Shopify Plus Review

Pros

• Aimed at large businesses
• Dedicated personal customer support
• Scalable, with up to 10 stores included
• Attractive design templates

Cons

• Add-ons often necessary
• Limited features
• High monthly cost

What Is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is an enterprise eCommerce platform for large businesses doing more than $80,000 in sales each month.

Though Shopify Plus comes with a high price tag that starts at around $2,000 per month, it delivers some benefits (including lower fees) that may make the price well worth paying. Shopify Plus even features a special onboarding program and priority support options that can make eCommerce easier than ever.

Keep in mind that Shopify Plus is not meant for smaller online. To match its service and features, Shopify pricing is high-end, too. So if your sales ambitions are bigger than your current online revenues, you might do better starting with one of Shopify’s more basic offerings. Check out some great shopping cart software for beginners to find an easy-to-use and cost-effective eCommerce option and compare your choices. Shopify offers four paid plans that may fit your needs, and your budget, much better.

On the other hand, if your company is one of the bigger fish in the eCommerce pond, keep reading this Shopify Plus review. For comparison purposes, here’s a list of just a few current Shopify Plus clients: Staples, Heinz, Bombas, Dressbarn, Jenny Craig, Magnolia, Leesa, and Crate & Barrel. You could say Shopify Plus is a big deal, for big-name companies.

Shopify Plus Pricing

Pricing for merchants on Shopify Plus is customized to each client’s business needs. However, the base price is $2,000 USD per month and it goes up from there, with a revenue-based additional 0.25% charge for merchants making $80k+ in eligible platform transactions (the net value of any online or POS transactions processed through your Shopify store) during any given month. Pricing adjusts each month based on these calculations. Although the price is on the high side, rest assured that Shopify Plus delivers added features to match the added cost.

If you use Shopify Payments as your payment processor, you can expect to pay a processing fee of 2.15% + $0.30 on each transaction processed using a domestic credit card. International cards and American Express credit cards incur a 3.15% + $0.30 fee. And if you choose to process payments through a third-party payment gateway, you will be charged an additional 0.15% transaction fee on top of the fees charged by your processor. This transaction fee will be waived if you choose to use Shopify Payments for your payments instead. Read our review of Shopify Payments to learn about the pros and cons.

Shopify Plus Features

Any Shopify plan (with the exception of the minimalist Shopify Starter plan) comes with the essential features you’ll need to operate an online store. All plans come with unlimited bandwidth, unlimited products, and no cap on sales. Here’s a brief rundown of those features. See our full Shopify review for all the full details on these, or test Shopify’s features yourself with a free trial subscription.

Shopify Plus Themes

Shopify offers a selection of 100+ mobile-responsive themes, including free and paid options. These themes are easy to customize, and Shopify Plus users can add multiple themes to their account, allowing you to test new themes, keep seasonal versional, or test changes. To customize those themes, you can use Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor. Sections are customizable blocks of content that allow you to customize content with fewer restrictions to better match your original idea for your store.

Screenshot of Shopify webpage, captured 11/17/2021

Types Of Payment Accepted With Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus accepts domestic and international card payments through a variety of payment gateways. If you use Shopify’s in-house payment processor, Shopify Payments, you’ll avoid an added 0.15% transaction fee that comes on top of fees charged by your processor.

If you’re comfortable with the added transaction fee and want to use a different payment processor, Shopify Plus is compatible with over 100 payment gateways, including:

• Adyen
• Authorize.net
• Braintree
• PayPal
• Sezzle
• Skrill

You can also access the in-house payment option Shop Pay (previously called Shopify Pay). It’s a one-click, secure payment option that stores customers’ information and makes checkout fast and easy. Shopify also offers several buy-now-pay-later options, including a special partnership with Affirm.

Selling On Multiple Sales Channels With Shopify Plus

You can sell on more than 20 channels in addition to your own site, including major social networks and marketplaces. That includes Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Messenger with Buy buttons. Add integrations for additional marketplaces, like Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Marketplace, and eBay.

Does Shopify Plus Offer Buy Buttons?

Buy buttons are embeddable codes that can be placed on any type of webpage to allow instant eCommerce. Shopify Plus supports this with its own Shopify Buy Button.

Selling Internationally

Shopify supports international selling and checkout in over 50 languages. Stores can be set up in five languages and you can accept 133 international currencies. Your online sales can be both international and local, with the option to host up to nine expansion stores.

Shopify Plus Marketing Features

Upgrades to the standard Shopify admin allow you to simplify the management of your entire company with new tools. You’ll be able to manage users, create new stores, update workflows, and access a high-level overview of key business metrics across all stores in your organization.

And you’ll still be able to access coupons, gift cards, and discount features, including BOGO, then apply them to specific products or categories. Limit the offers to specific customer groups, specify the number of uses, or apply a minimum order total. Use abandoned cart recovery tools and engage visitors via live chat.

At checkout, your customers can create personal accounts or opt for guest checkout. Or use Shop Pay to make checkout even easier for customers.

