Shopify Plus vs Salesforce Commerce Cloud are two leading platforms chosen by large enterprises worldwide to build eCommerce websites. Each platform has its advantages, from the flexibility and user-friendliness of Shopify Plus to the comprehensive solutions offered by SFCC. 

Understanding each system’s differences and strengths is crucial before deciding between these two platforms. Let’s explore and compare the capabilities of Shopify Plus and SFCC in detail to make the most suitable decision.

Read more: Shopify Plus vs Advanced: Which one is right for you?

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is a premium scalable platform version tailor-made for large enterprises. Launched in 2014, It rapidly emerged as the preferred option for those seeking efficient and adaptable expansion of their online operations. Unlike a fixed pricing model, Shopify Plus is customized according to specific deployment needs.

Pros of Shopify Plus

• User-friendly interface: The user-friendly interface of Shopify Plus allows you to quickly set up online stores with just a few simple steps
• High customization and scalability: You can customize many aspects of the eCommerce website, integrate apps, and expand bandwidth to handle large transaction volumes. However, effective customization requires high technical skills.
• Support for Headless Commerce deployment: Plus provides many tools and features that enable businesses to deploy Headless Commerce effectively. Businesses can build custom Headless eCommerce websites through the Hydrogen solution to deliver a unique customer experience. 
• Shopify B2B: With exclusive solutions, businesses can quickly build B2B eCommerce systems with a simple customer experience similar to B2C systems. 
• Shopify POS: The integrated Shopify POS Pro tool allows Plus merchants to create seamless online and offline shopping experiences. 
• Bán hàng quốc tế: The integrated Shopify Market Pro tool allows Plus merchants to expand operations to global markets and explore new opportunities.

What is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?

Salesforce Commerce Cloud (formerly known as Demandware) is a robust cloud-based eCommerce platform built on Salesforce’s infrastructure, one of the world’s largest CRM software companies.

SFCC provides a comprehensive system for operating online stores, from building and deploying shopping websites to managing orders, marketing, and customer service. With robust integration capabilities and intelligent analytics tools, SFCC helps businesses create unique online shopping experiences and enhance customer interaction.

Pros of Salesforce Commerce Cloud

• Support for Headless Commerce Deployment: SFCC allows you to seamlessly integrate with your favorite tech stack to develop custom website interfaces to optimize the customer shopping experience.
• Building personalized experiences with AI: SFCC’s Marketing GPT and Commerce GPT enable you to eliminate repetitive tasks, save time in workflows, and provide personalized campaigns and shopping experiences on a large scale.
• Support for Omnichannel Commerce Deployment: SFCC makes it easy for you to develop and maintain multiple effective and consistent sales channels.
• High Scalability: SFCC operates on a cloud platform, allowing you to quickly scale their eCommerce operations without worrying about investing in hardware and software.

Shopify Plus vs Salesforce Commerce Cloud: Detailed

License fee

• Shopify Plus

The Plus version costs from $2300/month but is not fixed and will be customized based on specific needs. For merchants reaching a revenue threshold of $800,000/month, the Plus usage fee will gradually increase based on GMV (0.25% GMV for months with revenue exceeding $800,000). Merchants often must spend an additional $1K – $5K/month to integrate third-party applications.

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud

There are no exact figures for SFCC, as the cost is determined based on each merchant’s requirements. However, SFCC merchants with revenues around $20 million may have to pay about $200,000 – $600,000/year. Larger-scale enterprises with higher revenues may have platform fees totalling millions annually.

Target audience

• Shopify Plus: It targets large-scale merchants with complex needs, but it’s best for those just starting out and those rapidly expanding their business..
• Salesforce Commerce Cloud: It targets large enterprises with complex needs, especially those already using other Salesforce products and services and seeking to integrate e-commerce functionality into their existing systems.

Customization

• Shopify Plus:

+ Customizes unique storefront with Hydrogen.

