Shopify Basic vs Starter: Which Plan Is Right for You?
Ready to launch your online store but overwhelmed by the options? You’re not alone. Choosing the right e-commerce platform can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when it comes to pricing plans. The decision between different plans can significantly impact your business’s growth and profitability.
This comparison dives deep into two popular Shopify plans: Shopify Basic and Shopify Starter. We’ll break down the key features, pricing, and who each plan is best suited for. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, understanding these differences is crucial.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which plan aligns with your business goals and budget. We will explore the nuances of each, helping you make an informed decision for your online venture. Let’s get started and find the perfect fit between Shopify Basic and Shopify Starter!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | shopify basic | starter |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Staff Accounts | 2 | 1 |
| Online Store | Yes | Yes |
| Product Listings | Unlimited | Limited |
| Sales Channels | All | Shopify Buy Button |
| Point of Sale (POS) | Yes | No |
| Transaction Fees | 2% | 5% |
| Shipping Discounts | Up to 88% | Not Applicable |
| Reports | Basic Reports | Limited Reports |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Yes | No |
| Customer Support | 24/7 | Shopify Help Center |
| Apps & Integrations | Extensive | Limited |
| Blog | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Online Store
- Shopify Basic: Offers a fully-fledged online store with customizable themes, product pages, and a blog. It includes features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes. However, it has a transaction fee unless you use Shopify Payments.
- Starter: Provides a “buy button” that can be embedded on any website or social media platform. It lacks a full online store and theme customization options are limited. It’s a quick way to sell products but lacks the comprehensive e-commerce features of Shopify Basic.
- Winner: shopify basic
Number of Staff Accounts
- Shopify Basic: Allows for two staff accounts. This enables you to delegate tasks and provide access to different team members. This is good for small teams but may be limiting as your business grows.
- Starter: Does not include any staff accounts. All management is done by the account holder. This is suitable for solo entrepreneurs but not for teams.
- Winner: shopify basic
Transaction Fees (if not using Shopify Payments)
- Shopify Basic: Charges a 2% transaction fee on sales if you don’t use Shopify Payments. This can eat into your profits, especially at higher volumes.
- Starter: Charges a 5% transaction fee on sales. This is a significantly higher fee than Shopify Basic.
- Winner: shopify basic
Product Limits
- Shopify Basic: Offers unlimited product listings. You can sell as many products as you need without restrictions.
- Starter: Limited to a maximum of 5 products. This severely limits the product catalog size.
- Winner: shopify basic
Shopify Payments
- Shopify Basic: Has access to Shopify Payments with no transaction fees. If you use this, you can avoid the 2% fee.
- Starter: Has access to Shopify Payments with no transaction fees.
- Winner: Tie
Reporting
- Shopify Basic: Provides basic sales reports, including product sales, online store sessions, sales over time, and acquisition reports. Offers insights into your store’s performance.
- Starter: Offers very limited reporting. You only get basic sales data.
- Winner: shopify basic
Shipping Labels
- Shopify Basic: Allows you to purchase and print shipping labels directly from your Shopify admin. This simplifies the shipping process.
- Starter: Does not offer the ability to purchase and print shipping labels.
- Winner: shopify basic
Customer Support
- Shopify Basic: Offers 24/7 support via chat and email.
- Starter: Offers email support.
- Winner: shopify basic
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Functionality | shopify basic |
| Ease of Use | Tie |
| Scalability | shopify basic |
| Sales Channels | shopify basic |
| Value | Depends on Needs |
What They Have in Common:
- Online Store: Both plans provide the ability to sell products online, offering a basic platform to showcase your products.
- Payment Processing: Both plans integrate with various payment gateways, allowing you to accept payments from customers.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Both plans offer mobile-responsive designs, ensuring your store looks good on all devices.
- Security: Both plans include SSL certificates to secure your store and protect customer data.
- Customer Support: Both plans provide access to Shopify’s customer support resources, including documentation and help center.
Shopify Basic Vs Starter Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Business
Selecting the ideal Shopify plan hinges on your current business stage and future growth aspirations. Shopify Starter caters to those just beginning, providing a streamlined pathway to sell products on social media or through existing websites. It’s perfect for testing the waters and building a preliminary customer base without the commitment of a full-fledged online store. Consider your sales volume and the need for a dedicated e-commerce platform when making your decision. Assess the features you’ll need; do you require a fully customizable website or are you happy selling through social media?
