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Shopify Pricing In The USA 2024: A Detailed Breakdown

April 23, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this post, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of Shopify pricing in the USA, exploring various plans and options to guide your eCommerce venture effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Shopify offers 5 subscription plans tailored to different business needs, from $5 to $2000 per month.
  • Shopify frequently adjusts its pricing, including recent increases in credit card processing rates within the last six months. Despite these changes, it remains our top choice for online store website builders due to its user-friendly editing tools and extensive selection of payment providers.
  • Additionally, Shopify incurs extra charges. You can consider supplementary expenses such as credit card processing fees, app expenditures, domain registration, and theme acquisitions.

Shopify Plans In The USA: Overview

Shopify Plans In The USA: Overview

Here’s a condensed overview of all the information about Shopify plan pricing.

Subscription feesStarter plan: $5/month

Basic plan: $39/month

Shopify plan: $105/month

Advanced plan: $399/month

Plus plan: $2000+/month

You can save up to 25% when you sign up for an annual plan.
Free trialShopify provides a 3-day trial without requiring a credit card. After the trial, you can enjoy a special deal of $1/month for the first 3 months.
Credit card ratesFrom 2.4% + 30¢ USD to 5% + 30¢ USD for online transactions

From 2.4% + 0¢ USD to 5% + 0¢ USD for in-person transactions
Transaction Fees0,15% – 5%
Shipping discountsUp to 77% – 88%  shipping discount
Currencies conversion feesShopify applies a 1.5% currency exchange fee when converting charges from USD to your local currency. This fee doesn’t apply to third-party transaction fees. 

For businesses looking to calculate their expenses for operating a Shopify store, our Shopify fee calculator tool offers a detailed breakdown of Shopify subscription plans, transaction fees, and other related costs. This tool aids in effective financial management and helps businesses select the most suitable plan.

Shopify Subscription Plans In The USA

Here are 5 Shopify subscription plans in the USA designed to cater to diverse business needs and goals.

Starter

Starter

The Shopify Starter plan is designed for budding entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for an affordable entry into e-commerce. Priced at $5, it offers a simplified online store solution for those primarily selling through social media platforms and messaging apps.

The credit card rates for the Starter plan are 5% + 30¢ USD for online transactions and 5% for in-person transactions.

The starter plan is suitable for:

  • Merchants starting out in e-commerce.
  • Businesses focusing on social media sales.
  • Individuals lack a dedicated e-commerce store or website.

Outstanding Features of the Shopify Starter Plan:

  • Linkpop by Shopify
  • Shoppable links enable direct purchasing from specific URLs.
  • Showcase merchandise effectively with images, descriptions, and pricing.
  • Buy buttons for checkout processing.
  • Basic order management.
  • 24/7 customer support ensures timely assistance with inquiries and issues.

Basic

The Shopify Basic plan is tailored for small online store owners aiming for growth. It is priced at $39 per month for a monthly subscription or $29 per month for an annual subscription.

The Shopify Basic plan offers competitive credit card rates tailored to online and in-person transactions. For online sales, the plan charges a fee of 2.9% + 30¢ USD. For in-person transactions, the fee is 2.7%.

The basic plan is suitable for:

  • Entrepreneurs launching a small online store.
  • Individuals requiring access to powerful Shopify tools for growth.

Outstanding Features of the Shopify Basic Plan:

  • Basic performance reports
  • Inventory management of up to 1,000 inventory locations efficiently
  • Shipping discounts to 77%
  • 2 staff accounts
  • Create a professional online store with a user-friendly interface.
  • Competitive credit card rates and third-party transaction fees
  • Integrate a blogging platform into your store for content marketing.
  • Sell in 33 currencies with a minor 1.5% conversion fee, facilitating international transactions.

Standard 

The Shopify Standard Plan offers advanced features at $105 monthly or $79 per month for an annual subscription. For online transactions, there’s a fee of 2.6% + 30¢ USD, while in-person transactions incur a fee of 2.5%, making it a competitive choice for businesses engaging in both online and physical retail.

