Shopify Token-Gated Commerce Plugin

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Shopify Token-Gated Commerce Plugin

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

99850

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

6

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Shopify lacks Cardano token-gating, preventing NFT owners from unlocking exclusive products, discounts, or pages tied to on-chain ownership.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/drewhaines/storeblocks
,
• https://partners.shopify.com/3013889/apps/47940075521/overview
,
• https://shopify.dev/docs/api/app-bridge
,
• https://polaris.shopify.com/
,
• https://apps.shopify.com/manifold-token-gate?search_id=23932350-25f3-41e6-a329-af9643fd7b1e&surface_detail=token+gate&surface_inter_position=1&surface_intra_position=5&surface_type=search

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

Shopify APIs and App Bridge (well-documented, no licensing restrictions); Major Cardano wallet integrations (Lace, Eternl, Vespr, etc.) — all provide open developer tooling; No third-party paid dependencies beyond hosting and Shopify partner requirements.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

All code will be open-source using the MIT License from project start, with a public GitHub repo, version control, and regular commits.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Developer Tools

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Mention your open source license and describe your open source license rationale.

We will use the MIT License, one of the most permissive OSI-approved licenses, to maximize developer adoption. MIT allows anyone to freely use, copy, modify, and distribute the code, encouraging rapid ecosystem uptake. It ensures commercial compatibility for merchants while lowering barriers for developers to fork and extend the plugin. This approach aligns with Catalyst’s goals of transparency, reusability, and collaboration across the Cardano ecosystem.

How do you make sure your source code is accessible to the public from project start, and people are informed?

The GitHub repository will be public from project initiation. Development will use version control with frequent commits and clear tagging of milestones. Progress updates will be communicated via Catalyst channels and developer forums, ensuring transparency. Community members can inspect and contribute to the repo at any stage.

How will you provide high quality documentation?

We will provide comprehensive developer and merchant documentation, including a README, setup guides, API references, and integration examples. Docs will be hosted on GitHub Wiki in Markdown format for accessibility. Visual examples and tutorials will be added, and documentation will be kept updated throughout development and post-launch.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Shopify powers millions of online stores, yet Cardano lacks native integration for token-gated commerce. Competing ecosystems (Ethereum, Polygon) already offer this, allowing NFT ownership to unlock exclusive products, discounts, and content. Cardano projects and merchants cannot currently deliver similar functionality, limiting real-world NFT utility.

We will build a Cardano token-gated Shopify plugin, enabling merchants to:

• Gate specific products/pages behind NFT/token ownership.
• Restrict or allow checkout based on wallet verification.
• Redirect users lacking valid NFTs/tokens.
• Offer token-gated discounts and coupons.
• Customize rules via Shopify App Bridge (select products, define accepted NFTs/tokens by policy ID, configure redirect pages, and homepage states).

The app will:

• Support major Cardano wallets.\
• Implement anti-spoofing checks to prevent fake wallet access.
• Provide merchants with an easy-to-use interface within Shopify.
• Be deployed on the Shopify App Store, making it accessible to all Shopify merchants.

This directly addresses the identified gap by giving Cardano NFTs and tokens real-world commerce utility in one of the world’s largest e-commerce ecosystems. By making the code fully open source, we also provide a reusable foundation for other developers to extend token-gating into loyalty systems, memberships, and gamified commerce experiences.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

This project delivers measurable impact by bringing token-gated commerce to Shopify — one of the largest e-commerce ecosystems in the world — with native Cardano NFT/token verification.

Quantitative Impact

• 1 production-ready Shopify app deployed to the Shopify App Store.
• Open-source MIT-licensed codebase released on GitHub.
• Integration with major Cardano wallets.
• Token-gated product, discount, and page-level access functionality.
• Live testing on real Shopify stores.

Qualitative Impact

• Enables Cardano NFT projects and brands to deliver real benefits to holders.
• Expands NFT utility beyond speculation, driving adoption.
• Enhances Cardano’s presence in mainstream e-commerce, matching parity with Ethereum/Polygon offerings.

Ecosystem Value

• Fully open source from day one → reusable, extensible by developers.
• Provides a tested template for broader Cardano-commerce integrations.
• Lays groundwork for NFT-based loyalty, memberships, and exclusivity on Cardano.

