Shopify Advanced Plan Review: Features, Pricing, and Benefits

Did you know that eCommerce sales have surpassed $4.2 trillion worldwide since 2022? As the digital landscape surges, businesses must seize every advantage to thrive in this competitive arena.

That's where the Shopify Advanced Plan comes in – a game-changing solution designed to elevate your online store's success in 2024. Packed with cutting-edge features, unmatched customization options, and top-tier support, the Shopify Advanced Plan provides a clear path to eCommerce excellence. 

Throughout this blog, our mission is to explore the remarkable potential of the Shopify Advanced Plan and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve eCommerce triumph. 

So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets to taking your online business to unprecedented heights.

About Shopify Advanced Plan

What is Shopify Advanced Plan?

The Shopify Advanced Plan is a comprehensive and feature-rich subscription plan offered by Shopify, a leading eCommerce platform. 

It is designed to cater to the needs of growing and established businesses, providing them with advanced tools and capabilities to enhance their online stores and drive eCommerce success. 

With the Shopify Advanced Plan, merchants can access many powerful features, including robust reporting and analytics, abandoned cart recovery, advanced discount and promotion options, multi-channel selling capabilities, customizable checkout experiences, and more.

Shopify Advanced plan key features:

1- Customizable Online Store: 

Merchants can build and customize their online stores with mobile-friendly themes from the Shopify Theme Store. The built-in theme editor allows easy customization without extensive coding knowledge.

2- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: 

Shopify Advanced provides powerful reporting tools for deep insights into sales trends, customer behaviors, and product performance, aiding data-driven decision-making.

3- International Commerce:

With Shopify Markets, merchants can expand globally, configure settings based on regions, and calculate and collect duties and import taxes for international shipments.

4- Fraud Protection and SSL Certificates: 

Essential security features, including SSL certificates, ensure secure communication and build customer trust.

5- Seamless POS Integration: 

Shopify POS allows merchants to sell products in person, providing an omnichannel shopping experience.

6- Shipping Discounts: 

Real-time shipping rates and substantial shipping discounts from major carriers streamline shipping processes.

7- Automation with Shopify Flow: 

Exclusively available for Shopify Advanced, Shopify Plan, and Shopify Plus, Shopify Flow automates tasks and processes within stores and apps, reducing manual workload.

Additional Costs for Shopify Advanced Plan

1- Domain: To build trust and brand identity, start your domain at $14 per year or use other registrars.

2- Email Hosting: Not included in the plan. Install apps for email from your domain. Shopify Email app is free for the first 10,000 emails, then $1 for every 1000 emails.

3- Shopify Apps: Enhance functionality with apps; the average merchant uses 6 apps with a monthly cost of around $19 per app.

4- Shopify Themes: Themes not included, average cost $0 to $350.

5- Shopify POS Pricing: Shopify POS Lite is free; Shopify POS Pro costs $89 per store location. Hardware costs vary.

Click to check the Shopify Advanced Plan in your country. 

Shopify Advanced Plan’s successful case studies

Numerous businesses choose the Shopify Advanced Plan to build their eCommerce store more professionally. Let’s read out some case studies.

1- Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen, a leading manufacturer of reusable water bottles and food containers, faced rapid growth that outpaced their previous e-commerce platform's capabilities. 

Switching to the Shopify Advanced Plan was the game-changing solution they needed. Klean Kanteen's website created a beautifully-designed Shopify store to handle increased traffic and orders more efficiently while providing customers with a more personalized shopping experience.  

2- Pooch & Mutt

Pooch & Mutt, an award-winning brand, offers junk-free health food for dogs through an immersive eCommerce experience powered by Shopify Advanced. 

With a Shopify Advanced plan and a subscription customer portal admin, the brand provides ultimate control over recurring orders, invoices, transactions, billing, and so on. Customers are incentivized with a robust loyalty scheme that offers rewards for continued purchase commitment and subscribe & save discounts to encourage recurring purchases.

3- Mejuri Jewelry

Mejuri, a renowned high-end jewelry brand, has successfully revolutionized the world of fashion accessories by offering premium, contemporary pieces at affordable prices.

Mejuri's Shopify website, powered by Shopify Advanced, showcases high-quality images, a user-friendly menu, and a sleek, minimalist design that accentuates its products. With fast loading times and seamless compatibility across devices, shoppers enjoy a seamless browsing experience. 

Moreover, the website's intuitive navigation, customization options, and additional features like blogs and customer support have contributed significantly to Mejuri's success.

Shopify Advanced: Pricing & Plan Comparison

We will discover the perfect blend of power and flexibility with the Shopify Advanced Plan. 

