How to Choose A Shopify App Development Company

If you own a Shopify store, you may want to add special features. These could include better reports or easier ways to handle orders. If you run an agency, you might need custom feature development for your clients' stores. Or, you may want to develop an app for the Shopify App Store to grow your business. 

No matter what you need, choosing the right Shopify app development company is important.

The Shopify apps come in two types: public and custom. Public apps are listed on the Shopify App Store and can be used by any Shopify store. 

On the other hand, custom Shopify apps are custom-made and designed to address specific business requirements. They are used by specific store(s) and are not available in the Shopify app store.

So, how do you go about developing these apps?

One of the best ways to create a Shopify app is to hire a Shopify app development company. 

A Shopify app development company will help you create a high-quality app. This app will work well on a live server and won't crash suddenly. These agencies serve a professional service while saving time, ensuring security, and providing ongoing support.

The other way you can build a Shopify app is by yourself if you have enough Shopify technical knowledge. But if you’re not, it can be challenging due to resources, implementations, and security.

On the other hand, you can hire freelance developers to get this work done too. Hiring an individual developer can provide cost savings but lacks professional communication and commitment. Additionally, their uncertainty causes a lack of high-quality outputs, which can affect your project badly.

Choosing a company with proven experience in Shopify app development can save you from these pitfalls. They can address all the issues mentioned earlier.

Now the question is - how will you choose a Shopify app development company? 

Don’t worry! This guide will help you choose a Shopify custom app development company. It will give you the key steps to make a confident decision.

How to Choose the Best Shopify App Development Company

Before you look for a top Shopify custom app development company, consider your needs. Think about the features you want. Also, consider how fast and accurately you want the app developed.

Then decide how much you are willing to spend. This will help you choose the right Shopify app development company more perfectly.

Now, let’s see the step - how we can pick the best Shopify app development service -

#1 Check the Company’s Experience & Apps They’ve Built

First, check the company's portfolio to see their experience and expertise in Shopify app development. This will help you understand their work quality and how well they manage projects like yours.

It helps you evaluate their experience with Shopify app development. You can also check their design and development standards. This way, you can see if their work matches your vision or not.

You can further check their past projects and the apps they’ve built. These also show that they can meet deadlines and provide reliable solutions. This gives you confidence in their ability to handle your needs.    

#2 Client Reviews and Testimonials

Client reviews and testimonials offer insight into the company’s reputation, quality of service, and client satisfaction. Look for feedback on communication, responsiveness, and how well the app development team met project requirements and deadlines.

The valid sources to check the reviews and testimonials are review platforms like Clutch and Trustpilot. You can also rely on references or word-of-mouth recommendations. These can help you build trust in the custom Shopify app development companies you're considering.

#3 Know the App Development Process

Ask about the company’s development process, from planning and design to testing and launch. Knowing how they work, communicate, and manage projects helps ensure they can meet your requirements and deliver on time.

#4 Support and Maintenance

When choosing a custom Shopify app development agency, it is important to check their support and maintenance services. This ensures your app's long-term success. Once your app is live, it will need regular updates and fixes. This helps it stay compatible with Shopify’s frequent changes. 

Without regular maintenance, your app's performance can drop. This may cause downtime, security problems, or compatibility issues. These issues could disrupt your online store's operations.

#5 Pricing (Project-based vs. Resource-based)

When picking a Shopify app development company, compare pricing models. This helps you find one that fits your budget and project needs. The two main pricing models are project-based and resource-based.

• Project-based pricing is fixed. It’s based on the project’s scope, requirements, and work timeline. It serves as a flexible payment agreement. Mostly a payment schedule will be there where you can pay in installments during the period. 
• Resource-based pricing, on the other hand, involves paying for the time and resources allocated to your project. These resources include developers, designers, project managers, and other team members involved in the development process. Pricing is typically based on the time and resources involved, billed hourly, daily, or monthly. 

The project-based pricing model is ideal for businesses with clear requirements, transparency, and fixed budgets. This model helps you know the total cost before the work begins.

The resource-based pricing model is flexible. It is great for businesses with changing needs. It also works well for projects that need ongoing development and support. 

Suppose, you have a project to complete by the deadline. You don’t have time to continue. Simply hire a Shopify app development company at an affordable price to complete the project. 

Or you can adjust your support to extend the team size by hiring specific Shopify experts from the team if possible. Thrash the extra workload as needed, allowing you to serve more frequently with productivity and affordable control over costs.

However, choosing the right pricing model depends on how fixed or flexible your project is. Project-based pricing is best for predictable budgets, while resource-based pricing suits businesses with dynamic requirements. 

#6 Interview & Shortlist the Companies

Now reach those companies you have short-listed till now; get a quotation or schedule a meeting with them. Inquire about the relevant concerns you want to know.

During the meeting, discuss your project, customization needs, and align on development goals. Ask about their maintenance packages and check for hidden fees.

Compare their prices with others. See how confident they are in managing your project. This will help you make a more informed decision.

Bonus: Look for the “Built for Shopify” Badge

The “Built for Shopify” badge shows quality, functionality, and customer experience. If any app passes Shopify's high standards, Shopify awards this special badge to the app.

When evaluating a company, check its profile for apps with the "Built for Shopify" badge. These apps show the company’s skill in making reliable and well-designed apps for Shopify stores.

This is why you should consider this badge when choosing an app.