Sharing Outputs

• GitHub repo with source code, docs, and updates.
• Public demo store showcasing token-gating.
• Community updates via Catalyst and developer forums.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & Feasibility

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has been active in the Cardano ecosystem since 2021, consistently building trusted relationships with community members, developers, and NFT creators. We are fully doxxed, incorporated, and have a proven history of delivering blockchain-integrated platforms with strong user experience design.

Track Record & Relevant Experience

• Technical Delivery: We have developed NFT-driven collection websites, token-gated access areas, and wallet-gated systems where functionality and reliability were paramount.
• Blockchain Integration: Our lead developer, Drew Haines, is a Shopify Partner with deep experience in Cardano wallet integrations, token-gating logic, and API development. His StoreBlocks GitHub repo and prior Shopify apps demonstrate readiness to deliver this plugin.
• Design & UI/UX: Our team ensures solutions are both functional and intuitive. We have experience building consumer-facing dashboards, collection utilities, and minting systems where usability is critical.
• Community Engagement: We have collaborated with well-known Cardano entities such as NMKR, Buffy Bot, Derp Birds, and UNICEF campaigns, demonstrating our ability to partner, gather feedback, and adapt to evolving needs.

Governance & Fund Management

• Dedicated project and programme managers ensure strict scope control, milestone tracking, and transparent reporting.
• Funds are milestone-gated, with working outputs and evidence required before moving forward.
• All relevant code will be MIT-licensed, publicly available on GitHub from day one, with updates shared via Catalyst reporting and GitHub commits.

Feasibility & Risk Management

This project builds directly on existing systems and Drew’s Shopify Partner background, ensuring technical readiness. Delivery follows a milestone-gated plan with working prototypes at each stage. Risks such as evolving wallet standards (CIP-30/CIP-95), spoofing attempts, and Shopify API changes are mitigated via modular code, server-side validation, and abstraction layers. Operational risks are addressed through early testing, clear documentation, and ongoing support planning.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

App Setup & Configuration

Milestone Outputs

• Create the initial Shopify app framework, including setup of API keys and developer accounts.
• Add StoreBlocks branding (logo and app identity).
• Provide initial configurations and settings visible in a test store.
• Document setup instructions and repo structure.

Acceptance Criteria

• A functional Shopify app is installed on a test store with visible StoreBlocks branding.
• Configuration page loads correctly and allows at least one editable setting.
• All environment keys and repos are operational.

Evidence of Completion

• Screenshots/video of app running in a Shopify test store with StoreBlocks branding and settings visible.
• GitHub repo commits showing initial framework, setup code, and documentation.
• Setup guide available in repo for other developers.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

14970

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Wallet Integration & Token Gating Rules

Milestone Outputs

• Add button/dropdown for Cardano wallet connection supporting major wallets .
• Implement logic to check NFT/token ownership using policy IDs.
• Hide/show products, product detail page buy buttons, and restrict checkout based on token-gating rules.
• Add initial ability to apply discounts tied to NFT/token ownership.

Acceptance Criteria

• Wallet connection works for at least 3 Cardano wallets.
• Gated products/pages remain hidden unless correct tokens are present.
• Checkout correctly blocks unauthorized token-gated purchases.
• Discounts apply automatically when configured by merchant.

Evidence of Completion

• Video walkthrough of wallet connection, gating logic, and checkout restrictions.
• Test results verifying NFT/token validation across supported wallets.
• Code commits showing wallet integration and gating rules.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

34920

Progress

60 %

Milestone Title

Merchant Dashboard & Advanced Settings

Milestone Outputs

• Build merchant-facing dashboard using Shopify App Bridge.
• Settings include: selecting token-gated products, entering policy IDs, configuring redirects, and homepage logic.
• Add ability to specify which products/pages require gating and apply discounts.
• Ensure data is saved correctly via backend.

Acceptance Criteria

• Merchants can select token-gated products and enter policy IDs without needing to code.
• Redirect and homepage behavior work as intended when wallet is not connected/valid.
• Settings persist and load correctly in repeated sessions.

Evidence of Completion

• Screen recording of merchant configuring dashboard settings and testing gating behavior.
• GitHub commits showing dashboard and backend persistence features.
• Usability feedback from test merchants confirming configuration ease.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

29930

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Testing, Security & App Store Deployment

Milestone Outputs

• Conduct full QA to identify and fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
• Ensure wallet spoofing/fake validation attempts cannot bypass gating.
• Add UX improvements like loading spinner and error handling.
• Deploy app to Shopify App Store with public listing, including description, images, and support setup.