The Shopify Advanced Plan is available at a monthly subscription fee of $399 (pricing may vary based on the region). However, starting from March 6th, 2023, Shopify offers an exclusive promotion, allowing merchants to subscribe to the Advanced Plan for just $1 per month for the first three months. 

Compare Shopify Advanced to Shopify Basic & Shopify Plan

When deciding the right Shopify plan for your online store, comparing the available options is essential. Let's take a closer look at the differences between the Shopify Advanced Plan, the Shopify Plan, and the Basic Plan to help you make an informed choice.

Features	Shopify Advanced	Shopify	Shopify Basic
Pricing	$399/month	$65/month	$25/month
Transaction Fees	0.5% for all payment providers	2% for all payment providers	2% for all payment providers
International Commerce	Yes (Shopify Markets)	No	No
Staff Accounts	Up to 15	5	2
Shipping	Competitive shipping discounts
POS Integration	Yes (Seamless integration)	Yes (POS Lite)	No

Shopify Advanced vs. Shopify Plus

When selecting the ideal plan for your business on the Shopify platform, two of the most prominent options are Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus. Both plans cater to different business requirements, offering unique features and levels of support. Let's explore the key differences between these two plans to help you make an informed decision for your e-commerce venture.

Features	Shopify Advanced	Shopify Plus
Pricing	$399 per month	Start from $2000 Custom pricing based on a business scale and requirements
Scalability	Tailored for growing businesses with advanced scalability	Designed to handle large-scale enterprises
Customization	Extensive options for customizing the online store	High-level customization capabilities
Reporting & Analytics	Robust reporting tools for data-driven decision making	Advanced analytics for in-depth insights
International Commerce	Shopify Markets for streamlined international selling	Global selling support with localized experiences
Security	Essential security features like SSL certificates and fraud protection	Enterprise-level security features
Shopify Flow	Available along with Shopify and Plus plans
Launchpad	Not available	Plan and execute flash sales and promotions
Shopify Scripts	Not available	Create custom scripts for tailored functionality
Wholesale Channel	Not available	Dedicated platform for managing B2B and B2C sales
Dedicated Support	Standard support services	Dedicated account manager and priority support

Choosing Between Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus:

Selecting the right plan for your business hinges on factors such as size, complexity, budget constraints, and growth ambitions.

- Shopify Advanced is ideal for growing businesses seeking advanced features, scalability, and international selling capabilities without the higher cost of Shopify Plus. It offers comprehensive tools to support business growth and optimize performance.

- Conversely, Shopify Plus suits large enterprises with substantial sales volume, complex operations, and specific customization requirements. Its custom pricing and dedicated support cater to major brands and high-volume merchants' unique needs.

Guide to Building a Store with the Shopify Advanced Plan

Creating an online store using the Shopify Advanced Plan is simple. Just follow these ten steps to establish and maximize the potential of your store for success:

Step 1- Sign up for the Shopify Advanced Plan:

Begin by visiting shopify.com and signing up for the free trial. No credit card information is required during the trial. Customize your store's URL by purchasing a custom domain, and when the trial ends, decide whether to continue with the Shopify Advanced Plan or select another plan that suits your needs.

Step 2- Choose a theme:

Select a Shopify theme that matches your brand and use the theme editor to personalize the look of your store.

Shopify Themes, responsible for the appearance of your website, are not part of the Shopify Pricing Plans. They require a one-time purchase, with some themes available for free on the Shopify Theme Store or third-party marketplaces. The average cost of a Shopify Theme ranges from $0 to $350. 

To make you have the right choice, reach out to our Shopify themes here.

Step 3- Set up product details:

Organize your inventory by including SKUs, configure shipping settings and rates to offer smooth order processing, and use variants to offer product options like sizes and colors.

Please ensure that you upload high-quality images and videos showcasing your products, with provide detailed descriptions, close-ups, and usage demonstrations. Utilize meta fields to customize product information and enhance product presentation.

Step 4- Enhance your storefront with Shopify apps:

Install must-have apps that offer customer reviews, live chat support, marketing and SEO, etc. to improve customer engagement and experience. Enable additional features without the need for coding.

Here, we would love to give you some app review articles to boost your Shopify Advanced store’s performance:

+25 Shopify Apps To Increase Sales Fast

+11 Best Shopify Apps For Dropshipping

Top 11 Best Shopify Social Proof Apps

Step 5- Optimize search engine listings:

Preview and customize how your product pages appear on search engines, particularly on Google. Optimize titles, descriptions, and keywords to enhance visibility and attract potential customers.

Step 6- Review and preview your progress:

Use the preview feature to assess your store's overall look and feel, ensuring it meets your expectations before going live.

Step 7- Configure essential settings:

Set up payment methods, shipping options, and tax settings to ensure smooth transactions and compliance with relevant regulations.