+ Seamless third-party integrations

+ Ultilize cutting-edge technologies like AI, VR/AR for enhanced customer experience

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud:

+ Offers flexibility for complex customizations

+ Requires expertise in SFCC and specific technical skills

Scalability

• Shopify Plus:

+ Easily scales without slowing down website performance.

+ Provides a clear roadmap with over 100 product updates released twice a year

+ Continuously improves to keep your business ahead in eCommerce

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud:

+ Integrates seamlessly with other Salesforce systems but struggles with third-party apps

+ Updates regularly but at a slower pace compared to Shopify

Features and Functionality

Both platforms have rich features, differing mainly in focus and approach

• Shopify Plus

Plus focuses on flexibility and ease of use, providing merchants with a more intuitive interface than SFCC. This platform is renowned for its seamless integration with various payment options, marketing tools, and sales channels. This flexibility has made Plus attractive and accessible to most merchants.

Additionally, Shopify Plus offers their merchants exclusive and custom solutions to effectively handle various aspects of eCommerce, such as Shopify POS, Shopify Market, Shopify Hydrogen, Shopify Checkouts, B2B on Shopify, and more.

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud

SFCC, on the other hand, emphasises enterprise-level features such as integrated sales management tools, advanced search, order management, and promotion creation. Additionally, this platform excels in supporting international sales, advanced customer segmentation and personalization, as well as real-time dashboards and reports.

All of these features help businesses optimize eCommerce operations and drive growth.

When choosing Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus will be the ideal choice in the following cases:

• Large-scale and fast-growing

Plus is designed specifically for large retailers with high demands for scale. With a range of exclusive solutions developed and continuously updated, this flexible eCommerce platform can effectively meet growth needs, allowing for easy scalability and customization.

• Budget and time limits

With lower license fees compared to SFCC and the ability for quick deployment, Shopify Plus is a suitable option for businesses with moderate budgets or those needing to implement projects in a short time frame.

• Priority on flexibility and ease of use

Plus is known for its user-friendly interface and high flexibility. Its drag-and-drop builder ensures that users of all technical levels can easily and efficiently set up an online store.

• Need for rapid integration with third parties:

Shopify Plus’s infrastructure provides a seamless integration system with third-party applications and tools. This is a significant advantage if you need to integrate quickly with CRM applications, marketing tools, or other online sales channels.

• Focus on customer experience

If customer experience is a top priority, Shopify Plus offers many tools and features to easily and effectively optimize shopping experiences and customer interactions.

When choosing Salesforce Commerce Cloud?

SFCC is a suite of solutions your eCommerce system needs to grow rapidly. If the following criteria apply, SFCC may be the more suitable choice:

• Already using SFCC products and services

If you have already used other Salesforce products and services such as Salesforce CRM, Marketing Cloud, or Service Cloud, choosing SFCC will optimize workflows and integrate customer data across your entire system.

• Requires deep integration and complex customization

SFCC is often the top choice for large enterprises with high deployment demands requiring flexibility in managing online stores. The platform provides powerful tools and features for customizing interfaces, managing complex product catalogs, and integrating with distinct business processes.

• Prioritizes security and reliability

Built on the infrastructure of Salesforce, one of the world’s largest cloud technology service providers, SFCC offers high levels of security and reliability, best for those with important customer data and information.

• Wants to leverage intelligent analytics features

SFCC provides tools to help you better understand customer shopping behavior and optimize business strategies. This enhances the shopping experience and increases sales revenue.

The Final Words

In today’s highly competitive eCommerce landscape, selecting the appropriate platform is crucial for your business success. This article has provided an overview of the top two choices, Shopify Plus and SFCC.

When it comes to making a decision, careful consideration of the specific needs is essential, from scale and goals to budget and technical requirements, to make the most appropriate choice.

Need help making the right decision? Contact SECOMM or call (028) 7108 9908 immediately!