My stack
    Ops / COO

    E-commerce stack

    A stack template for stores that need to sell, measure, support, and retain customers without turning Shopify into an app stack.

    Selection
    6
    tools
    Target budget
    $165
    per month
    Profile
    Structuring
    business stage
    Shopify logoShopifyStripe logoStripeBrevo logoBrevoGorgias logoGorgiasGoogle Analytics logoGoogle AnalyticsHotjar logoHotjar
    01 / The selection

    Which tool does what?

    02 / ToolTrim's take

    Why these tools together?

    In e-commerce, the stack must protect margin. Shopify already covers many needs. Apps are justified only if they improve conversion, average order value, repeat purchase, or support. Everything else should be tested briefly, then cut if impact is not visible.

    A good fit if…

    Early-stage Shopify or WooCommerce stores, DTC brands, and small catalogs.

    Look elsewhere if…

    You already have a complex catalog, multiple countries, ERP, advanced logistics, and a dedicated support team.

    Sell without hurting margin

    Each app must map to a lever: conversion, average order value, repeat purchase, or support.

    Measure the buying journey

    GA gives the acquisition/conversion baseline. Hotjar is worth it only on friction pages.

    Retain without a marketing factory

    Brevo is enough for follow-up, post-purchase, and simple campaigns while segmentation stays light.

    03 / Budget

    What should you budget?

    Target budget$165per month, to get started
    Core at list price$94per month, 6 tools on their first paid plan

    The target budget is the recommended starting envelope. The list price adds up each core tool's first paid plan, excluding 2 tools without a fixed price. Optional tools are not included.

    04 / Trade-offs

    What to watch out for

    The trap in this stack

    Adding one app per e-commerce problem: pop-up, reviews, upsell, email, support, analytics, then losing margin to subscriptions.

    • Stacked Shopify apps

      Pop-up, reviews, upsell, bundle, quiz, loyalty: each must prove net impact.

    • Duplicate analytics

      GA, Hotjar, PostHog, ad pixels: keep a clear read, otherwise nobody decides.

    • Support too early

      Gorgias is excellent at real volume. Before that, a structured inbox can be enough.

    • More than 100 orders per month

      Dedicated e-commerce support pays off when recurring questions cost time or sales.

    • High cart abandonment

      Before adding an upsell app, inspect checkout and delivery friction.

    • Measurable repeat purchase

      When repeat purchase exists, email becomes an asset. Before that, keep it simple.

    Self-check

    Questions to ask yourself

    1. Do you know the total monthly cost of your Shopify apps?

      No → start by listing apps and their real impact: conversion, basket, repeat purchase, or support.

    2. Does email marketing generate enough revenue to pay for the tool?

      No → Brevo is often enough before a more expensive platform.

    3. Do you have several analytics tools active?

      Yes → keep a simple baseline: GA for acquisition, Hotjar only if you actually watch sessions.

    More stacks to explore