Next.js Headless Shopify Ecommerce Integration & Production Readiness

We are looking for a Next.js / Shopify developer to help prepare an existing ecommerce storefront for commercial launch. The frontend has already been built as a prototype using Next.js, React, Tailwind, and local cart state. The current goal is to move the store from prototype to production-ready by connecting it properly to Shopify, replacing demo ecommerce flows, and making the site ready for real users. The website is currently hosted on Vercel, and the codebase is available on GitHub. Project Goal We need the store ready for commercialization within 3 weeks. The priority is not a full redesign. The priority is backend integration, Shopify setup, checkout readiness, performance, security, and production deployment. Main Scope of Work The developer will be responsible for: Auditing the existing Next.js codebase Connecting the frontend to Shopify using the Shopify Storefront API Setting up product, variant, pricing, image, and inventory data from Shopify Replacing the current local/demo cart flow with a production-ready Shopify cart flow Implementing checkout through Shopify’s checkout flow Ensuring the checkout experience is brand-consistent where Shopify allows customization Using Shopify as the main content/product management system Setting up required environment variables and API credentials safely Improving performance for commercial use Adding error handling, validation, and production-safe API handling Preparing the Vercel deployment for launch Testing the full customer journey from product page to cart to checkout Documenting the setup so the team can manage products and content after handoff Must-Have Launch Features By the end of the project, the site should support: Shopify-managed products Product images, variants, prices, and inventory Working cart Working checkout handoff through Shopify Mobile-responsive ecommerce flow Production-ready deployment on Vercel Basic performance optimization Secure API/environment variable setup Clear handoff documentation Current Constraints The launch catalog will be small, with a maximum of around 3 products/inventory items at the start. Shopify will be used for product and content management. Klaviyo and other marketing integrations are not part of the initial scope unless required for basic launch functionality. Major UI redesign is not required, but small frontend adjustments may be needed to support the Shopify integration. The current visual style and brand direction should be preserved. Timeline Target delivery: 3 weeks. Suggested structure: Week 1 Codebase audit Shopify API setup Product/catalog integration Environment configuration Initial frontend connection Week 2 Cart implementation Checkout flow Shopify content/product management setup Error handling and edge cases Week 3 Performance optimization Security review QA testing Deployment readiness Final fixes and documentation Access Provided After Contract Starts We can provide: GitHub repository access Shopify collaborator access Vercel/deployment access if needed Product details, images, pricing, and brand assets Payment gateway setup information once available Required Experience Please only apply if you have experience with: Next.js React Shopify Storefront API Headless ecommerce builds Shopify checkout/cart flows Vercel deployment Ecommerce performance optimization Experience with Shopify as a headless backend is strongly preferred.