Key Features to Consider
Both plans offer a range of features, but the scope differs. Shopify Basic includes a fully functional online store, unlimited product listings, and a blog, along with 2 staff accounts. Shopify Starter streamlines this with limited features. Starter focuses on selling products via social media or embedding product listings on existing websites. It also provides essential tools for payment processing and order management, making it an excellent starting point for entrepreneurs. Evaluate your needs for a dedicated online store, and the depth of features each plan offers.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The price difference between Shopify Basic and Starter reflects the features and functionality. Shopify Basic is more expensive, offering significantly more features. Starter is offered at a lower price point, making it an extremely economical choice. Consider your budget and the value you place on advanced features like a customizable online store. Remember to factor in transaction fees and any potential add-ons when calculating the overall cost. Evaluate both the monthly cost and the value each plan provides to your business.
Scalability and Growth Potential
Shopify Basic is designed for scalability, allowing you to easily handle increased sales volume and add more products. It offers more advanced features to support business growth. Shopify Starter, while a good starting point, has limitations in terms of scalability. It is less suited for large-scale operations. Think about your long-term goals and whether you anticipate significant growth. Plan for the future when choosing your plan, considering the potential of your business.
Ease of Use and Setup
Both plans are user-friendly, but the setup process differs. Shopify Basic involves setting up a complete online store, which can take a bit more time. Shopify Starter is simpler, focusing on integrating product listings with existing platforms. Consider your technical skills and the time you’re willing to invest in setup. Shopify provides helpful resources and support for both plans. Choose the plan that best aligns with your technical comfort level and time constraints.
Payment Processing and Transaction Fees
Both Shopify Basic and Starter support various payment gateways. However, transaction fees may apply depending on the payment method and your chosen plan. Shopify Basic usually has lower transaction fees. Shopify Starter can have higher transaction fees, since it is more streamlined. Carefully examine the fee structure of each plan and factor it into your overall cost analysis. Consider the payment methods your target audience prefers and the associated fees.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy shopify basic If…
- You need a fully functional online store with unlimited products.
- You want access to various sales channels, including social media and marketplaces.
- You need advanced features like abandoned cart recovery.
- You require POS capabilities for in-person sales.
Buy starter If…
- You are just starting out and want a simple way to sell products.
- You only need a ‘buy button’ to sell on an existing website or social media.
- You want to test the waters of e-commerce before committing to a full online store.
- You have a very limited product catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Shopify Basic and Starter?
Shopify Basic offers a fully functional online store with more features, while Shopify Starter allows you to sell products on social media or through existing websites. Basic provides a dedicated e-commerce platform with customization options, while Starter offers a streamlined approach focused on product integration with other channels. The core difference lies in the breadth of features and the focus of the platform.
Which plan is best for beginners?
Shopify Starter is often the best choice for beginners, as it’s the most affordable option, and it allows for a low-risk entry into e-commerce. It is perfect for those who want to test the market or sell a few products without setting up a full online store. It is also less complex to set up and manage, which can be advantageous for new entrepreneurs. This choice allows for a gradual introduction into the e-commerce world.
Can I upgrade from Starter to Basic?
Yes, you can upgrade from Shopify Starter to Basic at any time. This is a straightforward process, and you can easily access the additional features and functionality of Shopify Basic as your business grows. Your data will be preserved during the upgrade, so you won’t lose any information. Consider upgrading as your business needs change and evolve over time.
What payment methods are supported by both plans?
Both Shopify Basic and Starter support a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and various third-party payment gateways. Shopify Payments is also available in many countries. Check the Shopify documentation for a comprehensive list of supported payment methods in your region. This ensures that customers can easily make purchases using their preferred payment options.
Does Shopify Starter have a website?
No, Shopify Starter does not include a dedicated online store or website. Instead, it focuses on integrating product listings into existing websites or social media platforms. This allows users to sell products without the need for a full-fledged e-commerce website. Consider this when choosing your plan, if you want a dedicated website, go with Shopify Basic.
How do I manage orders with Shopify Starter?
Shopify Starter provides tools for managing orders, including order tracking, fulfillment, and customer communication. You can easily track order status and provide updates to your customers. The order management features are streamlined to ensure that you can efficiently process orders even if you are not using a dedicated online store. This ensures a smooth customer experience.
What are the transaction fees for each plan?
Transaction fees vary depending on the payment gateway you use and your Shopify plan. Shopify Basic typically has lower transaction fees compared to Starter. However, this can vary based on the payment provider and your chosen plan. Carefully review the fee structure for each plan and payment method before making a decision. This helps you accurately estimate your overall costs.
Final Verdict
Shopify Basic is the superior choice for businesses seeking a fully customizable online store with robust features and scalability. While Shopify Starter offers a budget-friendly entry point for selling on social media, Basic provides greater control and growth potential. It offers better features, and is a better choice for businesses looking to scale.
Winner: Shopify Basic