Is Upgrading Your Store to Shopify Plus Worth It?
If business is booming and you’re experiencing some serious growth, it might be time to consider upgrading to Shopify Plus.
But how do you know when the time is right to make the switch? And is Shopify Plus worth it?
Just like kids outgrow their favorite pair of sneakers, ecommerce stores outgrow platforms and processes. And, much like worn-out soles and pinched toes, a few telltale signs help you recognize when it’s time to level up.
When Is Upgrading to Shopify Plus Worth It?
As stores grow, the same old systems and processes that once worked just aren’t sufficient anymore. When you first started out, maybe you ran fulfillment out of your basement — but that can’t last forever. Sooner or later, you get tired of all the tripping hazards. And, hopefully, you’ll need too much inventory to keep down there anyway.
The same thing happens across your entire business as you grow. At some point, you have to upgrade.
Is it that time for you?
Below are some core triggers that indicate it’s time for you to consider the cost-benefit ratio of upgrading to a Shopify Plus account.
Increased Customization Needs
Shopify Plus lets you customize your site to your heart’s content, allowing far more versatility than a regular Shopify account. If you have increasing customization needs, this is one feature that makes Shopify Plus worth it for many stores.
For example, Shopify Plus allows you to customize the checkout process. This is a game-changer if you want to create a one-of-a-kind customer experience, like adding try-on programs, delivery schedules, or physical store integrations.
Plus, with more API access, you can build deeper integrations across your site.
Muddled Operations
As your store grows, multiple teams become involved in daily operations, and processes are in constant flux. Shopify Plus offers workflows and automations with Shopify Flow, making your team more efficient and reducing human error. These automations may not seem necessary at first, but they quickly become essential for saving time and money.
Cost Savings
At a certain point, upgrading to Shopify Plus actually saves you money. The lower credit card processing rates can offset the increase in monthly fees. When the $2,500 monthly fee ($2,300 for a three-year term) becomes cost-effective, it’s a clear sign that making the switch to Shopify Plus is worth it.
Peace of Mind
While difficult to quantify, peace of mind is often a major trigger for switching to Shopify Plus. As your online store becomes your main revenue source, the stress of potential site downtime and bugs increases. Unlike a regular Shopify account, Shopify Plus provides dedicated server resources and account managers who quickly respond to any issues, giving you peace of mind at a relatively low cost.
How to Prepare for Shopify Plus
If you decide switching to Shopify Plus is worth it for your store, keep these points in mind as you prepare to level up:
Plan for Growth
Don’t wait for growth to happen before thinking about what you’ll need or what may break at certain sales volumes. Model your growth and identify the stages where you’ll need to upgrade your processes and platform.
Consider Getting Investment
Growth sometimes requires more money than you can invest yourself. Start seeking investment early, as it can be challenging to secure when you need it urgently.
Is Shopify Plus Worth It? Final Thoughts
Upgrading to Shopify Plus is a big decision for growing ecommerce stores — but it’s one that makes a lot of sense when you repeatedly encounter the triggers above.
When your growth reaches the point that requires some leveling up, you won’t go wrong with Shopify Plus.
Need help making the transition? We’re experts in helping stores make a smooth transition to Shopify Plus. Reach out. We’d love to talk!
