If you want to run an online store using Shopify, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Should I hire a freelance Shopify developer or work with a Shopify development agency? In 2025, both options can help grow your business, but choosing the right one can have a significant impact on your business’s return on investment (ROI).
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best decision for your store.
Freelance Shopify Developers – Affordable and Flexible with Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lower Cost: Freelancers typically charge less because they don’t have large offices or a big team. This makes them an excellent choice for small businesses or startups.
- Direct Communication: When you hire an individual freelancer, you communicate directly with the person doing the work. This makes it easier to explain your ideas and get fast feedback.
- Flexible Work Style: Freelancers can quickly adapt to your timeline and work style. If you need something done fast or outside regular hours, many freelancers can make that happen.
Cons:
- Limited Skills: A freelancer may excel in development, but may not be an expert in design, SEO, or marketing. You may need to hire additional personnel for specific tasks.
- Less Reliable Sometimes: Some freelancers work on multiple projects at once. If they become too busy or sick, your project may be delayed.
- Hard to Scale: If your business grows fast, a single person might not be enough to handle all your needs.
Shopify Agencies – Full-Service Teams with More Resources
Pros:
- All-in-One Service: Agencies typically have a team that includes developers, designers, marketers, and other specialists. They can handle everything in one place.
- Better Project Management: Agencies follow a standardized process to keep projects organized and on schedule. You’ll usually get a timeline, reports, and updates.
- Ongoing Support: You can get long-term support and maintenance after the project is complete.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Agencies charge more than freelancers because they have larger teams and offer a broader range of services. This might not fit every business’s budget.
- Less Direct Communication: You may need to communicate with a project manager instead of the developer directly, which can slow down the communication process.
Which One Gives Better ROI in 2025?
To get the best value for your money, think about what your business needs.
Freelancers give better ROI when:
- You have a small or simple project
- You don’t need too many extra services (like design or marketing)
- You want to save money and work closely with the developer.
Agencies give better ROI when:
- You have a bigger or more complex project
- You want one team to handle everything.
- You’re planning for long-term growth and need full support.
In 2025, more businesses are investing in user experience, mobile-friendly stores, and automation tools. If you want to take advantage of those things, an agency may be more helpful. But if you’re just starting or need a few updates, a freelancer might be perfect.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
| If you need | Go with |
| Fast, small tasks | Freelancer |
| Lower costs | Freelancer |
| Full website build or redesign | Agency |
| Ongoing support | Agency |
| Multiple services (design, SEO, marketing) | Agency |
Final Thoughts
Both freelancers and agencies can offer great value—it just depends on what you’re looking for. Freelancers are affordable, flexible, and easy to work with for smaller tasks. Agencies offer a whole team, better long-term support, and are ideal for bigger projects.
Regardless of which thing you choose, the key is to work with professionals who understand Shopify and genuinely care about your business’s success.
If you’re looking to hire Shopify experts, check out the Elightwalk Team. You need a skilled individual or a dedicated team. Elightwalk Technology can help you create, upgrade, and grow your Shopify store in 2025 and beyond.