Acceptance Criteria

• QA passes across multiple browsers and Shopify themes with no major issues.
• Security checks confirm gating cannot be bypassed through spoofing.
• App is accepted by Shopify and live on the App Store.
• Customer support channels and runbooks are established.

Evidence of Completion

• Published QA and security test results in GitHub repo.
• Live Shopify App Store link available and verified.
• Final video walkthrough of app in production store.
• Documentation package including runbooks and support info.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

20030

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Deliverable Breakdown:

1 – App Setup & Configuration – ₳14,970

Foundational setup of the Shopify app including basic configuration, branding, and internal tooling.

Includes:

• Shopify app creation and API key setup
• StoreBlocks branding and interface configurations
• Project governance and delivery plan
• Initial testing frameworks

2 – Wallet Integration & Token Gating Rules – ₳34,920

Core build-out of the wallet authentication and token-based access logic.

Includes:

• Integration of major Cardano wallets (Lace, Eternl, Vespr, Nami)
• Hide/show logic for token-gated products and pages
• Redirect and checkout enforcement for non-qualifying wallets
• Backend rule handling and NFT policy ID verification
• Initial hosting and infrastructure

3 – Merchant Dashboard & Advanced Settings – ₳29,930

Enables merchants to manage token gating rules via a Shopify-native interface.

Includes:

• Settings UI via Shopify App Bridge
• Token/NFT configuration options (by policy ID)
• Redirect rules and homepage states
• Discount/coupon rule builder
• Backend persistence and testing

4 – Testing, Security & App Store Deployment – ₳20,030

Final polish, quality assurance, and public release.

Includes:

• QA across major wallets, themes, and stores
• Basic fraud/spoof prevention and logic testing
• Community testing and support feedback loop
• Deployment to the Shopify App Store
• Setup of post-launch merchant support channels
• Hosting provision for development and first 12 months

Breakdown by Resource:

Programme Manager ₳2,040

Project Manager ₳5,340

Lead/Full-stack Developer ₳68,450

Support Dev/QA ₳20,990

Marketing / Community ₳1,650

Infrastructure / Hosting ₳1,380

TOTAL ₳99,850

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project delivers strong value to the Cardano ecosystem by creating the first fully open-source Shopify plugin for token-gated commerce on Cardano. By enabling store owners to restrict access to specific products, pages, or discounts based on NFT or token ownership, it bridges a critical gap between on-chain utility and off-chain commerce — an integration widely available on other chains, but still missing on Cardano.

This plugin is a practical, production-oriented tool with clear and immediate applicability for NFT projects, real-world product integrations, loyalty programs, and more. Once complete, it will be publicly accessible on the Shopify App Store and fully open-source under the MIT license, meaning any developer can build upon or extend its functionality at no cost — multiplying the impact of Catalyst's funding beyond this single deployment.

Cost Justification

The budget is constructed from the ground up, based on specific deliverables across four milestones, with effort estimated per role and priced at fair-market freelance rates:

• Programme Manager: $80/hr
• Project Manager: $70/hr
• Lead Full-stack Developer: $150/hr
• Support Dev / QA: $50/hr
• Marketing & Community Feedback: $50/hr

Contingency has been built in to account for known unknowns such as extra wallet compatibility testing, open-source compliance (documentation and repo management), and support infrastructure. Hosting is provisioned not only for the development period but also to ensure post-launch sustainability for merchants adopting the app.

All team members are known, doxxed, and experienced, with no unnecessary overhead or placeholder roles. The majority of funds go directly to development and QA — not operations or management.

Return on Investment for Cardano

This plugin has broad applicability for NFT projects, token-based communities, physical/digital hybrid businesses, and any project looking to tie real-world or digital products to blockchain-based ownership. With this tool:

• Cardano NFTs gain real-world utility, allowing holders to access exclusive content, merchandise, or discounts on Shopify.
• Merchants gain new capabilities, integrating blockchain-based rewards and exclusivity without needing custom development.
• Developers gain open, reusable code, including wallet connect flows, token verification logic, and merchant-configurable rule systems.
• The ecosystem gains visibility, as this tool will be listed in the public Shopify App Store, offering direct exposure to mainstream merchants and ecommerce audiences.

By delivering a robust, extensible, and reusable solution — and by open-sourcing it from day one — this proposal ensures that Catalyst funding builds a foundation others can freely build upon, driving adoption and innovation without needing to start from scratch.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes