Zoey vs Shopify (2025):
Which Platform is Right for Your B2B Business?
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Platform
If you’re evaluating ecommerce platforms for wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing, understanding the fundamental differences between B2B-focused and B2C-focused platforms is critical to your decision.
Shopify is the world’s leading ecommerce platform, powering over 4 million businesses with an extensive app ecosystem, powerful marketing tools, and consumer-focused features. Standard Shopify plans ($39-$399/month) are designed primarily for retail businesses. Shopify Plus ($2,300+/month) is their enterprise offering that adds B2B capabilities through their Wholesale Channel and app integrations.
Zoey is a specialized B2B ecommerce platform built specifically for wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers. Starting at $600/month, it includes native wholesale features like customer-specific pricing, quote management, approval workflows, built-in CRM, and AR automation without requiring third-party apps.
Important: Zoey is not competing with Shopify for D2C sales. Zoey is purpose-built primarily for B2B operations, though it does support D2C functionality for businesses that need both channels on one platform. For businesses with significant D2C operations, Zoey is an official Shopify partner with a native integration available in the Shopify App Store. Many businesses use Shopify for their D2C storefront while running Zoey as their B2B portal backend, or use Zoey as their primary platform with D2C orders from Shopify flowing into Zoey for unified fulfillment and automation.
The key question isn’t which platform is “better” overall, it’s which platform is designed for your specific business model and whether you need a B2B solution to work alongside or replace your current setup.
Quick Answer
Choose Zoey if: You need purpose-built B2B functionality for wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing operations. Zoey offers native wholesale features and predictable all-inclusive pricing ($600-2,500/month) without relying on multiple third-party apps. Zoey integrates natively with Shopify, so you can keep Shopify for D2C while using Zoey as your B2B backend, or run all orders through Zoey for unified fulfillment.
Choose Shopify Plus if: You operate primarily in B2C (80%+ of revenue) with simple wholesale needs (basic pricing tiers, limited account complexity), need extensive consumer marketing tools, and have development resources to customize B2B functionality through apps. For more complex B2B operations, consider using Zoey’s native Shopify integration to handle wholesale while keeping Shopify for retail.
Understanding Shopify's B2B Capabilities
Standard Shopify plans are designed for direct-to-consumer retail and lack the features needed for wholesale operations. They don’t include customer-specific pricing tiers, approval workflows, multi-user buyer accounts, or quote management.
Shopify Plus is Shopify’s enterprise tier that adds B2B functionality. At $2,300+/month, it includes the Wholesale Channel (supporting up to 2 pricing tiers) and access to B2B-focused apps. Many wholesale businesses successfully use Shopify Plus, particularly those with hybrid B2C/B2B models or straightforward wholesale needs.
The platform’s strength lies in its massive ecosystem of apps, marketing integrations, and consumer-focused features. For B2B functionality beyond basic wholesale pricing, Shopify Plus users typically integrate third-party apps for features like advanced pricing tiers, quote management, bulk ordering, and customer portal enhancements.
Zoey + Shopify Integration: For businesses that want Shopify’s best-in-class D2C capabilities alongside robust B2B functionality, Zoey offers a native Shopify integration (available in the Shopify App Store). This allows businesses to:
Keep Shopify for consumer-facing retail while using Zoey as a dedicated B2B portal backend
Route D2C orders from Shopify into Zoey for unified fulfillment and automation across all channels
Maintain separate customer experiences optimized for each channel without compromising functionality
This comparison focuses on Shopify Plus because it’s the only Shopify offering designed to support wholesale operations. However, businesses don’t need to choose between platforms. Many companies leverage both: Shopify for D2C excellence and Zoey for B2B operations.
Pricing Reality Check
Shopify Plus starts at $2,300/month for basic platform access. Zoey’s pricing tiers start significantly lower, yet include:
Built-in CRM
AR automation
Quote management
Unlimited pricing tiers
Account approval workflows
Multi-user accounts
Bulk ordering tools
Native ERP integrations
Shopify Plus merchants must add $500-1,200/month in apps to approximate these features, pushing total costs to $3,500-6,000/month while still missing functionality like native CRM and AR automation.
