Shopify Lite Plan - Shopify $9 Plan: All you need to know!

 Did you know that the Shopify Lite Plan, also known as the Shopify $9 plan, is one of the most popular options for small business owners who are looking to start their online stores?

With its impressive range of features and affordable price point, it's no wonder why so many entrepreneurs are turning to the Shopify Lite Plan to kickstart their e-commerce journey. From easy-to-use website templates to powerful marketing tools, this plan has everything you need to get your business up and running in no time.

So, if you're thinking about starting your online store, the Shopify Lite Plan might just be the perfect solution for you. Keep reading to learn more about all the amazing benefits that this plan has to offer and how it can take your business to the next level!

What is the Shopify Lite plan?

Shopify Lite is a budget-friendly plan offered by Shopify. Designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses just starting or looking to dip their toes into the world of online selling, the Shopify Lite plan allows users to sell products through an existing website or social media channel without the need for a full-fledged online store.

With Shopify Lite, users can easily add "Buy" buttons to their website or blog, turning it into an online store with just a few clicks. The plan also includes access to Shopify's powerful inventory and order management tools, allowing users to manage their sales and customer information from a central location.

Another great feature of the Lite plan is the ability to sell products directly through Facebook Messenger, making it easy for customers to shop and make purchases without ever leaving the messaging app.

Shopify Lite Plan Alternative: Shopify Starter plan 

Because Shopify Lite Plan is not available for merchants anymore, Shopify released Shopify Starter Plan with similar features.

Shopify's starter package is the simplest. You can quickly construct a Starter store with Shopify's top checkout system for a reasonable price. The starter package is perfect for sharing a link to a product on social media, via email, SMS, WhatsApp, and other channels. 

Also, putting it up doesn't take a lot of time or effort. Shopify Starter plan makes it simple for shoppers to make purchases whenever and wherever they see your products thanks to its mobile device optimization.

The plan enables users to create product links to share on social media or messages. International commerce is supported through Shopify Markets, a cross-border management tool. To start selling, one must activate their checkout by choosing a paid plan or removing the storefront password. The Starter Plan costs $5 monthly and is replacing Shopify Lite.

Note:

The Shopify Starter plan is exclusively available for new merchants and those still in their free trial period; it doesn't include an online store or Shopify POS. 

To use Shopify POS or create an online store, you must subscribe to the Basic Shopify plan or higher, which will give you access to the Shopify POS app and online store sales channel.

Pricing Policy: Shopify Lite Plan & Shopify Starter Plan

Shopify Lite and Shopify Starter are two different plans offered by Shopify, each with its pricing policies. The Shopify Lite plan costs $9 per month and charges a 5% transaction fee, while the Shopify Starter plan costs $5 per month and does not include hosting or a domain. 

Features: Shopify Lite plan & Shopify Starter Plan

Looking at the features of each plan to see the similarities and differences between these two plans.

Similarities

- Unlimited products: The Plans allow users to sell an unlimited number of products.

- 24/7 customer support: Customer support is available 24/7 through email and chat in multiple languages, depending on the plan.

- Discount codes and gift cards: The plan allows merchants to create discount codes and gift cards to attract customers and increase sales.

- Abandoned checkout recovery: The plan includes abandoned checkout recovery, which helps merchants recover lost sales by sending automated emails to customers who abandoned their carts.

- Unlimited bandwidth: You aren't charged under how many people visit your online store or how many files or images you upload.

- Manual order creation: Through your Shopify admin, you may add new orders and enter payment information.

- Brand Assets: You can manage and contribute to the assets associated with your brand, such as your tagline, brand colors, and logo.

Differences

Shopify Lite plan

- Point of Sale (POS) and Buy Button sales channels: The Point of Sale sales channel allows users to sell products in person using the Shopify Point of Sale app and a card reader. The Buy Button sales channel enables users to embed a Buy Button on their website or blog, allowing customers to purchase products without leaving the website.

- Analytics page and finance reports: The Analytics page provides various reports to help users track their business performance, including sales, orders, and traffic. The finance reports show users their payouts and transaction fees, among other financial details.

- Competitive transaction fees: Shopify Lite charges a 5% transaction fee on all sales made through the Buy Button or Point of Sale sales channels, which is competitive compared to other e-commerce platforms.

- Supports one staff account: The plan allows users to add one staff account, which can access the Shopify admin, allowing a business partner or employee to manage the store.

- Suitable for small online shops with basic shipping needs: The plan is best for small online shops with basic shipping needs and is not suitable for businesses that require advanced shipping or fulfillment features.

- Enables users to embed a Buy Button on their website or blog: The Buy Button sales channel enables users to add a Buy Button to their website or blog, allowing customers to purchase products without leaving the website. This feature is useful for businesses that do not require a standalone website.

Shopify Starter Plan

- Create product links for social media: The Shopify Starter Plan allows users to create product links that can be shared on social media platforms or messaging apps to start selling their products.

- Activate checkout: To start selling, merchants need to activate their checkout by choosing a paid plan or removing their storefront password.

- Link pop tool: The Starter Plan includes a link-in-bio tool called Link pop, which allows merchants to keep all product listings in one place and monetize their bio links.

- Competitive transaction fees: The Starter Plan offers competitive transaction fees, which are a percentage of the sale made through the store.

- International commerce support: The Starter Plan supports international commerce through Shopify Markets, allowing merchants to expand their business globally. A cross-border management device that supports you through each stage of the global selling procedure.

- Spotlight theme: The Starter Plan includes a Spotlight theme that can be customized using a theme editor to give merchants' stores a unique look and feel. Using the theme editor, you can add a brand description, a logo, and social media links. You can also alter the theme's color scheme.

- Reports and analytics: The plan offers various reports to track business performance, such as financial reports, product analytics, live view, acquisition reports, inventory reports, behavior reports, sales reports and marketing reports.

Decide the ideal plan for your business and Sign up Shopify account today to enjoy the first 3 months for only $1/month.

FAQ about Shopify Lite Plan

1. Is Shopify Starter Plan replacing the Shopify Lite plan?

Yes. The Shopify Starter Plan is like an alternative to the Shopify Lite plan because the Shopify Lite Plan is being phased out. They have similar features, however, the Shopify Starter Plan offers some more functions.

2. Can new merchants sign up for Shopify Lite Plan?

No. New merchants are not able to subscribe to the Shopify Lite plan. Shopify Lite Plan is just available for merchants who are already on the plan.

3. Can I back to Shopify lite Plan if I decide to change the plan?

No. Once you switch from the Shopify Lite plan to another plan, you won't be able to switch back to the Lite plan.

4. Can I build an online store with the Shopify Lite plan?

No. The Shopify Lite package does not contain an online store. If you want to start an online store to sell products, you must have a Basic Shopify subscription to use the online store sales channel.

Final Words

In conclusion, if you're a small business owner or a temporary seller, Shopify Lite and Shopify Starter plans to offer an excellent starting point for your e-commerce journey. With a competitive transaction fee, basic reports and analytics, and support for one staff account, these plans provide the essential tools you need to start selling your products online. 

Choose the Shopify Starter plan if you want to sell products on Shopify at a low cost. With the added benefits of abandoned checkout recovery and international commerce support, you can expand your business globally. Sign up for Shopify today and take the first step towards growing your business online.

Others also read:

The complete guide to Shopify 3rd party apps

How To Add New Page To Shopify Website

Create and Customize Your Shopify Blog Post?

How to design a Shopify store

Top 12 best design tips to make a professional Shopify store