Need information about developing custom or private app

FCI
Visitor
2 0 0

Hello,

We are a fulfillment company with several clients who use a shopify storefront, and would like to write our own custom app to integrate with the API. It would need to send inventory balances, retrieve order information, and send tracking information. We are confused about the differences between a private app and a custom app. 

  • Does a custom app allow for us to target multiple store fronts from different clients? I see something about a premium service being needed, but I think that might apply to multiple store fronts from the same client.
  • We are also concerned about this language on the store front when allowing for private apps: "Your store may not work properly or receive new features if you use private apps." Is this just a disclaimer for outlier cases or are new features prevented as a matter of policy?
  • Is there any cost for developing a custom app? What about a private app?

Thanks

 

Replies 2 (2)

FCI
Visitor
2 0 0

One further question... the existing app which is being used (but we are losing support for) is shown as an "unlisted app". Is this a private app or can custom apps be unlisted, too? I was hoping to glean the best type of app from its description... Thanks

FDG_WEB
Shopify Expert
93 2 10

Our company builds these things all of the time.

 

The two ways you go about it are either to build a public app and do it in a way that configures to each of the stores... or .. you are building a private app that you are deploying individually to each client store.


Public is a lot more work and would be a viable option if you want your app discoverable by the public at large. If you are more enterprise-only or selective in your clients, then private is easier and just becomes part of their onboarding.

What I think Shopify told you ins more about the limitations on their API .. https://shopify.dev/api/usage/rate-limits - however, in your case you are not syncing inventory so it shouldn;t run out those limits like it would for a product feed.

Happy to discuss if you are still looking for this type of work.

Thanks,

Thomas Granger, CEO, FDG Web
www.fdgweb.com
tom@fdgweb.com
877.239.3083

About Us: We're a full-service digital agency with all in-house employees. We can be your developer or designer "on-demand".


Tom Granger, CEO
FDG Web, Inc
Office: 360-572-0398 : Ext. 108
Cell: 425-466-0804
www.fdgweb.com

info@fdgweb.com