Platform Overview Comparison
All-in-One Solution
Type: B2B-native ecommerce platform
Best For: Wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers
Starting Price: $600/month
Price Range: $600-2,500/month (all tiers priced below Shopify Plus base fee)
Pricing Model: Transparent, all-inclusive monthly fees (no transaction fees, no revenue share)
Native B2B Features: Built-in CRM, customer segmentation, approval workflows, bulk ordering, AR automation
Key Integrations: Native NetSuite and QuickBooks Online (two-way), ShipStation (with B2B-specific live rate quoting), Fishbowl, SKUVault, Finale, SellerCloud, Avalara, with more integrations in the pipeline
Implementation Time: 4-6 weeks typical
Support Model: US-based ticket and phone support; dedicated account managers at enterprise tier
Mobile Capabilities: Native mobile app for sales reps (works offline, photo capture, email/text-to-order conversion)
Shopify Integration: Native Shopify partner integration available in Shopify App Store (enables hybrid B2C/B2B operations)
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Type: Enterprise B2C platform with B2B add-ons
Best For: High-volume B2C retailers with basic wholesale needs
Starting Price: $2,300/month
Base Fee Only: Does not include B2B apps ($500-1,200/mo), transaction fees, or custom development
Pricing Model: Base fee + apps + transaction fees + revenue share
Native B2B Features: Limited Wholesale Channel (max 2 pricing tiers)
Implementation Time: 8-16 weeks typical
Support Model: AI-first support with limited human escalation
Three-Platform Comparison
Best B2B Solution
Feature:
Standard Shopify
Shopify Plus
Zoey
Starting Price
$39-399/mo
$2,300/mo
B2B Suitability
- Not designed for B2B
- Requires apps for advanced B2B
- Purpose-built for B2B
D2C Suitability
- Excellent
- Excellent
- Capable (B2B focus)
- No
- Max 2 tiers
- Unlimited
- No
- No
- Yes
- No
- No (Apps Only)
- Native
- No
- No
- Native
- No
- No
- Native
N/A for B2B
$3,500-6,000/mo
$800-2,500/mo
Works Together
N/A
- Zoey integrates with Shopify
- Native Shopify integration
Feature Comparison: Zoey vs Shopify Plus
Feature:
Zoey
Shopify Plus
Winner
Built-in CRM
- Native (leads, opportunities, activity tracking)
- Not included (requires third-party CRM)
AR Automation
- Native (invoices, reminders, aging, credit limits)
- Not included (requires third-party apps)
Multiuser Accounts & Roles
- Native (unlimited users per account)
- Not included (requires apps)
Account Approval Workflows
- Configurable approval rules
- Not supported
- Unlimited customer segments
- Limited via Wholesale Channel (max 2 tiers)
- Native (customers request, reps send)
- Add-ons only ($50-150/mo)
- CSV/Excel upload, paste text, quick order
- Requires third-party apps ($30-100/mo)
Sales Rep Order Placement
- Reps can place orders for customers
- Limited functionality
- Configurable per customer/product
- Not native (app required)
- Native NetSuite/QuickBooks + data mapper
- Mostly third-party ($200-500/mo each)
- One-click reorder from history
- Requires apps
- Flexible B2B workflows (PO numbers, terms)
- Limited (Shopify Scripts only)
- 85-95% typical adoption
- Variable
- $0
- 0.15-0.20% on third-party gateways
$800-2,500/mo all-in
$3,500-6,000/mo with apps/fees
- Limited (focused B2B apps only)
- Extensive (8,000+ apps for all functions)
- Basic automation capabilities
- Shopify Magic (AI product descriptions, email generation)
- Native Klaviyo integration
- Native Shopify Email + extensive marketing app ecosystem
- Not B2C focused
- Industry-leading retail features
Summary: Zoey wins on 14 of 20 categories for B2B-specific functionality. Shopify Plus excels in consumer-focused features, marketing ecosystem, AI capabilities, and app marketplace breadth.
2025 Shopify Plus Considerations for B2B Merchants
Based on merchant discussions across Reddit, forums, and industry feedback in 2025, businesses evaluating Shopify Plus for B2B should be aware of these common considerations:
1. Support Model Changes (2025)
What Merchants Report:
AI-first support model requires interacting with Shopify’s assistant before accessing human help
Extended wait times for human support on complex technical issues
Some merchants report inconsistent support experiences regardless of plan tier
What This Means for B2B: B2B operations often involve complex ERP integrations, custom pricing logic, and multi-warehouse inventory that may require specialized technical support during critical ordering periods.
