What is Shopify Plus?

Businesses that are ready to scale need more than just a basic platform—they need a powerhouse that can handle heavy traffic, provide extensive customization, and offer support when it's needed most. Enter Shopify Plus.

But what exactly is Shopify Plus, and why should it matter to your business? Simply put, it’s the premium version of Shopify, designed for businesses that have outgrown the basic tools offered by Shopify’s regular plans. Think of it as Shopify on steroids—packed with advanced features, dedicated support, and a level of flexibility that makes scaling smoother than ever.

Whether you're experiencing rapid growth, dealing with a complex product catalog, or looking to take your business global, Shopify Plus is built to give you all the resources you need. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Shopify Plus—from its core features and benefits to its pricing structure and how it stacks up against regular Shopify plans. So, if you're considering an upgrade or just curious if Shopify Plus is right for you, keep reading. We’ve got all the details to help you make the right call for your business.

What is Shopify Plus?

At its core, Shopify Plus is a premium e-commerce platform designed for large businesses with complex needs. While Shopify’s regular plans are excellent for entrepreneurs and small businesses, Shopify Plus is built to support high-volume merchants who need more power, flexibility, and support.

Shopify Plus offers all the benefits of Shopify, but with enhanced features and greater control over your store's operations. It’s specifically tailored to handle the scale and complexity that come with running a larger business—whether it’s managing a higher volume of traffic, customizing your checkout experience, or expanding globally.

For businesses that want to streamline their operations, scale with ease, and provide a world-class shopping experience, Shopify Plus offers the perfect solution.

Key Features of Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus is packed with features designed to support high-growth businesses that require advanced tools, customizations, and seamless scalability. Let's break down the key features that set Shopify Plus apart from its standard plans and make it the go-to solution for enterprises.

1. Advanced Customization Options

One of the standout features of Shopify Plus is the level of customization it offers, which can be a game-changer for businesses looking to create a unique shopping experience for their customers.

• Full Access to Shopify Liquid: Shopify Plus users gain access to Shopify Liquid, the powerful template language behind Shopify’s themes. This allows you to make significant customizations to your store's design and functionality.
• Personalized User Experience: Whether you need a customized checkout, specific product page layouts, or unique design elements, Shopify Plus gives you full control over how your store looks and feels. You can tailor everything from the theme to the checkout process to better reflect your brand and cater to your audience’s preferences.
• Custom Features: Need additional functionality that Shopify doesn’t offer out-of-the-box? Shopify Plus allows you to integrate custom features that can enhance your store’s performance and functionality. For example, businesses with large product catalogs can implement features that simplify browsing and product filtering.
• Unique Customer Journey: You can create a distinctive customer journey by adding custom features or using Shopify's extensive app store. This flexibility is especially valuable for businesses in competitive industries that need to stand out from the crowd.

2. High Capacity and Scalability

As your business grows, it’s critical to have a platform that can keep up with the demands of increased traffic and higher sales volume. Shopify Plus is built to handle high-volume stores, offering the scalability and capacity required to support large-scale operations.

• Unlimited Bandwidth: Shopify Plus supports unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t need to worry about slowdowns during high-traffic periods like sales, promotions, or holidays. Your site will remain fast and responsive even when you're experiencing a traffic surge.
• Handling High Traffic: The platform is designed to manage millions of visitors at once without compromising on speed or reliability. This ensures that your store can handle large amounts of traffic and continue operating smoothly, even on your busiest days.
• Sales and Traffic Spikes: Whether you're preparing for a major product launch or gearing up for seasonal sales events, Shopify Plus has the infrastructure to handle sudden increases in orders and traffic. It’s built to scale with your business, so as you expand, Shopify Plus will be there to support you.

3. Dedicated Support and Account Management

Running a high-volume e-commerce store means that downtime can result in lost sales, making reliable customer support a must. Shopify Plus offers 24/7 priority support to ensure that you have the resources you need to keep everything running smoothly.

