Top-picked 13 Shopify App Development Services (2026 curated list)
Table Of Contents
The best Shopify app developers are Mobikasa, Swanky, Shopify (In-house), Amasty, and Liquify. These apps take care of everything from private API integration to public SaaS. When selecting an app partner, technical expertise, customer service, and scalability – your app must grow alongside your company - come first.
Introduction
Nothing frustrates a growing merchant like hitting a wall with "off-the-shelf" apps.
When your needs go beyond what standard plugins offer, like complex ERP integrations or custom checkout logic, it’s time to consider custom Shopify app development instead of just downloading another app.
Hi, I’m Rainy, Marketing Lead at EComposer. In this guide, I’ll assist you in evaluating the available choices. I’ll introduce you to the most prominent types of services, the prices you can expect in 2026, and my top 13 partner picks. Let’s find a suitable dev for you.
3 Major Types of Shopify App Development Services
Shopify app development isn’t the same for everyone. There are three main types, and knowing the differences will help you communicate clearly with agencies.
1- Custom Shopify App Development

This is the bread and butter for most growing brands.
What it is:
According to the Shopify Help Center, a custom app is created exclusively for your specific Shopify store and is not made available on the Shopify App Store for others to download. This type of app is built specifically for your business needs and is only accessible through your store’s admin.
When do you need it?
- Complex Integrations: You need to connect Shopify to a custom Warehouse Management System (WMS) or a proprietary CRM that doesn’t have a native integration (like Zapier or generic connectors).
- Unique Front-end Functionality: You want a "Build Your Own Bundle" feature that has very specific logic about which products can be combined.
- Workflow Automation: You want an app that automatically tags customers as "VIP" based on a complex formula of lifetime value + return rate + last purchase date, and then sends that data to your marketing tool.
In my experience, custom apps are secure since only your store has the API keys. But keep in mind, you or your agency must handle the hosting. If the server goes down, your Shopify app will stop working right away.
2- Public Shopify App Development
This is the big league. This is what we do here at EComposer.

What it is:
A Public App is created for publication on Shopify App Store. According to Shopify Community, it takes 5 to 10 business days for approval of an app; however, this may take more time if it is a complex one or due to heavy queue pressure at that time.
When do you need it?
If you are a SaaS company with a product like a shipping service or marketing tool and want to reach millions of Shopify merchants, you might consider building a white-labeled solution to sell to other merchants and create a new revenue stream.
In some researches, developing a simple app with basic automation can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while more advanced apps with features like analytics and API integration may range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
The Complexity Jump:
Building a public app is 10x harder than a custom app. You have to handle:
- Billing API: Integrating Shopify’s billing system so you can charge users.
- Multi-tenancy: The app must work for 10,000 stores simultaneously without crashing.
- Review Process: Shopify’s review team will reject your app if it has even a minor UI glitch or slow load time.
Unless you plan to sell the app to others, do not build a public app. Stick to custom. It’s cheaper and faster.
3- Shopify App Maintenance & Ongoing Support
Code rots. It’s a harsh truth of the tech world.
Why is this a service?
Shopify refreshes its APIs every quarter (January, April, July, October). Shopify also deprecates old versions.
For instance, suppose that in 2024, you created a custom checkout application for Shopify using a specific version of the API. Shopify could disable the version by 2026. Without a maintenance plan in place, the checkout system could fail overnight.
What’s included:
- API Version Updates: ensuring the app code is compatible with the latest Shopify release.
- Server Monitoring: Ensuring your server doesn't crash during Black Friday.
- Bug Fixes: Fixing issues that arise when you change themes or install other apps.
Quick Summary Table: 13 Best Shopify App Development Service Providers
|
Provider Name |
Pricing Estimate |
Key Features |
Rating |
Best For |
|
Variable |
Native integration, Security |
4.7/5 |
Basic, Native needs |
|
|
2. Amasty |
$50 - $99/hr |
Enterprise experience, Robust code |
5.0/5 |
Complex Custom Logic |
|
3. Mobikasa |
$100+/hr |
Mobile-first, UX/UI Design |
4.9/5 |
Fashion/Lifestyle Brands |
|
4. Liquify |
High-End |
Headless, Technical Depth |
5.0/5 |
Shopify Plus/Headless |
|
5. Swanky |
Retainer |
Subscription, Internationalization |
4.9/5 |
Global Expansion |
|
6. Ambaum |
Retainer |
Long-term partnership, reliability |
4.8/5 |
Brands needing a "Tech Team" |
|
7. Setubridge |
$25 - $40/hr |
Public App expertise, Cost-effective |
4.7/5 |
SaaS MVP / Startups |
|
8. CartCoders |
Competitive |
Speed, Micro-apps |
4.6/5 |
Quick fixes, Specific features |
|
9. Wildnet Edge |
Flexible |
IT Scale, Salesforce integrations |
4.5/5 |
Large Enterprise IT |
|
10. FireApps |
Custom |
Marketing integrations, Global reach |
4.8/5 |
Marketing-heavy brands |
|
11. Appsinvo |
< $25/hr |
Affordable, Agile |
4.9/5 |
Small Businesses |
|
12. Pixel Union |
$100 - $150/hr |
Design-centric, Agency quality |
4.0/5 |
Design-led brands |
|
13. OyeCommerz |
$55 - $99/h |
Dedicated developers, Strategy |
4.8/5 |
Growing SMEs |
13 Best Shopify App Development Service Providers
Now that you know what you need, you just need to figure out who can construct it.
Technical proficiency, reputation (including partner status and reviews), and how well they meet various business needs, from enterprises to startups, were the three primary criteria I used to select these providers.
This is my carefully chosen list for 2026.
1. Shopify (In-House / Sidekick)