Additionally, Shopify’s easy-to-implement automation tool, Shopify Flow, lets you streamline your daily processes. Look into Shopify Scripts to automate campaigns and flash sales. Use Launchpad when you introduce a new product or plan a flash sale, and you’ll receive automatically generated reports that can span multiple stores.

Shopify Plus Product Limits

Like all Shopify stores, Shopify Plus allows unlimited products.

Inventory Management With Shopify Plus

List unlimited products and track them with inventory management and category organization tools. Build your catalog using Shopify’s bulk import/export feature to ease migration from a previous platform or to make bulk edits to your catalog.

It’s easy to add products and variants. Users can adjust prices, SKUs, and inventory for each variant and configure different product weights for shipping. You can also add variant-specific images. Use a bulk editor to make it easier to manage data.

Shopify Plus Shipping Tools

If you use Shopify Shipping you can access carrier-calculated rates and get a discount on those rates. You can also integrate your Shopify store with a number of popular dropshipping apps made to work seamlessly with Shopify.

Shopify Plus SEO Tools

Standard SEO features include customizable H1s and the ability to write titles, products, and meta tags. A sitemap.xml is automatically generated for your store.

Blogging

Use the built-in blogging engine to tell stories that increase customer engagement, boost your store’s SEO, and convert lookers into buyers. Manage your blog right from your admin and add it to your main navigation menu if you like.

Shopify Plus Discounts & Coupons

Coupons, gift cards, and discounts, including BOGO, are supported.

Developer Tools

If you’re looking for even more design versatility, you’ll need to get into your storefront’s code. Shopify offers robust developer resources. Shopify uses its own templating language called Liquid. You can also edit HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Furthermore, Shopify Plus supports additional API calls and resources that are not available to users on other Shopify plans. You’ll be able to access three REST APIs (GiftCard, Multipass, and User) and two GraphQL resources (publishablePublish and publishableUnpublish). You’ll also be able to access unlimited sandbox and development environments to test and build your store before making changes. You can work on front and back ends at the same time, in any programming language, with headless commerce.

In-Person Selling Tools

Available as an add-on with most Shopify plans, Shopify POS Pro is included at the Shopify Plus level. It allows you to use the POS Pro tool for up to 20 locations in your organization, at no additional charge.

Wholesale Channel

Shopify Plus lets you create a separate, password-protected storefront that extends your online store. You can track wholesale customers and orders from your Shopify admin, use existing product data and integrations, and manage all your B2C and B2B business from one place. You can also offer customized price lists that let you offer wholesale buyers the same products retail customers can view.

Priority Support

Shopify Plus includes priority support that’s available 24/7 in addition to a merchant success program that gives you access to products, platforms, and training options. You can also access assistance with third-party integrations, connect with other Shopify Plus users and social media, and browse the Partners Directory to access peer support and potential partners. If you prefer self-help options, you can visit the Shopify Plus Academy for specialized support, online workshops, and self-guided courses on almost 100 topics.

You’ll also have access to a special Launch Team ready to help you get your store online faster. That includes assistance with migration tools and strategies, custom integrations, and solutions that meet your unique needs. With this assistance, most Shopify Plus sites are up and running within 90-120 days.

Is Shopify Plus Easy To Use?

Like the standard Shopify software that it’s based on, Shopify Plus is elegant, simple, and easy to navigate.

You can test out the basic Shopify software using a free 14-day trial, with no credit card required. All you have to do is enter some contact information and answer a few questions about your store, and you’ll be set up for a free trial account. Note that you cannot access Shopify Plus during this trial period. If you are considering upgrading to Shopify Plus, you should contact a sales rep for more information that can help you decide.

Although there was no beginner’s tutorial to get me started using Shopify, it wasn’t a huge deal because, as it turns out, the Shopify dashboard is simple and easy to use.

All of the most important features (orders, products, customer records, analytics, discounts, apps) can easily be found in the dashboard’s sidebar. Other settings, like payment methods, adjustments to the checkout page (including language selection), tax and shipping settings, and email notifications, can be found at the bottom of the sidebar under (you guessed it) “Settings.” Adding a product takes only a few clicks.

As a whole, Shopify’s dashboard does an excellent job. If you can use a WordPress dashboard or even a Facebook account, you can operate a Shopify store.

And although Shopify Plus gives you access to new features and tools, using the software is still pleasantly comfortable to do.

Customer Service & Support

Customer service is where Shopify Plus really excels. While all Shopify clients receive 24/7 support, Shopify Plus clients can count on priority service around the clock.

You’ll start by connecting with a Shopify Plus consultant to decide if it’s the right fit for your business. Your consultant will map out your requirements, assess your business needs, walk you through the Shopify Plus platform, and help you identify opportunities for growth, expansion, and efficiencies.

Once you sign up for Shopify Plus, your account should be activated within 24 hours. You’ll receive an introduction email that includes a link to join Jumpstart, Shopify Plus’s onboarding program. You’ll also receive contact information for the Shopify Plus Priority Support team that will be available to you 24/7. A dedicated launch team will consult with you on best practices for re-platforming and building your online store, including international storefronts, custom integrations, data migration, and more.

