The global e-commerce industry has never been as profitable and lucrative as it is today. With e-commerce sales reaching $5.8 trillion in 2023 and active online shoppers exceeding the 2.3 billion mark, we don’t think there would be a better time than today to set up an e-commerce store. But this opportunity comes with a state of confusion: do you want to build your e-commerce store yourself or want to hire someone to build Shopify store for your business needs? 

While Shopify offers the best and easy-to-use interface that makes setting up a store quite convenient. But for a more personalized and customized store with advanced capabilities, there’s no option left than to hire someone to build a Shopify Store. But how do you find and hire Shopify experts? How would you evaluate their skills and capabilities even if you find them? Remember, the success of your project depends on the Shopify developer’s skills and expertise. Even a single mistake during the hiring process may lead to unexpected results, delayed delivery, or even worse – failure. 

If you’re here, the chances are that you are looking to hire someone to build a Shopify Store. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t miss out on this guide. We will discuss the benefits, factors, and process of hiring a Shopify development company for your e-commerce development project. So, let’s get started!

Did You Know?

• Shopify generated a whopping $7 billion in revenue in 2023. (Source: The Social Shephard)
• The average time taken to develop a Shopify store is typically between 2-4 weeks. (Source: Aureate Labs)
• The average cost of hiring a Shopify Developer ranges between $15 and $90 per hour. (Source: Upwork)
• The average cost for Shopify development is $3,000 to $6,000, which excludes the cost of Shopify subscription plans. (Source: Design Rush)
• 24.77% of total traffic on Shopify comes from mobile devices. (Source: The Social Shephard)

5 Reasons to Hire Someone to Build Shopify Store Instead of Doing It Yourself

Shopify developers are seasoned experts who bring their knowledge and strategic insights to your project. They specialize in understanding customer behavior and preferences, enabling them to build a tailored e-commerce store for you. They even offer advice on managing your store and maximizing your business potential. 

However, if you choose to set up a Shopify store on your own, you will end up with a basic e-commerce store with limited features.

Here are some concrete reasons to consider hiring a professional to set up your Shopify store:

#1. Assurance of Top-Notch Quality

Shopify professionals guarantee that their expertise will attract the maximum number of customers to your store. They are skilled in handling all aspects of your store, from optimization to digital marketing. 

To find the right Shopify professional, you can review their portfolio if they’re freelancers or reach out to their customer service if they’re companies. The number of successful projects and reviews they have can give you an idea of their work’s quality and professional conduct. 

Shopify expert’s websites, social media platforms, and personal recommendations are great resources for researching and finding the best person for the job.

#2. Saves You Time

For an online business owner, time is a crucial factor that can influence a sale. They need to concentrate on other aspects besides development to generate revenue and can rely on a professional to manage technical tasks. 

Each Shopify expert has a unique timeline for completing a project, which you should take into account. You can select an expert based on your needs and delegate tasks to them, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

#3. Enhancing User Experience

The user experience is vital to any online business, drawing customers to your Shopify store or website. Collaborating with seasoned professionals allows you to benefit from their extensive experience and refine your store management strategies. 

You communicate customer needs to the experts, who then execute the task with a focus on customer satisfaction and an improved user experience.

#4. Guidance and Recommendations

When you hire someone to build Shopify store, you not only receive their services but also their ongoing support. Shopify specialists maintain regular communication throughout their contract period. 

They offer insightful suggestions and guidance to enhance customer interaction and improve your store’s ratings. This is an effective method for updating your store’s services and adapting your business growth accordingly.

#5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

You might wonder, “Why should I spend money for just one Shopify store?” However, if you think about it more deeply, you will realize that hiring a developer is a long-term investment. 

Primarily, they build an optimized store that appeals to your target customers and boosts sales. This leads to revenue generation that eventually offsets the initial investment.

Things to Consider While Hiring Someone to Build a Shopify Store

When it comes to selecting a top-tier Shopify development agency, the complexity of your project and your individual preferences play a significant role. You may require more advanced technical integration and customization than your competitors. If so, hiring a specialist with a wealth of experience is essential. 

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a Shopify development company:

1. Understanding and Expertise

A trustworthy Shopify development firm can easily understand your needs if it possesses the requisite expertise to establish a store on Shopify. If it comprehends the nature of your business, it can provide excellent service. Furthermore, it should be adept at reaching the audience in the most effective ways. It can also assist you in formulating marketing strategies.

2. Portfolio

A Shopify developer displays all their work in a company portfolio or as a Shopify store designer. The Shopify experts mentioned may have high educational qualifications and technical skills, but you need to verify if they possess the creative acumen and experience needed to accomplish the task. 

Examining a Shopify expert’s portfolio can help you assess the quality of their work. You can review their portfolio to determine if their work style aligns with your requirements and verify if Shopify upholds development standards throughout the project.

3. Client Feedback

Client reviews can provide a wealth of information about a company. If the testimonials are positive, highlighting their proficiency in creating a Shopify store, it’s a clear indication that they could be the right fit for you.

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Ensure your budget is in order before entering into any agreements. Familiarize yourself with your business’s financial situation: the amount you need to allocate, your overheads, and your ecommerce venture. 

According to Upwork, the average hourly rates for hiring a Shopify developer are as follows:

• Beginner: $15/hour.
• Mid-level: $33/hour.
• Specialist: $95/hour.

The development costs range from $500 for simpler projects to $5,000 for custom Shopify development.

How to Hire Someone to Build Your Shopify Store?

