Shopify Plans and Pricing: Cost to Create a Shopify Store in 2024

Last updated on October 16th, 2024

Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create, customize, and manage their online stores with ease. It offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to the diverse needs and budgets of different types of businesses, ranging from small startups to large enterprises. Each plan includes a range of features designed to help businesses grow and succeed in the online marketplace.

Shopify provides robust tools for managing inventory, processing payments, and handling shipping, making it easier for businesses to operate smoothly. In addition, it offers a wide range of customizable templates that enable businesses to create a unique and professional online presence without the need for extensive technical skills.

In this article, we will delve into the current Shopify pricing and plans for 2024, providing you with an in-depth understanding of what each plan offers and how it can benefit your business. We will explore the basic features included in each tier, such as transaction fee structures, support options, and additional tools like marketing automation and analytics. Furthermore, we will discuss the advantages of upgrading to higher-tier plans and how doing so can unlock more advanced functionalities, such as advanced reporting and international support.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your existing online presence, this guide will help you choose the right plan to meet your specific needs. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer picture of which Shopify plan aligns best with your business goals and how to leverage its features to maximize your online store’s potential.

Understanding Shopify Plans and Pricing for 2024

Shopify currently offers four main pricing plans – Basic Shopify, Shopify, Advanced Shopify, and Shopify Plus. Each plan caters to different business sizes and needs, with varying levels of features and support.

Basic Shopify is ideal for new e-commerce businesses, providing essential tools to get started. The Shopify plan is designed for growing businesses, offering more advanced features and professional reports. Advanced Shopify caters to larger businesses with high-volume sales, providing advanced reporting and third-party calculated shipping rates. Shopify Plus is an enterprise solution, offering a customizable, scalable platform with dedicated support for high-growth, high-demand companies. Each plan ensures that businesses of all sizes can find the right tools to succeed in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Shopify Basic Plan: Getting Started

The Basic Shopify plan is priced at $29 per month and provides all the necessary tools to set up an online store. This includes a website and blog, unlimited products, two staff accounts, 24/7 customer support, and access to over 100 payment gateways. It also includes basic reports for sales, orders, and traffic.

For businesses just starting out or with low sales volume, this plan offers everything needed to get up and running quickly without breaking the bank. However, as your business grows and you require more advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery or gift cards, it may be worthwhile to upgrade to a higher plan.

Shopify Plan: Growing Your Business

The Shopify plan is priced at $79 per month and offers all the features of the Basic plan with additional tools for growing businesses. This includes five staff accounts, professional reports, gift cards, abandoned cart recovery, and third-party calculated shipping rates.

This plan is suitable for businesses that have established themselves in the market and are seeing an increase in sales. The professional reports provide more insights into your business’s performance, while abandoned cart recovery can help recover lost sales. Third-party calculated shipping rates also allow for accurate shipping costs for both you and your customers.

Shopify Advanced Plan: Scaling to New Heights

The Advanced Shopify plan is priced at $299 per month and offers all the features of the previous plans with added benefits for high-volume businesses. This includes 15 staff accounts, advanced report building, real-time carrier shipping rates, and Shopify’s advanced report builder access.

This plan provides the tools to efficiently manage operations for businesses with high sales volume or multiple locations. The advanced report-building feature allows for a more detailed analysis of your business’s performance, while real-time carrier shipping rates ensure accurate shipping costs are calculated at checkout. With 15 staff accounts, you can also expand your team without worrying about additional fees.

Shopify Retail Plan: Bridging Online and Offline Sales

The Shopify Retail plan is priced at $89 per month and offers all the features of the Basic plan, with added benefits for brick-and-mortar businesses. This includes unlimited staff accounts, POS integration, and hardware support.

For businesses that have both an online and physical presence, this plan allows for seamless integration between the two. The unlimited staff accounts allow for easy management of in-store employees, while the POS integration and hardware support make it easy to connect your offline sales with your online store.

Shopify Plus Plan for Business Growth

The Shopify Plus plan is designed for high-growth, enterprise-level businesses and offers customized pricing based on the specific needs of the business. This plan includes all the features of the Advanced plan, with added benefits such as unlimited staff accounts, a dedicated support team, and access to a content delivery network (CDN) for faster loading times.

For larger businesses with high sales volume and complex operations, this plan provides a scalable solution to continue driving growth. The dedicated support team ensures prompt assistance for any issues that may arise, while access to CDN helps improve website performance for a seamless shopping experience. Additionally, the unlimited staff accounts allow for efficient team management as the business expands.

Enterprise Commerce Plan: Tailored Solutions for Complex Businesses

The Enterprise Commerce plan is the most customizable and flexible option offered by Shopify. It is designed for businesses with complex operations, high-volume sales, and unique needs that cannot be met by the other plans.