Sign up for “New from Shopify Plus,” and you’ll receive a weekly newsletter via email with information about product feature releases, beta opportunities, and Shopify Plus events. Visit the Shopify Plus Academy to access in-depth how-to articles and eCommerce strategies presented in nearly 100 self-guided courses. You can also watch tutorials and access Q&As with business owners there.

You’ll also have access to a roster of Shopify Plus Partners, award-winning agencies, and software solutions that specialize in helping businesses. If at any point you feel you need a little help, contact your Plus support team for immediate assistance.

Shopify Plus Integrations & Add-Ons

Overall, Shopify earns an Excellent rating for the extensive set of available integrations and add-ons available in the Shopify App Store. You’ll find well over 3,200 options to choose from there, meaning you’re more than likely to find what you need to customize your store. Some integrations, such as Avalara AvaTax, are available only at the Shopify Plus level.

And when you upgrade from a lower Shopify subscription to the Shopify Plus level, you gain a few more options. If you have an in-house development team, they can use Shopify Plus’s advanced customization capabilities, including your checkout.liquid theme template. You can tap into the Shopify Plus Partners networks if you don’t have in-house options. Or you can rely on Shopify Plus Certified App Partners to find apps selected for their quality and ability to deliver complex solutions. Shopify Plus customers also gain access to Beta programs, allowing you to preview and influence Shopify products.

Shopify Plus’s own Shopify Flow system lets you integrate your existing systems, such as CRM or ERP software, to connect your apps across your business. This allows you to automate basic tasks and complex processes and lets you view analytics, create a new store, and manage automations across the full business spectrum. Extend the platform with REST and GraphQL APIs or work with Shopify Plus certified apps and partners for custom solutions.

Shopify Plus Reviews

While Shopify’s general services receive their fair share of complaints, balanced with rave reviews, Shopify Plus has very few negative comments. I assume this is due to the excellent customer service provided at this level of support. If a Shopify Plus client has a problem, it’s likely resolved at higher levels than an online complaint board.

Shopify Plus has a solid 4.8/5 stars on Capterra and a 9/10 rating on Trust Radius. Let’s take a look at some of the negative comments first.

Negative Shopify Plus Reviews & Complaints

Although users are generally satisfied, a few patterns emerge. Here are some relatively common complaints about Shopify Plus:

• Too Many Integrations Required: While the huge variety of integrations can be seen as a plus, it also emerges as a negative for some users, who say that instead of improving the core product, Shopify Plus urges users to patch gaps with an app that may or may not always work seamlessly. The costs for those add-ons can quickly add up, and some add-ons don’t seem to play so well with others.
• High Cost: Even though Shopify Plus is aimed at high-volume merchants, the high monthly subscription cost is a deal-breaker for some would-be users.
• Limited Customizability: Although you are able to change many aspects of your Shopify Plus storefront and backend, Shopify is not an open-source solution. Therefore, you will not be able to change every nitty-gritty detail of your store. Many larger merchants who are accustomed to open-source shopping carts are frustrated by these limitations.

Positive Shopify Plus Reviews & Testimonials

There are many client testimonials available on Shopify Plus’s website and at review sites online. Here are some things they have in common:

• Easy To Use: Shopify’s biggest appeal is ease of use, and this remains true for Shopify Plus. As a fully hosted eCommerce solution, Shopify takes care of hosting, security, content delivery, and other technical details for you. That means you won’t necessarily have to maintain a team of developers on staff.
• Endless Integrations: Shopify connects seamlessly with many popular software solutions, including marketing and accounting options. So you’re likely to be able to continue using the familiar systems that work best for your business.
• Good Support: Shopify Plus users seem satisfied with the level of customer support they are able to access.
• Scalability: Shopify Plus’s ability to handle large influxes of orders is a huge bonus. Companies attest to the benefits of scalability during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the holiday season in general, and during new product releases. Shopify Plus also is a great option for those running multiple online stores.
• Customization: Using Shopify Plus’s tools, developers are able to build apps for Shopify’s backend in order to meet the specific needs of a company.

Shopify Plus FAQs

Final Verdict

On the whole, I’m impressed with Shopify Plus. There are very few negatives to the service, and most of these can be solved with an app. Shopify Plus’s reliable, personalized customer service, its ability to scale to a large company’s needs, and the endless customization possibilities make eCommerce a whole lot easier.

While the price of these services would clearly overwhelm a smaller store, for a company with hundreds of thousands in revenue, Shopify Plus may actually save money. With the ability to handle more traffic comes the ability to make more sales and ultimately grow into an even larger and more successful business.

You may have read this far and realized that you’re not quite ready for Shopify Plus. If you’re still looking for the right platform for your online store, compare the options from our top recommendations for the best eCommerce platforms. One of those choices may be right for you. On the other hand, if you’ve outgrown your previous software provider, take a good look at Shopify Plus. Try out the basic software with a free trial, talk to a Shopify Plus consultant, and see if it’s right for you to make the move to this enterprise-level plan.

The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆

Shopify Plus	Visit Site

After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Shopify Plus for yourself.

The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆

Shopify Plus	Visit Site

After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Shopify Plus for yourself.

Sources