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E-commerce retail sales are expected to reach $7.9 trillion by 2027, making it essential to have an e-commerce store for survival in today's retail landscape. Therefore, hiring the right e-commerce developer is essential for building a successful online store.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from assessing your needs and finding top talent to avoiding common hiring mistakes and retaining the best developers for long-term success.
What is an e-commerce developer?
An ecommerce developer builds, maintains, and improves online stores. Their primary role is to create user-friendly shopping experiences that help businesses increase online sales.
Ecommerce developers may focus on the front-end, back-end, or both. Front-end developers handle what users see, like the layout, design, and navigation. They ensure customers can easily browse products and complete purchases. Back-end developers manage the behind-the-scenes functions, such as payment systems, inventory, and security.
Full-stack developers handle front-end and back-end tasks, managing the entire ecommerce website. They can build custom stores or work with existing websites on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce. Many ecommerce businesses hire developers to implement custom features tailored to their needs, like personalized product recommendations or checkout flows.
Typical duties of an ecommerce developer include:
- Building responsive, mobile-friendly websites
- Setting up secure payment and checkout systems
- Adding search, filters, and sorting features
- Ensuring the site runs quickly and can handle traffic
- Making sure the site complies with data protection rules (like PCI-DSS and GDPR)
- Monitoring user behavior to improve the experience
- Developing custom features to enhance the user experience
- Collaborating with designers, marketers, and others to meet goals
While general web developers can work on ecommerce sites, specialized ecommerce developers understand the unique challenges of online retail, like managing shopping carts and orders. They aim to create sites encouraging purchases, optimizing conversion rates, and building customer loyalty.
How to hire e-commerce developers in 6 easy steps
Hiring the right ecommerce developer is crucial for the success of your online store. Follow these six steps to streamline the hiring process and find the right developer for your needs.
Step 1: Define your project needs and goals
Start by outlining your project requirements. Determine whether you require a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer, and consider the length and complexity of the project. Identify any platform requirements (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.), note any industry-specific standards, such as data security or regulatory compliance, and consider any additional services you may need, like ongoing support or maintenance.
Step 2: Choose between in-house, freelance, or agency developers
Decide whether to hire in-house, freelance, or agency developers. Here are the key differences:
- In-house developers: In-house ecommerce developers offer more control and long-term collaboration but have higher costs, including salaries and benefits.
- Freelancers: Freelancers are cost-effective and flexible but offer less control and may require more project management.
- Agencies: Provide full teams with a wide range of expertise but are typically the most expensive option.
Step 3: Find e-commerce developers
Once you’ve chosen a hiring model, start your search. You can use freelance platforms, online communities, LinkedIn, and networking to find candidates for your project.
However, each platform has drawbacks, so thoroughly research before you begin your search to hire ecommerce developers who meet your criteria.
Step 4: Screen candidates based on experience and skills
After gathering applications, evaluate candidates based on their experience, skills, and portfolios. Look for expertise in ecommerce platforms and a track record of successful projects, paying close attention to each developer's experience and unique skills.
Tips for screening candidates:
- Focus on relevant professional experience, problem-solving skills, and any red flags in the resume.
- Review their portfolios and previous ecommerce projects to assess their understanding of online store development.
- Use AI screening tools to quickly filter candidates based on your specific requirements.
Step 5: Interview e-commerce developers
Conduct interviews focusing on technical and soft skills to assess the developer’s overall fit for your project. Ask candidates a mix of technical and behavioral questions to assess their fit in your business.
Step 6: Finalize the contract and onboard your developer
Once you’ve chosen a developer, finalize the contract with clear terms. Include details about intellectual property, deadlines, payment terms, and the project scope. Set up a smooth onboarding process by providing access to communication tools, project management software, and all necessary resources to ensure a strong start.
Following these steps will improve your chances of hiring a skilled e-commerce developer who can help your online business succeed.
Choosing the right e-commerce developer: freelance vs. full-time vs. agencies
When hiring ecommerce developers, you have three main options: freelancers, full-time employees, or agencies. Each option has pros and cons; the right choice depends on your project, budget, and long-term goals.
Freelance e-commerce developers
Freelancers are ideal for short-term projects or when you need flexibility and cost savings. They usually cost less than full-time employees or agencies, and you only pay for the work they do. This option is good for specific tasks like site updates or adding new features.
Pros:
- Cost-effective for short projects
- Access to global talent
- Flexible hiring
- No extra costs like benefits or office space
Cons:
- Possible communication issues
- Limited availability and commitment
- Freelancers may not be fully invested in your business
- Requires close project management
Full-time e-commerce developers
A dedicated developer is suitable when you've ongoing development needs. A full-time ecommerce developer knows your goals and can consistently support your store.
