs like domain registration or using special apps for your store. These can help enhance your store’s functionality but may come at an extra charge.

4.Can I use Shopify to sell in person as well as online?

Yes! With Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system, you can sell products in person at events or in a store. This feature lets you manage your sales and inventory seamlessly, making it easy to run both online and physical stores.

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To summarize

Refer to our breakdown of Shopify pricing plans and additional expenses to choose the one that best suits your needs.

By using Tapstitch for free, you can start earning profits from selling custom merchandise online! With the right plan, along with smart strategies and dedication, you can elevate your business to new heights in 2024 and beyond.

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