Starting a dropshipping business is an exciting venture, and Shopify is one of the best platforms for this business model. However, with multiple Shopify plans to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one is ideal for your specific needs and budget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each Shopify plan, unpack its features, and explain how it fits into the dropshipping ecosystem. By the end, you’ll have all the information needed to confidently select the right plan for your business journey.
Table of Contents
Why Shopify Is Perfect for Dropshipping
Before diving into the details of Shopify’s plans, let’s take a moment to understand why Shopify is considered a top choice for dropshippers.
Ease of Use
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a complete beginner, Shopify makes building an online store a breeze. Its user-friendly interface guides you through setting up your store, adding products, and configuring essential settings. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or hire developers to get started.
Seamless Dropshipping Integrations
One of Shopify’s strongest selling points is its compatibility with popular dropshipping apps like Oberlo, Spocket, and DSers. These apps simplify the entire process—allowing you to import products directly from suppliers, automate order fulfillment, and track inventory with ease.
Scalability
Shopify is designed to grow with you. Whether you’re processing a handful of orders a month or scaling to thousands, Shopify’s infrastructure can handle your needs. Plus, upgrading to a higher plan is simple as your business expands.
Professional Design Options
Shopify’s themes are polished and customizable, helping your store stand out and look professional. For dropshipping, this is critical—customers need to trust your site to make a purchase.
24/7 Support
Dropshipping often involves managing suppliers across time zones, which can be stressful. Shopify’s 24/7 support ensures that any technical issues are resolved promptly, so you can focus on growing your business.
Shopify Plans Overview
Shopify offers five primary plans to cater to businesses of all sizes and stages:
- Starter Plan ($5/month)
- Basic Shopify Plan ($39/month)
- Shopify Plan ($105/month)
- Advanced Shopify Plan ($399/month)
- Shopify Plus (custom pricing)
Each plan offers unique features, making it suitable for different business needs. Let’s break them down one by one.
1. Starter Plan ($5/month)
The Starter Plan is Shopify’s most affordable option. It’s perfect for people who want to start selling quickly without investing in a full-fledged online store.
Features:
- Allows you to sell products through a simple link (no full website).
- Manage orders and track sales through Shopify’s backend dashboard.
- Great for social media sales, as you can share product links on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Is It Good for Dropshipping?
While this plan is incredibly affordable, it’s not ideal for dropshipping. The lack of a customizable online store means you can’t build a branded presence, and integrations with dropshipping apps are limited.
Who It’s For: This plan is best for social sellers testing out product ideas before committing to a full store. For instance, if you’re sharing products through Instagram or TikTok, the Starter Plan could be a low-cost way to dip your toes in.
2. Basic Shopify Plan ($39/month)
The Basic Plan is Shopify’s first tier that provides a fully customizable online store. It’s the most popular starting point for entrepreneurs building a dropshipping business.
Features:
- Full online store with a blog to share content or updates.
- 2 staff accounts, allowing limited team collaboration.
- Up to 1,000 inventory locations—plenty for most dropshipping businesses.
- Shopify POS Lite, enabling you to sell in person if needed.
- Basic reporting tools to track sales and site performance.
Why It’s Ideal for Dropshipping:
- App Integrations: You can connect to dropshipping apps like Oberlo, Spocket, or Modalyst to source and fulfill products effortlessly.
- Professional Branding: The customizable storefront allows you to create a unique, trustworthy brand—key for converting customers in the competitive eCommerce space.
- Lower Fees: Compared to third-party platforms like Amazon or Etsy, Shopify’s transaction fees are reasonable (2.9% + 30¢ per online sale).
For example, if you’re starting a home decor dropshipping business, you can use this plan to design a cozy, aesthetic website with integrated product catalogs. It’s the perfect launchpad for beginners!
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs ready to launch their first dropshipping store.
3. Shopify Plan ($105/month)
The Shopify Plan builds on the Basic Plan with additional features tailored for growing businesses.
Features:
- All features from the Basic Plan.
- 5 staff accounts—ideal for team collaboration as your business grows.
- Advanced reporting tools, providing deeper insights into customer behavior and sales trends.
- Lower transaction fees (2.6% + 30¢ per online transaction).
Dropshipping Advantages:
- Scaling-Friendly: As your order volume increases, the slightly reduced transaction fees save you money.
- Actionable Analytics: With advanced reporting, you can track which products are performing well, identify your best customer segments, and optimize your marketing efforts.
Real-World Example:
Imagine your store has grown from selling 10 products a week to hundreds. With the Shopify Plan, you can analyze detailed sales reports to discover trends like which products sell best during the holiday season, helping you plan effective promotions.
Who It’s For: Dropshippers scaling beyond the initial stages and processing significant order volumes.
4. Advanced Shopify Plan ($399/month)
The Advanced Plan is designed for businesses that need more powerful tools to handle high-order volumes and complex operations.
Features:
- All Shopify Plan features.
- 15 staff accounts for large teams.
- Advanced report builder for fully customized analytics.
- Third-party shipping rate calculations for dynamic shipping options.
