How is this different from the standard AI Schema Implementation service?
Architectural depth. AI Schema Implementation works on standard themed stores (Shopify themes, WooCommerce themes, BigCommerce stencil) where schema can be injected via theme files. Headless Commerce AI Integration works at the framework level — schema generated dynamically from server components, ACP integrated into custom checkouts, AI-readiness baked into your codebase rather than your theme. Different work, different complexity, different price. If your store has a standard theme, use AI Schema Implementation. If your store uses a custom frontend or composable architecture, this engagement is the right fit.
Which headless platforms do you support?
Strong support: Shopify Hydrogen, Shopify Plus with custom frontend, BigCommerce Catalyst, Next.js Commerce, Vercel Commerce, custom Next.js + headless Shopify, custom Nuxt + headless backends. Partial support: Magento PWA Studio, Commercetools, Saleor, Medusa.js (these require additional discovery to confirm fit). New platform support added per-engagement at $1,000–$3,000 additional depending on platform documentation quality.
What does the engagement cost and what affects the price?
Starting from $8,000 for focused engagements (single framework, smaller catalog under 5K SKUs, standard checkout). Typical engagements run $10,000–$12,000 for mid-size headless brands. Premium engagements run $13,000–$15,000 for: very large catalogs (50K+ SKUs), multi-region/multi-currency setups, complex custom checkouts, multi-platform headless (Shopify + custom + BigCommerce hybrid). Pricing depends on: framework count, catalog size, checkout customization depth, and CMS/search integration complexity.
Why is the timeline 8–10 weeks?
Three reasons. First, headless architectures require more upfront audit work — the integration plan must be tailored to YOUR specific stack, not a templated approach. Second, framework-level schema generation requires testing across many page types (not just product pages); validation takes longer than themed-store work. Third, ACP/UCP/AP2 integration with custom checkouts is more complex than with standard Shopify checkout. Rushing this work tends to produce subtle integration bugs that surface months later. The timeline buys reliability.
Do you work with my engineering team or replace them?
Always with — never replace. Headless commerce engineering teams know your specific codebase and architecture; my job is to bring the AI integration expertise they do not have, not to take over their work. Typical engagement model: I write the integration patterns, your team reviews and merges them. For teams that prefer fully-managed work, I can lead the implementation directly while keeping your team informed. Both models work.
What if my checkout is fully custom (not Shopify Checkout, not standard BigCommerce)?
Fully supported. Custom checkouts are common in enterprise headless setups and require custom ACP/UCP integration work. The engagement includes this work — your custom checkout will be ACP-compliant after the engagement. Particularly common scenarios: subscription checkouts (Recharge, Ordergroove), B2B checkouts with custom payment terms, multi-currency or multi-region checkouts with custom logic. All supported.
What about performance? Will AI integration regress my Core Web Vitals?
No — performance is preserved through specific implementation patterns. Schema is generated server-side without client-side JavaScript overhead. ACP integration runs in serverless functions, not blocking the main request thread. Content extractability blocks are server-rendered. Core Web Vitals are monitored pre- and post-engagement; any regression is caught and corrected before launch. Many engagements actually IMPROVE Core Web Vitals slightly because the cleanup work surfaces existing performance issues.
How do I get started?
Book a free 60-minute discovery call through the contact page. Come prepared with: your headless stack details (frontend framework, backend, checkout, search, CMS), your catalog size, your monthly traffic, and your engineering team capacity. I will conduct a brief architecture review (free, 3–5 days) and send a fixed-price quote within 10 business days.