Build vs Buy: Shopify Delivery Date Picker (2024 Cost Analysis)
Compare Flare with custom-built Shopify delivery solutions. Save time, reduce dev costs, and offer flexible delivery dates at checkout—without custom code.
Quick Comparison: Flare vs Custom Build
Features | Flare | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
Visual calendar at checkout | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not available / harder to configure |
Logic by ZIP, product, method | ✅ Native rules builder | ⚠️ Requires custom logic / dev work |
Lead times & cutoffs | ✅ Fully configurable | ⚠️ Manual or limited |
Setup & changes (no-code) | ✅ Easy for ops teams | ❌ Developer - managed |
Order tags by ship/delivery date | ✅ Automatic | ❌ No supported |
Shopify Plus compatibility | ✅ Checkout + Flow | ✅ Checkout |
Integrations (3PL, Skip, etc.) | ✅ Supported via tags & Flow | ⚠️ Partial |
Support & onboarding | ✅ Done-for-you setup available | ❓Varies |
Who is Flare Best For? Who is a Custom Build Best For?
Custom-built tools may suit large, engineering-heavy teams—but often come with high setup/maintenance overhead. Flare is better for Shopify merchants who want fast setup, easy rule control, and no dev reliance.
Use Case | Choose Flare if | Choose Custom Build if |
|---|---|---|
Fast setup + rollout | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Slower / more complex |
No-code for operations teams | ✅ Built for non-devs | ✅ Devs usually required |
Multi-location / shipping rules | ✅ Fully supported | ✅ / ⚠️ Depending on config |
Complex carrier logic | ⚠️ Simple integrations only | ✅ Advanced carrier tools |
Multi-store setups | ⚠️ Separate installs only | ✅ Stronger if all stores are linked |
Visual calendar at checkout | ✅ Product, cart, checkout options | ❌ Not native |
1. Native checkout calendar.
Flare offers a reliable Shopify Plus calendar block at checkout. No hacks or third-party dependencies.
2. Flexible shipping rules.
Set delivery dates by product, shipping method, or location. No code or workaround logic required.
3. No maintenance headaches.
Custom solutions require constant upkeep, developer time and cost. Flare handles updates and logic changes for you.
4. Clarity in operations & fulfillment.
Flare auto-tags and sorts orders by delivery and ship date—no spreadsheets or guessing.
5. 3PL & WMS sync built-into Flare and Shopify
Flare connects directly with tools like ShipStation to automate ship/delivery logic.
6. Live in minutes, not months.
With Flare, brands skip dev sprints and launch fast—capturing revenue without blocking other priorities.