Overview
Beginning from 2024, Shopify’s own tools have been a major force behind the growth. Shopify has solutions like Shopify Flow, Shopify Scripts (only available in the Shopify Plus plan), and an artificial intelligence helper named Sidekick, which allow it to provide its merchants with no-code solutions capable of doing what custom applications do. Shopify Plus merchants can get personalized advice through its solutions engineering team, which is like hiring an agency. They continue adding smaller, high-quality apps, which they incorporate into their primary platforms.
Before delegating the development of your solutions to third-party developers, first look into whether Shopify has already created the solutions natively. Shopify applications are guaranteed to fit seamlessly and will never be interrupted by updates, unlike third-party developers.
Location: Global (Canada HQ)
Services: Shopify Flow, Shopify Scripts, Launchpad, Audiences, and Checkout Extensibility.
Key Highlights:
- Native Integration: It will never break because Shopify built it.
- Free for Plus: Many of these tools are included in the Plus subscription.
Pricing: Included in Shopify/Shopify Plus plans ($2,300/mo for Plus).
Best For: Merchants who want to solve problems using "No-Code" automation before hiring a developer.
Contact: Shopify Support.
2. Amasty

Overview
And if you have more than a decade worth of experience within the eCommerce space, then Amasty should ring a bell as a giant within the Magento (Adobe Commerce) space. But as of late, they have invested most of their engineering muscle within the Shopify space.
Why is this significant? It is significant as they apply their “Enterprise Engineering” methodology within Shopify development. They don’t merely mess around within the liquid files. Rather, they have a background in handling massive and complex systems associated with giant product listings and massive amounts of data. Amasty is known as one of the best firms when it comes to assisting brands in migrating from an outdated platform to Shopify so that the complexities associated with the background logic aren't compromised. Amasty’s reputation within the eCommerce development space is evident on Trustpilot.
Location: Europe / Global
Services: Custom App Development, Migration, CRO, Extension Development.
Key Highlights:
- Shopify Partner Status: High.
- Code Quality: Known for clean, documented code that other developers can actually read.
Pricing: $50 - $99 / hour.
Best For: Brands migrating from other platforms who need to replicate complex legacy functionality.
Contact: Amasty Website.
Rating: 4.1 /5 (Trustpilot Review)
3. Mobikasa

