Is the $12 Buy Button plan a good option for existing websites?

Topic summary

Core issue: using Shopify’s Buy Button on an external website without paying for a full Online Store plan.

Key options and pricing:

  • Buy Button is available on the Shopify Lite plan for $9/month (not $12). Intended for selling via existing sites or blogs without hosting a full Shopify storefront.

How to switch to Lite:

  • In Admin: Settings > Plan > Change plan > Remove online store. Confirmation steps provided. Images illustrate the process.
  • Downgrading preserves purchased/customized themes, which can be restored if the Online Store is added again later.

Capabilities and trade-offs:

  • Buy Button supports order processing.
  • Full Online Store offers greater control over product presentation and access to some third‑party sales channels (e.g., Facebook sales channel).

Follow-up clarification:

  • Upgrading to the Basic plan does not remove Buy Buttons; they are included in all subscription plans. You can keep Buy Buttons active on another site while building the Shopify store to diversify sales.

Outcome/status:

  • The downgrade to Lite worked for the original poster.
  • Guidance provided for future upgrade and store setup. No unresolved issues.
Summarized with AI on January 9. AI used: gpt-5.

@astIntl My pleasure! I’m glad it did. Don’t hesitate to leave a post again if you need assistance with anything else!