This plan offers all the features of the Plus plan, with additional perks such as custom pricing, personalized account management, and access to advanced APIs for deeper integrations. With this plan, businesses can tailor their e-commerce solution to suit their specific requirements and scale without limitations.

Also Read: How to Create an eCommerce Store with Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

A Comparative Study of Shopify Pricing  Plans

Choosing the right pricing plan for your business is crucial as it directly impacts your budget and resources. Here’s a brief comparison of the three Shopify plans mentioned above to help you make an informed decision:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Shopify Development in 2024

As your business grows, you may need to upgrade or change your Shopify pricing plan to meet your evolving needs. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the various factors that can affect the cost of Shopify development in 2024:

Shopify Pricing Plans

The first and most obvious factor is the pricing plan you choose for your Shopify store. As discussed in our previous section, there are several options available at different price points based on your business needs. Keep in mind that as your store grows and requires more advanced features or higher transaction volumes, you may need to upgrade to a higher-priced plan.

Shopify Domain Registration and Maintenance

In order to have a professional online presence, you will need to register a domain for your Shopify store. This typically costs around $14 per year for a .com domain, though prices can vary based on the domain extension you choose or any promotional deals available. Additionally, you may also need to renew the domain annually, which can add to the ongoing costs of maintaining your store. It’s important to factor in these expenses as part of your overall budget to ensure that your store remains accessible and professional to your customers. Investing in a custom domain not only enhances your brand’s credibility but also makes it easier for customers to find and remember your store.

Theme/Template for Shopify Website Design

One of the perks of using Shopify as your eCommerce platform is its vast selection of pre-designed themes and templates. These can range from free to hundreds of dollars, depending on the complexity and features included in the design. While some businesses may find a free or low-cost theme suitable for their needs, others may require more customizations to match their brand or specific functionalities. This can involve hiring a designer or developer to create a customized theme, which can significantly add to the overall cost.

Third-party Apps via the Shopify App Store

Shopify’s App Store offers a wide range of third-party apps that can enhance your store’s functionality and user experience. These can include features such as advanced analytics, inventory management, email marketing, and more. While some apps are free or have a one-time cost, others may require an ongoing subscription fee to access their services. It’s important to carefully consider which apps are necessary for your business and factor in their costs when budgeting for your store.

Shopify Marketing and SEO Best Practices

Having a visually appealing and functional website is essential, but it’s equally important to drive traffic to your store through marketing and SEO strategies. Shopify offers various tools and resources to help with this, such as built-in SEO features, email marketing campaigns, and social media integrations. However, investing in external services or hiring a professional may also be necessary for successful marketing efforts. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and plan for these expenses when creating your budget.

Custom Shopify Development Services

For businesses with unique and complex needs, custom Shopify development services may be necessary. This can involve building custom functionality or integrations, creating a responsive design for mobile devices, or optimizing page load speed. These services can come at a higher cost and may require ongoing maintenance fees. It’s essential to carefully assess your business’s specific requirements and budget accordingly for these development services.

Shopify Transaction Fees

In addition to monthly subscription fees, Shopify also charges transaction fees for each sale made on your store. These fees vary depending on your chosen plan, ranging from 2.9% + 30¢ for the Basic plan to 2.4% + 0¢ for the Advanced plan. It’s crucial to factor these transaction fees into your pricing strategy and budget accordingly.

Read More: A Beginner’s Guide To Turning Your Shopify Store Into A Mobile App

Additional expenses to consider for Shopify development

Aside from the monthly subscription and transaction fees, there are other costs to consider when developing a Shopify store. These may include app fees for additional features such as advanced analytics, customer reviews, and automated marketing tools. Shipping and fulfillment expenses can also add up, especially if you’re offering free shipping or expedited delivery options. Additionally, marketing costs for advertisements on social media, search engines, or influencer collaborations can be significant. It’s crucial to carefully plan and budget for these expenses, taking into account seasonal promotions or potential sales spikes, to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your online business. Proper financial planning will help you avoid unforeseen expenses and maintain a healthy profit margin.

Optional features and Addons

Aside from the essential features included in Shopify’s plans, there are also various optional features and addons that you can purchase to enhance your store’s functionality. These may include chatbots for customer support, abandoned cart recovery tools, and multi-currency support for international sales. While these may incur additional fees, they can significantly improve the user experience and ultimately lead to increased conversions and sales.

Subscription Based apps

Subscription-based apps offer ongoing services for a monthly or yearly fee. These may include inventory management, email marketing, and custom reporting tools. Before committing to these apps, it’s essential to consider the potential long-term costs and whether they align with your business goals.