Zoey’s Approach: US-based support team with direct ticket and phone access. Enterprise customers receive dedicated account managers with no AI gatekeeping for technical issues
2. Total Cost Considerations
Understanding the full cost of ownership is important when evaluating platforms. Here’s what typical implementations look like:
Shopify Plus Cost Structure (2025):
Cost Category | Shopify Plus Range | Zoey Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
Base Platform Fee | $2,300-2,500/mo | $600-2,500/mo |
Transaction Fees (3rd party) | 0.15-0.20% per order | $0 |
B2B Apps (typical stack) | $500-1,200/mo | $0 (native) |
ERP Integration Apps | $200-500/mo per system | Included |
Custom Development (year 1) | $10,000-30,000 | $2,000-8,000 |
Revenue Share (>$800k/mo sales) | 0.25% of sales | None |
Typical Total (Year 1) | $50,000-85,000 | $10,000-35,000 |
Key Consideration: Shopify Plus offers tremendous value for B2C-focused businesses with its extensive app ecosystem and marketing tools. For B2B operations, achieving comparable functionality to Zoey’s native features typically requires adding multiple paid apps, which increases total cost and complexity.
Zoey’s Approach: Transparent tier pricing with B2B features included. No transaction fees. No revenue share. Predictable monthly costs for accurate budget planning
3. Checkout Customization
Shopify Plus Checkout Capabilities:
Even at the Plus tier, checkout customization requires careful planning:
Custom form fields typically need developer resources or apps
B2B-specific workflows (PO capture, approval routing, tax exemptions) often require apps or custom code
Checkout modifications may need updates when Shopify releases platform changes
Common B2B Checkout Needs:
PO number capture (typically requires app or custom development)
Multi-step approval workflows (requires app solutions)
Customer-specific payment terms (may need app enhancement)
Tax exemption certificate upload (app-based solutions available)
Split shipments to multiple addresses (app required)
Zoey’s Approach: Flexible checkout configuration designed for B2B workflows. Native support for PO numbers, approval workflows, payment terms, tax exemptions, and split shipments without requiring apps or development work.
4. Native B2B Feature Comparison
Shopify Plus Wholesale Channel:
Shopify Plus includes a Wholesale Channel with these capabilities:
Supports up to 2 pricing tiers (typically Retail + Wholesale)
Separate wholesale storefront with password protection
Access to Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem for enhanced B2B functionality
Limitations for Complex B2B Operations:
Two pricing tiers may be insufficient for businesses with distributor/dealer/VIP structures
Account approval workflows require app solutions
Customer-specific catalog visibility needs app enhancement
Multi-user buyer accounts require third-party apps
Reorder functionality typically needs app integration
Quote-to-order workflows available through apps
Zoey’s Native B2B Features:
Unlimited pricing tiers and customer segments
Account approval workflows with custom rules
Customer-specific catalogs and product visibility controls
Multi-user accounts with role-based permissions (purchasing agent, approver, viewer)
One-click reordering from order history
Built-in quoting system (customers request, reps modify and send)
Minimum order quantities and increments per product/customer
Volume-based pricing with automatic tier calculation
Built-in CRM for managing leads, opportunities, and customer relationships
5. Inventory and Order Management
Shopify Plus Capabilities:
Robust native inventory system suitable for many use cases
Strong for businesses with straightforward inventory needs
Extensive app ecosystem for enhanced inventory management
Multi-location inventory tracking included
Considerations for Complex B2B Operations:
Advanced features like lot tracking, serial numbers, or batch management typically require apps
Bundle and kit management available through third-party apps
Businesses running both B2C and B2B may need additional tools for inventory separation
Zoey’s Approach: Zoey integrates with specialized warehouse management and inventory systems, pulling in real-time data to ensure accurate stock levels. Native integrations include Fishbowl, SKUVault, Finale, and SellerCloud. The flexible data mapper allows connection with virtually any inventory or warehouse management platform.
When to Choose Zoey Over Shopify Plus
Choose Zoey if you:
Choose Shopify Plus if you:
Want enterprise B2B features at a lower cost than Shopify Plus’s base platform fee
Generate 40%+ of revenue from B2B/wholesale sales
Manage 50+ wholesale dealer accounts
Require customer-specific pricing (3+ pricing tiers)
Need account approval workflows or credit terms
Have sales reps who need to place orders for customers
Want built-in CRM for managing customer relationships
Need AR automation (invoicing, payment reminders, credit limits)
Need quote request and management workflows
Require bulk ordering tools (CSV upload, paste-to-order, quick order forms)
Have complex ERP integration requirements
Want predictable monthly costs without app dependencies
Need multi-user buyer accounts with role permissions
Sell products with order minimums or increment requirements
Generate 80%+ of revenue from B2C sales
Need basic wholesale functionality only (single pricing tier)
Require access to Shopify’s extensive B2C app ecosystem (8,000+ apps)
Have a dedicated development team to build custom B2B solutions
Prioritize consumer-facing features (social commerce, POS, marketing tools)
Operate primarily in retail with limited wholesale accounts (<50)
Can accommodate AI-first support model
Have budget flexibility for app costs and ongoing custom development
Implementation Comparison
Zoey Implementation Options
Zoey offers multiple implementation plans to fit different business needs and resources. Visit Zoey Pricing to explore options ranging from:
Light-lift implementations for businesses with technical resources who want to self-manage
Full implementation support with dedicated onboarding specialists, data migration assistance, and training
Most businesses are up and running on Zoey in 4-6 weeks rather than the months typically required for enterprise B2B implementations.
