Company Description/Overview
Products/Services Offered
Market Analysis
Marketing and Sales Strategies
Operations and Management
Financial Plan
Appendices
A business plan is a detailed document laying out how the business will function and develop in its first few years. The key is the “plan” part of the name, as it will specify how you will launch, gain customers, operate, make money, and, with any luck, expand.
Yet what many first-time business owners seem to forget is that a business plan is not a static document. The initial version is based largely on assumptions, supported by research. But as you run your business you’ll learn what works and what does not and make endless tweaks to your plan.
Thus, creating a business plan is not a one-time action – it’s a dynamic and continuous process of crafting and adapting your vision and strategy.
A business plan is generally much more detailed and broader than a business proposal, and has several elements :
A business proposal is created in connection to a specific business deal being offered by one party to another. As mentioned, when you take a business plan to an investor, you’re proposing a business relationship, so in this case a business plan and a business proposal are much the same.
But a business proposal could also be for others purposes, including:
A business proposal may offer specific terms for the potential relationship, or it may be just about the benefits the relationship will bring, with terms to be negotiated later. Essentially, it’s a sales tool to get people or companies to do business with you in some way.
Business proposals can be structured in various ways, but usually, they’ll include a summary of what your company can offer, a scope of the work to be done together, and sometimes, a price quote or a proposed structure of the business relationship.
Clearly, a business plan and a business proposal are similar – and can even be one and the same. At the same time, they can also serve very different purposes. Unlike a business plan, a business proposal can have a variety of aims and thus does not have a “one size fits all” structure.
Whichever one you need, be sure to take your time with the research and writing so your business has the best chance for success.
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Square and Shopify are both leading all-in-one business platforms with powerful features. Both companies offer online stores, payment processing and point-of-sale (POS) solutions for both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce businesses. Either provider will get your business up and running without much hassle, though each has areas where it is particularly strong.
We’ve carefully examined both providers for their payment systems, hardware, software and customer support services to help you pick a provider that will streamline your operations and best support your sales.
Via Stax’s website
Monthly fee
Swiped transaction fee
7¢ to 10¢ + interchange rate
Via Merchant One’s website
0.29% to 1.55% per transaction
Via Payment Depot’s webiste
$0 Setup & No Cancellation Fees
Customized Interchange+ Pricing – Rates as low as 0.2% – 1.95%
Via Clover’s website
SQUARE | SHOPIFY | |
---|---|---|
Square and Shopify are both very well-known presences in the e-commerce space, and each features its own range of offerings.
Andy Chang, founder and CEO of The Credit Review, explained that “both these platforms have their unique strengths and setbacks.” He noted that Square is “excellent for small businesses due to its ease of setup, bundled services and no monthly fee,” and highlighted that “Shopify, on the other hand, excels for online businesses thanks to its seamless integration with the Shopify store.”
As you research providers and make a decision, begin by first assessing your budget and then considering additional features.
Verdict: Square
SQUARE | SHOPIFY | |
---|---|---|
With its free plan and inclusion of its free magstripe card reader, you can begin selling for only the cost of the transaction fees. For casual sellers and those who sell at events and markets, Shopify just can’t match this offering.
However, as business needs increase and you require a paid plan, the two providers get more neck-and-neck and you will need to assess pricing based on your specific needs.
Shopify’s plans are, on the whole, more expensive than Square’s, but its higher-tier plans do have lower transaction fees, and its hardware is generally cheaper. There are also the added benefits of Shopify’s powerful web design tools to consider.
Square offers three plan options:
Square’s payment processing fees start at:
Square’s Retail Plus and Restaurant Plus plans come with some basic hardware options, but a wide range of additional hardware is also available for purchase. All plans come with Square’s free basic magstripe reader. Additional contactless card readers start at $49. Full register kits start at $1,269.
Like Square, Shopify offers three core plan tiers, though it does not offer a free option:
Shopify also offers a few other plan types that may be a good fit for specific uses, including its Starter plan for $5 per month, which allows for the creation of a simple online store and selling on social media.
A retail-specific plan is also available for $89 per month (identical to Square’s Retail Plus pricing) and adds in-person selling tools alongside inventory tracking, loyalty features and staff management capabilities.
