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Comparing Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify for Small Sellers
Last modified: August 21, 2024
If you’ve been exploring eCommerce solutions for your small business and curious to uncover the differences between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify, you’re not alone.
This article will break down the key features and benefits of each plan to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals. Keep reading to discover which option will best suit your needs and set you up for success in the eCommerce world.
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Smart Push Marketing – WebPush
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Abandoned Cart Recovery Email
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Growth Suite Discount Popup AI
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Kit Karts
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WhatsApp Chat + Cart Recovery
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Recapture Abandoned Carts
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Checkoutify
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Cart Absolute by MDeVs
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Key Differences Between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify
Shopify Starter is designed for small sellers or businesses looking for a cost-effective solution for online sales through transactions on existing websites and social media platforms, making it convenient for beginners.
On the other hand, Basic Shopify offers a more comprehensive package by including an online store along with features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes to enhance the shopping experience.
For small sellers with limited revenue, Shopify Starter is a great starting point, providing essential tools for online transactions without the need for a full online store. Basic Shopify, on the other hand, is more suitable for businesses generating less than $16,333 in monthly revenue, offering advanced features to boost sales and enhance customer engagement.
Pricing Variances: Shopify Starter Vs. Basic Shopify
Shopify Starter is priced at $5 per month, while Basic Shopify costs $39 per month. Shopify Starter imposes a transaction fee of 5% for online transactions, whereas Basic Shopify is just 2% nd provides additional features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes.
Basic Shopify is more suitable for stores with higher monthly sales volumes, making it ideal for expanding businesses. The choice between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify depends on the seller’s budget and feature requirements.
The table below outlines the key pricing differences between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify for a more straightforward comparison:
| Features | Shopify Starter | Basic Shopify |
| Monthly Cost | $5 | $39 |
| Transaction Fee | 5% | 2% |
| Online Website | Limited | Advanced Features |
This breakdown aids sellers in making an informed decision based on their specific needs and financial capabilities.
Benefits Comparison: Shopify Starter Vs. Basic Shopify
Shopify Starter targets existing merchants and in-person sellers by focusing on social media and existing website sales. It incurs a 2% transaction fee for external gateways.
In contrast, Basic Shopify suits new e-commerce businesses with its online store builder, customizable themes, lower transaction fees using Shopify Payments, and added features like gift cards and advanced reporting. It offers more tools for customization and growth, making it ideal for establishing a strong online presence.
Best Choice for Small Sellers: Shopify Starter or Basic Shopify?
For small sellers weighing Shopify Starter against Basic Shopify, key factors to consider include:
- Cost-Effective Option: Shopify Starter at $5 monthly is more budget-friendly than Basic Shopify at $39 per month.
- Multi-Platform Selling: Shopify Starter suits sellers selling on Facebook and existing sites without a full online store.
- Advanced Features: Basic Shopify offers features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes for growth opportunities.
- Customization and Scalability: Basic Shopify allows more customization and scalability for sellers planning expansion.
Consider your budget, desired features, and long-term growth when choosing between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify for e-commerce.
Conclusion: Comparing Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify for Small Sellers
Deciding between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify for small sellers requires a careful consideration of your budget and business needs. Shopify Starter offers a cost-effective solution for selling online and offline without a full website, while Basic Shopify provides more advanced features and customization options for growing businesses.
Small sellers should evaluate their priorities and requirements to choose the platform that best suits their eCommerce operations. Remember, the right choice can make a significant difference in your online selling journey.
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Can I customize the look of my Shopify Lite store?
Yes, you can customize the look of your Shopify Lite store by choosing from a variety of themes and editing the design to match your brand. Shopify Lite offers flexibility in design customization to help you create a unique and professional online store presence.
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How many products can you sell on Shopify Lite?
With Shopify Lite, you can sell an unlimited number of products through your Facebook page or existing website using the Shopify Buy Button. This plan doesn’t impose restrictions on the quantity of products you can list.
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What features are included in Shopify Lite?
