Field notes
The journal.
Receipts from real builds — commerce, products, operator-mode tools. Short, useful, no hype.
132 posts · updated weekly
AI & Tech Briefing
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When AI writes the code, your framework choice has a price tag
Nolan Lawson had Claude build the same app in 12 JavaScript frameworks. The cheapest cost $2.67 a run, the most expensive $4.97, and the JavaScript shipped ranged from 0 KiB to 142 KiB. What the numbers mean for a founder paying for an MVP.
shopifyinventoryShopify inventory forecasting: what a forecasting dashboard should show
Shopify's inventory reports describe the past. A forecasting dashboard tells you what to order, from whom and when. The formula, the data it needs, the traps that break forecasts, and what to put on the screen.
Nov 11, 2026·6 min read
google-ai-modeshopifyGoogle AI Mode shopping before Black Friday: a checklist for US Shopify stores
Google's search revenue disappointed Wall Street, and its answer is putting shopping inside AI Mode and Gemini. Native checkout is already on for eligible US Shopify stores. Seven checks to run before Black Friday on November 27.
Nov 10, 2026·5 min read
shopifyshopify appsCustom Shopify feature or app subscription: when building pays off
Wishlists, size charts, badges and sticky add-to-cart bars are often cheaper as theme code than as monthly apps. Reviews, subscriptions and messaging usually aren't. A feature-by-feature verdict, with the three-year maths.
Nov 09, 2026·6 min read
aiai-roiAI shows zero payoff outside Big Tech. What the companies it pays off for do differently
Apollo's chief economist says AI has shown no financial payoff for most companies, while Anthropic's own AI use now outweighs its payroll at retail prices. Why the gap exists, and a five-step test to run before you pay for an AI project.
Nov 07, 2026·5 min read
shopifyanalyticsCustom Shopify dashboard vs an analytics app: which does your brand need?
An analytics app answers the common questions: profit per order, attribution, LTV. A custom dashboard answers the ones that need your own data, like real cost prices, vendors and reorders. How to tell which you need, and what each costs.
Nov 06, 2026·6 min read
shopifyearningsShopify's Q3 2026 results: what they mean for your store
Shopify grew revenue 32% and processed $119 billion in merchant sales, then its stock fell on a small miss. What the numbers say about where Shopify is heading, and four things a store owner should check before Black Friday.
Nov 05, 2026·5 min read
shopifyshopify appsShopify app development cost in India (2026): what a custom app costs
A custom Shopify app for one store costs ₹80,000 to ₹6,00,000 in India in 2026, or $1,600 to $10,000 for international brands. What moves the price, what it costs after launch, and when an app subscription is cheaper.
Nov 04, 2026·7 min read
shopifypricingShopify Starter plan in India (2026): why new stores can't get it and what to pick instead
Shopify's Starter plan isn't available to new stores. New Indian sellers should start on Basic: ₹1,994/mo monthly or ₹1,499/mo yearly.
Nov 02, 2026·6 min read
shopifyanalyticsBest Shopify analytics app for an Indian D2C brand (2026): what to use at each revenue stage
Under ₹5 lakh/mo, Shopify reports plus GA4 and a free profit app are enough. Add paid profit or attribution tools as ad spend grows. Prices compared.
Oct 30, 2026·9 min read
shopifyhiringHire someone to run your Shopify store: VA, manager, developer or agency?
Running a Shopify store is four jobs: ops, catalogue, marketing and tech. A VA, manager, developer or agency each covers different parts at different costs.
Oct 29, 2026·9 min read
shopifyreturnsShopify returns and exchange apps for D2C brands (2026): India and global options compared
Return Prime and EcoReturns fit Indian D2C with reverse pickup and COD refunds; Loop and AfterShip suit US-led brands. Push exchanges before refunds.
Oct 28, 2026·9 min read
shopifystore auditShopify store audit checklist: 40 checks before you spend on ads
Audit speed, theme code, product pages, checkout and COD, SEO, pixels, trust and AI-search readiness. 40 checks, free tools, and what to fix first.
Oct 28, 2026·12 min read
shopifyshopify-plusShopify Plus vs Advanced: what the extra ₹1.4 lakh a month buys
Plus costs ₹1,44,836 a month more than Advanced in India. It buys full checkout control, custom Functions, 9 extra stores and unlimited staff.
Oct 27, 2026·10 min read
shopifydigital-productsSelling digital products on Shopify in India (2026): apps, GST, gateways and the right plan
Basic (₹1,994/mo, ₹1,499 yearly) plus Shopify's free Digital Products app is enough to start. Add a gateway, register for GST past the threshold.
Oct 26, 2026·9 min read
shopifyshopify plusShopify Scripts stopped working: how to rebuild them with Functions
Shopify Scripts stopped running on 30 June 2026. Rebuild each one as a Function: discounts, cart transform, validation, delivery or payment rules.
Oct 26, 2026·10 min read
shopifytroubleshootingShopify store not loading or 'unavailable'? What each error means
"Unavailable" usually means a frozen or unpaid store. "Does not exist", "not secure" and blank pages point to domain, SSL or theme code. Fixes inside.
Oct 25, 2026·12 min read
shopifythemesShopify Horizon vs Dawn: should you switch themes in 2026?
Start new stores on Horizon. Keep a working Dawn store until your next redesign: Dawn is still updated, and switching means setting the theme up again.
Oct 24, 2026·10 min read
shopifyprint-on-demandPrint on demand with Shopify in India: Qikink, Printrove, GST, COD and margins (2026)
Qikink and Printrove both plug into Shopify in India. A ₹699 tee nets about ₹290 to ₹300 before ads. Here's how GST, COD and returns work for POD.
Oct 23, 2026·9 min read
shopifythemesHow to update your Shopify theme without losing customizations
Shopify adds the update as a draft copy. Editor settings carry over; code edits carry over only if they don't conflict. Back up, diff, retest, publish.
Oct 23, 2026·12 min read
shopifypricingShopify website quotation in India: a sample quote, line by line
A sample Shopify quotation in INR, line by line: a ₹3,00,000 custom build and a ₹60,000 starter store, plus what every quote must state and leave out.
Oct 22, 2026·10 min read
shopifyhiringHow to hire from the Shopify Partner Directory (and what the badges mean)
The Partner Directory is Shopify's free list of vetted agencies and freelancers. Filter, check tier and reviews, then contact through the form.
Oct 21, 2026·10 min read
shopifydukaanShopify vs Dukaan in 2026: pricing, fees and when to move
Dukaan is cheaper to start (₹0 to ₹2,500/yr) but takes 0.99% to 4.99% per order. Shopify Basic is ₹1,499/mo yearly with 2% only on prepaid orders.
Oct 21, 2026·9 min read
shopifyhiringShopify developer scams: 10 red flags before you hire
Unsolicited "I reviewed your store" DMs, owner-login requests and 100% upfront payment are the big three. Here are all 10 flags and what to do.
Oct 20, 2026·11 min read
