Toronto · Shopify app development
Shopify app development for merchants and app makers in Toronto
Shopify app development in Canada for merchants assessing custom features or integrations and publishers commissioning a multi-merchant app, with distribution, eligibility and costs defined.
Canada Create™ designs, builds and supports scoped Shopify apps, integrations, checkout extensions and admin tools. Platform eligibility, data access, account authority, custom-work rights and third-party licences are documented before work starts.
Plan your Toronto app
Tell us what the app has to do, who will use it and what it connects to. We aim to reply to your enquiry within one business day. A clear scope and proposal follow discovery.
Toronto: (416) 273-9030Toll Free: +1 (800) 808-9235
Please do not share passwords or other sensitive details here. We never sell your contact information and we comply with Canadian privacy law (privacy policy).
What a well-built Shopify app gives your business
A feature scope that fits
Existing Shopify features, licensed apps and custom options compared against the required workflow, total cost and support needs.
Defined data connections
Agreed record authority, supported interfaces, update timing and responsibility for exceptions or missing information.
Plan-appropriate checkout features
Eligible extensions and Functions matched to the required checkout workflow.
A public app product
Multi-merchant architecture, billing, review preparation and support planning.
What is included in Shopify app development
Each app is scoped to the store or the product, but these are the building blocks we plan, build and support.
- Discovery and scopeWorkflow, systems, plan and theme mapped, with acceptance criteria for the proposed release.
- Admin app designScreens inside the Shopify admin built to Shopify's design system.
- Storefront and checkout extensionsTheme and checkout extensions selected for the store plan and tested with the active theme.
- IntegrationsSupported connections to agreed ERP, warehouse, accounting, CRM including CS+, marketing or shipping products, with access and data requirements confirmed.
- Custom app buildCustom distribution for the eligible store or Plus organization, without App Store review; applicable feature and data requirements still apply.
- Public app buildMulti-store scope, appropriate Shopify billing, review preparation and listing requirements. Shopify controls acceptance.
- Testing and launchDevelopment-store testing with synthetic or approved minimized data, followed by installation and training.
- Support and updatesSeparately purchased monitoring, API version updates, checkout and theme changes, and improvements under an agreed maintenance scope.
Shopify app development cost
Each app is custom-scoped after discovery. The proposal separates the build, support and third-party fees, including integrations, extensions and public-app requirements.
Custom integration app
Quoted in writing
One store connecting Shopify to ERP, warehouse, accounting or CRM
- Data mapping and sync rules
- Admin settings screen
- Monitoring and error handling
- Installation and training
Custom feature app
Quoted in writing
Pricing, bundles, configurators, wholesale ordering or checkout extensions for your store
- Admin and storefront components
- Checkout extensions where plan-eligible
- Theme compatibility testing
- Support plan
Public App Store app
Quoted in writing
A product sold to many merchants through the Shopify App Store
- Multi-store architecture
- Shopify billing
- Review preparation and listing
- Merchant support tooling
Shopify plans, hosting and paid services have separate provider charges and licence terms. The proposal identifies expected build, support and third-party costs, billing currency and assumptions about usage or future changes.
Shopify app developers
Shopify developers who build inside the platform's rules
Executive summary: Shopify app development serves merchants commissioning a specific feature or integration and publishers building a product for multiple merchants. The distribution model, store plans, data access and operating responsibilities shape the scope. Canada Create™ was established in 2008 and currently serves businesses across Canada and the United States. Our Shopify work includes store builds, custom and public apps, supported integrations and separately scoped marketing. This page explains when an app is worth considering, custom versus public distribution, platform requirements, client responsibilities, costs and how to compare development proposals.
What a Shopify app is
Shopify runs the store; apps extend it through permitted interfaces and extension points. Supported access can involve products, orders, customers, inventory, discounts, admin tools or storefront features, subject to the app’s permissions, distribution and the store’s plan. Some requirements are already covered by Shopify or an existing app. Before commissioning a build, compare available configuration, licensed apps, supported integration and custom development against the workflow, total cost, data rights and maintenance responsibilities.
Custom apps for one store, public apps for many
Custom distribution supports one store, or multiple stores belonging to the same Shopify Plus organization; it is not a general route to distribute privately to unrelated merchants. It does not require an App Store listing or review and cannot charge merchants through Shopify’s app-billing system. Applicable feature, data and contractual requirements still apply. Public distribution supports multiple merchants through the Shopify App Store and requires review, an appropriate Shopify-provided billing solution for charges, and ongoing product support. We build both, including public products developed with our MVP development team.
