A process built around
no surprises.
Scope before code. Staging access throughout. Fixed quotes. Weekly demos of working software. This is how every project runs — not just the ones that go smoothly.
Scope before code
No code is written without a written spec agreed by both sides. This prevents scope creep, pricing surprises, and the 'that's not what I meant' conversation after launch.
Staging always
Every project has a staging environment. You review working software throughout, not a PowerPoint of what will be built.
Fixed quotes, not open hours
Project-based work is quoted fixed-price. You know the cost before work begins. If scope changes, that's a documented amendment — not a surprise on the final invoice.
Direct communication
You communicate with the developer, not a project manager. Questions get technical answers. Issues get honest assessments.
Six stages, every project
Discovery call
30 minutesWe talk through what you're building — the business context, what you've tried, and what success looks like. I ask about your current Shopify setup, what apps you're running, and any technical constraints already in place.
- Clear view of what the project involves
- Whether I'm the right fit for it
- What information I need to scope it
- Rough sense of timeline and approach
If I'm not the right person for the project, I'll tell you that here — not after you've paid a deposit.
Written scope
3–5 working daysI write a detailed technical specification before any code is written. This covers the exact features being built, the architecture decisions, API choices, edge cases, what's explicitly out of scope, and a milestone breakdown with timeline.
- Full technical spec document
- Fixed-price quote based on the spec
- Milestone plan with delivery dates
- Clear out-of-scope definition
The spec is how both sides stay aligned. Changes to scope mid-project are documented as amendments — nothing grows silently.
Staged build
Project-dependentDevelopment happens against a staging environment. You have access throughout — not just at the end. Weekly demos show working software at each milestone. I flag issues as they arise rather than stockpiling them for a handover call.
- Staging environment access from day one
- Weekly demos of completed milestones
- Written update if a milestone slips
- Milestone invoices on delivery
You're never waiting weeks to see what's been built. If something isn't right, it's easier to fix it in staging than after launch.
Testing & QA
1–2 weeksBefore launch, the build is tested end-to-end against the spec. Edge cases, browser/device compatibility, error states, and load testing for traffic-sensitive features. A shared testing checklist tracks sign-off for each feature.
- Spec-based QA checklist
- Cross-browser and mobile testing
- Your team's UAT sign-off
- Documented known limitations
I don't launch until you've confirmed sign-off on the testing checklist. No surprises on launch day.
Launch
Phased, usually 1–3 daysLaunch is phased where possible — DNS changes, payment method testing, and monitoring in the first 24 hours. For high-risk launches (migrations, checkout changes), I'm available during the cutover window to respond immediately.
- Phased cutover plan agreed in advance
- Live monitoring for 24 hours post-launch
- Immediate availability for launch issues
- Rollback plan documented
For large migrations, a maintenance window approach — switching overnight or on a Sunday — reduces risk.
Post-launch support
30 days includedA 30-day post-launch window covers bugs related to the delivered scope. Response within 4 hours for anything critical. Written handover documentation — what was built, how it works, what to watch — so your team understands the codebase.
- Bug fixes within scope at no extra cost
- Full handover documentation
- Code comments and inline documentation
- Retainer option for ongoing support
Bugs from third-party app changes or Shopify platform updates after launch are out of scope — but handled quickly if you're on a retainer.
Ready to start?
Step one is a 30-minute call. Tell me what you're building — I'll give you an honest view on fit and approach.
Jump to stage
What I don't do —
and why that matters.
I only take projects within my Shopify specializations. If your project is outside these areas, I'll tell you during the discovery call rather than take work I'm not the best person for.
This isn't a sales tactic — it's how I stay good at what I do. Specialization means faster delivery, fewer surprises, and better outcomes for the projects I do take.
Non-Shopify platforms
I don't build on WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, or custom platforms. I can help you migrate from them — but I'm a Shopify specialist only.
Generic web development
Web apps, SaaS platforms, or projects that happen to touch Shopify as an afterthought. My work starts and ends with Shopify.
Design from scratch
I don't do brand design or UX from a blank canvas. I work from existing brand guidelines or design files — or with a designer you bring in.
Guaranteed SEO rankings
I implement technical SEO best practices correctly — structured data, performance, URL structure. I don't guarantee search rankings or run ongoing SEO campaigns.
Ready to start?
Step one is a 30-minute call.
Tell me what you're building. I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right fit.