Overview
Mobikasa isn't just a coding shop; they are a premier digital agency headquartered in New York City that specializes in bridging the gap between high-performance engineering and luxury user experience (UX).
While they are absolute wizards at standard Shopify development, their true "special sauce" lies in Mobile App Development and complex front-end integrations. While mobile commerce dominates, Mobikasa is the partner you choose when you need your Shopify store to extend into a native iOS/Android app, or when you need a custom "middleware" app that connects a legacy enterprise system (like a massive ERP) to a modern, sleek Shopify storefront. The team at Mobikasa are consistently commended for reviewing relatively high-pressure launches for large clients, and for bringing together the speed and flexibility of a small design agency with the attention to engineering detail of a large technology consulting firm.
Location: NYC, USA / New Delhi, India
Services: Mobile App Development, Custom Shopify Development, ADA Compliance (Accessibility), Magento/Salesforce to Shopify Migrations.
Key Highlights:
- Web development
- Mobile Mastery: If you need a custom mobile app for your store, they are the top 5 in the world.
- Accessibility: They build apps that are ADA-compliant (crucial for US markets).
- SEO & SEM
Pricing: Common $25 - 49/ hour. Most Common project Size: $10,000 - $49,999.
Best For: Fashion and Lifestyle brands where "Brand Image" is everything.
Contact: Website Form.
Rating: 4.8/5 (Clutch Reviews)
4. Liquify

Overview
Liquify has earned a reputation as the "developer's developers" within the Shopify ecosystem. What will other shops do when faced with an insurmountable tech issue? They will send the job to Liquify. They are pure tech nerds that are on the bleeding edge of Shopify development, and the technologies that they focus on are Headless Commerce, Hydrogen, and Remix. They are the people that you hire to develop a custom front-end that fetches information from Shopify via a complicated call; they are the people that other shops wouldn’t think of hiring to change the color of a theme, but the people that other shops would pay a lot to integrate Shopify with a custom-built ERP system that utilizes outdated protocols.
Location: UK / Global Remote
Services: Headless Commerce, Custom Apps, API Integration, Hydrogen Builds.
Key Highlights:
- Technical Authority: They often write the guides that other developers read.
- Headless Expertise: If you are going Headless with Shopify, Liquify is a safe bet.
Pricing: Commonly $50 - $99/hour. Most project size: $10,000 - $49,999
Best For: Shopify Plus merchants hitting the absolute limits of the platform.
Contact: Liquify Agency.
Rating: 4.3/5 (Trustpilot Review)
5. Swanky

Overview
Swanky is not just a coding shop; they are a comprehensive "Shopify Plus Agency" that focuses entirely on commercial growth. Their approach to app development is deeply rooted in data and conversion rate optimization (CRO). They don't just take your requirements sheet and build it; they challenge the commercial viability of your feature requests.
Swanky is famous in the ecosystem for tackling some of the hardest problems in eCommerce: Subscription modeling and Internationalization. They have built custom subscription engines for massive food and beverage brands that go far beyond what standard apps allow. Furthermore, if you are a brand looking to sell globally, Swanky understands the headache of multi-currency, multi-language, and local tax compliances, and they build custom apps to smooth out those operational wrinkles. They build solutions designed to increase Average Order Value (AOV) and Lifetime Value (LTV), not just to fill a technical gap.
Location: UK / Australia / France
Services: Subscription Apps, Bundle Apps, International Expansion, Shopify Plus.
Key Highlights:
- Award Winning: Multiple Shopify awards for design and development.
- CRO Focus: They build apps specifically designed to increase conversion rates.
Pricing: Retainer-based (High).
Best For: Brands expanding globally (Multi-currency/Multi-language needs).
Contact: Swanky Agency.
Rating: 5/5 (Shopify partner review)
6. Ambaum