The standard plan is suitable for:

  • Growing businesses seeking advanced features.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises aiming for expansion.
  • Entrepreneurs looking for enhanced shipping options and marketing automation.

Outstanding Features of the Shopify Standard Plan:

  • Shipping discounts of up to 88%.
  • Access shipping insurance when using Shopify Payments, ensuring the security of shipments.
  • Professional reports for comprehensive business insights.
  • Enhanced inventory management of up to 1,000 inventory locations.
  • 5 staff accounts.
  • Abandoned cart recovery
  • Marketing automation tools.
  • Decreased credit card rates and third-party transaction fees
  • Shopify flow to automate  tasks and processes within your Shopify store and across your Shopify apps

Advanced

The Shopify Advanced Plan is designed for international sellers and growing businesses, offering advanced tools for expansion. Priced at $399 monthly or $299 per month for an annual subscription, it provides competitive credit card rates. 

There’s a credit card fee of 2.4% + 30¢ USD for online transactions, while in-person transactions incur a fee of 2.4%, making it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to scale globally.

Advanced plan is suitable for: 

  • International sellers expanding their business globally.
  • Businesses aiming for significant growth and scalability.
  • Entrepreneurs in need of advanced reporting tools and international commerce features.

Outstanding Features of the Shopify Advanced Plan:

  • Create customized advanced reports tailored to your business needs.
  • Expanded inventory management of up to 1,000 inventory locations efficiently.
  • Shipping discounts of up to 88% on shipping rates for cost-effective logistics.
  • 15 staff accounts.
  • Third-party calculated shipping rates from third-party providers.
  • Collect duties and import taxes at checkout for seamless international transactions.
  • Multi-channel selling.
  • Abandoned cart recovery.
  • Email marketing tools
  • Shopify flow
  • Lower credit card rates and third-party transaction fees
  • Duties and import taxes

Plus

Plus

The Shopify Plus Plan is designed for high-volume retailers and businesses operating at an extensive scale. The pricing for this plan is custom and starts at $2,000 per month, (the same as Shopify pricing in the UK and Australia), catering to enterprises with unique needs.

The credit card rates for the Shopify Plus plan are variable and customized based on the specific requirements and volume of the business.

The Plus plan is suitable for large businesses that:

  • Make a lot of sales.
  • Want to control many stores from one account.
  • Need to use Point of Sale (POS) systems in numerous physical locations.
  • Require custom integrations with internal systems like CRM tools.
  • Wish to automate their daily tasks and workflows.
  • Have specific needs for security and consistent website availability.
  • Want automatic currency conversion.
  • Have a substantial budget.
  • Need extra support and guidance.

Key Features of the Shopify Plus Plan:

  • Fully hosted and complete customization of your store
  • Ready for B2B Industry
  • Custom credit card rates and the lowest third-party transaction fees
  • Unlimited staff accounts
  • Omnichannel capabilities 
  • Specialized apps and channels
  • Customizable checkout
  • API resources
  • 20 POS Pro locations are included.
  • Full range of international pricing features

Which Shopify Plan Is Best For USA Merchants?

Which Shopify Plan Is Best For USA Merchants?

The best Shopify plan for USA merchants largely depends on the specific needs and size of the business. However, we highly recommend the Basic Shopify plan as the most suitable choice for all types of businesses. Here’s why:

  • Full-Functioned Storefront: The Basic Shopify plan provides merchants with a complete storefront, offering all the essential tools needed to start and operate an online business. It allows for product listings, secure transactions, and a user-friendly experience for both the merchant and the customers.
  • Cost-Effective: With a reasonable monthly fee, the Basic Shopify plan is budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for new entrepreneurs or small businesses looking to establish an online presence without a significant upfront investment.
  • Essential Features Included: Despite being the entry-level plan, it includes vital features such as two staff accounts, unlimited products, and 24/7 support. It also offers sales channel integration, allowing merchants to sell on social media, marketplaces, and even in-person platforms.
  • Room for Growth: As the business grows, merchants have the flexibility to upgrade to more advanced Shopify plans with additional features and lower transaction fees.

