What is the best Shopify plan to start with in Chile?

For most SMBs launching their first store, the Basic plan is more than enough. It includes the full ecommerce foundation you need and keeps your fixed cost low while you validate your product and sales channels.

When should I upgrade from Basic to the Shopify (mid-tier) plan?

It makes sense when your sales are consistent, you need more admin users, and you benefit from advanced reports. As a reference, if you're handling several million pesos per month and have a team, the mid-tier plan becomes a good investment in control and data.

Is the Advanced plan useful for a small SMB?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Advanced is designed for high-volume operations with advanced reporting needs, markets, and teams. While you're in the traditional SMB phase, Basic or Shopify mid-tier are usually sufficient.

Can I change my plan later if I make the wrong choice?

Yes. Shopify allows you to upgrade or downgrade your plan. The key is not to keep switching constantly, but to make the decision when you see clear signals: more team members, more sales, real need for advanced features.

Are Shopify prices the same in all countries?

Base USD prices are the same, but Shopify also handles local pricing in some currencies and there may be regional differences in fees and commissions. Always check the official Shopify pricing page.

How to Choose the Ideal Shopify Plan for Your Store in Chile (Without Overpaying)

When an SMB in Chile decides to work with Shopify, the next question is inevitable: "Can I get by with Basic or should I go straight to the Shopify or Advanced plan?"

The reality is that if you choose a plan that's too high too soon, you end up overpaying for features you don't use. And if you go too low, you limit yourself in reports, team access, and efficiency.

This article provides a practical comparison of the Basic, Shopify (mid-tier), and Advanced plans, with billing examples in Chilean pesos to help you choose without wasting unnecessary budget.

Why Choosing the Right Shopify Plan in Chile Matters

Quick answer: For a Shopify store in Chile that's just starting, the most cost-effective option is usually the Basic plan, which delivers all the key ecommerce features at a low cost. The Shopify (mid-tier) plan only makes sense when you're already billing several million per month, need better reports, and more panel users. The Advanced plan is designed for stores with high volume, team structure, and more complex operations.

The temptation to "over-buy" a plan too early

It's easy to fall into the trap of "I'll take the most expensive plan because I see myself growing in the future." The problem is that Shopify charges in USD, and the price difference between plans is noticeable in CLP. Every extra fixed dollar per month adds pressure to your cash flow in Chile.

Quick Summary of Plans: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced

Approximate Prices in USD and CLP Reference

As of December 2024–2025, Shopify's public prices are approximately:

Basic

~39 USD

~$35,000 - $40,000 CLP

Popular

Shopify

~105 USD

~$90,000 - $110,000 CLP

Advanced

~399 USD

~$360,000 - $400,000 CLP

What All Plans Have in Common

In any of the three, you get:

Complete Shopify online store.
SSL certificate.
Unlimited products.
Sales channels (online, social media, etc.).
Access to ecosystem apps.
24/7 support.

In other words, you don't need an expensive plan to have a "real" store.

Basic Plan: When It's Enough for a Chilean SMB

Key Features Already Included in the Basic Plan

The Basic plan is designed for businesses that are starting, but that doesn't make it "limited": it includes a complete online store, checkout, cart, unlimited products, and enough users for a small team.

For an average SMB in Chile just starting in ecommerce, this is more than enough.

Advantages for Stores Just Starting

Low cost relative to sales potential.
Less monthly pressure while you validate your product, offer, and traffic channels.
It forces you to focus on the essentials: driving traffic and selling.

Shopify Plan (Mid-tier): When It Makes Sense to Level Up

What It Adds Over the Basic Plan

The Shopify (mid-tier) plan mainly adds:

More staff accounts (ideal if you have a marketing + operations team).
More detailed professional reports (better analytics for decisions).
Better processing rates and commissions compared to Basic.

Monthly Billing Examples in CLP

Less than $1,000,000 CLP/month: Stay on Basic. The extra cost is too high.
$1M - $5M CLP/month: Consider it if you have a team or need reports.
Over $5,000,000 CLP/month: The price difference dilutes and the extra features make sense.

Advanced Plan: Designed for High Volume

Advanced Features

Includes custom reports, powerful tools for international sales, and even better rates. If you're in Chile just starting, most of these things will be very far from your initial reality.

When It Pays Off

This plan only starts making sense when your monthly sales are high and stable (tens of millions of pesos) and you have a large team operating within the admin.

Practical Examples in CLP

Case A: Billing Less Than $1,000,000 CLP

Recommended plan: Basic. Optimize your product, photos, descriptions, and ads. Changing plans won't fix a lack of sales.

Case B: Billing Between $1M and $10M CLP

Consider the Shopify plan. If you have a team (more than 2-3 people) and make data-driven decisions, it may be worth it.

Case C: Billing Over $10,000,000 CLP

Analyze rates. Commissions and operational efficiency start to matter a lot. Here you can seriously evaluate whether the mid-tier plan falls short or whether Advanced pays off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Shopify Plans

What's the best plan to start with?

For most SMBs, the Basic plan is ideal. It keeps costs low while you validate your business.

When should I move to the mid-tier plan?

When your sales are consistent (several million per month), you have a team, and you need advanced reports.

Can I change plans later?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade at any time based on your real needs.

Need advice on your plan?

If you want to review your specific case to choose the plan that works for you today — without overpaying or falling short — let's talk.

Contact an Expert →