# Reliable upkeep for a store that just works

> Maintenance, content updates, small theme changes and app set-up from a dependable Shopify team for £1,000 a month, ex VAT. Rolling monthly, one month's notice.

**Price:** £1,000 a month, ex VAT · + £500 one-off onboarding · Standard response: Two business days

Essentials is our Shopify retainer for stores that already work and need to stay that way. For £1,000 a month, ex VAT, a team that builds on Shopify every day handles your maintenance, content updates and small changes. Onboarding is a one-off £500, ex VAT. Essentials rolls monthly, with one month's notice and no minimum term.

It suits stores with a stable theme that need reliable upkeep, not a rebuild. We agree a priority list with you each month and work through it. [Tell us about your store](https://thinkcommerce.com/contact).

## What's included

- Technical maintenance, bug fixes and app updates
- Content updates: banners, campaign pages, menus and product pages
- Small changes within your existing theme
- App set-up and configuration, such as reviews, search and wishlist
- Upkeep of your existing Klaviyo flows and campaigns
- GA4 and conversion tracking upkeep
- A monthly snapshot report
- Email support, with a standard response within two business days and within two business hours if checkout or your site is down

## Built for brands that need a safe pair of hands

Founder-led brands whose store already works, and who want a safe pair of hands to keep it that way.

### A stable theme

Your store is in good shape. You need upkeep and small improvements, not a redesign.

### No in-house developer

You have a small team that needs someone reliable to call when something breaks or needs changing.

### Regular content changes

Campaigns, banners, menus and product pages get updated without waiting on a freelancer.

### Room to grow

When you need custom work, move up to the [Growth retainer](https://thinkcommerce.com/offers/growth-retainer) from the next billing month.

## What Essentials doesn't cover, and what that costs

We would rather be clear up front. This is what sits outside Essentials, and how we handle it. Prices exclude VAT.

| Not included | How we handle it |
| --- | --- |
| Custom code beyond small Liquid changes | Included in Growth, or quoted as a fixed-price project |
| Shopify Functions | Included in Growth and Partner |
| New integrations | Fixed-price project, from £5,000 per system |
| Upkeep of existing ERP, PIM or 3PL integrations | Included in Growth and Partner |
| Strategy sessions | Quarterly business reviews are included in Growth |
| CRO audit | Add-on, £900 |
| AI and search readiness audit | Add-on, £750 |
| Extra capacity | £750 a day, booked in whole days |

We quote larger work at a fixed price before we start. See every [fixed-price project and add-on](https://thinkcommerce.com/offers/fixed-price-projects).

## A clear plan from week one

You always know what we are working on and why.

### Onboarding

In the first two weeks we audit your store and agree a 90-day plan with you. On Essentials, onboarding is a one-off fee of £500, ex VAT.

### Monthly priorities

In the first week of each month we agree a priority list with you, so the work goes where it matters most.

### Monthly snapshot

Every month you get a short snapshot of what we did and what comes next.

## Keep your store running smoothly

Essentials costs £1,000 a month, ex VAT, plus £500 for onboarding. It rolls monthly, with one month's notice. [Tell us about your store and start with Essentials](https://thinkcommerce.com/contact), or [compare all three Shopify retainers](https://thinkcommerce.com/retainers) first.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a minimum term?

No. Essentials rolls monthly with one month's notice. There is a one-off onboarding fee, which covers the store audit and your 90-day plan.

### What if I need more than Essentials covers?

We agree with you whether to move it to next month, quote it as a fixed-price project or move up to Growth. Unused time doesn't roll over.

### How quickly do you respond?

Within two business days for standard requests, and within two business hours if checkout or your site is down. Response times are for acknowledging and starting work, not resolution, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30 UK time.

### Can I upgrade later?

Yes. Upgrades and downgrades take effect from the next billing month.

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Source: https://thinkcommerce.com/offers/essentials-retainer · Last updated: 6 November 2026 · Contact: hello@thinkcommerce.com