Should I build a custom Shopify app or find one on the App Store?
There's an app for almost everything, but none does exactly what I need. When is a custom app the right call?
— Supplements brand
Default to the App Store. If an existing app covers 80%+ of what you need, it's far cheaper and is maintained for you. Subscriptions add up, but so does custom development.
Build custom when: no app does the core thing you need, you're stacking 4–5 apps to fake one workflow (slow and fragile), the data is sensitive enough that you don't want a third party touching it, or the feature is a genuine competitive edge. A private (custom) app installs only on your store and skips App Store review entirely, so it can ship quickly.
One rule: every app you install has a cost beyond its price — it adds scripts and weight. Three well-chosen apps beat ten mediocre ones.
Answered by Ashraful · Shopify Select Partner · May 2, 2026
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