If you’re going to create a Shopify store, one of your biggest questions is likely, “How much will it cost to hire someone who knows what they’re doing?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it varies based on the complexity of your project, where your developer is located, and their level of experience. In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know about hiring a Shopify Expert so you can budget appropriately and avoid surprises.
Why Hiring a Shopify Expert Is Worth It.
Shopify is user-friendly, but building a store that stands out requires technical know-how. A professional can help you avoid costly mistakes (like poor mobile optimization or slow loading speeds).
– Tailor your store design to match your brand identity flawlessly
– Integrate tools for payments, inventory, or marketing automation.
But let’s get real: you want numbers. Here’s what you need to know about pricing structures globally—and specifically in markets like Dubai (AED).
Factors That Affect Shopify Expert Costs
Location & Experience Level
Where your developer is based plays a huge role in pricing. For example, freelancers in regions with lower living costs (e.g., South Asia) may charge $15–$30/hour.
– Agencies in North America or Europe often start at $100+/hour.
– In Dubai, rates for Shopify experts range from AED 150/hour for small fixes to AED 25,000+ for full custom builds.
Experience also matters.
Expertise Level
Average Hourly Rate (AED)
Best For
Junior Developer
150–250
Minor tweaks (e.g., updating product pages)
Mid-Level Developer
250–400
Themes setup or app integrations
Agency/Senior Expert
400–700+
Custom coding or complex projects
Breaking Down Costs by Project Type
Option 1: Basic Theme Customization (AED 3,000–7,000)
If you already have a theme (like Dawn or Debut) and just need it tailored to your brand, this is the most affordable route.
Tasks might include:
– Adding your logo and brand colors.
– Setting up navigation menus and product categories.
– Installing apps for reviews or live chat.
Example: A Dubai-based bakery needed its Shopify theme adjusted to showcase seasonal products prominently. Total cost? AED 4,500.
Option 2: Custom Development (AED 8,000–25,000+)
Building from scratch? Expect higher costs for:
– Unique features: custom checkout workflows or membership portals.
– Third-party API integrations: connecting ERP systems or custom CRM tools.
– Advanced SEO setups: schema markup or speed optimization beyond basic themes.
Tip: Always ask for a fixed-price quote if your project has clear requirements—this avoids hourly billing surprises.
Hourly vs Project-Based Pricing: Which Is Better?
Hourly Rates (AED 150+/hour)
Good for:
– Small tasks (e.g., fixing broken links or updating images).
– Testing an expert’s skills before committing to larger projects.
Fixed-Price Projects
Ideal when:
– You have a detailed scope of work (e.g., “Build a store with 50 products and payment gateway integration”).
– You want predictable budgeting upfront.
Pro Tip: Agencies like M A Q Computer Services offer fixed-price packages starting at AED 3,000 for basic stores—perfect if you dislike hourly tracking. You can contact us at +971507080116 to learn more!
Don’t Forget Ongoing Maintenance (AED 1,500+/month)
Your store isn’t “set it and forget it.” Monthly plans cover:
– Security updates: Protect against hackers or vulnerabilities.
– Backups: Ensure you never lose data during crashes.
– Performance checks: speed audits or mobile responsiveness fixes.
Companies like M A Q Computer Services offer tailored maintenance plans from AED 1,500/month—ask about discounts for long-term contracts!
How to Avoid Overpaying for Your Shopify Store
1️⃣ Define Your Needs Clearly,
Vague requests like “Make my site better” lead to scope creep (and bigger bills). Add size and color filters to collection pages to streamline the product selection process.
2️⃣ Compare Quotes
Get estimates from 3–5 Shopify experts before deciding—just ensure they’re quoting on the same scope!
3️⃣ Ask About Post-Launch Support
Some developers charge extra for fixes after they go live; clarify this upfront!
Last Takeaway: Spend on Quality Rather Than Cheap Repairs
Employing the lowest-cost freelancer may be budget-friendly in the short term but will end up costing more down the line (redesigns because of broken code, for example). For most Dubai businesses, investing AED 8,000–15,000 in a properly constructed store represents the optimal blend of quality and cost—especially if you expect to grow!
Ready to Launch? Let M A Q Computer Services take care of your Shopify installation or maintenance—small changes at AED 150/hour to complete custom builds.
Contact us : (+971) 055 494 3599
Mail: info@maquae.com
