Maintenance retainers fail when scope is vague. Merchants expect fast fixes. Developers need clear boundaries so production issues stay first.

Shopify maintenance support
Clear retainer scope keeps stores stable through campaigns and platform updates.
In retainer Separate project
Broken layout or checkout after updates New custom features
Small content or section tweaks Full redesigns or migrations
App checks after Shopify changes New ERP / PIM integrations
Triage for script or sync errors Multi-week rebuilds

Include in the retainer

  • Broken layout or checkout issues after app or theme updates
  • Small content or section tweaks that fit existing templates
  • App checks after Shopify platform changes
  • Triage for failed integrations or script errors

Keep as separate projects

  • New custom features
  • Full redesigns or migrations
  • New ERP or PIM integrations
  1. Write severity labels for tickets.
  2. Agree what is in hours and what is out of scope.
  3. Send a short weekly or bi-weekly summary.

Clear scope keeps the store stable through campaign seasons and protects both sides.