Reducing App and Integration Costs for Shopify Brands

Introduction

If you're a Shopify brand, you're likely using third-party apps and integrations to extend functionality and improve workflows. But these "add-ons" can come at a high cost, eating into profits and limiting growth potential. This newsletter examines ways to reduce app and integration costs, including actionable tips and alternative solutions.

The Problem

Many Shopify brands rely on third-party apps and integrations to extend the functionality of their stores. Still, these add-ons can come at a high cost, eating into profits and limiting growth potential. Some brands may be paying for apps and integrations they don't need or use or be on a plan/tier irrelevant to the size of the brand/email list/customer base etc.

5 Tips for Reducing App and Integration Costs

1. Monthly tech stack reviews to identify areas where costs can be cut or optimized. Remove any apps that are no longer necessary (liaise with your dev/agency)

2. Consider alternative solutions, such as building custom integrations or using open-source tools, to reduce costs and increase flexibility. (upfront investment, long-term return on investment)

3. Prioritize investing in app and integration solutions that provide a clear return on investment, such as improving conversion rates or streamlining operations.

4. Negotiate with app and integration providers for better rates or discounts. Set up a meeting with their account manager and drive a hard bargain.

5. Use built-in Shopify features like Shopify Bundles and Shopify Subscriptions to trial new offerings natively within Shopify. You can then move on to the premium tech when you have results!

The Solution

Start by downloading our tech ownership sheet template and log your monthly ongoing platform and tech costs into that sheet. Update the sheet weekly and review the sheet monthly with your team/agency. Look out for spikes in monthly fees and always look to negotiate when rolling plans into longer-term contracts with break clauses for preferential rates. Lastly, focus on testing free/shopify native tech where possible before moving on to the premium, more scalable tech.