When it comes to Shopify app development, businesses often face one key decision—whether to build apps with an internal team or to outsource the development to professionals. Each choice affects your project budget, speed, control, and long-term maintenance.
This guide compares both options to help you choose the most cost-effective Shopify app development approach.
What Is In-House Shopify App Development?
In-house Shopify app development means using your internal team to build the app. You handle planning, coding, testing, and support using hired staff.
Benefits of In-House Development
Full control over project scope and team priorities.
In-depth knowledge of internal workflows and business logic.
Fast bug resolution if your team is always available.
Drawbacks of In-House Development
High monthly cost due to salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.
Limited exposure to Shopify app store review processes.
Slower start if the team is small or lacks experience.
What Is Outsourced Shopify App Development?
Outsourcing Shopify app development means hiring a third-party agency or freelance developers. They handle the entire process—from idea to launch.
Advantages of Outsourcing
Faster project delivery with pre-built code libraries.
Lower upfront cost with fixed or hourly billing models.
Less control over code access and task management.
Communication delays occur if time zones differ.
Long-term dependence for updates and support.
Shopify App Development Cost Comparison: In-House vs Outsourcing
Understanding costs is key when choosing between in-house and outsourced development. Here’s a cost breakdown.
Cost Item
In-House Development
Outsourced Development
Hiring Cost
$5,000–$15,000 per developer (one-time)
$0
Monthly Developer Salary
$4,000–$8,000/month per developer
$25–$80/hour or $5,000–$25,000/project
Project Manager Salary
$5,000–$9,000/month
Included in the project cost
QA & Testing Cost
$2,000–$4,000/month (or part of team salary)
Included in the agency package
Software Tools & Licenses
$200–$800/month
Usually included or minimal
Infrastructure (Servers, Hosting)
$100–$500/month, depending on use
Often included or based on usage
Ongoing Maintenance
$2,000–$5,000/month (team time + tools)
$500–$2,000/month (support or AMC plans)
Total Estimated Cost (6 Months)
$60,000–$120,000+
$8,000–$40,000+ depending on complexity
Key Notes:
In-house costs are recurring and grow with team size.
Outsourcing gives you predictable, one-time, or milestone-based billing.
Agencies may offer fixed-price packages for small-to-mid apps.
Choosing In-House vs Outsourcing for Shopify App Development
To make the decision easier, here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison of in-house and outsourced Shopify app development.
This table highlights differences in speed, cost, control, and suitability based on project needs.
Aspect
In-House Development
Outsourced Development
Time-to-Market
Slower due to hiring, onboarding, and multi-tasking across projects
Faster with ready teams, proven workflows, and quick kickoff
Budget Friendliness
High long-term cost (salaries, tools, infrastructure)
Cost-effective for small to mid-sized stores or one-time projects
Security & Access
Full control over codebase, data access, and team accountability
Secure if working with trusted agencies, following NDAs, and proper version control
Ideal Use Cases
– Long-term product roadmap- Frequent app updates- Internal system integrations
– Fast MVP development- Single-use or seasonal apps- Limited internal capacity
Team Control
Full control over task assignment, deadlines, and process flow
Limited control, but clear scope and timelines defined via contract
Project Flexibility
A fixed team size may limit the ability to scale fast
Can scale up or down based on project size and complexity
This breakdown helps clarify which route fits your business goals better. Whether you prioritize speed or want long-term control, the choice depends on your current resources and future roadmap.
What to Know Before You Build or Outsource Your App
Before you decide between building your app internally or hiring an external team, it’s important to weigh your goals, resources, and timeline.
Each option has benefits, but your business model will determine which one fits best.
Here are some important points to review:
Project Duration: If your app needs long-term updates and feature expansion, an in-house setup offers consistency and better coordination.
Technical Complexity: For advanced features like third-party integrations, AI modules, or real-time data sync, outsourcing to a specialized team can reduce risk and save time.
Budget Limitations: Salaries, tools, and infrastructure costs can add up internally. Outsourcing helps manage costs on a per-project or hourly basis.
Scalability: External teams are easier to scale up or down based on project demands, without long-term overhead.
Current Team Skills: If your internal team lacks experience in app logic, coding standards, or app publishing, working with experts may help you avoid delays.
Taking the time to review these factors helps you align your app goals with the most practical development path.
Choose CartCoders for Outsourcing Your Shopify Projects
At CartCoders, we build Shopify apps tailored to your business needs. Our team includes certified Shopify developers who understand how to pass app store reviews and create solutions that fit your brand.
We’ve worked on:
Inventory syncing apps
B2B wholesale tools
Custom product configurators
Subscription box features
Payment logic extensions
Whether you need a private app or a public Shopify app, our team is ready to deliver high-quality solutions — on time and within budget.
Final Thoughts
If you want full control, long-term development, and internal flexibility, in-house development is the better fit. But if your goal is fast delivery, lower cost, and expert results, outsourcing makes more sense.
Think about your current goals, budget, timeline, and available team. You don’t have to commit to one model forever—some businesses start with outsourcing and move in-house later.
Still unsure? Contact CartCoders. We are here to help you weigh the pros and cons and offer a development model that fits your exact requirements.
As the CTO at Shiv Technolabs & CartCoders, I am liable for instigating, planning, integrating, and implementing the organization's strategic orientation.
I gather the most significant tech news in addition to sharing the information I gained while serving as the CTO of Shiv Technolabs, a renowned web and mobile app development company. I am pleased to answer questions as a most valuable expert for Shiv Technolabs Private Limited and to share my experience. I offer a keen insider's perspective on technical advancements.
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