Is buying a theme outside of Shopify for a beauty store a good idea?

Store Design
1

Hi,

I am a bit new to Shopify and am looking to create a store. I checked multiple themes in Shopify & theme forest but was not able to come to a decision as to what is to be chosen.

I am trying to build a beauty store. And after going through multiple themes it seems that buying a theme outside Shopify is a bit cheaper.

Need suggestions on theme buying.

Is it a good idea to buy a theme outside Shopify and then customize it based on client’s demand?

2

That’s putting the cart before the horse.

The business requirements should shape what theme is used as a foundation.

But that’s AFTER the requirements even indicate if shopify is the right platform to begin with.

And after going through multiple themes it seems that buying a theme outside Shopify is a bit cheaper.

And you will get what you pay for. So they can have as many bullet point “features” as possible cheap themes are unfocused throw everything they can at the wall and hope somethings sticks kitchen sinks. And any “support” is basically a giant outdated pdf.

Typically if the theme is a cheap cost for the client it will be an expensive cost for you to understand it’s structures, fix or do duplicate work in because of poor modularity.

However there are specialties niches in cheap themes that will not be found on shopify’s themes store either because the audience is too small or actual native features don’t exist to support that feature or industry. I.e. shopify is not suitable for restaurant reservations , theater seat pickers , custom currencies, perishable goods, etc.

So it’s not uncommon to use such a niche cheap theme entirely or buy it just to transplant a feature/templates into a more understood theme.

BIg picture theme dev - using themes from the shopify-store increases the chance of ecosystem benefits. Such as any problem you have may have a discussion for that theme on a forum, or if no discussion then others may actually have access to that theme for checking code if you make a problem post. Or code you come across on the internt will stand a better chance of work as is.. etc etc

BIg picture client engagement - prioritize clients who think in terms of value , they value premium work and premium shopify themes or at least do a proper evaluation of a theme and total cost of ownership. Deprioritize clients that reach for something only because it’s “cheap” they will typically also treat you as such “cheap”.

3

Thanks a lot, Paul for the detailed suggestion.