Pros:
- Dedicated to your business
- Deep understanding of your platform and code
- Manages ongoing updates and tasks
- Long-term investment in your success
Cons:
- Higher fixed costs (salary, benefits, etc.)
- It is hard to find top talent in some areas
- Maybe underused during slow periods
- Risks with hiring and turnover
E-commerce development agencies
Agencies are a good choice for larger or more complex projects. They provide you with a dedicated team with a range of skills to manage everything from design to long-term support.
Pros:
- Access to varied skills and expertise
- Full services from planning to execution
- Can scale up or down based on needs
- Established processes and best practices
Cons:
- More expensive than freelancers or full-time hires
- Communication challenges with larger teams
- Less control over individual team members
Ultimately, whether you choose freelancers, full-time developers, or agencies depends on your business needs, budget, and growth plans. Carefully weigh your options to find the best fit for your project.
Where to find e-commerce developers
Arc
Arc connects businesses with top ecommerce developers worldwide. Developers are vetted through technical tests, hands-on projects, and interviews to ensure quality. Arc’s HireAI uses smart algorithms to match businesses with the right developers within seconds. E-commerce developers on Arc offer flexible rates with both hourly and full-time options, allowing companies to scale their teams as needed.
Toptal
Toptal is a popular platform for hiring freelance developers, including e-commerce experts. They only accept the top 3% of applicants, ensuring businesses get top-tier talent. However, hiring on Toptal is expensive for small and medium-sized businesses.
Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, offering a variety of ecommerce developers at different skill levels and price points. However, hiring on Upwork requires the self-screening of candidates without support.
GitHub
GitHub isn’t a hiring platform, but many developers showcase their work and code here, making it a great place to find ecommerce developers. You can post jobs on GitHub’s job board or directly contact developers based on their profiles.
When using these platforms, know your project’s needs, budget, and timeline. Review portfolios, ask for references, and conduct technical interviews to find the right developer for your e-commerce project.
How much does it cost to hire an e-commerce developer?
The cost of hiring an ecommerce developer depends on their experience, location, employment type (freelance, full-time, or agency), and the project's complexity.
Freelance e-commerce developers
Freelancers are usually the most affordable option, especially for small businesses or short-term needs. Depending on skills and location, they typically charge by the hour, ranging from $25 to $150 or more.
- North American freelancers charge between $50 and $150 per hour.
- Freelancers from Eastern Europe and Asia charge around $25 to $80 per hour.
While experienced professionals may charge more per hour, they could complete the project faster with better results.
Full-time e-commerce developers
Hiring a full-time developer costs more but is ideal for businesses with ongoing web development needs or larger projects. Salaries for full-time ecommerce developers typically range from $60,000 to $120,000 a year, depending on location, experience, and skills. In addition to salary, you’ll also need to consider benefits, taxes, and other employee-related costs.
Ecommerce development agencies
Agencies offer a web development team to handle everything from design to maintenance, making them a good choice for complex projects. However, they are more expensive than freelancers or full-time developers.
Agencies may charge hourly rates between $100 and $300 or offer package deals. Depending on the project and the agency's reputation, these packages can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.
Remember that costs can vary significantly based on the specific requirements of your project. Consider ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and additional third-party services when budgeting for your ecommerce development.
Additional costs
Regardless of the option you choose, there may be extra costs, such as:
- Testing and quality assurance
- Project management
- Security measures (like SSL certificates or PCI compliance)
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Training or knowledge transfer (for full-time developers)
Be sure to account for these additional costs in your budget to avoid surprises and keep your project running smoothly.
Key skills to look for when hiring e-commerce developers
The best ecommerce developers possess a combination of technical expertise and strong soft skills to ensure your online store is secure, user-friendly, and capable of driving sales. The following are the must-have skills for ecommerce developers.
Technical skills
- Web technologies: When hiring ecommerce developers, prioritize candidates with strong technical skills in web technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. These are essential for building functional and reliable online stores.
- E-commerce platforms: Familiarity with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce is also important. It streamlines the web development process and ensures seamless integration with existing systems.
- Security best practices: Security is crucial for ecommerce websites that handle customer data and transactions. To protect sensitive information, developers should be well-versed in SSL certificates, data protection, and PCI compliance.
- Search engine optimization (SEO): SEO is another must-have skill. Developers who understand SEO can improve a site’s search rankings, increasing visibility and driving more organic traffic.
- UX/UI: A solid understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design is vital. Developers with UX/UI expertise can create user-friendly websites that reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions.
