Table of Contents
- Let’s Cut To The Chase!
- Now, Let’s Detail Things For You
- What’s The Catch With Shopify Website Builder?
- What You Need To Know
- What Are Shopify Website Builder’s Competitors Offering?
- What Affects Shopify Website Builder’s Prices?
- What Affects Prices In The Industry Overall?
- How To Get The Best Deal With Shopify Website Builder?
- Can You Afford Shopify Website Builder’s Prices?
- Finally: Is Shopify A Waste Of Time Or Not?
Shopify is a Canada-based website builder. Founded in 2006, Shopify is a publicly traded company listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Over time, the company has emerged as a leading e-commerce platform, providing a comprehensive suite of services for businesses of all sizes to establish and manage their online presence.
Suppose you’re seeking a website builder that offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface for creating customized online stores without requiring extensive technical knowledge, consider Shopify.
However, when it comes to pricing, you should know that Shopify charges quite expensively, compared to other alternatives such as Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy. Its basic plan starts at $24/mo, billed once a year.
So, SHOULD YOU BUY SHOPIFY WEBSITE BUILDER OR NOT?
Read on to find out more.
Let’s Cut To The Chase!
Buy It If:
- ✅ You want seamless integration with other popular platforms: You can easily integrate with other popular e-commerce platforms and services, including social media channels, marketplaces, and accounting software, so you can leverage their existing tools to streamline operations more efficiently.
- ✅ Need a Secure and Reliable Platform: You should know that security is paramount when it comes to online transactions. Shopify helps you prioritize the security of your website, offering robust encryption, fraud prevention tools, and secure payment gateways to protect both you and your customers.
- ✅ You Need Mobile Optimization: Shopify’s website builder ensures mobile optimization, automatically adjusting the layout and design of your store to fit various screen sizes.
- ✅ You Comprehensive E-commerce Solutions: Shopify helps you build a completed-suited website using its robust tools, including website hosting, payment processing, shipping solutions, marketing tools, and tax calculation.
- ✅ You want a limitless number of products to sell: If you aspire to offer an unlimited array of products within your online store, Shopify’s website builder is the ideal solution that allows you to expand your product catalog without hesitation, accommodating the diverse needs and preferences of your customer base.
MORE >>> Shopify Website Builder Review
Don’t Buy If:
- ❌ You want a cheaper web-building solution: Know that Shopify can be quite expensive compared to other similar services. If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider other alternatives.
- ❌ Need unlimited phone support: You want unlimited ownership and control: While Shopify provides the infrastructure for your online store, you relinquish some level of ownership and control over the underlying technology. If you prefer full control over your website’s hosting, codebase, or data management, Shopify might not be a good fit for you.
- ❌ You want a free plan: Be aware that Shopify doesn’t offer a free plan; it rather offers a free trial that lasts for three days.
THE BOTTOM LINE
🌐 Choose Shopify website builder if you need an intuitive and user-friendly interface for creating customized online stores without requiring extensive technical knowledge. This streamlined approach allows you to focus on your core operations while leveraging Shopify’s robust infrastructure to handle the complexities of online selling.
Now, Let’s Detail Things For You
When it comes to pricing, Shopify allows you to choose from their different available plans—depending on your business needs.
Shopify begins its pricing with the Basic plan which is essentially ideal for independent business owners where you pay $24 per month, charged annually. The starting rate for card transactions is 2% for third-party payment processors.
With the Basic plan, you can:
- Manage up to 10 inventory locations.
- Access to round-the-clock chat assistance.
- Expand your sales across localized global markets (3 regions).
- Enjoy POS Lite functionality.
See, also, there’s the Shopify package priced at $69/month when billed annually, featuring card rates beginning at 1% for third-party payment processors.
This plan includes:
- Management of up to 10 inventory locations
- Access to 24/7 chat support
- Expansion of sales into localized global markets (3 regions)
- Provision for 5 extra staff accounts
- POS Lite functionality.
Next up is the Advanced package. Note that the price starts at $299/month when billed annually, featuring card rates beginning at 0.6% for third-party payment processors.
Check out the key highlights of this plan including:
- Tailored reports and analytics
- Management of up to 10 inventory locations
- Enhanced 24/7 chat support
- Expansion of sales into localized global markets (3 regions), with the option to add more markets for $59/month each
- Provision for 15 additional staff accounts
- Increased checkout capacity by 10 times
- POS Lite functionality
Finally, you have the plus plan, designed for complex businesses.
With this plan, you invest $2,300 per month for three years, alongside competitive card rates tailored for high-volume merchants.
Highlighted features include:
- Personalized reports and analytics
- Management of 200 inventory locations
- Priority access to 24/7 phone support
- Extensive global market reach with sales localization in 50 markets
- Unlimited staff account provision
- Fully adaptable checkout experience boasting a 40x capacity increase
- Integration of 200 POS Pro locations with Shopify Payments
- Capability to engage in wholesale/B2B transactions.
