27 Oct 2026 · Team Towercircle
Shopify's app store has thousands of apps — and it's easy to install twenty of them and end up with a slow, expensive store. After setting up many stores for Indian brands, we've learnt that a handful of the right apps do most of the work.
Here are the 10 types of apps we install most often, why they matter for Indian shoppers, and what to look for. We mention well-known examples, but always compare current features and pricing in the Shopify App Store before choosing.
1. Payment gateway (UPI, cards, wallets)
Indian shoppers expect UPI. Gateways like Razorpay, PayU and Cashfree integrate with Shopify and support UPI, cards, net banking and wallets. Some also offer a one-click checkout experience that remembers returning customers.
Look for: UPI intent (opens the customer's UPI app directly), quick settlements and clear fees.
2. Shipping and courier aggregator
Apps like Shiprocket connect you to multiple courier companies, compare rates, generate labels and send tracking updates automatically.
Look for: pin-code serviceability checks, COD support, automated tracking messages and RTO (return-to-origin) reports.
3. WhatsApp chat and notifications
In India, customers would rather WhatsApp you than email. A WhatsApp app adds a chat button and can send order confirmations, shipping updates and abandoned-cart reminders on WhatsApp — which get far higher open rates than email.
Look for: official WhatsApp Business API integration, COD order confirmation and abandoned-cart flows.
4. COD verification
Cash on delivery brings more orders but also more returns. COD verification apps confirm orders by WhatsApp or OTP, let you set COD limits or charges, and nudge customers to pay online.
Why it matters: every fake or cancelled COD order costs you shipping both ways.
5. Product reviews
Reviews with photos are one of the strongest trust signals for a new brand. Apps like Judge.me collect reviews automatically after delivery and show star ratings on product pages and in Google results.
Look for: photo/video reviews, automatic review requests and Google rich-snippet support.
6. GST invoices
Customers and B2B buyers often need a proper GST invoice. Invoice apps generate GST-compliant PDF invoices automatically with your GSTIN, HSN codes and tax breakdown, and attach them to order emails.
7. SEO and image optimisation
Large product photos are the most common reason Shopify stores load slowly. Image optimisation apps compress images and add alt text; SEO apps help you fix missing titles and descriptions.
Tip: compressing images before upload works just as well and needs no app.
8. Upsells and bundles
"Frequently bought together", quantity discounts and post-purchase offers can raise your average order value. Use them carefully — too many pop-ups annoy shoppers.
9. Email and SMS marketing
Apps like Shopify Email or Klaviyo help you send welcome series, abandoned-cart emails and offers to past customers. Repeat customers are the cheapest sales you'll ever make.
10. Analytics and ad tracking
Connect Google Analytics, Google Ads and the Meta (Facebook) channel properly so every sale is tracked back to its source. Without this, you can't tell which ads are working.
How many apps is too many?
There's no fixed number, but every app adds code and often a monthly fee. Our rule of thumb:
- Install an app only to solve a specific problem.
- Test store speed before and after installing.
- Remove apps you no longer use — and check they removed their code.
- Review your app bill every few months.
Our starter stack for a new Indian store
- Payment gateway with UPI
- Shipping aggregator
- WhatsApp notifications
- Reviews
- GST invoices
Add COD verification once COD returns become a problem, and email marketing once you have a few hundred customers.
Frequently asked questions
Are free Shopify apps good enough?
Many free plans are perfectly fine to start with. Upgrade when you hit their limits.
Do apps slow down my store?
Many do, because they add scripts to every page. Choose well-built apps and remove unused ones.
Want your store set up with the right apps from day one? We configure payments, shipping, WhatsApp, reviews, GST and tracking as part of every build. See our Shopify service or get a free quote.
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