Soft skills
- Communication: Clear communication is crucial, especially in remote or cross-functional teams. Developers need to effectively convey ideas, understand project requirements, and keep stakeholders informed throughout development.
- Teamwork: Developers often collaborate with designers, marketers, and analysts. Working well with others and aligning their efforts with business goals is a valuable asset.
- Adaptability: Ecommerce evolves quickly, with new tools and trends constantly emerging. Developers open to learning and adopting new technology will be better equipped to handle future challenges.
How to write an effective e-commerce developer job description
Writing a clear job description is key to attracting the right ecommerce developer. A well-written job post helps you find qualified candidates and sets clear expectations. Here’s how to create an effective ecommerce developer job description.
Guidelines for writing an e-commerce developer job description
Job title: Use a simple, descriptive title that clearly defines the role. For example, "Shopify developer for custom theme design" or "Magento developer for enterprise ecommerce platform."
Scope of work: Explain what the developer will do. This might include building a website, integrating third-party APIs, improving mobile performance, or adding features like loyalty programs or subscriptions.
Required skills: List the essential programming languages, platforms, and tools the developer needs to know. For instance, skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and experience with Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento are common for most ecommerce projects.
Project length and budget: Set clear expectations by including the timeline and budget. Being upfront about these details helps attract candidates who meet your needs and avoids misunderstandings later.
Cultural fit: If you’re hiring full-time or for a long-term role, share details about your company’s culture and values. This helps find someone who aligns with your team and improves collaboration.
Example e-commerce developer job post
Shopify developer for custom theme design
We are looking for an experienced Shopify developer to create a custom theme for our ecommerce store. The ideal candidate should know Liquid, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and be familiar with Shopify's theme development process.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop a responsive, user-friendly custom theme for our Shopify store
- Integrate third-party apps and APIs (such as payment gateways and loyalty programs)
- Improve site speed, performance, and mobile experience
- Follow best practices for security, accessibility, and SEO
Required skills:
- Strong knowledge of Liquid, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Shopify theme development
- Experience with version control systems like Git
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
- Familiarity with Google Analytics and the software development lifecycle
- Experience developing a mobile responsive design for various industries
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
Project duration: 3-4 months
Budget range: $10,000 - $15,000
If you're passionate about ecommerce and have experience creating custom features and themes, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your portfolio and relevant work samples with your application.
Following these tips and writing clear job descriptions increases your chances of finding the right ecommerce developer for your project.
Interview questions to ask e-commerce developers
When interviewing e-commerce developers, it's important to ask a mix of technical and situational questions to assess their skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration style. Below are some of the best questions to ask ecommerce developers during an interview.
Technical questions
1. How would you set up a secure payment gateway? What steps do you take to keep transactions safe?
This assesses the developer’s understanding of payment systems and security practices for protecting financial data.
2. Can you explain how to optimize an e-commerce website for speed and scalability?
A strong answer should mention techniques like caching, content delivery networks (CDNs), database optimization, and load balancing.
3. How would you manage a high-traffic spike during a big sale event?
The developer should discuss handling large traffic volumes by scaling servers, using queuing systems, and writing efficient code.
4. What experience do you have with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento?
This checks the developer’s familiarity with popular platforms and their ability to develop ecommerce solutions with them.
5. How would you ensure an e-commerce site works well across different browsers and devices?
The answer should include strategies like progressive enhancement, feature detection, and mobile-first design, as well as ensuring a smooth user interface across platforms.
Situational questions
1. Tell me about an e-commerce project where you worked with different teams. How did you handle communication and teamwork?
This explores the developer’s ability to collaborate, communicate clearly, and meet the needs of various teams, including showcasing their project management ability.
2. How would you improve our checkout process to reduce cart abandonment?
A solid response should demonstrate knowledge of user experience, conversion strategies, and data-driven improvements.
3. How would you add a new payment method or shipping carrier to our platform?
The developer should explain how they would research, test, and integrate the new feature without disrupting the site.
4. Describe a time when you fixed a major problem with an e-commerce site. How did you solve it and what was the result?
This highlights the developer’s problem-solving skills, ability to handle pressure, and attention to detail.
5. How do you ensure good communication and teamwork when building new e-commerce features?
The developer should discuss their approach to working with different departments and using project management methods like agile.
Tips for getting the most from freelance e-commerce developers
Hiring freelance ecommerce developers offers flexibility and cost savings, but managing them well is key to project success. Clear communication, realistic goals, and the right tools will help you get the best results.
Establish clear communication channels
Communication is the foundation of a successful project. Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for regular check-ins. Ensure everyone can discuss issues and solve problems quickly.