What’s The Catch With Shopify Website Builder?
You can applaud Shopify for providing transparent pricing plans for each of its offerings. While this is commendable, you must keep your eyes open for a few catches with Shopify.
First off, Shopify plays the “cajoling game.” In this game, you’re offered a free trial that lasts only for 3 days—a short period that forces you to upgrade to one of its paid plans or get discontinued. You can also agree that three days isn’t enough time to come to an informed business decision—especially when you’re on the verge of choosing the right domain for you.
Secondly, Shopify heavily relies on external apps to augment its built-in functionality. By implication, you’re adding costs to your budget so you can access these third-party apps. Shopify won’t tell you this upfront.
Thirdly, while Shopify provides some basic SEO tools and features to help optimize your online store for search engines, more advanced SEO functionalities often require the use of third-party apps. These apps typically come with subscription fees, which means you are investing in them separately to access advanced SEO capabilities beyond what Shopify provides by default.
Finally, Shopify does not offer email hosting services as part of its platform. This means that you cannot create and manage custom email addresses using your domain directly through Shopify. Instead, you would need to use a separate email hosting service provider to set up and manage your email accounts. That’s not fair, considering the pricey nature of its plans.
PRO TIPS >>> Is Shopify the Best Ecommerce Platform?
What You Need To Know
Recall that Shopify offers straightforward pricing in terms of its web-building services. That’s cool! No gimmicks!
Shopify also allows you to own your custom domain.
Many website builders lack the option to acquire your personalized domain name directly through their platform.
But Shopify allows you to gain access to complimentary tools such as the Business Name Generator or Domain Name Generator, assisting you in discovering your distinct domain.
By owning your store’s web address, you streamline business management. Consolidating your domain and business within a single platform simplifies operations, offering convenience and efficiency.
Also, Shopify allows you to craft a brand that mirrors your identity, resonates with your audience, and establishes an online presence that captivates your customers with a fully tailored website.
You can also modify pre-designed themes to your heart’s content, incorporate exclusive products and content, and select from a pool of over 8,000 apps to fashion a truly distinctive online store experience.
What Are Shopify Website Builder’s Competitors Offering?
Shopify Website Builder Vs. Square space
When comparing Shopify’s website builder with Squarespace, both Shopify and Squarespace are known for their user-friendly interfaces and intuitive design tools. Shopify allows you access to a dedicated admin dashboard optimized for managing e-commerce operations, while Squarespace gives you a drag-and-drop editor for customizing website layouts and designs.
Squarespace offers 14 days free trial on all the four plans. You get the following options to choose from:
Personal plan: $16/mo.
Business plan: $23/mo.
Commerce (Basic) plan: $27/mo.
Commerce (Advanced) plan: $49/mo
Enterprise plan: You get custom quotes from Shopify’s representative.
Shopify Website Builder Vs. BigCommerce
Both Shopify and BigCommerce provide user-friendly interfaces for building websites without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
However, Shopify is often praised for its simplicity and intuitive design, making it particularly appealing, especially if you’re a beginner.
In addition to BigCommerce, you can get more advanced customization options, which may require a steeper learning curve.
You can choose from the Standard plan opening at $39 per month billed every twelve months, while the Plus plan takes $79 per month billed annually.
Also, the Pro plan costs $299 per month billed per annum. For custom pricing and enterprise solutions, contact sales directly.
Each plan equips you with essential tools to sell online, enhance marketing strategies, and scale your business effectively.
Shopify Website Builder Vs. Magento
Know that Shopify and Magento are scalable platforms that accommodate businesses of various sizes.
In terms of hosting, Shopify offers a fully hosted solution, meaning that the subscription fee covers hosting. Also, you don’t need to worry about managing servers or technical infrastructure.
On the other hand, Magento is a self-hosted platform, which gives you more control over your hosting environment but also requires you to find and manage your hosting provider.
When it comes to pricing, Magento charges you based on the services you requested. Simply ask for custom quotes from one of their customer representatives to know how much you’re paying.
Note this: You pay for a Magento POS license just once. That’s it! Your payment grants you access to the license, and you can use it for as long as you need. Just keep in mind, also, that each license certificate is valid for one live site only.
What Affects Shopify Website Builder’s Prices?
When it comes to Shopify website builder, keep in mind the following factors that influence its pricing:
Plan Tier
The amount you pay to access Shopify’s offerings depends on the kind of plan you’re choosing. Mind you, the platform provided multiple subscription plans with varying features and capabilities. You pay more to get advanced features and tools, which can affect the overall price.
External Apps and Add-Ons
While Shopify provides a range of built-in features, you may want additional functionalities or integrations through third-party apps available on the Shopify App Store. These apps may have their pricing structures, which can add to the overall cost you’re paying.
