Choosing the right partner for Shopify development matters more than choosing the cheapest quote. The wrong choice usually costs twice: once for the first attempt and again to fix or rebuild it. These are the questions, warning signs and contract points that separate a reliable company from a risky one.
Questions to ask every company
- Which apps will we pay for monthly? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- How will you keep the store fast? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Which payment gateway works for our business entity? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Will product URLs redirect from our old store? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Who owns the store and app accounts? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
Red flags
- Twenty apps installed for small features
- No redirects in a migration
- Store registered under the developer’s email
- Pressure to sign quickly with a large upfront payment
- No named person responsible for your project
Freelancer, agency or in-house team?
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | Small, well-defined tasks and tight budgets | Availability, continuity and limited skills outside one area |
| Software house or agency | Projects needing several skills, deadlines and accountability | Make sure senior people actually work on your project |
| In-house team | Long-term core products with constant work | Hiring time, salaries and management overhead |
What to compare in proposals and contracts
Compare the written scope, milestones and payment schedule, warranty and support, and ownership of code, designs and accounts. The contract should include an NDA, IP assignment on payment, a change-request process and an exit plan with full handover.
Typical price levels to expect
| Level | Price (PKR) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Store set-up | 150,000 – 350,000 | Theme customisation, products, payments and shipping |
| Custom store | 350,000 – 900,000 | Custom theme sections, integrations and migration |
| Shopify Plus / headless | 900,000 – 3,500,000 | Plus features, headless storefront and complex integrations |
At RankGhar we put these answers in writing before you commit. See how we deliver Shopify development, read our process, or ask for a proposal.