Ongoing Shopify development without the agency overhead.
Retainer-based Shopify support for stores that need a trusted developer on call — theme updates, new features, integrations, and a fast turnaround when something breaks.
Where Shopify merchants get stuck
You need a developer but not a full-time hire
Your Shopify store needs ongoing work — new features, integrations, fixes — but not enough to justify a full-time developer. A retainer gives you a senior developer without the employment overhead.
Things break and you don't have anyone to call
A theme update breaks a section. An app update conflicts with your checkout. A new Shopify version deprecates a feature. You need someone who knows your store and can fix it fast.
Your developer left and took the context with them
When you lose a developer, you lose the institutional knowledge of how your store is built. I document as I go — so any work I do is maintainable by whoever comes next.
Specific deliverables — not buzzwords
- Dedicated hours for ongoing development work
- Priority response for urgent issues (< 4 hours)
- Theme maintenance and updates
- New feature development
- Third-party app integration and troubleshooting
- Monthly work summary and hours report
Tools used in production — not just listed on a CV
A process built around no surprises
Discovery
Written scope. Not a verbal promise. Requirements, constraints, integration map, risk flags.
Architecture
Data models, API surface, Shopify feature selection, deployment strategy — before a line of code.
Build
Structured sprints with staging access throughout. You see working software weekly.
Launch
Cross-device testing, load testing, controlled launch, monitoring from day one.
Common questions about Maintenance
What does a typical retainer look like?
Most retainers are 10–20 hours per month. We agree on the scope of work each month — new features, ongoing maintenance, or a mix. Unused hours don't roll over, but I'll never charge for hours I don't use on work you've approved.
What's the minimum retainer?
Minimum 8 hours per month. Below that, I'd recommend a fixed-price project approach instead.
How do urgent issues get handled?
Retainer clients get priority response — I aim to acknowledge critical issues (checkout broken, store down, payment failing) within 2 hours during business hours, and within 4 hours outside of those.
Ready to talk about
your Maintenance project?
Tell me what you're building. I'll reply within 24 hours with a clear view on whether I can help and how.