Define milestones and deadlines
Break the project into smaller tasks with clear deadlines. Clearly explain the deliverables for each milestone. This keeps freelancers focused and the project on schedule.
Use collaboration tools effectively
Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira help organize tasks, share files, and track progress. These tools centralize everything, making it easy to stay updated.
Set clear goals and expectations
Before starting, ensure everyone agrees on the project’s goals and outcomes. Share your brand’s style, design preferences, and requirements to avoid confusion later.
Provide constructive feedback
Regular feedback keeps the project on track. Rather than micromanaging, offer feedback that encourages freelancers to take ownership and make informed decisions.
Respect time zones and availability
Be mindful of their schedules when working with freelancers in different time zones. Plan communication and meetings to prevent delays and interruptions.
Foster a collaborative environment
Treat freelancers as part of the team. Involve them in brainstorming sessions and value their input. This boosts their engagement and commitment to the project.
By following these tips, you can build strong working relationships with freelance ecommerce developers, ensuring the project is completed on time, within budget, and with high-quality results.
Common mistakes to avoid when hiring e-commerce developers
Hiring the right e-commerce developer is crucial for your online store's success, but many companies make common mistakes that hurt their projects. One major mistake is underestimating the complexity of e-commerce development. Building a secure, user-friendly store requires knowledge of various technologies, integrations, and best practices. Overlooking this can lead to unrealistic timelines, low budgets, and poor results.
Choosing developers based on price alone
Another mistake is choosing developers based solely on price. While cost matters, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Opting for the cheapest option might save money upfront but can lead to more expenses. Inexperienced developers may produce low-quality work, resulting in delays, security risks, and costly fixes. It’s important to balance cost and quality by hiring developers with the right skills and experience.
Miscommunication and unclear guidelines
Miscommunication is another common issue that can derail your project. Clearly explaining your goals, requirements, and timelines is critical. Without this, priorities can become confused, the project can grow beyond its scope, and frustrations may arise. Ensure developers, project managers, and all stakeholders agree on success, and set up regular check-ins to manage issues or changes.
Ignoring thorough screening
Carefully research and evaluate potential developers to maximize the value of your hire. Review their portfolios, case studies, and testimonials to assess their skills and track record. Ask detailed interview questions to test their problem-solving, communication, and fit with your company. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and speak with past clients about their experience working with the developer.
Vague project plan
Take the time to create a clear project plan that outlines the scope, milestones, and deliverables. Involve developers and project managers in this process to ensure everyone is aligned. Set up clear communication channels and agree on regular progress updates and feedback.
How to retain great e-commerce developers
Keeping skilled ecommerce developers is essential to running a smooth online business. Building long-term relationships with top talent, whether freelance or full-time, leads to consistent performance, a deep understanding of your brand, and seamless teamwork.
Provide consistent feedback and recognition
Developers need feedback to know what they’re doing well and where to improve. Regular, constructive feedback paired with genuine appreciation keeps them motivated. Celebrate their successes, even small ones, and acknowledge their contributions to the team’s goals.
Offer competitive pay and bonuses
Competitive pay is key to retaining top ecommerce developers. Regular market research should ensure you’re offering fair salaries or hourly rates. Consider performance-based bonuses or incentives to reward great work and encourage ongoing quality.
Give them autonomy and creative freedom
Talented developers value the chance to use their creativity. Give them space to explore new ideas and offer solutions. Allowing this freedom fosters trust and increases their commitment to your projects.
Offer opportunities for skill development and growth
Encourage continuous learning to keep developers engaged. Provide access to training, workshops, or conferences. Support their interest in new technologies and stay updated on industry trends.
Create a positive work environment
Even for remote freelancers, a positive and collaborative work environment matters. Foster open communication, respect for different ideas, and a supportive team culture. Promote a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
By following these strategies, you can build lasting relationships with your ecommerce developers, keeping them invested in your projects. Retaining talented developers saves time and money and helps your online store grow.
Key takeaways for finding the right e-commerce developers
Hiring the right ecommerce developer is crucial for your online business’s success. This guide has outlined key steps to help you find and hire top talent, from defining the role to assessing costs and conducting interviews.
Write a clear job description based on your company's values before you begin your search to attract relevant ecommerce experts. Determine whether you need a freelancer, full-time employee, or agency based on your project’s size, budget, and goals. Focus on developers with experience in your business's ecommerce platforms and technologies. Ensure they have strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Explore hiring sites like Arc to find skilled, pre-vetted ecommerce developers and simplify hiring. Clearly explain your project’s goals, timelines, and expectations. Keep communication open to stay aligned throughout the project.
With the right approach, you'll hire and build a strong team with your ecommerce developer to increase online sales and reach business goals.