Shopify’s hardware options include card readers, terminals, cash drawers, printers and scanners. Costs will range from $49 for Shopify’s Tap & Chip Card Reader to $459 for its POS countertop kits and $999 for wireless countertop bundles.
Read our full guide to Shopify pricing for in-depth cost information.
Square and Shopify both offer a good selection of hardware that integrates with each provider’s POS software. But Square just edges out Shopify with its inclusion of its free magstripe card reader with even its free plan and its sleek all-in-one register, which combines a register screen for the seller and a customer display that accepts all major credit and debit cards as well as Cash App payments.
Every Square plan, even its free one, includes the Square reader for Magstripe, which plugs directly into your phone and allows sellers to take swiped card payments. For those who sell on the go at events like farmer’s markets or craft fairs, this may be all the equipment you require, and — paired with the free plan — you’ll only pay transaction fees.
If you want the ability to accept contactless payments, you can upgrade to the 1st or 2nd generation Square Readers, for $49 or $59, respectively. For those wanting a payment terminal with a bit more heft, you can consider the Square Terminal for $299, which also prints receipts.
We like the aesthetic and functionality of the Square Register, the company’s fully integrated register that comes with a touchscreen for the seller and a payment terminal for customers who can view their purchase and pay by tap or card. At $799, it isn’t the cheapest register you will find, but its compact nature and integration with every other feature of your Square plan certainly make it an appealing option.
The Square Register Kit is Square’s priciest hardware offering. At $1,269, this equipment combo comes with the Square Register, cash drawer and receipt printer.
Shopify has some similar offerings to Square, though it lacks an all-in-one register option. Instead, POS Terminal Countertop Kits are available for both iPads and Android tablets for $459. These kits include a POS terminal for taking card payments and a tablet stand, but you must supply your own tablet.
For those who may not want or require full register set ups, a few card reader options are available. Like Square’s contactless card reader, Shopify’s Tap & Chip Card Reader is $49. The POS Go for $299 is a handheld card reader that features a touchscreen and can also act as a barcode scanner. The Shopify POS Terminal for $349 is a countertop option that has a full display for the customer.
Shopify also sells a wide range of ancillary equipment like tablet stands, barcode scanners, barcode label printers and labels, receipt printers and paper and cash drawers.
Verdict: Shopify
While both providers offer excellent POS integration, payment processing and make online and in-person sales simple, we think that for online retailers especially, Shopify’s web editor and other site-building tools and features just can’t be beat.
Square’s software encompasses payment processing, POS, e-commerce sites, APIs and app integrations with some of the most popular business software such as QuickBooks , Wix and WooCommerce.
Square accepts and processes payments from U.S.-issued and most internationally issued magstripe or chip cards from Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, JCB or UnionPay International. It supports payments from mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. It accepts prepaid cards, certain international cards and Afterpay. Licensed healthcare providers and pharmacies can accept HSA and FSA cards.
Square does offer the tools needed to set up a simple online shop, but the company’s bread and butter is its POS system. This software allows you to sell online, in person, over the phone or while you’re out and about. You can take payments with its hardware or with its online integrations for your website, track inventory, manage teams in multiple locations and process invoices.
Shopify users can also accept a wide range of payment types, but this must be done through Shopify Payments. U.S.-based businesses can accept Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Diners Club debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Bancontact and iDEAL payments.
Shopify has its own omnichannel POS offering for selling online or in person, as well as a nice range of card reader and hardware options, though you will need to provide your own tablets if you want a register setup. Its POS software has features for inventory tracking, staff management, customer management, reporting and analytics.
Where Shopify really shines is with its web editor and website-building tools. Starting with a range of customizable themes and over 8,000 app integrations, the no-code website builder can quickly have you up and running on the web.
Unlimited product listings, SEO tools, stock photos, a QR code generator and smooth integration between online and offline store sales make Shopify’s powerful e-commerce tools worth considering, especially for those focused on online sales.
Verdict: Tie
Our preference among these two providers in terms of customer service and support really comes down to which type of support channel users prefer to engage with. Shopify offers its customers 24/7 chat support but no phone support. Square offers its customers phone and chat support, but only during weekday business hours (unless you have the Premium plan).
