How can I find more information about Shopify app providers?

[Dirk4]

Hi,

I am on the way to setup my first Shopify shop reviewing the different available apps. Because of the experience with extension providers for Wordpress or Joomla I would like to review the background of the Shopify App provider before I choose the best fit for my shop.

When I go to the page showing which apps are provided by the same App provider I do not find any additional information about them. For some I find a website via Google with additional information but some even have a website without additional information about them.

For me it is a business risk choosing an app which I might have to switch later on because of a risk with the App company/owner.

If it is a single person company for example the person migth get sick or just choose to stop supporting the app for what ever reason. The same risk is much lower if the app is provided by a company run by several people for example.

And some App provider provide all their apps for free - where I do not understand how they make money or why they provide the apps? Do they get access to my shop data and use it for themselves? Do they get payed by somebody else to collect data or find a good business model?

I just want to understand the background of the company to make a good decision and not just based on features or price.

Could somebody share if there is more data available about the App providers/owner?

Thanks

Dirk

[AvadaCommerce]

Hi @Dirk4 

You're correct that Shopify does not show further information about an app provider on the Shopify app store. 
The only way is to search for more information on Google. 

An app must pass the review process by Shopify Apps Onboarding Team to make sure it meets app requirements before being listed on the app store. 

If you feel at risk when installing apps for your store, you can try apps recommended by Shopify on their first page. Also, you can contact Shopify 24/7 support here whenever there is an issue. 

Some Shopify app providers provide all their apps for free because they have just entered a new market (Shopify). They want to contribute to the community first, build their profile on the app store (get installations and reviews) and acquire potential customers for their paid apps in the future. 

If you feel like my answer is helpful, please mark it as a SOLUTION. Let me know if you have any questions.

[Dirk4]

@AvadaCommerce Thank you for your feedback and the link to the app requirements.

The app requirements are managing the technical risk but not the business risk if the app for example will not be supported the next 2 years by app provider.

I still see to little information about the company on the app store.

[getInfoSol]

hi @Dirk4  , According to shopify guidelines,  every app developer has to mention their  app privacy policy while listing app on shopify app store . Also app developers  provide their support  email and phone, you can ask your queries there.

[Dirk4]

Thank you @getInfoSol for directing me to the privacy policy on the app store. I did not check the support area before. I did not find a lot of information about the company there though. Last week I contacted an app provider and ask where they are located and how big they are but they did not respond.

I think the app store profile for App provider should have some common standard information about the company available and required by Shopify.

I just don't like to have an app which might not be supported in 1 years time.

[AvadaCommerce]

Hi @Dirk4 

When choosing apps for your store, you should consider ones that offer 24/7 live chat support. 

Also, Shopify is not the same as WordPress or Joomla. Shopify is a hosting solution. 
If there is any issue with your site or a third-party app, you can always contact Shopify directly via their Help Center using this link. Once you visit that link and log in to your account, you can submit a support request with the team, and they'll be happy to continue assisting you on live chat, email, or through a callback.