Shopify Lite includes features such as order creation, discount codes, and the ability to sell on existing websites or social media platforms. It is a cost-effective way for small sellers to start selling online.
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What is Shopify Starter?
Shopify Starter is a low-cost plan designed for sellers who want to sell products through social media platforms, messaging apps, or a simple online store. It’s ideal for those just starting out with minimal requirements.
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What is the Basic Shopify plan?
The Basic Shopify plan is a more comprehensive e-commerce solution that includes a full online store, the ability to sell on multiple channels, and access to more advanced features like discount codes, reports, and a wider range of payment options.
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How much does Shopify Starter cost compared to Basic Shopify?
Shopify Starter costs $5 per month, while Basic Shopify costs $39 per month. The Starter plan is significantly cheaper but comes with fewer features.
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Can I build a full online store with Shopify Starter?
No, Shopify Starter is designed for selling via social media and simple product links. It doesn’t include a full online store with a dedicated website, unlike the Basic Shopify plan.
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Who is Shopify Starter best suited for?
Shopify Starter is best suited for small sellers who primarily want to sell through social media, existing websites, or messaging apps and don’t need a full-fledged online store.
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Who is Basic Shopify best suited for?
Basic Shopify is ideal for small sellers who want to build a full online store, with a custom domain, multiple sales channels, and the ability to grow their business with more advanced tools.
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What sales channels are available with Shopify Starter?
Shopify Starter supports sales through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as direct product links you can share through messaging apps or embed on existing websites.
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What sales channels are available with Basic Shopify?
Basic Shopify supports selling through a full online store, social media platforms, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and in-person sales with Shopify POS.
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Can I use Shopify POS with Shopify Starter?
No, Shopify POS is not available with the Starter plan. If you need POS functionality for in-person sales, you’ll need to upgrade to Basic Shopify or a higher plan.
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Does Shopify Starter include a shopping cart?
No, Shopify Starter does not include a full-featured shopping cart. Customers can purchase individual products through shared links, but the cart functionality is limited compared to Basic Shopify.
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Does the Basic Shopify plan include a custom domain?
Yes, with Basic Shopify, you can connect a custom domain to your online store, giving it a professional web presence. You can either buy a domain through Shopify or connect an existing one.
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What payment options are available with Shopify Starter?
Shopify Starter allows you to accept payments through Shopify Payments, as well as PayPal and other external payment gateways. However, customization options are limited.
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What payment options are available with Basic Shopify?
Basic Shopify offers a wider range of payment options, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, and other third-party gateways. It also supports multiple currencies and country-specific payment methods.
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Does Shopify Starter support discount codes?
No, Shopify Starter does not support discount codes. This feature is available in the Basic Shopify plan and higher plans.
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Does the Basic Shopify plan include shipping features?
Yes, Basic Shopify includes more robust shipping features, including the ability to set up shipping rates, print shipping labels, and integrate with third-party shipping apps.
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Can I upgrade from Shopify Starter to Basic Shopify easily?
Yes, upgrading from Shopify Starter to Basic Shopify is simple and can be done directly from your Shopify dashboard. All your existing data will be retained, and you’ll gain access to additional features.
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Does Shopify Starter have access to Shopify’s app store?
Shopify Starter has limited access to the Shopify app store. Some apps might be restricted or not fully functional compared to the Basic Shopify plan, which has full app store access.
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Is customer support the same for Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify?
Both plans include access to Shopify’s 24/7 customer support, but the Basic Shopify plan may offer faster support response times and more comprehensive assistance due to its higher tier.
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How do transaction fees compare between Shopify Starter and Basic Shopify? Answer:
Transaction fees with Shopify Payments are similar across both plans, but if you use a third-party payment gateway, the transaction fees may be higher with Shopify Starter compared to Basic Shopify.
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Is Shopify Starter good for testing the market before upgrading?
Yes, Shopify Starter is an excellent option for testing the market with minimal investment. If your business grows, you can easily upgrade to Basic Shopify or a higher plan to access more features and scale your operations.
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