• Dedicated Account Manager: Shopify Plus provides dedicated account managers who are available to help with any challenges or questions. This personalized support means that you won’t have to wait in long queues or struggle with generic solutions.
• Tailored Advice and Solutions: Whether you’re troubleshooting a technical issue or looking for ways to optimize your store’s performance, your dedicated account manager can offer personalized advice based on your business’s unique needs.
• Priority Response Time: With Shopify Plus, you won’t be left waiting for responses. Your priority status ensures you get the help you need when you need it most—minimizing downtime and keeping your business running smoothly.

4. Multi-Channel Selling and Integration

Selling on just one platform is no longer enough. Shopify Plus allows you to easily sell across multiple platforms, making it easier to expand your reach and grow your audience.

• Multiple Sales Channels: Shopify Plus integrates with a wide range of sales channels, including Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and even brick-and-mortar stores. This makes it easier to manage your products and inventory from a single platform.
• Unified Dashboard: You can manage all your channels—both online and offline—through one centralized dashboard, allowing you to keep track of inventory, sales, and customer data across multiple platforms.
• Seamless Integration: Shopify Plus makes it easy to connect with popular platforms like Facebook Shops or Instagram Shopping. You can run ads, process orders, and engage with customers—all from a single integrated system.

5. Advanced Security and Compliance

When you’re running a high-volume e-commerce store, security is one of your top priorities. Shopify Plus offers enterprise-level security features to protect both your business and your customers.

• PCI DSS Compliance: Shopify Plus is PCI DSS compliant, meaning it adheres to the highest standards of payment card security. This compliance ensures that sensitive customer data, such as payment information, is handled safely and securely.
• SSL Certificates: Shopify Plus includes SSL certificates for every store, which encrypts customer data during transactions and ensures a secure connection between your website and your customers.
• Fraud Protection: Shopify Plus offers fraud analysis tools to help protect your business from fraudulent transactions. These tools help you identify potentially risky orders and take action before any issues arise.
• Advanced Security: The platform also implements advanced security measures to safeguard against hacking attempts and unauthorized access, providing peace of mind for both business owners and customers.

Benefits of Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus is not just a platform—it’s a complete solution designed to support businesses at scale. Whether you're a growing brand looking to expand or an established business managing high traffic, Shopify Plus provides the tools and resources you need to succeed. Below are the core benefits of Shopify Plus that set it apart from standard Shopify plans.

1. Scalability to Match Your Growth

As your business expands, so do your needs. Shopify Plus is specifically designed to scale alongside your growth, offering the flexibility and capacity required to handle a larger inventory, a wider customer base, and higher traffic volumes.

• Handle Increased Traffic and Orders: Shopify Plus can handle millions of visitors and process thousands of orders per minute, making it an ideal platform for businesses that experience traffic spikes, such as during seasonal sales or product launches.
• Support for High-Volume Operations: If you're expanding into new markets or launching new products, Shopify Plus ensures that your platform can support complex product catalogs and increased operational demands without sacrificing performance.
• Unlimited Bandwidth: Shopify Plus includes unlimited bandwidth, ensuring your site remains fast and responsive, even during periods of heavy traffic. You won’t need to worry about slowdowns during busy times like Black Friday or holiday shopping seasons.

2. Automation Tools to Save Time

Managing a high-volume store involves juggling many tasks, from order fulfillment to inventory updates and customer communication. Shopify Plus comes equipped with powerful automation tools that help you reduce manual work and improve operational efficiency.

• Shopify Flow: Shopify Flow allows you to automate various tasks such as:
  
  • Order management: Automatically tagging and processing orders based on specific conditions.
  • Inventory updates: Set up automated alerts to restock products or adjust inventory levels.
  • Customer segmentation: Automate customer group creation for targeted marketing campaigns or special offers.
• Efficiency Gains: Automation not only saves time but also helps minimize errors, improving the overall efficiency of your business. By automating repetitive tasks, your team can focus on more strategic initiatives, like customer engagement or product development.
• Improved Accuracy: Automated processes ensure greater accuracy in your workflows, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that can occur with manual input.

3. Global Expansion Made Easy

Expanding internationally can be complex, but Shopify Plus provides all the tools you need to make it seamless. Whether you're looking to sell in new countries or create a localized experience for international customers, Shopify Plus has the features to help you succeed.

• Multi-Currency Support: Shopify Plus allows you to sell in multiple currencies, making it easy to offer customers in different regions the ability to shop in their local currency. This enhances the customer experience by providing a familiar and convenient checkout process.
• Multiple Languages: Shopify Plus lets you translate your store into multiple languages, allowing you to create a truly global presence while catering to customers in various markets.
• Regional Tax Management: Shopify Plus helps you manage regional tax rates, ensuring that you stay compliant with the local regulations of the markets you're entering. This makes it easier to sell globally without worrying about the complexities of international taxation.
• Local Payment Methods: Shopify Plus supports various payment methods popular in different regions, ensuring a smooth and convenient transaction experience for customers worldwide.

4. Enhanced Checkout Options

The checkout process is arguably one of the most critical aspects of an online store. Shopify Plus offers advanced customization for your checkout, allowing you to create a smooth and user-friendly experience that increases conversions and minimizes cart abandonment.

• Fully Customizable Checkout: You can personalize the entire checkout process, from the step-by-step flow to the design. Whether you want to add custom fields for customer information or introduce personalized offers at checkout, Shopify Plus gives you the flexibility to create a tailored experience.
• Promotions and Discounts: Shopify Plus allows you to set up complex discount structures and promotional offers directly in the checkout process. This could include bulk discounting, first-time customer discounts, or free shipping offers.
• Optimized for Conversions: With multiple step options, custom form fields, and personalized messaging, Shopify Plus helps reduce cart abandonment by making the checkout process as quick, intuitive, and easy as possible.
• Mobile Optimization: As mobile commerce grows, Shopify Plus ensures that your checkout is optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless experience for customers shopping on smartphones or tablets.

Shopify Plus Pricing

Pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,300 per month, but the exact cost will depend on the scale and needs of your business. Unlike Shopify’s standard plans, where pricing is fixed, Shopify Plus is customized to fit your specific requirements. The pricing reflects the advanced features, dedicated support, and enterprise-level resources that come with the platform.

For businesses that are experiencing rapid growth or managing complex e-commerce needs, the investment in Shopify Plus can be a valuable one. With its powerful features and dedicated support, Shopify Plus offers businesses the tools to expand and thrive.

Shopify Plus vs. Shopify: Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between Shopify and Shopify Plus depends largely on the scale and complexity of your business. While Shopify is a great option for small to medium-sized businesses, Shopify Plus is designed for high-volume merchants who need additional features, customization, and support.

If you’re managing a high-traffic website, a large inventory, or selling internationally, Shopify Plus offers the scalability and flexibility you need to succeed. On the other hand, if your business is just starting out and doesn’t yet need advanced features, Shopify’s standard plans might be more suitable.

How to Set Up Shopify Plus for Your Store

Setting up Shopify Plus for your store is a structured process, but don’t worry—Shopify offers support every step of the way to make it as seamless as possible. While the setup for Shopify Plus is relatively straightforward, it involves a few additional steps compared to Shopify’s standard plans due to the advanced features and enterprise-level capabilities. Below, we break down the process of getting your Shopify Plus store up and running, step by step.

1. Contact Shopify Sales

The first step in setting up your Shopify Plus store is reaching out to Shopify's sales team. Shopify Plus is a customized solution for high-growth businesses, and the sales team will work with you to understand your business’s specific needs and goals.

• Onboarding Discussion: During this phase, Shopify will discuss your business requirements in detail—whether it's high-volume sales, a complex product catalog, or a need for specific integrations. This is an opportunity to share your goals and ensure that Shopify Plus aligns with your business objectives.
• Personalized Plan: Based on your discussion, Shopify’s sales team will help create a customized plan tailored to your needs, ensuring that your store is set up with the features and tools most important for your business.
• Pricing and Features: Shopify will provide you with pricing details based on your requirements and expectations for growth. Since Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution, pricing is flexible and customized based on factors like sales volume, the complexity of your store, and required services.

