Introduction – The Shopify Growth Path for UK Businesses
If you’re running an online business in the UK, Shopify is one of the most reliable, scalable, and user-friendly eCommerce platforms available today. However, as your business grows, you’ll eventually face a crucial decision: Should you stay on Shopify, or upgrade to Shopify Plus? Start Free Trial now !!
This guide breaks down every aspect — from pricing to performance — to help UK entrepreneurs, brands, and retailers decide which plan fits best.
We’ll explore:
- 💷 Shopify vs Shopify Plus pricing in the UK
- ⚙️ Key feature differences
- 🧾 UK-specific considerations like VAT, payment gateways, and fulfilment
- 🚀 When to upgrade to Shopify Plus
Shopify Overview: Designed for Growing UK Businesses
Shopify’s standard plans — Basic, Shopify, and Advanced — are perfect for small to mid-sized businesses.
Key Shopify Features:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop store builder
- UK-friendly payment gateways (Shopify Payments, PayPal UK, Klarna UK)
- Built-in marketing tools (SEO, email, analytics)
- 24/7 UK-based support
- Multi-currency support with GBP default
Shopify suits start-ups and SMEs looking to manage their eCommerce operations without heavy technical resources.
Shopify Plus Overview: Built for Scale and Enterprise
Shopify Plus is the enterprise-level version of Shopify — designed for large-scale UK retailers, brands, and B2B businesses.
Shopify Plus Key Features:
- Fully customisable checkout (Shopify Scripts, Checkout Extensibility)
- Multi-store management
- API integrations for ERP, CRM, and fulfilment software
- Exclusive access to Shopify Plus Partner ecosystem
- Dedicated account manager
- High-volume traffic support
- Advanced automation via Shopify Flow
It’s ideal for UK brands generating £1M+ annual revenue or managing high-volume international orders.
Shopify vs Shopify Plus Pricing in the UK
Pricing is one of the biggest differences between the two.
| Plan | Monthly Cost (Approx. GBP) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify Basic | £19/month | Start-ups or small stores |
| Shopify | £49/month | Growing small businesses |
| Advanced Shopify | £259/month | Mid-sized to large stores |
| Shopify Plus | From £1,580/month | Enterprise-level brands |
💡 Note: Shopify Plus pricing varies depending on sales volume and specific UK requirements.
Additional UK Costs:
- Transaction Fees: 0.3%–2.0% depending on payment method
- VAT: 20% applied automatically for UK merchants
- Shipping Costs: Integration with Royal Mail, DPD, or Evri
Feature Comparison: Shopify vs Shopify Plus (UK Edition)
Here’s how the two platforms stack up feature-by-feature:
| Feature | Shopify | Shopify Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Storefront Builder | Standard themes | Fully customizable via Liquid or Hydrogen |
| Checkout Customization | Limited | Advanced scripts and checkout extensibility |
| Multi-Store Support | 1 per plan | Multiple stores, multi-region |
| API Access | Limited | Unlimited APIs |
| Automation | Basic workflows | Shopify Flow + Launchpad |
| Support | 24/7 chat/email | Dedicated Merchant Success Manager |
| Integrations | App-based | Custom & enterprise integrations |
| Launch Time | Quick setup | Custom onboarding with Plus team |
When Should UK Businesses Upgrade to Shopify Plus?
You should consider Shopify Plus if your business:
- Generates over £1M/year in online revenue
- Has high traffic during peak events (e.g., Black Friday, Boxing Day)
- Needs multi-channel sales (B2B, wholesale, and DTC)
- Requires custom checkout or advanced integrations
- Expands internationally
Example: A UK fashion brand using Shopify Standard might struggle with checkout limits or app dependencies. Shopify Plus removes those barriers with dedicated scalability.
Shopify Plus UK Exclusive Benefits
- 🇬🇧 Localised Checkout: Fully VAT-compliant and integrated with UK payment methods.
- 🏪 Wholesale/B2B Support: Built-in multi-tier pricing.
- 💳 Shopify Payments UK: Lower transaction fees.
- 📈 Priority Support: Dedicated success team in UK time zones.
- 🔌 Integration Power: Connects seamlessly with Sage, Xero, or Brightpearl.
Technical Performance & Security
Both Shopify and Shopify Plus offer PCI DSS Level 1 compliance and 99.99% uptime. However, Plus users get dedicated API bandwidth and faster load times — essential for enterprise operations.
UK Case Studies: Shopify vs Shopify Plus in Action
Example 1 – Small Business (Shopify Standard)
A boutique skincare brand in London started on Shopify Advanced to sell locally. As sales scaled past £50K/month, they upgraded to Plus for faster checkouts and ERP automation.
Example 2 – Enterprise (Shopify Plus)
A UK fashion retailer on Plus reduced checkout time by 40% and integrated with Royal Mail’s Click & Drop, boosting customer retention by 25%.
Which Is Right for You?
| Business Type | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|
| New UK Start-up | Shopify Basic |
| Growing eCommerce Store | Shopify or Advanced |
| High-Volume Retailer | Shopify Plus |
Conclusion
If you’re a UK entrepreneur starting out, the standard Shopify plans offer great flexibility at a low cost.
However, if your store is scaling rapidly and you require automation, multi-store control, or custom checkout — Shopify Plus is the smarter investment.
10+ FAQs About Shopify vs Shopify Plus (UK)
1. What is Shopify Plus in the UK?
Shopify Plus is the advanced version of Shopify for high-volume or enterprise-level UK businesses needing greater control and scalability.
2. How much does Shopify Plus cost in the UK?
Prices start around £1,580/month, depending on turnover and integration needs.
3. Is Shopify Plus worth it for small businesses in the UK?
Not usually — it’s best for companies generating over £1M/year.
4. Can I upgrade from Shopify to Shopify Plus?
Yes. Shopify offers seamless migration with account manager assistance.
5. What’s the main difference between Shopify and Shopify Plus?
Checkout customisation, automation tools, API access, and dedicated support.
6. Does Shopify Plus include hosting in the UK?
Yes, hosting and CDN are included globally.
7. Does Shopify Plus handle VAT?
Yes, it supports full VAT calculations and UK tax compliance.
8. Which UK payment gateways work with Shopify Plus?
Shopify Payments UK, PayPal, Klarna, Stripe, and Amazon Pay.
9. Can I use Shopify Plus for B2B in the UK?
Absolutely — it includes native B2B and wholesale tools.
10. Is there a free trial for Shopify Plus?
No, but you can contact Shopify Sales UK for a demo.
11. Does Shopify Plus support multiple currencies?
Yes, including GBP, EUR, and USD — perfect for UK-based exporters.