Choosing a Shopify subscription is not just a matter of budget, but of strategy. An undersized plan can limit your growth, while an oversized one might unnecessarily erode your margins. In this guide, we analyze what truly changes between the Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans.
1. Technical Comparison Table
| Feature | Shopify Basic | Shopify (Standard) | Shopify Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (approx.) | ~€36 | ~€105 | ~€384 |
| Card Fees (EU) | 1.9% + €0.25 | 1.8% + €0.25 | 1.6% + €0.25 |
| Transaction Fees* | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.5% |
| Staff Accounts | 2 | 5 | 15 |
| Reporting | Basic | Standard | Advanced (Custom) |
| Markets (Global) | Basic | Advanced | Full + Duties |
*”Transaction Fees” apply only if you do NOT use Shopify Payments.
2. Shopify Basic: For beginners
It's the ideal starting point. It offers everything you need to sell, but with structural limitations on data.
- Strong point: Full access to the App Store.
- Technical limit: Limited reports (you don't see detailed profits).
- Ideal for: Businesses with < €5,000/month in revenue.
3. Shopify (Standard): For growth
Often the most underrated plan, but essential for scalability.
- Commission savings: Reduced fees often cover the subscription cost.
- Professional reporting: Vital data on margins and repurchase rates.
- Ideal for: Stores with €5,000 to €20,000 monthly revenue.
4. Shopify Advanced: For automation
The world of big data and international expansion.
- Custom Reports: Specific data views without external exports.
- Duties and Taxes: Automatic calculation at checkout for non-EU.
- Ideal for: Stores > €20,000/month or with a strong export component.
The "Break-even" trick
The switch is worthwhile when the savings on commissions exceed the difference in the monthly fee.
The more you earn, the less Shopify needs to retain from each sale.
5. Technical FAQs
Can I change my plan whenever I want?
Yes, upgrades or downgrades are instant with pro-rata recalculation.
Is Shopify Plus necessary?
Only for Enterprise needs (>100k/month) or total checkout customization.
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
If you sell locally and are just starting out, Basic is perfect. If you need in-depth analysis to scale your investments, the Shopify plan is the bare minimum.
Do you want technical advice on your management costs?
Contact the Shopifacile experts