2. Migrate Your Data

Once you’ve signed up for Shopify Plus, the next step is to migrate your data from your existing platform, if applicable. Shopify offers migration support to help ensure a smooth transition without losing valuable business information.

• Migration Support: Shopify provides tools and guidance for transferring your product data, customer information, order history, and other critical data to Shopify Plus. This step is essential if you're moving from another platform like WooCommerce, Magento, or BigCommerce.
• Smooth Transition: Shopify Plus has migration specialists who can assist in this process, ensuring minimal disruption to your business. These experts will help you identify the best way to transfer your store’s data, including handling any custom integrations or complex setups.
• Data Integrity: During the migration, Shopify will ensure that all of your data is accurately moved over, so you don't lose customer records, order details, or product listings. This ensures you can pick up right where you left off without worrying about the transition.

3. Customize Your Store

With your data migrated and your store ready to go, the next step is to customize your store to fit your brand, business model, and customer needs. Shopify Plus provides unmatched flexibility for customization, and you can make deep changes to your store’s design and functionality.

• Shopify Liquid: Shopify Plus gives you full access to Shopify Liquid, a powerful template language that allows you to customize your store’s themes, product pages, checkout process, and more. Liquid lets you tailor your store exactly how you want, whether you need a new theme or a completely custom layout.
• Third-Party Apps: Shopify Plus integrates with a variety of third-party apps that can extend the functionality of your store. From marketing tools and shipping solutions to customer service platforms and ERP systems, these apps can help optimize your store’s operations.
• Design and User Experience: You can completely redesign your store’s user interface (UI) to ensure it aligns with your branding and offers a seamless customer experience. Shopify Plus offers a range of tools to help you create a responsive design that works perfectly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
• Custom Features: If you have specific needs that go beyond the default Shopify features, you can add custom functionalities that enhance your store’s performance. Whether it’s advanced filtering options for products or a tailored checkout experience, Shopify Plus offers the flexibility to implement almost any feature you need.

4. Launch and Monitor

After setting up and customizing your store, it’s time to launch. This is the moment you’ve been working toward, where all the pieces come together and your Shopify Plus store goes live.

• Testing: Before launching, it’s important to test your store thoroughly to ensure that everything works as expected. This includes checking for functionality, performance, and responsiveness across all devices. Shopify Plus offers tools that allow you to conduct tests and address any issues that may arise before going live.
• Launch Your Store: Once everything is tested and optimized, you can officially launch your store. Shopify Plus makes it easy to roll out your store and reach your customers with minimal downtime.
• Monitor and Optimize: After your store is live, Shopify Plus provides a comprehensive dashboard where you can monitor your store’s performance in real-time. You can track sales, customer behavior, and even run A/B tests to optimize various aspects of your store. The dashboard provides detailed insights, allowing you to make data-driven decisions to improve your store’s efficiency and customer experience.
• Analytics Tools: Shopify Plus offers advanced analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), including conversion rates, average order value, and customer lifetime value. These insights allow you to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and marketing strategies.
• Ongoing Support: Even after the launch, Shopify Plus offers continuous support through its dedicated account managers and customer service team. You can also take advantage of Shopify Academy to further refine your skills and improve your store’s performance.

Conclusion

Shopify Plus is an enterprise-grade e-commerce solution designed for businesses looking to scale. With its advanced features, customization options, and priority support, Shopify Plus provides everything a high-growth business needs to succeed in a competitive marketplace. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the return on investment is substantial for businesses experiencing rapid growth or managing large-scale operations.

If you’re looking to streamline your operations, expand globally, or improve your customer experience, Shopify Plus offers the tools and flexibility needed to help your business thrive. As your business grows, Shopify Plus can grow with you, providing the resources and support you need to succeed.