Shopify App Development: Custom Apps and ERP & Logistics Integration
Since 2016 we've focused on Shopify backend development. Our experienced developers build custom features, apps and system integrations for leading ecommerce brands around the world.
Shopify app development means using the Shopify API to go beyond Shopify's standard features, building custom apps for a single merchant or public apps listed on the Shopify App Store. These apps add custom functionality, extend the admin and connect your store's data with external systems such as ERP, logistics and warehousing. Cheriscon is a pioneer in Shopify app development, serving DTC brands and B2B merchants who need features that standard Shopify can't deliver.
Shopify offers a powerful, feature-rich ecommerce platform that suits most businesses. But when you need something specific to your business, we can build it. Whether a new store needs a particular feature or an existing store needs a custom integration with your own systems, our Shopify developers can help.
Public Shopify Apps vs. Custom Shopify Apps
1. Public Shopify apps
Public apps are listed on the Shopify App Store and any Shopify merchant can install them to add capabilities on top of Shopify's native features. Once built, they must pass Shopify's review before they can be listed publicly. They can be free, a one-time purchase or a monthly/annual subscription, and a free basic tier plus paid premium tier is common. Because they're designed for a broad audience, public apps will never be fully tailored to one store's specific needs.
2. Custom Shopify apps
Custom (private) apps aren't listed on the App Store and are installed only on the store of the merchant who commissioned them. They can add extra functionality to the admin, access store data directly through the Shopify API, or use the Storefront API to extend your online store to other platforms, doing things no public app can.
Why choose a custom Shopify app?
A custom app is built to solve your specific problem, not to fit every store with a one-size-fits-all approach. You own the app and have full control over future changes and new features. It can access store data directly through the Subscription API, or extend your store to more channels through the Storefront API. When your requirements are clear, custom development is the most efficient route.
Our Custom Shopify App and Integration Services
Whatever unique functionality your store needs, our custom app developers can deliver it, with your brand's vision and personality built in.
Custom App Development
Tailored to a single merchant: admin extensions, custom order-processing flows, distinctive product displays, specific payment methods and more. We use the latest technology to build custom features that give your customers a truly unique shopping experience.
Public App Development and App Store Listing
Have an app idea, or want to turn your online service into a Shopify integration? We build public apps to your specifications and publish them on the Shopify App Store under your own name, ready for merchants worldwide to install.
ERP, Logistics and Warehouse Integration
We connect Shopify with your ERP, logistics providers, warehouse management system (WMS) and operations systems, so orders, inventory, shipment tracking and financial data sync automatically and manual data entry drops.
Third-Party Technology and Partner Integration
We work with selected technology partners across the Shopify ecosystem, including inventory management, retail accounting, loyalty programs and subscription billing, and have extensive experience integrating these technologies into Shopify stores.
Shopify App Maintenance and Hosting
Our commitment to your long-term success goes well beyond development. Whether you need ongoing updates or a dedicated maintenance agreement for your app, we'll work with you to keep the best tech stack, integrations and custom features running.
Testing and QA
Our in-house engineering team runs a rigorous QA process covering every component and integration, identifying errors, defects and room for improvement so your app runs flawlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
Our Shopify App Development Process
Our app development team is highly experienced, and you can count on them to deliver on time, on budget and to the highest standard.
1. Requirements and Solution Assessment
We map your business scenarios, the systems to connect and the data flows, decide whether a custom app, a public app or an existing app integration is the right fit, and provide a technical proposal and quote.
2. API Design and UI/UX Design
We define the Shopify API scopes and data model. If the app has an interface, our UX/UI designers work closely with the developers to keep it intuitive and consistent with your store's style.
3. Development and System Integration
We build the core functionality with Node.js, J2EE and other stacks, and complete the API connections and data sync with external systems such as ERP, logistics and warehousing.
4. Testing and QA
Our in-house QA team tests functionality, compatibility and stability across desktop and mobile devices, fixes any defects and then hands over for your sign-off.
5. Release and Review
Custom apps are installed directly on your store. For public apps, we help you submit for Shopify review, and once approved the app is listed on the App Store under your name.
6. Maintenance and Ongoing Iteration
Under a maintenance agreement we keep the app updated, adapt it to Shopify API version changes and extend its features as your business grows.
Shopify Apps We've Built
From order management to customer service, these custom apps help merchants extend their store's functionality, improve the user experience and run more efficiently.
Diamond Ring Customizer App
Shopify diamond ring builder plugin with free mix-and-match and real-time pricing
Photo Customization & 3D Printing App
Photo upload customization and 3D-printed product plugin development
Shar Music Rental App
Shar Music rent-to-own instrument plugin
Shar Music ERP Integration (Oracle NetSuite)
Installment payments through Oracle NetSuite integration
eSIM App
Shopify plugin for selling, activating and checking data SIM cards
Wooview
Wooview Shopify product review and social proof app
Golf Bag Customizer App
Golf bag style, color and logo customization plugin
Prize Wheel App
Form-based prize draw, certificate generation and email delivery plugin
Shopify App Development FAQ
What languages do you use to build custom Shopify apps?
We use frameworks such as Node.js and J2EE to build the core functionality of Shopify apps, both the custom apps we build for clients and the public apps available on the Shopify App Store.
What are the benefits of hiring you to build a custom app?
Cheriscon has an experienced app development team with years of experience on the Shopify platform and in building both public and custom apps. If the app has a user interface, our UX/UI designers work closely with the developers to make sure it performs well and is intuitive to use.
I have an app idea and want it listed on the Shopify App Store. Can you help?
Yes. We can build the app to your specifications so you can list and sell it on the Shopify App Store under your own name. If your business already runs an online service you want to offer to Shopify merchants but lacks the resources to build a public app, we can develop it and publish it under your name.
Can you connect Shopify with ERP and logistics systems used in China?
Yes. System integration is one of our core services, covering ERP systems, logistics providers, warehouse management systems and operations systems, so orders, inventory and shipping information sync automatically between Shopify and your internal systems.
Should I choose a custom app or a public app?
If the functionality serves only your own store and touches internal system data, choose a custom app: it needs no Shopify review and goes live faster. If you want to offer the capability to other merchants and turn it into a product or revenue stream, choose a public app, which must pass Shopify review. We'll help you decide during the requirements phase.
Who maintains the app after it's built?
We offer app maintenance and hosting, either as ongoing updates or under a dedicated maintenance agreement. We handle API version updates, bug fixes and feature extensions to keep your app running reliably over the long term.