Square offers both phone and live chat support, but it is only available Monday through Friday 6 a.m to 6 p.m. PT unless you’re a Premium plan customer. There is a callback option if you do not want to wait to speak to a representative during busy times.
While phone support is something Shopify lacks, the limited hours may be difficult if your business operates outside standard hours and you are in need of assistance.
Square has an online Support Center as well that’s full of helpful articles and resources surrounding a vast range of topics from payments and hardware to taxes.
Shopify offers all plan subscribers 24/7 chat support, and “enhanced” chat support for its Advanced subscribers. If you primarily sell online and anticipate that you may need assistance during weekends or late at night, this 24/7 chat support is likely preferable. However, if you prefer phone support, Shopify will leave you wanting.
Shopify also has a nicely built-out Help Center for its users with articles and resources on topics ranging from how to access your account to everything you need to know about accepting payments.
Winner: Tie
Our final recommendation comes down to the type of retailer you are. Chang emphasized that when it comes to these two e-commerce providers, “Experiences can vary and businesses need to consider their unique requirements in terms of transaction volume, online versus physical store sales and the necessity of bundled services when deciding between the two.”
If you operate in a physical location— especially in a restaurant or retail scenario — Square’s powerful POS features will serve you well. If you primarily operate online, however, and want a website with all the bells and whistles, Shopify’s features are likely going to be a better fit.
We ultimately recommend Square for brick-and-mortar operations, especially restaurants and retailers who rely heavily on their hardware. You can absolutely use Square to sell online as well, but its highly customizable POS software adapts well to service industries and businesses with multiple locations.
For those focused primarily or solely on e-commerce, Shopify is the better option. Its suite of tools and features for designing a beautiful and functional online store is impressive, and while its physical POS offerings are very serviceable, its greatest value will be in online sales.
Yes, Square subscriptions are cheaper than Shopify. It offers a free plan and its higher-tier Plus plan starts at $29 per month in contrast to Shopify Advanced’s $399 price tag. However, customers may find that Square’s POS hardware is pricier than Shopify’s.
For a website, Shopify is better. While you can create an online shop with Square, Shopify offers a vast range of themes and app integrations as well as a powerful and fully customizable web editor.
No. Shopify’s plans are generally more expensive than Square’s. Its lowest-tier plan starts at $39 per month whereas Square starts with a free offering and then rises to start at $29 per month for the first paid tier.
However, while Shopify’s plan subscriptions are more expensive, it’s also important to assess other costs, including transaction fees, hardware costs, integrated app subscriptions and web hosting fees.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Lauren Swift is a writer and editor specializing in all things B2B, including strategic operations, marketing, SaaS and other critical technology. She draws on a background in education, the arts, SEO, content design and editorial leadership to help translate knowledge and research into actionable insight and recommendations for businesses of all sizes.
Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.
Credit card processing Mehdi Punjwani
Credit card processing Sierra Campbell
Credit card processing Gina Ponce
Credit card processing Alison Kilian
Credit card processing Sarah Li Cain
Credit card processing Jessica Elliott
Credit card processing Joshmi Joseph
Credit card processing Eric Rosenberg
Credit card processing Blair Travers
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Business Plan: A business plan is a written document that describes in detail how a business, usually a new one, is going to achieve its goals. A business plan lays out a written plan from a ...
You might prefer a traditional business plan format if you're very detail-oriented, want a comprehensive plan, or plan to request financing from traditional sources. When you write your business plan, you don't have to stick to the exact business plan outline. Instead, use the sections that make the most sense for your business and your needs.
How do you define, compare, and contrast a short business plan vs. a comprehensive plan? A comprehensive business plan may be needed if you are pitching to investors or applying for a loan. A business plan that is not requiring investment/ loan needs to accomplish a few things no matter the size: Does it confirm why your idea will be received ...
Most business plans also include financial forecasts for the future. These set sales goals, budget for expenses, and predict profits and cash flow. A good business plan is much more than just a document that you write once and forget about. It's also a guide that helps you outline and achieve your goals. After completing your plan, you can ...
Describe Your Services or Products. The business plan should have a section that explains the services or products that you're offering. This is the part where you can also describe how they fit ...