Shopify apps we build
Potential scope includes supported ERP, warehouse, accounting, CRM and marketing connections, with authoritative records, update timing and failure responsibilities agreed. Custom pricing, wholesale and B2B ordering can be assessed alongside our Shopify B2B service; native features and limits depend on the store’s plan. Configurators, bundles, subscriptions, loyalty and post-purchase functions require feature-specific eligibility and compatibility checks. Checkout extensions are limited to supported surfaces and capabilities. Operations or admin tools can support agreed fulfilment, returns, inventory and reporting tasks. A separately scoped customer-facing app from our mobile app development team can use permitted store interfaces; shared data, ordering and notification functions are assessed rather than assumed.
Shopify’s rules and what they mean for a build
We map each feature to the store’s plan, permitted API access and extension surface before the build. Information, shipping and payment-step UI extensions require Shopify Plus; eligible thank-you and order-status extensions are available on Basic or higher. Public App Store apps can offer Shopify Functions on any plan, while custom apps containing Functions require Plus, with further limits for individual APIs. Public apps also need review, appropriate Shopify billing and required privacy handling. Customer-data access requirements depend on the app type and requested information; a merchant’s approval does not remove applicable Shopify requirements. Your team confirms necessary data use, permissions, retention and disclosures with its responsible reviewers. We prepare and test against those requirements, but approval and review timing remain Shopify’s decisions.
How a Shopify app project runs
The proposal identifies the merchant workflow, intended users, store plans, themes, required interfaces and acceptance measures. It sets out what your team must provide, including vendor access, permitted records, product decisions and approval of the admin or storefront experience. Testing is scoped to the supported plans, themes, permissions, performance and relevant checkout or submission requirements, using synthetic or appropriately minimized authorized data. Production access and rollout need agreed approval; unresolved records, support responsibilities and handover are documented. For public apps, listing, billing and merchant support are distinct deliverables, and Shopify controls review and acceptance. For a separately commissioned customer-facing mobile app, our store optimization service concerns Apple App Store and Google Play listings. AI may assist research, design, code and content preparation; our team reviews and tests the work, applies editorial judgement and presents final work for your approval before release.
What drives Shopify app development cost
Every app is quoted in writing after discovery. The cost drivers are whether the app is custom or public, the number of admin screens and storefront blocks, checkout extensions, the systems it integrates with and how well documented they are, data volume and sync frequency, whether the app must support many stores and themes, and the review, billing and support requirements of a public listing. A proposal separates the build from support and from third-party costs such as hosting and any paid services, and it phases the work around a useful first release, acceptance checks and an agreed support plan.
Keeping a Shopify app working
Shopify releases versioned API updates on a regular schedule, while some platform surfaces are unversioned. We use supported APIs, review deprecations and test upgrades; retirement can cause compatibility problems even where requests fall forward to another supported version. A separately purchased maintenance scope can cover monitoring, API, theme and checkout changes, improvements and merchant support for public apps. Larger features are scoped separately.
One-time projects include reasonable handover training and 90 days of limited defect support after acceptance under our Terms. Ongoing maintenance, platform updates and new features are purchased separately.
Finalized custom work transfers after full and final payment. Our pre-existing tools and third-party materials retain their own rights and licence terms. The Canada Create™ credit stays unless a separate paid white-label arrangement is agreed in writing before work begins.
How to choose a Shopify app development company
Ask to see Shopify apps the company has built, both custom and public, and how long they have stayed working through platform changes. Ask how the company handles checkout extensions, theme extensions and interface versions. Ask who owns the code and the Shopify Partner account, how support and updates are priced, and, for a public app, how review and billing are handled. Written scope, evidence, exclusions and responsibilities help you compare proposals before committing.
Related guide: ecommerce and Shopify SEO.
Your next step
If an existing option does not meet your store’s requirements, or you have an app idea for other merchants, start with a discovery conversation. Canada Create™ was established in 2008 and is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating. We currently serve businesses across Canada and the United States. Call our 24/7 sales line toll-free at +1 (800) 808-9235, or request your proposal. We aim to reply to your enquiry within one business day; a written proposal follows discovery.
Talk to a strategist
Ready when you are!