Overview
Ambaum, a Seattle-based Shopify Plus Partner, doesn't position itself as a typical dev shop where you submit a ticket and wait. Instead, they operate as an extension of your internal team - effectively acting as a fractional technical department for high-growth brands.
Founded by eCommerce veterans, Ambaum has carved out a massive niche working with CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods), Food & Beverage, and direct-to-consumer brands that are scaling rapidly on Shopify Plus. They are not the team you call for a band-aid, one-time solution that’s low-cost. You call them if you are switching from Magento or WooCommerce and can’t afford a single data problem, or if you have a complex custom integration to manage the flow of data between your Shopify site and a 3PL fulfillment center.
“Our ‘big idea’ is that the code we write will live for a long time, so we write clean, sustainable code.” If your current full-service agencies or freelancers are, well, a hassle, then Ambaum’s approach will sound like a welcome relief.
Location: Seattle, WA (USA).
Services: Shopify Plus Migration, Custom App Development, Ongoing Maintenance (Retainers), CRO.
Key Highlights:
- The "Fractional Team" Model: They integrate with your Slack or project management tools so they appear to be part of your team.
- Migration Experts: They are experts at transferring data from the old systems into Shopify without affecting SEO or customer history.
- High Availability: Being US-based (Pacific Time), their communication is real-time for North American brands, eliminating the "wait until tomorrow" delay of offshore teams.
Pricing: $100 - $149 / hour. Most common project size: <$10,000.
Best For: Mid-market to Enterprise CPG brands (Food, Bev, Wellness) on Shopify Plus who want a long-term technical partner.
Contact: Ambaum site.
Rating: 4.9/5 (Clutch)
7. Setubridge

Overview
Setubridge is unique because they straddle the line between a service agency and a product company. They haven't just built apps for clients; they have successfully architected, launched, and scaled their own Public Shopify Apps.
Why does this matter to you? Because building a public app is a minefield of strict requirements - from Shopify’s rigorous Polaris design guidelines to complex Billing API integrations and security audits. Most agencies only know how to hack together a private script that "works on my machine." Setubridge brings that "Product DNA" to your project. They build code that is stable enough for the App Store, even if you are just keeping it private. They are technocrats who excel at the heavy lifting - connecting Shopify to external APIs, building SaaS-style dashboards, and migrating complex data from Magento (another one of their strongholds).
If you are looking for high-quality engineering without the "Western Agency" price tag, Setubridge is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
Location: Ahmedabad, India / USA.
Services: Public App Development (SaaS), Private App Customization, API Integration, Magento to Shopify Migration.
Key Highlights:
- The "Product First" Mindset: Since they manage their own products, they understand the full lifecycle of an app - maintenance, support, and scalability - better than pure service shops.
- Cost-Efficiency: They offer one of the best quality-to-price ratios in the industry. You get senior-level architects for the price of junior devs in the US.
- Integration Wizards: Deep expertise in creating "bridges" (hence the name) between Shopify and third-party systems like ERPs or CRMs.
Pricing: $25 - $40 / hour. Most common project size: <$10,000.
Best For: Startups or founders building an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
Contact: Setubridge.
Rating: 4.9/5 (Clutch)
8. CartCoders

Overview
CartCoders focuses solely on one aspect of Shopify functionality: Cart & Checkout. These guys are kind of like the Pit Crew of Shopify development. Maybe what they can do for the customer includes creating a custom slide-out cart with a “Free Shipping” progress bar? Perhaps they also need a specific “Gift with Purchase” functionality that only appears when a specific SKU is added. Maybe they just need a little ‘Micro-app’ functionality that manages a specific discount rule. These guys are the ones.
Reviews showcase how fast CartCoders works with customers, answering questions rapidly while tackling specific problems without growing the scope of work too. Customers who love what they’re currently getting with Shopify might want CartCoders because they cater specifically to merchants who might love everything about Shopify except the “Add to Cart” process.
Location: India.
Services: Micro-app Development, Cart Drawer Customization, Checkout Extensions, Speed Optimization, Theme Tweaks.
Key Highlights:
- Speed of Execution: They are set up for rapid turnaround. Perfect for those "I need this for the Black Friday sale" emergencies.
- Conversion Focus: Their niche is the bottom of the funnel (Cart/Checkout), so their code is directly tied to revenue.
- Flexibility: They are happy to take on small tasks (like a single feature tweak) that larger agencies would turn down.
Pricing: $25 - $49 / hour. Most common project size: <$10,000.
Best For: Merchants who need specific functionality tweaks, "Micro-apps," or Cart/Checkout optimizations without signing a massive retainer.
Contact: CartCoders.
Rating: 4.2 /5 (Clutch)
9. Wildnet Edge