#7 Hire the Best Shopify App Development Company

With all the research and interview insights gathered, it's now time to decide the best Shopify app development company. By this stage, you should have a clear sense of which company best fits your project.

Here are some precautions: Before you make your choice, review the contract and proposal carefully. Check the service agreement, terms and conditions, and payment schedule too. This will ensure clarity and help avoid any misunderstandings later.

Furthermore, to make your choosing/ hiring process easy, you can follow this type of table to continue.

For example -

Finally, hire the one Shopify app development company that gives maximum positives on each metric. 

Benefits of Choosing a Shopify App Development Company

To understand you better, we will look at the benefits of working with a Shopify app development company. This allows you to confidently focus on your existing business while they handle the app development process.

Having your Kind of Development Team

The main benefit of hiring a Shopify app development agency is having your own kind of development team. So, whenever you need any custom development work, you can get it done. 

The team typically includes experts in backend-frontend development, DevOps, quality assurance, and others to get your work done. The UI/UX design, project management, and eCommerce experts are also here to help. All their skills ensure that they craft every aspect of your app with care and precision.

If you need to add new features, make changes, or fix security issues, the Shopify app development team is there to help. They are ready to assist with any challenges that come up and ensure your app works smoothly. It’s like having your own in-house team without the hassle of managing them. 

Plus, you only pay as per your agreement, avoiding ongoing payroll costs while enjoying top-notch services.

Personalized Solutions for Your Brand

You may want to add automation, integrate third-party tools like CRMs or ERPs, or include specific features based on your business needs. The choice is entirely in your hands.

A Shopify app development agency offers a high level of customization. They can design personalized solutions that match your brand and style, ensuring the app fits your unique requirements.

Time Efficiency

Having Shopify experience and no learning curve lets the custom Shopify app development agencies save you time and resources. 

The company manages everything from developing the app, to design, planning, implementation, and testing to make the app deliver.

Furthermore, expert project managers oversee timelines, follow organized project workflows, facilitate team collaboration, and check regular progress updates - to build your project more efficiently.

Ensures High Quality and Reliable Testing

Having vast experience in the Shopify app development industry, the companies are aware of the pros and cons. They make apps that align with the Shopify app guidelines to make it a high standard and remain compliant.

After the app is built, their dedicated testing team checks how the app works, how fast it is, and its responsiveness. They find errors and help to prevent compatibility issues, providing a smooth experience for both app owners and users.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Shopify gets itself updated on time. So, if you work on the project yourself or hire an individual developer, you might run into problems later. This could happen because of a lack of expertise in certain areas and the limited availability of developers.

Whereas a Shopify app development agency provides ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your app stays up-to-date. This includes implementing the latest features and security patches to keep your app running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Shopify development agency?

A Shopify development agency is a professional company specializing in creating, customizing, and optimizing Shopify stores and apps. They provide services like theme development, app creation, and custom feature integration to make the online store work better. They also provide ongoing support to ensure your eCommerce store keeps up with updates and security improvements.

• Difference between Shopify development vs Shopify app development?

Shopify development is about creating and customizing Shopify stores. This includes things like making themes, setting up payment gateways, and improving the shopping experience.  

Conversely, Shopify app development focuses on creating apps or plugins that add extra features to a store. These features can include things like advanced analytics, custom shipping options, or marketing tools. This makes your online store stronger and more efficient.

• What is the difference between a сustom Shopify app and a public Shopify App? Which one to choose?

A custom Shopify app is made just for your business, while a public app is designed for general use. Choose a custom app if you need unique features; a public app may work if your needs are simpler.

• Which custom Shopify apps can a Shopify apps development company create?

A Shopify App Development Company can develop various custom Shopify apps based on your business needs. Reach them out to discuss what you’re looking for!

• How much time does it take to create a Shopify app?

The development time depends on the app’s complexity and desired features. Simple apps with minimal features can be developed relatively quickly. However, more advanced apps with many functions and integrations will take longer to complete.

• How much does the Shopify app development cost?

The cost of Shopify app development depends on your business needs and how complex the app is. Prices can vary, so it’s best to talk to an expert to get a quote that matches what you're looking for.

• Can I Create an App for Shopify?

Yes! You can. To start, you need some basic knowledge of web development. This includes knowing how to code in languages like Ruby, Node.js, or PHP. Plus, Shopify gives you tools, guides, and resources to help you. They have step-by-step instructions and examples that make it easier to build and connect your app to Shopify stores.

• How do I become a Shopify app developer?

Being a Shopify developer is a complex and time-consuming process. But if your intention is clear, it’s easy to be one. You have to know the coding skills, understand Shopify’s APIs, and follow strict app guidelines. However, to make a help, Shopify gives you tools, guides, and resources. Just follow them and be one.

• Which is the best Shopify app development company?

JoulesLabs is the best Shopify app development company. They have a talented team of developers, designers, and eCommerce experts. Over the past 7+ years, they have completed many successful Shopify app projects.

• What are the Difficulties JoulesLabs Shopify app development can handle?

With JoulesLabs Shopify app development services, you will be able to develop public apps and custom apps. They can also assist with integrating apps and managing app data migration to help your Shopify store grow.

• Is Shopify app development profitable?

Yes, Shopify app development can be profitable. Shopify's vast ecosystem and the increasing number of online businesses using its platform create a significant demand for innovative apps.

• How Shopify App Development Services can empower my business?

Shopify app development services help your business by offering custom solutions that fit your needs. These services provide professional expertise and help your online store grow and succeed in the long term.