Request a scoped proposal.
Tell us your goals, budget and timeline. You get a plan, a price and a named strategist, so your next stage of growth starts now.
How we build a Shopify app
The app’s distribution, store plan, data access and intended workflow shape the build. The proposal sets milestones and review dependencies.
- Discovery Discovery
Map merchant workflows, systems, store plans, permissions and the first release’s acceptance criteria.
- Scope and design After discovery
Approve the admin and storefront experience, distribution method, data flow and integration design before implementation.
- Build and integrate By scope
Build in agreed review cycles, using test stores and approved data to check integrations, errors and merchant workflows.
- Test and launch Agreed test phase
Test supported plans, themes, permissions and performance, then prepare installation or App Store submission as appropriate.
- Support and grow Ongoing
Monitor the agreed service, maintain supported APIs and review Shopify, theme and checkout changes; new features are scoped separately.
What clients say on Google
Reviews pulled live from our Google Business Profile.
They created a beautiful, professional website that brings together my treatments and makes it easy for visitors to learn about the clinic, explore their options, and book a consultation. Having a website I feel proud to share is a wonderful feeling. It gives people an introduction to ProDerma before they even walk through the door.
Their work has also included Google Business Profile optimization, helping me strengthen how my clinic appears on Google Search and Maps. For a local clinic in downtown Toronto, making it easier for people to find accurate information about my services, location, and booking options is incredibly valuable.
What stays with me most is the care and effort behind the work. I’m grateful to Amir and the Canada Create team for helping me build an online presence that reflects the business I’m working so hard to grow.
I would happily recommend Canada Create to other clinic owners and business owners looking for website design, Google Business Profile optimization, and thoughtful marketing guidance. Thank you for supporting ProDerma Clinic and for putting so much heart into your work!
As the owner of a boutique medical aesthetics practice, my business is very personal to me. I wanted a website that showed not just my services, but the philosophy, warmth and individualized care behind my practice. I had a very particular vision, and Canada Create brought it to life more beautifully than I imagined.
From day one, Amir was professional, enthusiastic and detail-oriented, and he took a real interest in understanding my business. He and his team treated the project as a partnership. They took the time to learn what makes my practice unique and how to communicate that to new clients.
The website is beautiful. It's elegant, welcoming and thoughtfully designed, from the overall look and photography to how the information is laid out. It feels authentic to my brand and makes exactly the impression I was hoping for.
They also arranged a professional photoshoot for my practice, which was a highlight. The photos add a personal touch that captures the personality of my business. That matters so much in an industry built on trust and connection.
I've been just as impressed by their technical knowledge. Canada Create manages my website analytics and helps me understand how the site is performing and how to grow my online presence over time. That ongoing support is invaluable. They understand a website has to do more than look good. It has to help build the business.
Their communication, patience and willingness to listen have been wonderful. They took my ideas seriously while bringing their own expertise and creative suggestions. I always felt valued as a person, not just another client. I've spent years building a practice that reflects my values, so I really appreciate people who take pride in their work, and I see that in Amir and his team.
I'm so proud of what we've created together and look forward to continuing to work with Canada Create as my practice grows. If you're considering a new website, a brand refresh or a stronger online presence, I recommend them wholeheartedly.
Amir, thank you for your guidance, dedication and care. And thank you to the whole Canada Create team for turning my vision into something so beautiful. A five-star experience!
Cathy Douglas, RPN, MBA, CISESCO
Maison 58
I really appreciate their support and the work they’ve done to help my business. I would definitely recommend Canada Create to other business owners looking for help with their marketing and online presence
I knew nothing about how the process worked, but they were professional, patient, and incredibly helpful. They took the time to understand what I wanted, handled the setup and design, and made sure everything worked properly.
I’m very happy with the final result and would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs help creating a professional website or getting their business online.
We saw noticeable growth in engagement, leads, and overall online presence within just a few weeks. Communication was always clear and timely, and they consistently went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with every detail. Highly recommended!
We worked with Canada Create Agency for our marketing needs including content creation, videography, and editing, and the results were incredible. Their team brought so much creativity, professionalism, and energy to every project. They really took the time to understand our vision and turned it into content that perfectly captured our brand’s personality.
The process was smooth, enjoyable, and collaborative from start to finish. We were especially impressed by their attention to detail and how quickly they delivered top-quality work. We genuinely loved the outcome and look forward to working with them again.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a marketing team that truly cares about your success.