Overview
Wildnet Edge is not a small boutique Shopify agency. They are large and experienced, with more than 20 years of experience, and they employ lots of personnel. They are very disciplined Shopify developers.
While smaller agencies might struggle if your project scope suddenly doubles, Wildnet thrives on scale. They are the partner you call when you are doing a massive "Digital Transformation", like integrating a Shopify Plus store with a complex Salesforce CRM or a custom mobile app, all while running an SEO campaign simultaneously. Their Techreviewer profile highlights their versatility; they don't just write code, they handle the entire digital ecosystem. They’re ISO-certified and process-driven, so they communicate effectively with CTOs and Enterprise IT Directors.
If you need a team that can deploy 20 developers next week without blinking, Wildnet is your safe harbor.
Location: India (HQ), USA, UK.
Services: Enterprise Shopify Development, CRM/ERP Integrations (Salesforce Specialists), Mobile Apps, Digital Transformation.
Key Highlights:
- Sheer Scale: With hundreds of employees, they offer "Elastic Resourcing" - scaling your team up or down based on project needs.
- Cross-Platform Tech: They don't just know Liquid; they know Java, Python, .NET, and AWS. Essential for apps that live outside of Shopify.
- Longevity: 20+ years in business means they aren't going to disappear overnight.
Pricing: $25 - $49 / hour.
Best For: Large Enterprises or funded startups needing a massive, scalable engineering team for complex integrations.
Rating: 4.5 /5 (AmbitionBox)
10. FireApps

Overview
You might recognize the name FireApps-they are the powerhouse team behind "Ali Reviews," one of the most popular review apps in Shopify history. But beyond their public products, they have a robust custom development arm that specializes in Marketing Technology (MarTech).
Since they began in both dropshipping and fast-growing marketing, they understand how sales work better than most other dev shops. They create mobile applications that can create urgency, social proof, and help in ad tracking.
If you are a brand that relies heavily on Facebook/TikTok ads and you need a custom app to track conversions more accurately or to create a unique landing page offer that syncs with your ad campaigns, FireApps is the expert. They don't just ask "Does the code work?"; they ask, "Will this help the merchant sell more?"


Location: Vietnam / Singapore
Services: Marketing Tech, Dropshipping automation, Review & Social Proof Apps.
Key Highlights:
- Marketing Focus: They understand social proof, urgency, and ads integration.
- Global Reach: Strong presence in Asia and Global markets.
Pricing: Custom.
Best For: Dropshippers and high-volume marketing brands.
Contact: FireApps.
11. Appsinvo

Overview
Appsinvo has emerged as a champion for the Small-to-Medium Business (SMB) market. Not every merchant has a $50,000 budget for a custom app, and Appsinvo understands that. They focus on bridging the gap between basic theme settings and expensive custom development.
They are a flexible and affordable agency, ideal for projects that fall between basic and fully custom work, such as adding a delivery date picker or changing how product options appear. Even with lower prices, they are known for good communication and reliable results. They are a great choice for merchants new to custom coding. Appsinvo avoids confusing language and high consulting fees, offering clear development services that won’t use up your whole marketing budget.
Location: India
Services: Custom Apps, Theme Tweaks, Mobile App Development.
Key Highlights:
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective options on this list.
- Agile: Very flexible with changes during development.
Pricing: < $25 / hour. Most common project size: <$10,000.
Best For: Small businesses watching their cash flow.
Contact: Appsinvo.
Rating: 4.9/ 5 (Clutch)
12. Pixel Union

