What level of Shopify expertise do I need for setting up a professional online store versus ongoing optimization?
Basic store setup requires intermediate skills - someone who understands theme customization, payment setup, and product configuration. Ongoing optimization needs advanced expertise in conversion rate optimization, performance tuning, and custom development to maximize your store's potential.
How can I verify someone actually knows Shopify well beyond just claiming experience on their resume?
Ask them to walk through a specific challenge like reducing cart abandonment or explain liquid templating concepts. Request examples of custom work they've done, and have them explain Shopify limitations they've encountered. Real experts can discuss technical details and workarounds from actual experience.
Can Shopify handle complex business requirements or is it just for simple online stores?
Shopify and Shopify Plus can handle sophisticated e-commerce operations including B2B wholesale, subscription models, multi-currency stores, and complex inventory management. However, it's not suitable for highly specialized business logic that requires completely custom database structures or non-e-commerce applications.
How well does Shopify integrate with the business tools we're already using like our CRM and accounting software?
Shopify integrates well with most major business tools through its app ecosystem and API. Popular integrations include QuickBooks for accounting, Salesforce for CRM, and Klaviyo for email marketing. Complex integrations may require custom development, but most standard business workflows can be connected.
How long does it typically take to launch a new Shopify store or migrate from another platform?
A basic store launch takes 2-4 weeks, while complex custom builds require 6-12 weeks. Platform migrations typically take 4-8 weeks depending on data complexity and customization needs. Enterprise-level projects with extensive integrations can take 3-6 months.
What ongoing maintenance and support should I expect after my Shopify store is launched?
Expect regular app updates, security patches, performance monitoring, and content updates. Most stores benefit from ongoing conversion optimization, seasonal design updates, and feature enhancements. Plan for monthly maintenance and quarterly optimization reviews to keep your store performing well.