Work with a verified Shopify Expert

A Shopify Expert is a developer or agency with verified Shopify credentials and a track record of professional Shopify work. The term is used broadly — by Shopify's own partner directory, by platforms like Upwork, and self-applied by developers. The credential that carries the most weight is Upwork Expert Vetted (Top 1%), which requires a live technical interview and cannot be gamed by review volume.

Shopify's Partner Directory (shopify.com/partners/directory) lists vetted agencies and freelancers. Upwork's Expert Vetted filter shows independently verified senior developers. Stargazer Studio is based in Serbia but works extensively with UK brands — remote delivery with UK-compatible hours (CET timezone, overlapping with UK business hours).

Shopify Experts price on fixed-project fees (recommended) or hourly. Fixed-price audits start from $599. Custom development from $1,500. Full store builds from $3,000. Senior Shopify Expert hourly rates range from $80-$150. UK and US agencies charge $150-$300+/hour for comparable senior work. See the full Shopify developer rate guide for a detailed breakdown.

A Shopify Partner is anyone who has signed up for the Shopify Partner Programme (free). A Shopify Plus Partner has met additional requirements to work with Plus merchants. "Shopify Expert" is used loosely — it can mean a Partner with client project history, an Expert Vetted developer on Upwork, or simply a self-designation. The most independently verified credential is Upwork Expert Vetted, which requires a third-party technical assessment.