In summary, for startups and small businesses in the USA, the Basic Shopify plan offers a balanced mix of necessary features, affordability, and the potential for scalability, making it an optimal choice to start and grow an online business.

What’s Included In All Shopify Plans?

What’s Included In All Shopify Plans?

Shopify plans provide essential tools, including a free domain, SSL certificate, and reliable hosting, ensuring a secure and professional online presence for merchants of all scales.

Free myshopify.com Domain

In all Shopify plans, merchants are provided with a free myshopify.com domain. This domain serves as the primary web address for the online store. While businesses can opt for a custom domain, this feature ensures that even those on a budget have a professional online presence without additional costs.

SSL Certificate

Shopify includes an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate in all its plans. This certificate encrypts the data transmitted between the customer’s browser and the store’s server, ensuring a secure and trustworthy shopping experience. This is essential for protecting sensitive customer information, building trust, and improving SEO rankings.

Hosting

Every Shopify plan includes reliable hosting services. Shopify hosts the online store on its servers, ensuring high uptime, fast loading times, and scalability. Hosting is fully managed, meaning businesses don’t have to worry about server maintenance or technical aspects. This allows merchants to focus on their products and customers while Shopify oversees the technical infrastructure.

Shopify Free Trial In The USA

Shopify Free Trial In The USA

Shopify offers a hassle-free three-day free trial in the USA, allowing you to explore its ecommerce services without any charges. After the initial trial, if you decide to continue, Shopify extends a special offer – an additional three months at just $1 per month. 

Shopify’s commitment to user convenience sets it apart: you won’t be required to enter your payment details until the trial period concludes. This approach allows you to experience Shopify’s features without immediate financial commitment. 

For entrepreneurs seeking to launch an online store, this risk-free trial period provides an excellent opportunity to assess Shopify’s capabilities, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your ecommerce platform choice before investing your hard-earned money.

Shopify Themes and App Costs In The USA

When it comes to customizing your online store, Shopify offers a variety of themes and apps to suit your needs. 

In the Shopify Theme Store, you’ll find a total of 163 themes designed to enhance your store’s functionality and appearance. 12 themes from the store are free of charge. Paid themes incur a one-time fee, typically ranging from $150 to $380, allowing you to choose a design that fits your budget and aligns with your brand vision. 

Shopify Themes Costs In The USA

As for apps, Shopify provides a vast selection, including both free and paid options. The cost of apps can vary, with some requiring a monthly subscription, a one-time payment, or even a usage-based fee. Notably, most apps developed by Shopify are free, making it easier for merchants to enhance their store’s capabilities without extra expenses.

You can explore and download apps directly from the Shopify App Store or an app developer’s website.

Shopify Themes and App Costs In The USA

Domain Pricing In The USA

Domain Pricing In The USA

In the USA, domain pricing can vary significantly based on factors such as the top-level domain (TLD) chosen, the registrar, and additional services like privacy protection. 

Shopify provides a free ‘myshopify.com’ subdomain for all stores. For a custom domain, there are additional costs. If you choose to purchase a domain through Shopify, the pricing is transparent and competitive, typically ranging from $11 to $81 per year, depending on the TLD. Shopify’s domain registration also includes privacy protection at no additional cost, which is a valuable feature for protecting your personal information.

Alternatively, you can purchase a domain from third-party registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Pricing from these sources can start as low as $0.99 for the first year (though this is often a promotional rate that increases upon renewal) and can go up to $50 or more per year, depending on the domain extension and services included.

Shopify USA Shipping Fees and Discounts

Shopify USA Shipping Fees and Discounts

Shopify simplifies shipping for USA-based businesses by offering exclusive discounted rates with major carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL. These discounts are dynamic and influenced by your Shopify plan, package specifications, weight, and delivery destination. Depending on your specific Shopify subscription and the individual orders you’re processing, you may be eligible for substantial savings through Shopify Shipping carriers.

To help merchants gauge the potential savings, Shopify provides a user-friendly tool – the Shopify Shipping Calculator. This tool allows businesses to calculate and preview their discounted Shopify Shipping rates accurately. 