The steps below will guide you through the process of creating a business plan and what key components you need to include. 1. Create an executive summary. Start with a brief overview of your entire plan. The executive summary should cover your business plan's main points and key takeaways.
Tips on Writing a Business Plan. 1. Be clear and concise: Keep your language simple and straightforward. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms. A clear and concise business plan is easier for investors and stakeholders to understand and demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. 2.
1. Create Your Executive Summary. The executive summary is a snapshot of your business or a high-level overview of your business purposes and plans. Although the executive summary is the first section in your business plan, most people write it last. The length of the executive summary is not more than two pages.
1. Write a Compelling Executive Summary. The executive summary is the first thing potential investors will read. Whether you're an entrepreneur or part of the management team tasked with writing a business plan—It's also your best chance to get time-crunched investors and lenders excited about your business concept.
Sell your business and explain why it matters. Additionally, supplement your sell with a high level summary of your plan and operating model. However, don't go over one or two pages. Feel free to include the following as well: Business Name. Key Employees. Address.
1. Investors Are Short On Time. If your chief goal is using your business plan to secure funding, then it means you intend on getting it in front of an investor. And if there's one thing investors are, it's busy. So keep this in mind throughout writing a business plan.
Startup plan A startup plan is a business plan a new company gives to potential investors in the hopes of receiving startup funding. Startup plans operate as initial plans that businesses can adjust as needed as a company grows. A comprehensive plan will include the following information: Executive summary; Overview of the company; Management ...
Follow this business plan outline that walks you through each section of a basic plan in the order they typically appear. The executive summary is the first section of your small business plan that is typically written last. This section highlights at least one important statement from each of the other sections in your business plan, while ...
If capital is a priority, this business plan might focus more on financial projections than marketing or company culture. 2. Feasibility Business Plan. This type of business plan focuses on a single essential aspect of the business — the product or service. It may be part of a startup business plan or a standalone plan for an existing ...
An established business can use historical data to outline its financial performance. Use information from the past three years minimum. These include income statements, balance sheets and cash ...
Keep it to one or two pages. To make things easier for yourself, write this section last. By then you'll have a stronger understanding of your whole business plan and can more easily pull the ...
Bottom Line. Writing an executive summary doesn't need to be difficult if you've already done the work of writing the business plan itself. Take the elements from the plan and summarize each ...
A comprehensive plan is a long-range plan for a city, which captures the vision of where the community wants to be at some point in the future. ... While it provides short- and long-term guidance for the future, it will not get everything right nor will it be perfectly implemented. It is intended to provide guidance moving forward, and it is ...
2. Helps Secure Funding. Your business plan can help to secure funding. Investors and lenders need to see a detailed plan that demonstrates your business's potential for success. A comprehensive ...
The business plan, a noun, is a tactical document. It's typically created for a specific purpose, such as securing a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Think of it as a road map - it outlines the route and the destination (in this case, the coveted bank loan). But once you've reached your tactical goal (in this case, getting the loan ...
A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the strategy, objectives, and operational details of a business. It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized ...
U.S. Small Business Administration. "Write Your Business Plan." Starbucks Coffee Company. "Our Company." United States Securities and Exchange Commission. "Form 10-K, Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(D) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021, Tesla, Inc.," Pages 3-12.
Strategic planning is a long-term planning process that helps a company define its vision, mission, and objectives. Business planning, on the other hand, is a short-term planning process that helps a company define its goals and strategies to achieve those goals. Both strategic planning and business planning are important for leaders, but which ...
Purpose: Feasibility studies determine whether to go ahead with the business or with another idea, whereas business plans are designed after the decision to go ahead has already been made ...
A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the overall vision, strategy and goals of your business. In contrast, a business proposal is a targeted pitch to a specific client or ...
In Closing. Clearly, a business plan and a business proposal are similar - and can even be one and the same. At the same time, they can also serve very different purposes. Unlike a business plan, a business proposal can have a variety of aims and thus does not have a "one size fits all" structure.
Shopify: Recommended for small businesses and teams, the $105 per month Shopify plan adds features like shipping insurance, up to five staff accounts and lower payment processing rates that run 2. ...