Custom development

If you have specific requirements that are not fulfilled by the existing features or apps on Shopify, you can hire a developer to create custom solutions for your store. This may include designing a unique theme, integrating specialized third-party tools, or building custom functionalities. However, this option can be costly and should only be considered if it’s necessary for your business.

Premium Support plans

Shopify offers different levels of support plans for their users. These include basic, standard, and advanced options, with increasing levels of support and features offered at each tier. While the basic plan is included in all Shopify subscriptions, upgrading to a higher level may provide more comprehensive assistance for technical issues or priority support.

 Marketing and Promotion Expenses

Marketing and promoting your store is crucial for attracting customers and driving sales. While there are various free or low-cost marketing strategies, investing in paid marketing can also be beneficial. Some common expenses in this category include:

Social Media Advertising

Many businesses use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to promote their products and reach potential customers. These platforms offer paid advertising options that allow you to target specific demographics and interests, increasing the chances of reaching your target audience.

Google Ads

Google Ads is a popular advertising platform where businesses bid for ad placement on Google’s search engine results pages. This can be an effective way to attract customers searching for products similar to yours and drive traffic to your store.

Influencer Marketing

Partnering with influencers who have a significant following in your niche can help increase brand awareness and drive sales. This type of marketing usually involves paying the influencer to promote your products to their audience.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is a cost-effective way to reach out to potential customers and keep existing ones engaged with your brand. Expenses in this category may include email automation tools, design services for email templates, and costs associated with growing your email list.

Sample Cost Breakdown for Shopify website

To give you an idea of how much to budget for promoting your Shopify store, here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:

Small level website approximate cost

• Shopify Basic Plan: $29/month
• Domain Name: $10-$20/year
• Design and Development (if hiring a professional): $500-$5,000+
• Social Media Advertising (Facebook, Instagram, etc.): $100-$500+/month
• Google Ads: $100-$1,000+/month
• Influencer Marketing: Varies depending on the influencer’s reach and engagement rates.
• Email Marketing Software: $25-$50/month

Medium level website approximate cost

• Shopify Standard Plan: $79/month or Advanced Plan: $299/month
• Domain Name: $10-$20/year
• Design and Development (if hiring a professional): $1,000-$10,000+
• Social Media Advertising (Facebook, Instagram, etc.): $500-$2,000+/month
• Google Ads: $500-$5,000+/month
• Influencer Marketing: Varies depending on the influencer’s reach and engagement rates.
• Email Marketing Software: $50-$100/month

Large level website approximate cost

• Shopify Plus Plan: Custom pricing based on business needs
• Domain Name: $10-$20/year
• Design and Development (if hiring a professional): $10,000-$50,000+
• Social Media Advertising (Facebook, Instagram, etc.): $2,000-$10,000+/month
• Google Ads: $5,000-$20,000+/month
• Influencer Marketing: Varies depending on the influencer’s reach and engagement rates.
• Email Marketing Software: $100-$300/month

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How Much Does Shopify Website Development Cost Per Month? Breaking Down Shopify Costs

Aside from the initial setup cost, there are also ongoing monthly expenses to consider when budgeting for your Shopify store. These include:

• Shopify Subscription: The cost of your monthly subscription plan will depend on the level of features and support you need for your business. The Basic plan starts at $29/month, Standard at $79/month, Advanced at $299/month, and Shopify Plus has custom pricing.
• Domain Name: Typically costs between $10-$20/year.
• Design and Development (if hiring a professional): This can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your website design and features. A basic website design can start at $1,000 but can go up to $10,000 or more for a custom and complex design.
• Social Media Advertising: If you choose to run ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can expect to pay around $500-$2,000 or more per month.
• Google Ads: Similar to social media advertising, the cost of running Google Ads will depend on your budget and campaign goals. On average, businesses spend around $500-$5,000 or more per month on Google Ads.
• Influencer Marketing: Partnering with influencers to promote your products can be a cost-effective way to reach a larger audience. However, the cost will depend on the influencer’s reach and engagement rates. Some may charge a flat fee, while others may request a portion of sales from their promotions.
• Email Marketing Software: To help you manage and automate your email marketing campaigns, you may need to invest in email marketing software. These typically range from $100-$300 per month depending on the features and number of subscribers.
• Other Apps/Plugins: Depending on your business needs, you may choose to add apps or plugins to your Shopify store for additional functionality.

How can iTechnolabs help you to build a Shopify Store?