The discounts offered, ranging from 16.7% to as high as 88.5%, are calculated based on various factors such as package type, weight, destination, and origin. By utilizing these discounted rates, Shopify empowers merchants to optimize their shipping costs and enhance their overall efficiency in delivering products to customers.

Shopify Point Of Sale Pricing In The USA

Shopify Point Of Sale Pricing In The USA

Starter Plan: Ideal for Casual Sellers

The Starter Plan by Shopify, priced at $5 USD per month, caters to casual sellers venturing into in-person and online sales. The Starter Plan includes 1 POS Lite location, enabling smooth transactions in person and online.

Retail Plan: Tailored for Retail Businesses

Shopify’s Retail Plan is priced at $89/month/location ($79/month/location for annual subscription). This plan is tailored for businesses seeking more advanced features to effectively manage staff, inventory, and customer interactions.

Taxes

Taxes

Managing taxes as a seller can be complex, but Shopify offers automated tax calculations to ease the burden. For the first $100,000 in sales per calendar year, Shopify Tax comes at no additional cost, encompassing all sales linked to Shopify, including those made through connected social media channels.

Once your sales surpass this threshold, the pricing is transparent and manageable. For all Shopify plans except Plus, you’ll pay a modest 0.35% per order. 

For Shopify Plus users, the rate reduces to 0.25% per order. Worried about runaway costs? Shopify sets two reassuring caps: you won’t pay more than $5,000 annually or exceed 99¢ per order, ensuring that your tax-related expenses remain predictable and manageable. Shopify Tax simplifies your taxation process and ensures cost-effective solutions for your business.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, everything we provided about Shopify Pricing in the USA reveals Shopify’s versatile and transparent pricing structure, catering to businesses of all sizes. With a clear understanding of the available plans, businesses can make informed choices, ensuring they receive tailored solutions for their e-commerce needs within the United States market.

FAQs

Yes, Shopify provides automated tax calculation features to help merchants manage sales tax. While it’s the seller’s responsibility to pay the correct taxes on their revenue, Shopify simplifies this process with its automated tax calculation system.
Here’s how it works:
  • Automated Tax Calculation: Shopify automatically calculates the applicable sales tax on transactions, making it easier for merchants to comply with tax regulations.
  • Free Shopify Tax for Initial Sales: Shopify Tax is available at no extra cost for the first $100,000 in sales per calendar year. This includes all sales connected to Shopify, including those made through social media channels.
  • Pricing After the Threshold: After surpassing the $100,000 sales threshold, merchants are charged a fee for Shopify Tax. The fee is 0.35% per order for all Shopify plans, excluding Plus, and 0.25% for Shopify Plus. There are maximum caps per year to ensure predictable costs: merchants won’t pay more than $5,000 annually or exceed 99¢ per order.
Yes, Shopify offers discounts to merchants who opt for yearly plans. By committing to an annual subscription instead of a monthly one, businesses can save up to 25% on their Shopify subscription fees.
  This discount encourages long-term commitment and offers cost savings for businesses that plan to use Shopify’s services every year. Choosing an annual plan is a strategic way for merchants to maximize their budget while accessing the full range of Shopify features and services.
Yes, when you open an online store with Shopify, you get free web hosting included with your plan. Shopify provides secure, unlimited ecommerce hosting for all plans except the Starter Plan.
  This means you don’t have to worry about finding a separate hosting service for your online store; it’s all included in your Shopify subscription. Additionally, Shopify offers flexibility by allowing you to use the Buy Button feature, enabling you to add ecommerce functionality to any existing website you might have.
Yes, Shopify is highly regarded as a valuable ecommerce platform for small businesses. Its ease of use, comprehensive set of tools, and centralized features make it a sought-after choice. With Shopify, managing daily operations, handling business growth, implementing marketing strategies, and maintaining your website are streamlined and accessible.
  Even with their “Basic” plan, Shopify provides small businesses with a robust platform that simplifies ecommerce tasks, making it a worthwhile investment for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their online presence.

Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.