Anyone else hoarding Shopify apps they never actually use?

[oliviac]

I have this bad habit where I see an app that looks promising and think “this could boost my sales” so I install it right away. Fast forward a few months and I’m looking at my billing statement wondering why I’m spending almost $200 every month on apps.

Turns out I’m actively using maybe 3 or 4 of them while the rest just sit there doing absolutely nothing. Some of them I completely forgot I even had installed. It’s like digital clutter but it costs real money.

I’m curious if other store owners do this too. Do you guys also go through these phases where you install a bunch of apps thinking they’ll solve all your problems and then never actually set them up properly?

Also wondering which single app you’d recommend that actually delivers on its promises and justifies the monthly cost?

[Tom_Artist]

Guilty as charged. The worst part? Installing something during a promo thinking you’re saving money, then completely forgetting when the trial ends. I’ve paid for apps I used once during setup and never touched again. The psychology’s real - we see successful stores using certain apps and think that’s our missing piece. What helped me was tracking which apps actually boost sales versus just making me feel productive. Most of the time it’s not the app, it’s how you use it. One solid rec: Judge.me for reviews. The social proof actually converts and setup’s simple enough that you’ll use it instead of letting it sit there collecting dust.

[Alice45]

omg yes!! i literally just canceled like 6 apps last week after realizing i was paying for stuff i dont even remember installing. the shopify app store is like amazon at 3am - everything seems necessary until you check your bank account. now i force myself to wait 48hrs before installing anything new and actually think about whether i’ll use it regularly or just once

[DancingFox]

The Problem: You’re spending too much on Shopify apps, many of which you barely use. This feels like digital clutter with a hefty price tag. You’re looking for a solution to curb app spending and recommendations for genuinely useful apps.

Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):

Many Shopify merchants fall into the trap of “app overload.” The Shopify app store is incredibly tempting; each app promises a solution to a specific problem, making it easy to justify new installations. However, this often leads to a collection of unused apps draining your budget. The psychology at play involves a desire for increased productivity and the belief that another tool is the missing piece to success, but the reality is often different. You likely aren’t focusing on effectively using the apps you already have.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Conduct a Monthly App Audit:

This is the core solution. Once a month, meticulously review each installed app. For each, honestly ask yourself:

• Has this app generated a measurable return (increased sales, saved time, improved efficiency) in the last 60 days? If the answer is “no” or even “I don’t know,” it’s time to consider removing it.
• Have I actively used this app more than a few times in the last month? If not, it’s likely not essential.
• Is this app essential to my store’s functionality? Some apps might be core to your business. Be sure to identify and only remove optional, underused tools.

Step 2: Implement a 48-Hour Waiting Period:

Before installing any new app, wait 48 hours. This allows time for reflection and to consider if the app is truly necessary and will integrate well with your workflow.

Step 3: Focus on App Mastery:

Instead of installing new apps, concentrate on fully utilizing the apps you already have. Explore all their features, read the documentation, and watch tutorials. Maximize the return on your current investments.

Step 4: Prioritize Apps that Provide Measurable ROI:

Focus on apps that offer analytics and data on their performance. This will allow you to quantitatively assess their value and make informed decisions about which apps to keep and which to remove.

Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:

• Ignoring Trial Periods: Many apps offer free trials. Set calendar reminders for the trial end date to avoid accidental recurring charges.
• Neglecting Integrations: Ensure that apps you use integrate seamlessly with each other to avoid duplication or conflicts.
• Lack of Documentation Review: Properly reading app documentation will help you understand the full functionality and use cases, maximizing efficiency.

Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) config files, the exact command you ran, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!