7 Ecommerce Tips and Tricks for Deciding When to Upgrade to Shopify Plus from Shopify

If you are running an ecommerce business, you know how important it is to stay ahead of the game and up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. Shopify has been a trusted platform for thousands of online businesses worldwide for many years. However, as your ecommerce business grows and scales, you may find yourself reaching the limits of what Shopify can offer.This is where Shopify Plus comes in. Shopify Plus is a more advanced enterprise-level platform that offers more advanced features and capabilities for growing ecommerce businesses. But with all the investments and changes that come with an upgrade, how do you know if it is the right time to make the switch? Below are seven tips and tricks to help you decide when to upgrade to Shopify Plus from Shopify.

Upgrading to Shopify Plus

Before we dive into the factors to consider when upgrading to Shopify Plus, let’s first understand what Shopify Plus is. Shopify Plus is a premium version of the standard Shopify platform. It was created to meet the growing needs of high-volume merchants and can handle large order volumes, complex inventory management, and high-traffic stores that require stability and scalability.

Some of the features of Shopify Plus include:

• Advanced automation tools for managing products, orders, and customers
• Unlimited bandwidth and hosting
• Customizable checkout process for a seamless customer experience
• API access to enable custom solutions and integrations
• Advanced security and compliance features, such as Level 1 PCI compliance, SSL certification, and 24/7 monitoring and support

Now, let’s dive into the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus to understand if a switch is right for you.

One of the biggest advantages of upgrading to Shopify Plus is the dedicated support and account management that comes with it. Shopify Plus merchants have access to a dedicated account manager who can provide personalized support and guidance on how to optimize their store for growth. Additionally, Shopify Plus offers priority support with faster response times and access to exclusive resources and events.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Shopify and Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus provides a whole host of features and benefits that are not available with regular Shopify. Some of the key differences include:

• Scalability: Shopify Plus can handle larger order volumes, high-traffic stores, and complex inventory management. Regular Shopify can handle up to 10,000 orders per minute, while Shopify Plus can handle up to 10 times that amount.
• Customization: Shopify Plus offers more flexibility and customization options than regular Shopify. You’ll have the ability to create custom storefronts, integrate with third-party apps and services, and customize your checkout process.
• API Access: Access to Shopify’s API allows for custom solutions and integrations, such as a personalized product recommendation engine or a custom checkout flow for your store.
• Account Management: Shopify Plus merchants receive a dedicated account manager who can help with technical issues, migrations, training, and more.
• Pricing: The price for Shopify Plus is higher than regular Shopify, as it offers more advanced features and support. Pricing for Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month.

Aside from the differences mentioned above, Shopify Plus also offers additional features that cater to enterprise-level businesses. One of these features is the ability to create multiple storefronts, which is useful for businesses that operate in different regions or have multiple brands. Another feature is the ability to create custom checkout experiences for different customer groups, such as wholesale customers or VIP clients.

Shopify Plus also offers more advanced security features, such as PCI compliance and DDoS protection, which are essential for businesses that handle sensitive customer information. Additionally, Shopify Plus offers faster load times and better performance, which can improve the overall user experience and increase conversion rates.

How to Determine If Your Business is Ready for the Upgrade to Shopify Plus

Now that you understand the key differences between Shopify and Shopify Plus, you may be wondering if your business is ready for the upgrade. Here are some factors to consider:

• How many orders are you receiving per minute or hour?
• Are you experiencing any issues with site downtime or slow page load times?
• Do you require any specific or custom features that are not available in regular Shopify?
• What is your budget for ecommerce platform investment?
• Do you need a dedicated account manager to help with technical issues, migrations, training, and more?

If you answered yes to any of these questions or are experiencing pain points related to your ecommerce platform’s limits, it may be time to consider upgrading to Shopify Plus.

Another factor to consider is the size of your business. If you have a large inventory or a high volume of sales, Shopify Plus may be better equipped to handle your needs. Additionally, if you have multiple stores or international sales, Shopify Plus offers more advanced features for managing and scaling your business.

It’s also important to think about your future growth plans. If you anticipate significant growth in the near future, upgrading to Shopify Plus can provide the flexibility and scalability you need to accommodate that growth. Plus, with access to exclusive apps and integrations, you can customize your ecommerce platform to meet your evolving needs.

The Benefits of Shopify Plus Features, Including Customization and API Access

Upgrading to Shopify Plus comes with a host of benefits, including customization and API access. With Shopify Plus, you’ll have access to:

• Advanced automation tools for managing products, orders, and customers
• Unlimited bandwidth and hosting
• Customizable checkout process for a seamless customer experience
• API access to enable custom solutions and integrations
• Advanced security and compliance features, such as Level 1 PCI compliance, SSL certification, and 24/7 monitoring and support

Additionally, Shopify Plus merchants receive a dedicated account manager, who can help with technical issues, migrations, training, and more, making the transition to the new platform even easier.