At iTechnolabs, we offer a variety of plans and pricing options to build your Shopify store. Our team consists of experienced Shopify developers, designers, and marketers who can help you create a professional and successful online presence. We understand that every business is unique and has different needs, which is why we offer custom pricing for our services. This means that we will work with you to determine the best plan and budget for your specific goals and requirements.

Our design and development services include creating a visually appealing and user-friendly website that reflects your brand’s identity. We also offer social media advertising services to help you reach a wider audience and increase your online presence. Our team can also assist with email marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, and app development to enhance the functionality of your store.

• Customized Solutions: We tailor our plans and pricing based on your unique business needs to ensure you get the most suitable solutions.
• Experienced Team: Our team of skilled designers, developers, and marketers are experts in creating professional Shopify stores.
• Comprehensive Services: From website design and development to social media advertising, email marketing, and influencer partnerships, we cover all aspects of building a successful online store.
• User-Friendly Interfaces: We focus on creating visually appealing, user-friendly websites that enhance the user experience and reflect your brand’s identity.
• Advanced Functionality: Our services include app development and integration of additional plugins to add extra functionality to your Shopify store.
• Performance Optimization: We ensure that your Shopify store is optimized for performance, providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
• Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support and maintenance to ensure your online store runs smoothly and efficiently.

Are you planning to build a Shopify Store?

Choosing iTechnolabs for building your Shopify store comes with numerous advantages that set us apart from the competition. Our team delivers custom solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of your business, ensuring a seamless and effective online presence. We leverage the latest technologies and best practices to enhance user experience, optimize performance, and drive sales. Our dedicated support team is always available to assist you with any issues or updates, making sure your business runs smoothly at all times. With iTechnolabs, you get a partner committed to your success, helping you navigate the complexities of e-commerce with ease and confidence.

• Custom Solutions: iTechnolabs understands that no two businesses are alike, and provides bespoke solutions that align perfectly with your unique needs and goals.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Leveraging the latest technologies ensures that your Shopify store is both cutting-edge and future-proof.
• Enhanced User Experience: Our focus on user-friendly design ensures a seamless and intuitive shopping experience, which can drive customer satisfaction and retention.
• Performance Optimization: We implement industry best practices to ensure your store runs efficiently, reducing load times and enhancing overall performance.
• Comprehensive Support: Our dedicated support team is always on hand to assist with any issues or updates, ensuring your store remains operational and successful.
• Scalability: iTechnolabs builds stores that can grow with your business, making it easy to scale operations as your customer base expands.
• Integrated Marketing Strategies: We offer additional services such as SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns to help drive traffic and increase sales.
• Security: Ensuring your Shopify store is secure is a top priority, protecting your business and customers’ data from potential threats.

Important: Shopify Theme UX Essentials: Tips for Creating an Intuitive User Experience

Conclusion:  

With iTechnolabs as your Shopify development partner, you can expect a comprehensive and cutting-edge solution that meets all your e-commerce needs. Our expertise in the platform, combined with our commitment to customer satisfaction, allows us to deliver exceptional results for businesses of all sizes. Let us handle the technical aspects of your online store so that you can focus on growing your business and achieving success.

FAQs on Shopify Pricing Plans and Cost

How to build a Shopify store?

Building a Shopify store is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Firstly, sign up for a Shopify account and select your desired pricing plan. Next, choose a theme from the available options or customize your own using the theme editor. Then, add your products and organize them into collections. You can also add apps to enhance the functionality of your store. Finally, set up payment and shipping options, and launch your store!

How much does Shopify cost?

Shopify offers three pricing plans: Basic Shopify, Shopify, and Advanced Shopify. The cost ranges from $29 to $299 per month, depending on the features and capabilities included in each plan. Additionally, there may be additional fees for apps or add-ons that you choose to integrate into your store.

Are there free templates available on Shopify?

Yes, Shopify offers a variety of free templates that you can use for your store. These templates are customizable and provide a professional and visually appealing design for your online store. However, if you want more advanced features or a unique design, there are also paid templates available.

How much fee does Shopify take per transaction?

The transaction fee for using Shopify Payments, the built-in payment processor, is 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions and 1.8% for in-person transactions. However, if you use a third-party payment processor, such as PayPal or Stripe, additional fees may apply.

How to save money with Shopify website builder?

One way to save money with Shopify is by choosing the Basic Shopify plan, which offers all the necessary features for a small or new business. You can also take advantage of free templates and avoid excessive app subscriptions that may add to your monthly cost. Additionally, consider utilizing discounted or free trials offered by some apps to test their effectiveness before committing to a subscription.  Lastly, regularly review and optimize your store’s performance to reduce unnecessary expenses and increase profitability.  Overall, with careful planning and budgeting, you can effectively use Shopify without breaking the bank.