Shopify Plus Implementation Timeline
Weeks 1-4: Platform setup, theme selection/customization
Weeks 5-8: App integration, custom development for B2B features
Weeks 9-12: Data migration, testing, resolving app conflicts
Weeks 13-16: User training, soft launch
Average Total: 12-16 weeks to full production
Migration Support: Zoey includes flexible data mapper for customizing how data imports and exports, allowing integration with virtually any ERP or legacy system. Native integrations with NetSuite and QuickBooks Online accelerate implementation.
Portal Adoption: What to Expect
Zoey Customer Results
Multiple Zoey customers report 85-95% portal adoption rates, often within weeks of launch. High adoption delivers:
Massive time savings for internal teams
Ability to repurpose order-takers into revenue-generating roles
Reduced errors and order processing time
Improved customer satisfaction with 24/7 ordering access
The Zoey Experience
“Less than 5% of dealers are doing things manually” after implementing Zoey across hundreds of dealer accounts. The company achieved “2X or 3X” efficiency improvement.
The Zoey Experience
95% of distributors using self-service portal within weeks” of launch, dramatically reducing manual order processing burden.
Built-in CRM & Mobile Sales Tools
- Zoey's Native CRM Capabilities
Contact Management: Complete customer account information, history, and payment tracking
Activity Tracking: Log all interactions and touchpoints with customers
Leads & Opportunities: Create and manage sales pipeline to close new business
Sales Rep Tools: Reps can place orders on behalf of customers by selecting products, uploading files (CSV, Excel, PDF), or pasting order text
Quote Management: Customers request quotes; sales reps modify, approve discounts, and send finalized quotes
Approval Workflows: Configure approval rules for discounts, quotes, and special pricing
- Accounts Receivable (AR) Automation
Automatic Invoice Generation: Orders automatically generate invoices upon fulfillment
Payment Reminders: Scheduled automated reminders for overdue accounts
Aging Reports: Real-time visibility into outstanding receivables by aging period
Credit Limit Enforcement: Automatic enforcement of customer credit limits at checkout
- Zoey Mobile App for Sales Reps
Offline Functionality: Works without internet connection in the field
Photo Capture: Take product photos that sync to orders and CRM
Email/Text to Order: Convert customer emails or text messages into orders automatically
Sync to Admin: All mobile activity syncs back to CRM and admin panel
Field Order Entry: Complete order creation workflow available on mobile
Shopify Plus: No built-in CRM, AR automation, or mobile sales rep app. Requires third-party integration with platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, or standalone B2B apps ($50-500/month additional cost). Mobile ordering typically requires custom development. AR automation requires separate accounting software integration.
Native Integrations & Data Connectivity
Zoey’s Integration Ecosystem
ERP & Accounting (Native Two-Way Sync):
NetSuite: Real-time bidirectional data sync for orders, inventory, customers
QuickBooks Online: Automated accounting sync with order and customer data
Shipping & Fulfillment:
ShipStation: Native integration with B2B-specific features including live rate quoting, process orders immediately but invoice later (critical for B2B credit terms)
Inventory & Warehouse Management:
Fishbowl: Real-time inventory tracking and warehouse management
SKUVault: Multi-warehouse inventory control
Finale: Inventory management system integration
SellerCloud: Multichannel inventory and order management
Tax & Compliance:
Avalara: Automated sales tax calculation and compliance
Growing Native Integration Library: Zoey continuously expands native integrations based on customer needs and B2B industry requirements.
Shopify Integration: Native integration with Shopify (available in Shopify App Store) allows businesses to:
Maintain Shopify for D2C operations while using Zoey for B2B
Sync inventory, orders, and customer data between platforms
Route D2C orders from Shopify into Zoey for unified fulfillment
Provide separate optimized experiences for retail and wholesale customers
Universal Connectivity: Zoey’s flexible Data Mapper can connect with virtually any backend system, allowing custom field mapping, data transformation, and automated sync schedules. This enables integration with legacy systems, custom ERPs, or specialized industry software without expensive custom development.