Overview
Pixel Union is royalty in the Shopify ecosystem. If you have been on Shopify for a while, you have almost certainly used one of their themes (like Empire or Startup). Now part of the WeCommerce holding group, they have expanded into a premium agency service. Their background in theme development means they have an unmatched understanding of Design Systems and User Experience (UX). When they build a custom app, it doesn't look like a bolt-on addition; it looks like it was born with the store. They are rigorous about design consistency. If you are a premium brand where "look and feel" is as important as functionality-think luxury goods, high-end fashion, or art-Pixel Union is the partner that ensures your custom features look absolutely beautiful. They are not cheap, but they offer a level of polish that few others can replicate.
Location: Canada
Services: Theme Development, Custom Apps, UX Audits, and Plus Support.
Key Highlights:
- Design Quality: Unmatched.
- Ecosystem Power: They own many top apps, so they know the platform inside out.
Pricing: $100 - $150 / hour. Minimum project size: $25,000
Best For: Premium brands where design cannot be compromised.
Contact: Pixel Union.
Rating: 3.9/5 (G2)
13. OyeCommerz

Overview
OyeCommerz is one of the newer, hungrier agencies on this list, and they are disrupting the model with their "Dedicated Developer" approach. Instead of just tossing your project over a wall and waiting for a result, they focus on providing developers who act as a direct extension of your internal team. They are deeply strategic- they don't just want to write the code; they want to understand the business goal behind the code. This makes them a fantastic partner for growing SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) that are scaling fast and need a tech partner who can pivot quickly. Their team is young, energetic, and highly up-to-date with the latest Shopify features (like Shopify Functions and 2.0 Themes). They are frequently commended for their willingness to go above and beyond to guarantee a successful launch and for providing a high degree of transparency.
Location: India (Noida) / UK / Canada.
Services: Dedicated Shopify Developers (Staff Augmentation), Custom App Development, Store Migration, CRO Audits.
Key Highlights:
- The "Extension" Model: They allow you to scale your tech team up or down instantly. It’s like hiring in-house staff without the HR headaches.
- Strategic Depth: They are surprisingly strong on the "Why" of development, offering free audits and strategy calls before writing a line of code.
- Modern Stack: As a newer agency, they aren't bogged down by old habits. They are experts in the latest Shopify features like Functions and Checkout Extensibility.
Pricing: $55 - $99/h. Most Common project Size: $10,000 - $49,999
Best For: Growing SMEs and Startups that need consistent, daily technical execution and a partner who actually cares about their growth.
Contact: OyeCommerz.
Rating: 4.9/5 (Clutch)
How to Choose the Right Shopify App Development Company

Okay, you have the list. But how do you pick? Choosing a developer is like choosing a tattoo artist-you are going to live with the results for a long time, and removing a bad one is painful and expensive.
Here is my checklist for vetting agencies.
1. Shopify Partner & App Store Experience
Don't just look for a "Web Developer." Look for a Shopify Partner.
- The Badge: Check if they are a "Shopify Expert" or "Shopify Plus Partner." This means vetted by Shopify.
- Public Apps: Even if you want a private app, check if they have published public apps. Why? Because public apps require passing Shopify's strict security and speed tests. If they have a successful public app, it proves they know how to code to Shopify's highest standards.
For example, at EComposer, we had to undergo rigorous testing to get our Page Builder listed. A developer who has never done that might not understand API rate limits, which can crash your store during a sale.
Speaking of high standards, this is exactly the gauntlet we ran to build EComposer.