- Lower transaction fees (2.4% + 30¢ per online transaction).
Why It’s a Fit for Dropshipping:
- Custom Analytics: The advanced report builder allows you to track niche metrics tailored to your business, like supplier performance or regional sales trends.
- Streamlined Shipping: Third-party shipping rates make it easier to offer competitive, accurate shipping costs to customers.
Example Use Case:
Let’s say you’re running a fashion dropshipping store and selling globally. The Advanced Plan’s shipping tools allow you to display real-time shipping rates from international suppliers, creating a seamless checkout experience for your customers.
Who It’s For: Established dropshipping businesses with high monthly revenues.
5. Shopify Plus (Custom Pricing)
Shopify Plus is the enterprise-grade version of Shopify. It’s tailored for large-scale operations requiring advanced tools and resources.
Features:
- Fully customizable storefront and checkout processes.
- Unlimited staff accounts.
- Priority customer support and a dedicated account manager.
- API integrations for advanced workflows.
Dropshipping Applications:
For massive dropshipping businesses handling thousands of orders daily, Shopify Plus offers the flexibility to create highly optimized systems. It’s overkill for most, but it’s a game-changer for enterprises.
Who It’s For: Large-scale businesses with substantial revenue and complex needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shopify Plan
Not sure which plan to pick? Here’s what to consider:
1. Your Budget
- If you’re starting out, the Basic Plan offers all the features you need without breaking the bank.
- As your business grows, upgrading to the Shopify Plan or beyond will provide more tools and benefits.
2. Order Volume
- If you’re processing hundreds of orders per month, the Shopify Plan or Advanced Plan can save you money on transaction fees.
3. Analytics Needs
- Beginners can get by with the basic reports offered on the lower plans.
- If you’re scaling, the advanced analytics available on higher plans will help optimize your business.
4. Customization
- For small to medium businesses, the Basic or Shopify Plans offer enough customization.
- Larger businesses may benefit from the advanced tools and flexibility of the Advanced or Plus Plans.
Conclusion: Which Shopify Plan Is Best for Dropshipping?
For most dropshipping beginners, the Basic Shopify Plan is the best starting point. It provides all the essential tools to launch and grow your store at an affordable price. As your business scales and you need advanced analytics or lower transaction fees, consider upgrading to the Shopify Plan or Advanced Shopify Plan.
Remember, Shopify is designed to grow with your business, so you can always start small and upgrade as needed. With the right plan and strategy, your dropshipping business will be set up for success!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Shopify Dropshipping Plans
Can I upgrade my Shopify plan later?
Yes! Shopify makes it seamless to upgrade your plan as your business grows. For example, if you start with the Basic Plan and your sales increase, you can switch to the Shopify or Advanced Plan to access better analytics, lower transaction fees, and more advanced features.
Do all Shopify plans support dropshipping apps?
All Shopify plans, except the Starter Plan, support dropshipping apps like Oberlo, Spocket, and DSers. These integrations make it easy to import products, sync inventory, and automate order fulfillment. If you’re serious about dropshipping, starting with at least the Basic Plan is recommended.
Is the Basic Shopify Plan enough for beginners?
Yes, the Basic Plan is perfect for beginners. It includes everything you need to create a branded online store, connect dropshipping apps, and start selling. While it has fewer advanced features compared to higher plans, it’s an excellent entry point for those just starting out.
What are the transaction fees on Shopify plans?
Shopify’s transaction fees vary by plan:
– Basic Plan: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
– Shopify Plan: 2.6% + 30¢ per transaction.
– Advanced Plan: 2.4% + 30¢ per transaction.
These fees apply unless you use Shopify Payments, which waives additional transaction costs. Using Shopify Payments is a smart way to keep costs low.
Are there any hidden costs with Shopify?
Shopify’s monthly fees are transparent, but you should budget for additional expenses like:
– Dropshipping app subscriptions (e.g., Spocket or DSers).
– Domain registration (about $10–$15 annually).
– Paid themes or apps for extra functionality.
Always review your expected costs to ensure they align with your business budget.
Can I use Shopify for international dropshipping?
Absolutely! Shopify supports international sales, and the Advanced Plan even offers dynamic shipping rate calculations for global customers. However, you’ll need to account for shipping times and potential customs fees. Dropshipping apps like Spocket allow you to source suppliers closer to your target market to reduce shipping delays.
What makes Shopify better than other platforms for dropshipping?
Shopify stands out because of its ease of use, scalability, and robust ecosystem of dropshipping apps. Unlike platforms like WooCommerce (which requires more technical know-how) or marketplaces like Etsy (which limit your branding), Shopify offers full control over your store’s design and operations. Plus, its 24/7 support ensures you’re never stuck when facing technical issues.
How do I market my dropshipping store on Shopify?
Marketing your store effectively is key to success. Here are a few strategies:
– Use social media ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to target specific audiences.
– Optimize your site for SEO by using keywords in product descriptions and blog posts.
– Partner with influencers to promote your products.
– Create email marketing campaigns to keep your customers engaged.
Shopify’s blog feature and marketing app integrations can help streamline your promotional efforts.
