Shopify remains the default choice for founders launching an online store, with a large ecosystem of themes, apps, and payment integrations. Its tiered plans scale from a first small store to a larger operation with more staff accounts and reporting needs.
Key features
- Large ecosystem of themes and apps for nearly any store need
- Built-in payment processing plus support for third-party gateways
- Inventory, shipping, and order management included at every tier
- Scales from a single-founder store to multi-staff operations on higher tiers
Pricing
Shopify’s Basic plan runs about $39 a month monthly, or about $29 a month billed annually. The Grow plan is about $105 a month monthly, or about $79 a month annually, with more staff accounts and reporting. The Advanced plan is about $399 a month monthly, or about $299 a month annually. A lower-cost Starter option exists for simple checkout-only setups, and Shopify Plus is a custom-priced enterprise tier starting much higher. Confirm current pricing on Shopify’s site, since plan names and prices are updated periodically.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large app and theme ecosystem covers nearly any store requirement | Monthly cost plus transaction fees and paid apps add up for a small store |
| Handles payments, inventory, and shipping without needing separate tools | Higher tiers needed for more advanced reporting and staff accounts |
Who it’s for
African e-commerce founders wanting a reliable, well-supported platform to launch and scale an online store without building one from scratch.
Who should skip it
Very early-stage sellers testing an idea with no products yet may prefer a free storefront on an existing social platform before paying a monthly fee.
How to get started
Start a free trial, pick a theme close to your brand, add your first products, and connect a payment method before going live.
FAQ
Does Shopify charge transaction fees on top of the monthly plan?
Yes, unless you use Shopify’s own payment processing, third-party payment gateways typically carry an additional transaction fee on top of the subscription.
Can I upgrade plans later as my store grows?
Yes, you can move between plans as your sales volume, staff count, or reporting needs grow.
Disclosure: Africapreneurs may earn a commission if you sign up for Shopify through the links in this article. This does not change what you pay, and it does not influence which tools we choose to cover.