Shopify Plus Integrations
Primarily relies on third-party apps from the Shopify App Store. While offering broad ecosystem (8,000+ apps), B2B-specific integrations often require:
Multiple paid apps to achieve single workflow
Ongoing subscription costs ($200-500/month per integration)
Potential compatibility issues between apps
Custom development for specialized ERP connections
Final Recommendation
For B2B-First Businesses
If wholesale, distribution, or manufacturing represents the core of your business (40%+ of revenue), Zoey offers purpose-built functionality that eliminates the need for multiple third-party apps. Built-in CRM, quote management, AR automation, unlimited pricing tiers, and approval workflows come standard. Implementation typically takes 4-6 weeks, and customers consistently achieve 85-95% portal adoption rates.
If you have existing D2C operations on Shopify: Keep your Shopify store and add Zoey’s native integration to handle B2B operations through a dedicated wholesale portal.
For B2C-First Businesses with Wholesale
If you operate primarily in direct-to-consumer retail (80%+ of revenue) with some wholesale accounts, you have two paths:
Option 1 – Shopify Plus for Both: Use Shopify Plus for both channels if your wholesale needs are simple (basic pricing tiers, straightforward workflows). Budget for $3,500-5,000/month total costs including B2B apps.
Option 2 – Shopify + Zoey: Keep standard or Plus Shopify for your D2C operations (where it excels) and add Zoey for dedicated B2B functionality. This approach often costs less than Shopify Plus alone while providing superior B2B capabilities. Total investment: Shopify ($39-2,300/mo) + Zoey ($600-2,500/mo).
For Hybrid Operations
Evaluate your revenue split and operational complexity. If B2B represents 40%+ of revenue or involves complex workflows (multiple pricing tiers, approval processes, sales rep tools), you have flexible options:
Run everything on Zoey: Zoey supports both B2B and D2C on a single platform, allowing unified fulfillment and inventory management. Several Zoey customers successfully operate both channels together.
Use Shopify + Zoey: Leverage Shopify for consumer marketing and retail operations while Zoey handles wholesale complexity. Each platform does what it does best.
If B2C is the larger revenue driver with simple wholesale needs, Shopify Plus alone may suffice, though many businesses in this position still benefit from Zoey’s dedicated B2B capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Shopify plans are designed for direct-to-consumer retail and don't include the features needed for wholesale operations (customer-specific pricing, approval workflows, multi-user accounts, quote management). For B2B functionality, you can either upgrade to Shopify Plus or add Zoey's native Shopify integration to handle wholesale while keeping standard Shopify for D2C.
Shopify Plus works well for businesses with hybrid B2C/B2B models or straightforward wholesale needs (basic pricing tiers, limited account complexity). For operations requiring extensive B2B features like built-in CRM, AR automation, complex approval workflows, and unlimited pricing tiers, you'll typically need to add $500-1,200/month in specialized apps. Total investment usually reaches $3,500-6,000/month. Many businesses find better results using Shopify for D2C alongside Zoey's dedicated B2B platform.
Yes. Zoey is an official Shopify partner with a native integration available in the Shopify App Store. Many businesses use this combination to get the best of both worlds: Shopify handles D2C operations (where it excels) while Zoey manages wholesale operations with purpose-built B2B features. Orders, inventory, and customer data sync between platforms. You can keep Shopify for retail and add Zoey as your B2B backend, or run all orders through Zoey for unified fulfillment.
Standard Shopify lacks B2B functionality. Shopify Plus ($2,300/month) adds the Wholesale Channel supporting up to 2 pricing tiers, plus access to B2B-focused apps for additional functionality like quote management, bulk ordering, and enhanced customer portals. However, even Shopify Plus users often integrate Zoey for more robust B2B capabilities while maintaining Shopify for their consumer storefront.
Shopify Plus starts at $2,300/month for platform access, with most B2B implementations adding $500-1,200/month in apps for features like advanced pricing, quote management, and bulk ordering. Total costs typically range from $3,500-6,000/month. Zoey's all-inclusive pricing ranges from $600-2,500/month with native B2B features included and no transaction fees or app dependencies. Many businesses find that using standard Shopify ($39-399/mo) for D2C plus Zoey ($600-2,500/mo) for B2B costs less than Shopify Plus alone while providing superior functionality for both channels.
Shopify Plus excels in consumer marketing with native tools like Shopify Email, extensive marketing app integrations, and AI-powered features (Shopify Magic for content generation). The platform's 8,000+ app ecosystem includes sophisticated marketing automation, social commerce, and analytics tools. Zoey offers native Klaviyo integration for email marketing and focuses primarily on B2B-specific sales tools like quote management and sales rep portals rather than broad consumer marketing capabilities. For businesses needing both, the Shopify + Zoey integration allows you to leverage Shopify's marketing strength for D2C while using Zoey's B2B tools for wholesale.
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