Introduction
Thinking about starting an online store but not sure which Shopify plan suits your dropshipping goals? This guide cuts through the confusion by comparing three options: Dropshipping on Shopify (Basic), regular Shopify (Standard), and Shopify Plus (Enterprise). By the end, you’ll know which plan delivers the features you need without over‑paying.
What Each Plan Offers
1. Dropshipping on Shopify (Basic)
- Monthly fee: $29
- Unlimited products, but limited advanced reports and shipping discounts
- Access to most dropshipping apps (Oberlo, DSers, Spocket)
- Basic cart recovery (2 automated emails)
- Manual checkout customization only
2. Standard Shopify (Shopify)
- Monthly fee: $79
- All Basic features + professional reports, better transaction rates, and gift cards
- Up to 4 staff accounts
- Advanced cart recovery (up to 4 emails) and abandoned checkout analytics
- More shipping discount tiers – crucial for high‑volume dropshippers
3. Shopify Plus
- Monthly fee: starting at $2,000
- Dedicated account manager, API rate limits increased 10×
- Unlimited staff accounts, custom checkout scripts, and exclusive wholesale channel
- Advanced automation with Shopify Flow, Launchpad, and multi‑store capabilities
- Priority support and SLAs for mission‑critical operations
Key Factors for Dropshippers
Cost vs. Scale
If you’re just testing a niche with a few hundred orders a month, the Basic plan keeps expenses low while still supporting major dropshipping apps. Once you break the 500‑order threshold, the higher transaction fees start to erode profit, making the $79 Shopify plan more economical.
Automation Needs
Basic and Standard plans rely on third‑party apps for bulk order fulfillment. Shopify Plus includes native Shopify Flow, letting you automate order routing, inventory sync, and fraud checks without additional app costs.
International Shipping
Shopify Plus offers multiple carrier‑calculated shipping rates and the ability to negotiate custom freight contracts—essential if you ship from overseas warehouses. Basic users are limited to Shopify’s default carrier discounts.
When to Upgrade
- Revenue exceeds $10k/month – transaction fee savings outweigh the higher subscription.
- Need custom checkout logic (e.g., B2B pricing, dynamic shipping rules).
- Running more than one store under the same brand – Plus consolidates reporting and inventory.
FAQ
- Can I use Oberlo on Shopify Plus? Yes, all dropshipping apps available on the App Store work on Plus, plus you get higher API limits.
- Do I lose any features if I downgrade from Plus? You’ll lose advanced automation, custom checkout scripts, and the dedicated account manager.
- Is there a free trial for each plan? Shopify offers a 14‑day trial for Basic and Standard. Plus requires a custom demo with a sales rep.
- Which plan has the best shipping discounts? Shopify Plus provides the deepest carrier‑negotiated rates, followed by Standard, then Basic.
- Do I need a separate domain for each store? No, you can point multiple sub‑domains to different Plus stores, simplifying brand management.
Conclusion
For newcomers, the Basic Shopify plan gives you all the tools to start dropshipping with minimal risk. As sales grow, upgrading to the $79 Shopify plan provides better analytics and lower fees. When your operation scales to multiple stores, high‑volume international shipping, or requires custom checkout experiences, Shopify Plus becomes the clear winner.
Call to Action
Ready to launch your dropshipping empire? Start your 14‑day free trial on Shopify today and upgrade when your numbers justify it.
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