They took my ideas, refined them with precision, and turned them into polished, scroll-stopping content that actually converts. Every edit felt intentional, every post had strategy behind it, and the communication was seamless. No ego, no fluff just pure execution and results.
What impressed me most was Amir’s leadership. He’s not just a CEO, he’s a creative visionary who pushes for excellence in every detail. He listens, adapts, and brings real insight to the table. It’s rare to find a partner who can merge design aesthetics, marketing psychology, and performance thinking like that.
If you’re serious about growing your brand, sharpening your content game, or leveling up your digital presence Canada Create is the team you want in your corner. Amir and his crew don’t play small; they build brands that command attention.
Free review
Not sure where to start? Send us what you have.
Share your current site, campaign or brief. A strategist replies within one business day. A scoped written recommendation and pricing follow discovery.
Why businesses choose Canada Create™ for app development
Established in 2008
Canada Create™ was established in 2008. We currently serve businesses across Canada and the United States.
BBB Accredited A+
A BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and a team that answers for its work.
Build and marketing under one roof
App development and separately commissioned SEO, advertising or other marketing can be assessed together, with appropriate platform scope and available measurement.
Clear rights and account authority
App, developer-account and listing authority are confirmed against Shopify’s rules and the agreement. Finalized custom work transfers after full and final payment and any required credit, subject to pre-existing and third-party rights. Data use remains subject to lawful permissions.
Quoted in writing
After discovery, a written proposal confirms deliverables, fees and responsibilities before work starts.
Defined technical responsibilities
Architecture, security and Shopify requirements are assessed for the agreed scope, with technical responsibilities, client approvals and release checks identified.
Connected to your business
Required CRM, payment, booking, inventory and reporting connections are assessed against supported interfaces, permissions and ongoing costs.
24/7 sales line
Reach us by phone around the clock at +1 (800) 808-9235.
Shopify app development questions
What is a Shopify app?
Software that extends a Shopify store through permitted APIs and extension points. An app can add admin tools, storefront features and integrations; access and checkout capabilities depend on permissions, the API and the store plan.
What is the difference between a custom app and a public app?
Custom distribution serves one store or stores in the same Shopify Plus organization without App Store review and cannot use Shopify’s app-billing system. Applicable feature and data requirements still apply. Public distribution serves multiple merchants through the App Store and requires review, appropriate Shopify billing and ongoing support.
When does a store need a custom app?
Consider one when supported native features, configuration and existing apps do not adequately meet the requirement. Compare a custom build with those options using functionality, permitted interfaces, total cost, maintenance and exit needs. An integration need alone does not establish that custom development is necessary or cheaper.
Can you customize Shopify checkout?
Yes. We build eligible checkout extensions and Functions. Information, shipping and payment-step UI extensions require Plus; eligible thank-you and order-status extensions are available on Basic or higher. We check the specific feature and distribution model.
How much does Shopify app development cost?
It depends on custom or public, screens and extensions, integrations, data volume, multi-store support and review requirements. We quote in writing after discovery and separate the build from support and third-party fees.
How long does a Shopify app take to build?
The schedule follows discovery and depends on integrations, data access, feature scope and testing. Public-app review adds an external dependency; the proposal identifies milestones without guaranteeing Shopify’s approval date.
Will the app keep working when Shopify updates?
A separately purchased maintenance scope can cover supported API upgrades and checks for checkout, theme and platform changes. We define monitoring and support responsibilities, but maintenance does not guarantee permanent compatibility or prevent every interruption. Larger features and changes outside scope are quoted separately.
Who owns the app?
App, account and listing authority are documented against Shopify’s rules and your agreement; data use remains subject to lawful permissions. Finalized custom work transfers after full and final payment. Our pre-existing tools and third-party materials retain their own rights and licence terms. The Canada Create™ credit stays unless a separate paid white-label arrangement is agreed in writing before work begins.
Can you also build our customer-facing mobile app?
Yes, under a separately agreed mobile-app scope. We assess permitted Shopify interfaces, customer-data access, product requirements, ordering, loyalty and notification eligibility. Apple and Google distribution and review requirements are separate from Shopify App Store requirements.
Start with the workflow your Shopify app needs to solve
Bring the feature gap, connected systems and intended users to discovery. We will compare existing apps with custom development and define a practical first release.