Another benefit of Shopify Plus is the ability to create and manage multiple stores from a single account. This is particularly useful for businesses with multiple brands or product lines, as it allows them to keep their inventory and customer data separate, while still managing everything from one central location. Additionally, Shopify Plus offers advanced reporting and analytics tools, which can help merchants gain insights into their sales, customer behavior, and marketing efforts, and make data-driven decisions to grow their business.

Comparing the Costs of Shopify vs. Shopify Plus: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The cost of upgrading to Shopify Plus from Shopify depends on your specific business needs. Shopify Plus starts at $2,000 per month, while Shopify’s basic plan starts at $29 per month. However, with Shopify Plus, you’ll have access to a host of advanced features, customization options, and API access that aren’t available with regular Shopify.

It’s important to assess your business needs and budget before making a decision. If you are experiencing pain points related to your ecommerce platform’s limits or require advanced features, customization, and API access, upgrading to Shopify Plus may be worth the investment.

One of the key benefits of Shopify Plus is the ability to handle high volumes of traffic and sales. Regular Shopify plans may struggle to handle sudden spikes in traffic during peak sales periods, leading to website crashes and lost revenue. Shopify Plus, on the other hand, is designed to handle high volumes of traffic and sales, ensuring that your website stays up and running during peak periods.

Another advantage of Shopify Plus is the dedicated support and account management that comes with the plan. Shopify Plus merchants have access to a dedicated account manager who can provide personalized support and guidance on how to optimize your ecommerce store. This level of support can be invaluable for businesses looking to scale and grow their online presence.

Case Studies: Businesses That Have Successfully Upgraded to Shopify Plus

There are many examples of businesses that have successfully upgraded to Shopify Plus and have reaped the benefits of an advanced, scalable ecommerce platform. Here are a few examples:

• Gymshark, a fitness apparel company, saw a 226% increase in revenue after switching to Shopify Plus. The company was able to scale its ecommerce operations and handle significant traffic spikes during peak sales periods.
• Bulletproof, a food and wellness company, experienced a 300% increase in order volume after upgrading to Shopify Plus. The company was able to customize its checkout process and provide a more seamless customer experience, resulting in increased sales and revenue.

Another business that has successfully upgraded to Shopify Plus is Kylie Cosmetics, a makeup brand founded by Kylie Jenner. The company was able to handle a massive influx of traffic during product launches and restocks, resulting in increased sales and revenue. Additionally, Shopify Plus allowed Kylie Cosmetics to easily integrate with other marketing and sales channels, such as Instagram and Amazon.

Yet another example is Allbirds, a sustainable footwear company. After upgrading to Shopify Plus, Allbirds was able to streamline its checkout process and provide a more personalized shopping experience for customers. This resulted in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as higher sales and revenue.

How to Migrate from Shopify to Shopify Plus Without Losing Data or Disrupting Sales

If you’ve decided to upgrade to Shopify Plus, migrating from regular Shopify is a straightforward process. Shopify provides a seamless and hassle-free migration process that ensures all your orders, products, customers, and data are transferred safely to your new Shopify Plus account.

Shopify Plus also provides technical support during the migration process and offers training sessions to help you get up to speed with the new platform. With these resources, migrating to Shopify Plus can be done with minimal disruption to your ecommerce operations.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Upgrading to Shopify Plus for Your Ecommerce Business

Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a significant investment for your ecommerce business, so it’s essential to maximize the benefits of the new platform. Here are some tips for making the most of your Shopify Plus account:

• Take advantage of the customization options available with Shopify Plus to create a unique storefront and customer experience that matches your brand’s personality and messaging.
• Use Shopify Plus’s advanced automation tools to streamline order management, customer service, and inventory management, freeing up your team’s time to focus on other aspects of your business.
• Use Shopify Plus’s API access to create custom solutions and integrations that meet your specific business needs and improve operational efficiency.
• Work with your dedicated account manager to receive technical support, training, and guidance on getting the most out of Shopify Plus.

The Future of Ecommerce: Why Investing in a Platform like Shopify Plus is Essential

The ecommerce industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the game to remain competitive. Investing in a platform like Shopify Plus is essential for scaling ecommerce businesses as it provides access to advanced features, customization, and API access that aren’t available with regular Shopify.

Shopify Plus’s scalability, customization options, and advanced automation and security features make it a sound investment for ecommerce businesses looking to future-proof their operations and scale their revenue.

In conclusion, upgrading to Shopify Plus from regular Shopify is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of your business needs, budget, and growth plans. By using these tips and tricks, you can make an informed decision and maximize the benefits of Shopify Plus for your growing ecommerce business.