In one inquiry, a merchant wanted to connect their ERP to Shopify. The vendor's name came up quickly. Only when we asked more closely did it become clear: the vendor has several products under the same brand. For one of them there's a ready-made Shopify app, for the version the merchant uses there isn't. There, the route goes through a third-party connector, and that requires a specific Shopify plan. So we planned the solution based on the exact version, not the brand name.
The case
Many software vendors sell several products under one name: a cloud solution, an on-premise installation, different editions. For integration purposes, these are completely different systems. If you only hear the brand name and find a matching app, worst case you plan with an integration that doesn't even work for the product actually in use.
Ready-made app or connector?
| Ready-made app | Third-party connector | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Usually quick, installable from the App Store | Requires coordination with the provider |
| Costs | Often included in the ERP subscription or cheap | Separate license, sometimes a higher Shopify plan |
| Flexibility | Fixed feature set | Often more configuration options |
| Responsibility | Vendor | Connector provider |
What we clarify before the offer
- Which product, in which version exactly? Ideally with a screenshot from the system.
- Which data should flow? Products, inventory, orders, customers, tracking numbers.
- In which direction? What does the ERP own, what does the store own?
- What does the connector require? Plan, license, setup by the provider.
- What documentation exists? We request the connector provider's documentation before we quote a fixed price.
What to take away
- A brand name isn't a system spec. Name the product and version when you ask about an integration.
- Integration costs aren't just setup. Licenses and possibly a higher Shopify plan are part of it.
- Clarify the data flows first. Only then is it clear whether an app or a connector is the better solution.
- Ask to see the documentation. A serious offer is based on documentation, not on the App Store listing.
Want to connect your ERP to Shopify? We first check exactly which system you use and which integration fits it.