Small subscriptions become big commitments.
Monthly pricing makes an app easy to start. Years of renewals, order-volume tiers and features you don’t need can make it expensive to keep. An illustrative $700 monthly fee becomes $25,200 over three years if the price stays the same.
Build the part you actually use.
You may need a drawer cart, a simple inbox or one dependable warehouse export. You may not need the platform wrapped around it. We map your existing workflow, identify the essential features and assess a focused replacement.
What client-owned means.
On final payment, you own the custom code developed specifically for your project. Your handover includes the source code, setup information and an explanation of any third-party dependencies. Existing libraries and external services remain under their original licences.
You can choose who maintains the work. Optional support is available separately; ownership does not depend on an ongoing retainer.
The four-month model.
We aim to only recommend replacement projects where the build cost is roughly four months or less of the app cost being replaced. For a $700/month app, an illustrative build is $2,800, paid as four $700 instalments with the first payment upfront.
This is a target, not a universal price or guaranteed return. Your written quote sets the scope, delivery timing, payment schedule, tax treatment and ongoing costs. If the app remains active during development, budget for that overlap too.
What is worth replacing?
Stable, well-understood functionality with a meaningful recurring cost is a good starting point. A low-cost app, a constantly changing product or a service built around a large third-party ecosystem may be better to keep.
Custom software still needs care. Hosting, databases, email, SMS and external APIs can have ongoing fees. Compatibility work and future improvements may be needed. We include these considerations in the decision.
From audit to ownership.
Audit
Review your app costs, dependencies and actual usage.
Scope
Agree essential features, costs, acceptance criteria and a delivery plan.
Build
Develop the solution in a separate environment or theme.
Test
Check real workflows, edge cases and the customer journey.
Replace
Agree the cutover, monitor it and keep a rollback path.
Own
Receive your custom code and documentation after final payment.
Good questions. Plain answers.
Can you replace any Shopify app?
No. Complex platforms, low-cost apps and products whose value comes from a third-party network can be better left in place. The audit checks feasibility before we recommend a build.
Is the four-month payback guaranteed?
No. It is a scoping target. Actual payback depends on the quote, delivery timing, subscription overlap, ongoing infrastructure costs and how long you use the solution.
Who owns the code?
On final payment, you own the custom code developed specifically for your project. Third-party libraries, services and pre-existing tools retain their own licences. Your proposal defines the exact deliverables.
Will I still have ongoing costs?
Possibly. Hosting, databases, email, SMS or external APIs may have fees. These are identified in the scope. Optional support is quoted separately and is not mandatory.
Do I need to cancel my current app first?
No. Keep it until the replacement has been tested and accepted. We plan the cutover and rollback before you cancel anything.
What if my store needs new features later?
You can commission further work from us or another developer. The code handover gives your business control; future changes and compatibility updates are separate work.