I watched our engineering team spend months obsessed with every single line of code to meet Shopify’s strict performance requirements. We didn't just want to launch another app; we wanted to create the ultimate Shopify Page Builder- one that lets you create stunning, high-converting pages without needing a computer science degree.
Why does this matter to you right now? Because while you should hire custom developers for complex backend logic (like ERP integrations), you absolutely should not be paying them $150/hour just to move a text block or redesign a landing page.
EComposer empowers you to handle all the visual, front-end magic yourself with a seamless drag-and-drop editor. It frees up your expensive development budget for the heavy lifting where it really counts.
Want to experience the difference of a top-tier, speed-optimized Public App?
=> Install EComposer for FREE here and stop relying on developers for every little design tweak. Your conversion rate (and your wallet) will thank you.
2. Case Studies, Reviews & Portfolio
Ignore the "Logos" on their homepage. Anyone can put a Nike logo there.
- Ask for Case Studies: Specifically ask: "Show me a custom app you built that handles X data."
- Check the GitHub: If you have a CTO, ask to see code samples. Is it spaghetti code? Is it commented?
- Reviews: Look for reviews that mention post-launch support. Everyone is nice when taking your money; you want to know if they pick up the phone when the app breaks on a Sunday.
3. Support, Maintenance & Scalability
This is the #1 mistake merchants make. They budget for "Build" but not for "Maintain." So that's what you need to keep in mind about this aspect:
- The SLA (Service Level Agreement): What is their response time? 24 hours? 4 hours?
- Update Costs: How much will they charge to update the API version next year?
- Scalability: Ask them, "What happens if my store gets 100,000 visitors in one hour?" If they say "we need to check the server limits," that's a red flag. They should be building on auto-scaling infrastructure.
4. Communication & Project Management
You aren't just buying code; you are buying a relationship. Here are things you need to consider for a Shopify app developer:
- Tools: Do they use Jira, Trello, or Slack? How will you track progress?
- Time Zones: If they are 12 hours ahead, will that drive you crazy? Or do you prefer the "follow the sun" model, where work happens while you sleep?
- Ownership: CRITICAL. According to Elite Developer Solutions, the agency retains ownership of the source code and IP created during their services, though clients can request a full license to use the code for an additional fee. It is important to ensure your contract clearly outlines what rights you will have to the code and intellectual property after payment. Don't let that happen to you.
FAQs About Shopify App Development Services
1- How long does it take to build a Shopify app?
It depends on complexity.
- Simple Script/Connector: 1-2 weeks.
- Standard Custom App (e.g., custom bundle builder): at least 4 - 8 weeks.
- Complex SaaS/Public App: 3-6 months minimum.
- Note: Always add 2 weeks for "QA and Bug Fixing." It never works the first time.
2- How much does Shopify app development cost?
It depends on the level and experience of the provider. But here are the market averages:
- Basic Private App: $2,000 - $5,000.
- Medium Complexity (Custom UI): $5,000 - $15,000.
- High Complexity (Enterprise Integration): $20,000 - $50,000+.
-
Hourly Rates:
- Junior/Generalist: $25- 50/hr.
- Senior/Specialist: $80-150/hr.
- Agency/Expert: $150-250/hr.
3- Can I turn my private app into a public app later?
Technically, yes. In reality, you’ll likely need to rebuild it.
Public apps must follow strict rules for billing, UI (Polaris), and security; private apps can ignore them. If you might go public later, tell your developer up front so they can lay the right groundwork.
4- Do I need Shopify Plus for custom apps?
No. You can install custom apps on any Shopify plan (Basic, Shopify, Advanced).
Exception: To modify the checkout (using Shopify Functions or Checkout.liquid), you usually need Shopify Plus. Recently, Shopify has opened more checkout features to lower plans, so always check the latest API docs.
Final Thought: Get Started with Shopify App Development Services
In eCommerce, your features set you apart. Custom tools give you an edge that generic apps can’t. If you have a unique challenge, build a custom solution.
Book discovery calls with three agencies from this list. Pick the one who pushes you to think deeper about your needs - not just the one who agrees with everything.
As you optimize your backend, let EComposer handle the front end. Our page builder frees up your time and budget for what matters most.
Ready to scale? Go build something amazing.










