Shopify basics — Shopify development
What Shopify development actually involves, how plans and fees add up, a realistic setup checklist, how the platform compares with the alternatives, and the cases where it is the wrong choice.
5 guides
When Shopify is the wrong choice
Most stores fit. These are the cases where they do not — and finding out before the build is worth more than any feature list.
Shopify against the alternatives, without the sales pitch
Hosted convenience, open-source control or a custom build. The right answer depends on how unusual your rules are, not on which platform is fashionable.
A realistic Shopify setup checklist
Most setup guides list settings. This one puts them in the order that stops you redoing work — data first, theme last.
Shopify plans and fees, added up honestly
The plan is the small number. Transaction fees and app subscriptions are what actually decide your monthly cost.
What Shopify development actually involves
Themes, apps and integrations are three different jobs with three different risk profiles — and the platform boundary decides which of your requirements are even possible.