Feedback on Shopify App Store and Platform Features

[BumSeating]

Dear Shopify Team,

As a recent user transitioning from BigCommerce, I wanted to share some constructive feedback regarding your platform, particularly your App Store. While Shopify offers an expansive selection of applications, navigating the App Store feels akin to wandering through a bazaar—moving from stall to stall in the hope of discovering the right solution.

In an age where efficiency and organization are paramount, particularly in 2024, it would be highly beneficial if the App Store were better categorized. Implementing clearly defined categories and effective filtering options—such as "Best Rated," "Most Purchased," or "Newest Additions"—would significantly enhance user experience and help customers locate what they need more swiftly.

While I commend Shopify for its superior theme offerings, I have noted some other concerns:

1. Cost: Shopify's platform tends to be more expensive than BigCommerce. For instance, features that come built-in with BigCommerce often require additional paid apps on Shopify. Where I pay $105 on BigCommerce, the equivalent setup on Shopify can easily reach $220 after app installations.

2. Theme Pricing: Shopify's themes, though aesthetically excellent, are considerably more expensive not only compared to BigCommerce but also to other platforms' offerings.

While Shopify has its strengths, particularly in design and customizability, I believe there are opportunities to refine the platform and improve the value it delivers to its users.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I look forward to seeing how Shopify continues to evolve in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

[DaisyVo]

Hi @BumSeating 

Thank you so much for sharing your insights! I can sense that your experience with transitioning from BigCommerce has been both exciting and challenging, and I appreciate your detailed feedback—it’s super valuable for anyone navigating the Shopify platform.

App Store Navigation

You’re absolutely right—finding the right app can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Shopify’s App Store could definitely benefit from more intuitive categorization and advanced filtering options. Filters like “Best Rated,” “Most Installed,” “Trending Now,” or even segmented categories by business needs (e.g., “SEO Tools,” “Inventory Management,” “Shipping”) would make it easier for users to discover apps that actually match their goals. Hopefully, Shopify will implement a cleaner structure in future updates to save everyone time and frustration.

Cost Concerns

I get it—those additional app costs can really add up. Shopify’s flexibility often comes at a price since it relies on third-party apps to fill the gaps where features aren’t included in the base plans. While Shopify’s customization and scalability are hard to beat, I know how important it is to stay budget-conscious. One approach that can help is to regularly evaluate your installed apps and see if some paid solutions can be replaced with free or built-in options.

Here’s a tip: Some themes (like Dawn or Sense) now include features like product filtering, which previously required paid apps. Exploring these newer features may help reduce your monthly costs.

Theme Pricing

It’s true—Shopify’s premium themes are gorgeous, but the pricing can sting. What I like to recommend for smaller budgets is to start with a free Shopify theme and gradually build on it with customizations or apps as needed. Dawn, Craft, and Refresh are fantastic free themes that work well for many businesses. If you’re set on a premium theme, keep an eye on the Shopify Theme Store during seasonal promotions—they sometimes offer discounts.

Final Thoughts

I completely agree that Shopify excels in design and customizability, but there’s room for improvement in cost efficiency and platform organization. Your feedback is spot on, and I’m sure the Shopify team would find it valuable as they work on future updates.

If you need any other assistance, feel free to reply and I will try my best to respond.
Best regards,
Daisy