# Shopify development

> Shopify development for new and existing stores: store setup, theme customization, integrations through the Shopify API, app clean-ups and fixes for stores that have stopped behaving.

- Tools: Shopify, Liquid, Shopify Admin API, JavaScript
- Provider: Eric Mutema (https://www.designnairobi.agency/)
- Contact: emutema.mutema@gmail.com
- Web page: https://www.designnairobi.agency/services/shopify-development.html

## The Problem

Shopify makes it easy to open a store and just as easy to keep adding apps. Each one adds scripts, a monthly fee and another place for things to break, and the theme slowly fills with code from people who have moved on.

When a store needs something the theme or an app can't do, such as a custom product page, a pricing rule or a sync with another system, it's hard to tell whether the answer is a setting, an app or custom code.

## What I Do

For new stores, I set up products, collections, checkout settings, shipping, taxes and notifications around how you sell, and pick a theme you can grow into.

For custom work, I edit the theme in Liquid, build sections your team can rearrange in the theme editor, and connect other systems through the Shopify API.

For existing stores, I review the theme and installed apps, remove what isn't earning its place, and fix problems at the cause.

## Deliverables

- A new store, or changes to your current one, built on a duplicate theme so your live store isn't touched until you approve.
- Theme customizations and sections your team can edit in the theme editor.
- Integrations with your other systems through the Shopify API.
- An app and theme review, with a list of what to keep, replace or remove.
- Handover notes covering what was built and how to edit it.

## Related questions

- [Shopify or WooCommerce: which should I choose?](https://www.designnairobi.agency/articles/shopify-vs-woocommerce.md)

## Questions

### Should we use Shopify or WooCommerce?

Shopify suits stores that want hosting, security and checkout handled for them and are happy to work within its app ecosystem. WooCommerce suits stores that need full control, or subscriptions and memberships tied closely to a WordPress site. I work on both, so I'll tell you which fits rather than steer you to one.

### Can you customize our existing theme?

Yes. I work on a duplicate of your live theme, so changes are reviewed before customers see them, and I build them as sections your team can edit.

### Our store is slow. Can you help?

Usually, yes. The common causes are too many apps and code left behind by apps you've already removed. I check what loads on each page, remove what isn't needed and compare speed before and after.

### Can you connect Shopify to our other systems?

Yes, through the Shopify API: orders, inventory or customers synced with a CRM, spreadsheet, warehouse system or another store, with alerts so a failed sync gets noticed.

### Can you move our store to or from Shopify?

Yes. Products, variations, images, customers and order history can move between Shopify and WooCommerce, with redirects for product and category URLs. My migrations page covers how that works.

### How much does it cost?

It depends on the store and what needs doing. After a short look, I send a scope and a quote before any work starts.