Platform & Architecture — Build vs. Buy
45 capability decisions in Platform & Architecture, each scored across the 12-dimension TCC framework for a mid-market Shopify reference scenario.
Merchant-Editable Function Settings or Hardcode and Redeploy?
CUSTOMIZEShopify's function settings component holds a Function's configuration in metafields, so merchants adjust thresholds in the admin instead of waiting on a redeploy.
Platform & Architecture
One Shared Codebase or a Forked Theme per Store?
BUILDNo Shopify app syncs theme code between stores; the multi-store sync category moves data only. One repository deployed per store is the honest answer.
Platform & Architecture
Own Store or Marketplace: Should You Sell on Shopify, Etsy or Amazon?
CUSTOMIZEMarketplace vs. own store is both/and, not either/or: own the Shopify store, add Etsy ($0.20 + 6.5%) and Amazon ($39.99/mo + 5–45%) as channels (verified Sep 2026).
Platform & Architecture
Rewind Backups vs. Manual Exports: Can You Skip the Backup App?
BUYRewind Backups from $19/month (verified Sep 2026) beats manual CSV and theme exports: Shopify documents no restore feature, and orders can't be re-imported.
Platform & Architecture
Shopify Function Limits: When Rule Logic Outgrows One Function
DEPENDSOne Shopify Function gets 256 kB of compiled binary and 11 million instructions for carts up to 200 line items, and combinatorial rule sets outgrow that ceiling.
Platform & Architecture
Shopify Plan Tiers: Should You Stay on Advanced or Move to Plus?
BUYPlus wins past ~$10M GMV or any Plus-only need; Advanced is the workhorse tier below it, Grow under ~$2M. Plus publishes no card rate, so get the quote in writing.
Platform & Architecture
Should You Bet on Shopify Plus Feature Test Drives?
WAITEarly access to unreleased Shopify features is a Plus benefit and a bet. Test-drive in a staging store now; commit the order path only at general availability.
Platform & Architecture
Should You Build B2B Pricing Yourself in Hydrogen, or Buy?
CUSTOMIZEShopify's B2B objects are native and headless is a documented B2B pattern. The company-aware storefront UI in Hydrogen is yours to build; no app ports to React.
Platform & Architecture
Should You Build a Multi-Store Theme Pipeline on Plus?
CUSTOMIZEShopify CLI theme environments are configured per store, so a portfolio deploy is a CI matrix job you build. No app pushes one theme codebase to many stores.
Platform & Architecture
Should You Build or Buy Cross-Store Staff Access on Plus?
WAITCustom organization-level roles give one staff login reach across a Plus organization. No app grants staff access across stores; below Plus, every store is separate.
Platform & Architecture