Step 8- Create and customize important pages:

Build essential pages such as About Us, Contact, and FAQs to provide customers with crucial information about your business and products.

Most Shopify Page Builder apps such as EComposer offer numerous templates and tools to boost your page-building experience smoother and more seamlessly.

Step 9- Launch your store and start promoting your brand:

Once satisfied with your store's setup and customization, launch it to the public. Promote your brand through various marketing channels to attract customers and drive sales.

Strategies for eCommerce boost up with the Shopify Advanced Plan

The Shopify Advanced Plan provides a powerful platform for implementing various strategies to level up your eCommerce store. 

And here are some suggestions to elevate your Shopify Advanced store.

1- Personalization Powerhouse: Elevating Customer Experiences

- Utilize customer data and insights to personalize product recommendations and offers.

- Implement dynamic content based on customer preferences, behavior, and purchase history.

- Offer personalized discounts and promotions to enhance customer loyalty.

- Utilize advanced targeting to deliver tailored marketing campaigns and messages.

2- Marketing Mastery: Amplifying Reach and Impact

- Using Social Media advertising to increase your store's exposure and attract more visitors.

- Utilize email marketing to engage customers, promote new products, and recover abandoned carts.

- Collaborate with influencers and affiliates to expand your brand's reach and credibility.

- Implement content marketing strategies to provide customer value and establish thought leadership.

3- Conversion Boosters: Unlocking Optimization Techniques

- Optimize product pages with compelling visuals, persuasive copy, and clear calls to action.

- Implement A/B testing to analyze and improve website elements and conversion rates.

- Build your products' trust and confidence through customer reviews and testimonials.

- Streamline the checkout process and provide various payment options to reduce cart abandonment.

4- Scaling Excellence: Navigating Growth and Long-Term Success

- Invest in scalable infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic and sales.

- Expand product offerings and explore new market segments for growth opportunities.

- Focus on customer retention strategies to foster loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

- Build a robust customer support system to address inquiries and concerns promptly.

Conclusion

The Shopify Advanced Plan is the gateway to eCommerce success. Its comprehensive features and customization options empower merchants to create captivating online stores and deliver personalized customer experiences. Businesses can thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape by leveraging marketing strategies, optimizing conversions, and embracing growth opportunities. Embrace the Shopify Advanced Plan and embark on a journey of triumph in eCommerce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Are there transaction fees with the Shopify Advanced Plan?

Yes, the Shopify Advanced Plan charges transaction fees for each sale. The rate is 0.5% for all payment providers per transaction. 

2- Can I try the Shopify Advanced Plan before committing to it?

Yes, Shopify offers a 3-day free plus $1/month for 3 months deal. Merchants can explore its features and functionalities without providing credit card information during this trial period.

3- Is the Shopify Advanced Plan suitable for international selling?

Absolutely! The Advanced Plan includes Shopify Markets, a cross-border management tool facilitating international commerce. It allows merchants to customize settings based on different operational regions, calculate duties and import taxes, and streamline the shopping experience for customers worldwide.

4- What additional costs should I consider with the Shopify Advanced Plan?

While the plan covers the most essential features, additional costs include domain registration (starting at $14 per year), email hosting, Shopify apps, and premium themes. These costs vary based on your business needs and desired functionality.

5- Can I upgrade from a lower-tier Shopify plan to an Advanced Plan?

Yes, you can upgrade your Shopify plan anytime without losing store data. If you're on a lower-tier plan and wish to access the advanced features of the Shopify Advanced Plan, simply navigate to your store's settings and select the upgrade option.

6- What customer support is available with the Shopify Advanced Plan?

The Shopify Advanced Plan offers 24/7 customer support via email and chat. Besides, you can find answers of common questions in the Shopify Help Center and Shopify Community.

7- Is there a limitation on the number of products I can list with the Shopify Advanced Plan?

No.

The Advanced Plan allows merchants to list unlimited products in their online stores. This provides ample space for expanding product catalogs and growing the business.

8- Can I use Shopify POS with the Shopify Advanced Plan?

Yes.

Merchants can integrate Shopify POS with the Advanced Plan, selling products in person at physical stores, markets, or pop-up shops. However, it's important to note that separate costs are associated with Shopify POS hardware and the Shopify POS Pro plan, which is available for an additional $89 per store location.

9- Can I have Carrier Service API in Shopify Advanced Plan?

Yes.

The third-party carrier-calculated shipping is available in Shopify Standard, Shopify Advanced, and Shopify Plus. So to get Carrier Service API, you need to upgrade your current plan to mentioned packages. 

Notice: If you're on the Shopify (Standard) plan, you can add this feature for a monthly fee or switch from monthly to annual billing.