If you’re considering building your eCommerce store on Shopify, you’re in good company! Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for online businesses, offering a range of plans to fit different needs and budgets. But with multiple options to choose from, deciding which plan is best for you can be overwhelming.

In this guide, I’ll break down Shopify’s plans, who they’re best suited for, and how you can take advantage of a special offer to save big when you’re just starting out.

Shopify’s Special Offer: Save Big on Your First 3 Months

Before diving into the details, here’s some great news: Shopify currently offers a special promotion for new users. You can get your first three months of Shopify for just $1/month on select plans.

This is a fantastic opportunity to test Shopify’s features without a large upfront commitment. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs launching their store or migrating from another platform.

Overview of Shopify’s Plans

Shopify offers several plans, ranging from the beginner-friendly Basic plan to the robust Advanced option. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

1. Basic Plan ($29/month)

Who it’s for:

New store owners and solo entrepreneurs looking for an affordable plan to launch their online store.

Key Features:

• Fully functional online store with 2 staff accounts.
• Basic reporting and analytics.
• Lower transaction fees when using Shopify Payments.

If you’re building your first Shopify store, the Basic Plan offers everything you need to get started, including hosting, SSL certification, and access to Shopify’s app store.

2. Shopify Plan ($79/month)

Who it’s for:

Growing businesses with small teams that need more robust tools and staff accounts.
Key Features:

• Up to 5 staff accounts.
• Professional reports for better analytics.
• Mid-level transaction fees for external payment gateways.

Card rates starting at:

• 2.7% + 30¢ USD online
• 2.5% + 10¢ USD in person
• 1% 3rd-party payment providers

The Shopify Plan is great if your store is scaling, and you need more insights to optimize operations and marketing.

3. Advanced Plan ($299/month)

Who it’s for:

Larger businesses with high sales volume or advanced reporting needs.

Key Features:

• Up to 15 staff accounts.
• Advanced reporting tools, including custom reports.
• Lower transaction fees for external payment gateways.
• Calculated shipping rates for customers.

Card rates starting at:

• 2.5% + 30¢ USD online
• 2.4% + 10¢ USD in person
• 0.6% 3rd-party payment providers

If you’re running a high-revenue store, the Advanced Plan provides the flexibility and tools needed to manage your growth efficiently.

4. Shopify Plus (Custom Pricing)

Who it’s for: Enterprise-level businesses or those with very high sales volume.
Key Features:

• Unlimited staff accounts.
• Custom checkout experiences.
• Dedicated account manager and priority support.

Shopify Plus is designed for big brands or businesses with complex requirements. It’s overkill for most small to medium-sized stores but a great option if you’re operating at scale.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Store

When deciding on a Shopify plan, consider these factors:

1. Your Budget: Starting out? Take advantage of the $1/month promotion and begin with the Basic Plan.
2. Your Store Size: Small businesses can thrive with the Basic or Shopify Plan. Advanced and Plus plans are more suitable for large-scale operations.
3. Features You Need: Do you need advanced reporting, multiple staff accounts, or custom checkout options? Pick the plan that aligns with your needs.
4. Growth Goals: If you plan to scale quickly, it might be worth starting with a mid-tier plan to avoid upgrading later.

Final Thoughts

Shopify offers a plan for everyone—from those testing the waters with online selling to seasoned entrepreneurs managing a large business. Take advantage of the $1/month promotion to explore Shopify risk-free and see how it can help grow your store.

At Studio Kinde, we build Shopify websites designed to fit your unique business needs. Whether you’re on the Basic Plan or Shopify Plus, our templates and services are designed to integrate seamlessly with any plan. If you have questions about which plan is right for you or need help setting up your store, we’re here to help!