Transaction Fees Depending on the plan you’re choosing; Shopify may charge transaction fees on each sale made through the platform. Higher-priced plans often have lower transaction fees or may waive them altogether.
Customization and Design
If you need some level of customization and design complexity for your website, be ready to pay an extra price. For example, the platform offers fewer themes, while the premium themes or custom design services come with additional costs.
Domain Name
Shopify allows you to use their domain name or purchase one through Shopify. The cost of domain registration or renewal can vary depending on the domain name you choose.
Subscription Term
Shopify offers monthly and annual subscription options. When you choose the option for an annual subscription, you may provide cost savings compared to paying monthly.
What Affects Prices In The Industry Overall?
Keep in mind that prices in any industry can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
Supply and Demand
If you’re seeking to get the best deals concerning website building, understand the supply and demand behavior. Know that this fundamental economic principle plays a significant role in determining prices. When demand for a product or service is high and supply is limited, prices tend to rise, and vice versa.
Competition
Do you know that competition among similar brands can influence the amount you pay for website building? You can leverage competitive markets where businesses lower prices to attract customers or differentiate themselves based on quality or features.
Market Conditions
Take advantage of economic conditions, such as inflation, interest rates, and overall consumer confidence to make pricing decisions. Check when businesses adjust prices in response to changes in the broader economy to get competitive prices and maintain profitability.
Brand Perception and Positioning
When a brand has a strong brand reputation and positions itself at the right market spot, you may pay to justify higher prices for products or services you get from them based on perceived value, quality, or exclusivity.
Regulatory Factors
Be prepared to pay more to get a good website building, especially when the Government implements regulations and policies that can influence prices directly or indirectly. For example, you’re required to pay taxes, tariffs, and industry-specific regulations can impact the overall costs.
Consumer Preferences and Behavior
Understand that consumer preferences, buying habits, and willingness to pay is essential for setting prices. Mind you, businesses may adjust prices based on market research and consumer feedback to maximize revenue and profitability.
GET SMARTER >>> Shopify vs Magento
How To Get The Best Deal With Shopify Website Builder?
- Begin with the Right Plan: Evaluate your business needs carefully and choose a Shopify plan that aligns with your requirements. Consider factors such as features, transaction fees, and scalability to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.
- Take Advantage of Free Trial: Take advantage of Shopify’s free trial period to test the platform and explore its features without committing to a subscription. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the interface and determine if Shopify meets your needs.
- Look for Discounts or Promotions: Keep an eagle’s eye on discounts, promotions, or special offers provided by Shopify. These may include discounted subscription rates, free add-ons, or reduced transaction fees for a limited time.
- Think About Bundle Services: Consider bundling additional services offered by Shopify, such as Shopify Payments, or Shopify POS, to potentially save on overall costs.
- Compare Plans and Features: Compare the features and pricing of different Shopify plans to ensure you’re selecting the most cost-effective option for your business. Look for plans that offer the features you need at the best price point.
- Negotiate with Shopify: While Shopify’s pricing is generally fixed, if you’re running a larger business or high-volume merchandise, you can negotiate customized pricing or discounts. Reach out to Shopify’s sales team to discuss your specific needs and explore potential discounts.
- Explore Third-Party Apps: While some features may require additional app subscriptions, explore the Shopify App Store for free or affordable apps that can enhance your store’s functionality without breaking the bank. Be selective in choosing apps that provide the most value for your investment.
Can You Afford Shopify Buyer Beware’s Prices?
Whether or not you can afford Shopify’s website builder prices depends on various factors, including your budget, business needs, and the value you perceive in the platform.
With Shopify, you have a range of subscription plans with different price points, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your budget and requirements.
So, can you afford Shopify Website Builder?
Maybe yes, maybe no.
It’s important to carefully evaluate your business’s financial situation and weigh the cost of Shopify against the potential benefits it can provide. Consider factors such as transaction fees, additional app subscriptions, and the cost of other necessary services (e.g., domain registration, marketing) when assessing affordability. If Shopify aligns with your business goals and budget, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Mind you, if the prices are prohibitive, you may need to explore alternative e-commerce platforms or solutions.
Finally: Is Shopify Buyer Beware A Waste Of Time Or Not?
Shopify presents a viable option for creating and managing a scalable online storefront, offering user-friendly features and straightforward pricing. The company can help you facilitate domain transfers and provide privacy protection for registrations.
However, it is relatively expensive and lacks built-in apps. Despite these drawbacks, Shopify is a solid choice if you seek to build a responsive website, especially with access to a large customer base and tools for growth.
While not the most affordable option, its intuitive interface simplifies the process of building an e-commerce platform. With over 70 professional templates and customizable design options, Shopify offers good value, without design skills.
Long story short: Use Shopify Website builder to design a tailored storefront that reflects your brand identity and effectively showcases your products or services.