This section outlines the four essential steps to hire a professional for your Shopify store setup. It’s designed to assist both seasoned business owners and those new to the eCommerce world in making informed choices and partnering with the right individuals:

Step 1: Identify Prospective Candidates

This initial phase of your eCommerce journey will take you to available choices, offering the necessary data and insights to help you select the ideal team for your Shopify project. You can find these professionals on freelance platforms or in open marketplaces:

Method 1: The Official Shopify Approach

This Shopify marketplace is filled with certified Shopify specialists who are ready to assist you in establishing your online store. While they aren’t Shopify employees, these designers, developers, and consultants have been selected for their vast experience and demonstrated success.

Method 2: Engaging Freelancers

In addition to Shopify partners and recognized professional platforms, you can also hire freelancers to build your Shopify store. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Toptal offer a wide, unfiltered landscape, unlike the guild halls of formal platforms.

Method 3: Hire Professional Shopify Development Company

The third and most common method of building the Shopify store is to hire a professional Shopify development agency. These companies offer comprehensive service packages that include store setup, e-commerce website development, API integration, UI/UX design services, Shopify migration and more. 

Step 2: Assessing Portfolios and Reviews

Once you have identified potential candidates to set up your Shopify store, the next step is to evaluate their work. This involves a thorough examination of their portfolios and reviews.

Start by scrutinizing their portfolios. Pay attention to the visuals, including their Shopify stores’ design, aesthetics, and user experience. A proficient Shopify specialist should demonstrate versatility, with the ability to cater to diverse industries and design preferences.

Remember to utilize the review sections on marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr to gain insights from past clients. Look for recurring themes in both positive and negative feedback. A consistent history of satisfied customers is a testament to the freelancer’s reliability and effectiveness.

Step 3: Interview Round

Once you have thoroughly reviewed the portfolios and assessments of potential Shopify store developers, it’s time to move on to the crucial step of conducting interviews. This step allows you to directly interact with potential Shopify store developers and ensure they align with your vision.

Start by clearly outlining your expectations for the Shopify store. Discuss your business goals, target market, and the specific features you anticipate. Then, discuss their approach to project management. Gaining an understanding of how they plan, implement, and deliver projects will give you a glimpse into their organizational skills.

Additionally, assess their technical skills. Ask about their experience with Shopify, programming languages they’re proficient in, and any relevant tools or plugins they use. Make sure they’re up-to-date with the latest eCommerce trends.

Step 4: Make a Decision and Sign the Contract

The fourth step in our guide to hiring a Shopify store developer involves comparing quotes, making an informed choice, and finalizing the deal. Just like picking a favorite dish from a menu, compare the quotes and evaluate each developer’s value to your project.

Once you’ve found the perfect fit, ensure everything is documented. The contract serves as your proof of agreement, detailing the schedule, payment terms, and significant limitations. Reviewing the contract is akin to checking the terms before making a purchase.

After reaching an agreement, sign the contract to formalize your partnership. This step is crucial for a successful collaboration and the creation of your desired online store, as it ensures clear communication between you and your Shopify store developer.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Someone to Build Shopify Store?

The cost of hiring someone to build a Shopify store can fluctuate based on their proficiency and experience. Approaching a skilled Shopify developer could cost around $500 or more, whether they’re freelancers or part of an agency. However, if your focus is on particular features, the costs could be reduced, or the package could be tailored to suit your budget.

The advantage of hiring professional eCommerce development service providers is that they possess in-house capabilities and profiles to meet your requirements. You can reach out to them to understand their packages, timeframes, and areas of expertise. They can assist you in effortlessly establishing your store and maintaining it for the duration of the contract.

While setting up a Shopify store, there are additional costs to consider:

Shopify Plans

Shopify is a low-risk choice for retailers and small business owners looking to establish their online eCommerce store. Initially, you need to set up a free account on Shopify, which allows you to use their trial period and get a feel for the service.

During the trial period, you have access to a variety of useful Shopify features and tools. However, if you decide to continue with Shopify services, you need to consider the following costs:

• Shopify Lite: $9 per month
• Basic plan: $29 per month (includes transaction fee)
• Advanced plans: These are pricier, costing $79 and $299 per month, depending on your subscription.

Shopify Themes

Shopify provides a variety of themes and templates designed to support businesses and boost sales. All Shopify themes are customizable, responsive, and mobile-friendly. 

Developers can design Shopify themes either locally or through third-party services. However, some themes require payment before use, and their costs can range from $140 to $180.

Shopify Apps

Shopify boasts over 2400 add-ons, tools, and apps catering to various business needs. The Shopify application development option provides the means to set up the store, but the tools available aren’t free. They may vary according to the selected plan, and you might need to purchase some to enhance your store’s functionality.

Conclusion

The user interface and guides on Shopify make it easy to set up online stores on your own. However, if you still find it hard or want a more customized store, it is better to hire someone to build a Shopify store. 

Talking about the cost, if you opt to do it yourself, you only have to pay for Shopify subscription plans. However, the cost of hiring a Shopify developer is quite high, but if you think about it more deeply, you will realize that hiring a developer is a long-term investment that actually makes sense. 

So, if you’re looking for someone to build your Shopify Store, our Shopify experts at Shopify App Developers can help. Book your free consultation today and build your dream store!

FAQs

Can I Hire Someone to Make My Shopify Store?

Yes, you can hire a Shopify expert or a development agency to create your Shopify store. They can help with setup, design, and custom features.

Can Someone Build Me a Shopify Store?

Absolutely, there are many professionals and agencies who specialize in Shopify store development. They can build a store that fits your business needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Shopify Expert?

The cost varies based on the complexity of the project. It could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The average cost to hire Shopify expert ranges between $15 per hour to $95 per hour. 

Can AI Build a Shopify Store?

While AI can assist in some aspects like data analysis and customer service, a human touch is still needed for tasks like design and strategy.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Shopify Store?

The time frame depends on the complexity of the store. A basic store can be set up in a few days, while a complex one might take up to 3 weeks.