Top 6+ Shopify Apps for DIY and Hardware Stores 

Introduction

Selling DIY and hardware products online is not as simple as putting a few tool kits on Shopify and waiting for sales. Unlike fashion or cosmetics, this niche requires precision, clarity, and trust. A customer buying a drill, a ladder, or even a set of screws expects accurate specifications, variation options, and often the ability to purchase in bulk. They may also want real-world reviews, quick answers to technical questions, and bundle deals that make sense (e.g., “paint + brush” or “drill + bits”).

The challenge? Out of the box, Shopify doesn’t offer everything you need to handle these complexities. That’s where apps come in. Shopify apps extend your store’s functionality, making it easier to manage product variations, upsell accessories, build customer trust, and keep shoppers coming back.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top 6+ Shopify apps for DIY and hardware stores in 2025, starting with AeroApps—our #1 recommendation for serious store owners.

Why DIY & Hardware Stores Need Specialized Apps

The DIY and hardware niche is unique for several reasons:

• Complex Variations: Screws come in different lengths and finishes, paint comes in dozens of colors, and power tools have multiple versions. You need an app that handles variants beyond Shopify’s basic limits.

• Bulk & B2B Orders: Unlike casual shopping, hardware often involves contractors or businesses buying in bulk. Apps with volume pricing or tiered discounts are essential.

• Upselling & Cross-Selling: Customers who buy a drill may also need drill bits, protective gear, or storage. Apps that trigger relevant recommendations can increase cart value.

• Customer Trust: A single bad review about tool durability can scare off future buyers. Review apps and live chat support build credibility.

• Logistics & Speed: DIY items are heavy, and customers expect clear shipping info. Store speed also matters—if product images take too long to load, buyers drop off.

With these challenges in mind, let’s dive into the top apps that every DIY and hardware Shopify merchant should consider in 2025.

1. AeroApps – The All-in-One DIY & Hardware Toolkit (Editor’s Choice)

If you want one app that can handle variants, upsells, bulk deals, and custom forms, AeroApps is the clear winner. Trusted by over 1 million users worldwide (according to its product profile, page 2), AeroApps was designed to help Shopify merchants move “from concept to cart” quickly.

Key Features for DIY/Hardware Stores:

• Product Variant Options: Add unlimited choices like screw sizes, paint colors, or drill kit bundles without coding.

• Upsell & Bundle: Suggest “Frequently Bought Together” items (hammer + nails, paint + brush set, drill + bit kit).

• Volume Booster: Run bulk deals such as “Buy 10 toolkits, get 1 free” or “10% off when you buy 5+ paint cans”.

• Form Builder: Collect B2B wholesale inquiries, installation service requests, or warranty registrations.

• AeroDrop Automation: Streamline dropshipping workflows for hardware accessories, so you can expand your catalog without manual effort.

👉 Why it’s #1: DIY and hardware customers are practical buyers. AeroApps directly addresses their expectations—options, bundles, and deals—while helping store owners increase sales effortlessly.

2. Judge.me Product Reviews

Best for: Building credibility and trust.

A buyer considering a $200 power drill will almost always check reviews before purchasing. Judge.me is a top-rated review app that allows unlimited free reviews with star ratings, photos, and Q&A sections.

• Collects automatic post-purchase review requests.

• Displays user-generated content (UGC), boosting authenticity.

• Helps reduce returns by giving buyers realistic expectations.

💡 Pro tip: Combine Judge.me with Aero Upsell & Bundle so customers see highly-rated accessory bundles (e.g., “94% of buyers who purchased this drill also bought this bit set”).

3. DSers – AliExpress Dropshipping

Best for: Expanding your DIY catalog without inventory.

Not every store can stock every accessory. DSers integrates with AliExpress to let you quickly import DIY items like safety goggles, measuring tapes, or tool organizers.

• Automates order syncing and fulfillment.

• Supports multiple suppliers for reliability.

• Lets you test new products without inventory risk.

Pair it with AeroDrop, which handles repetitive dropshipping tasks automatically. Together, they make scaling your hardware catalog seamless.

4. ReConvert Upsell & Cross Sell

Best for: Post-purchase upselling.

DIY customers are prime candidates for upsells. Someone buying a paint roller may also want a paint tray or protective gloves. ReConvert allows you to customize your thank-you page with tailored recommendations.

• Add timers to create urgency (“Limited 24-hour offer”).

• Cross-sell complementary products right after checkout.

• Boost lifetime value by nudging repeat purchases.

💡 Example: After buying a toolbox, offer discounted drawer organizers.

5. Tidio Live Chat + Chatbot

Best for: Instant customer support.

DIY buyers often have specific questions:

• “Does this drill work on concrete?”

• “Is this adhesive waterproof?”

• “How much weight can this shelf hold?”

Tidio combines live chat with AI-powered bots, ensuring your customers get quick answers.

• Supports multi-channel integration (Messenger, email, WhatsApp).

• Bots handle FAQs while humans tackle advanced queries.

• Reduces abandoned carts caused by unanswered concerns.

6. Plug in Speed (Site Optimizer)

Best for: Fast-loading DIY product catalogs.

DIY and hardware stores typically feature image-heavy catalogs—from tool close-ups to lifestyle shots of organized garages. Slow pages kill conversions. Plug in Speed automatically compresses images, removes unused scripts, and speeds up load times.

• Faster stores rank higher on Google.

• Shoppers are more likely to stay engaged.

• Helps mobile users (critical for on-the-go buyers).

According to Google, a 1-second delay can reduce conversions by up to 7%. For hardware stores with large inventories, speed optimization is not optional.

7. Klaviyo (Free Plan for Small Stores)

Best for: Email & SMS marketing automation.

DIY buyers are often repeat buyers. Once they trust your store, they’ll come back for refills, upgrades, or new projects. Klaviyo helps you build automated campaigns that nurture customer relationships.

• Segment customers (contractors vs. homeowners).

• Automate back-in-stock alerts or seasonal promotions.

• Syncs with Shopify to track customer behavior.

💡 Example: If a customer buys paint, set up an automation that reminds them about primer, brushes, or protective sheets.

8. Bonus Pick: Printful (Merchandising Add-On)

Best for: Expanding into branded merchandise.

Many hardware and DIY stores extend into branded apparel or gear. Think T-shirts with “DIY Dad” slogans, or branded tool belts. Printful integrates with Shopify to offer print-on-demand without holding inventory.

It’s not essential for every store—but for community-driven niches, it adds a new revenue stream.

How to Choose the Right App Stack for Your DIY Store

The best apps depend on your business model:

• Professional contractor-focused stores:
  • Use Aero Variant Options + Volume Booster for bulk orders.

  • Add Tidio for handling technical queries.

• DIY hobbyist-focused stores:
  • Use Aero Upsell & Bundle for “project kits.”

  • Add Judge.me to showcase social proof.

• Dropshipping model:
  • Use DSers + AeroDrop for easy catalog expansion.

  • Add Klaviyo for retention campaigns.

Always start lean with 3–4 apps, then expand as your traffic and sales grow.

Conclusion

DIY and hardware customers demand clarity, reliability, and value. The Shopify apps above address these needs directly—whether it’s by simplifying product variations, offering bulk discounts, or building trust through reviews and real-time support.

At the top of the list, AeroApps remains the #1 must-have solution. With its unmatched toolkit—product options, upsells, bundles, forms, and bulk pricing—it gives DIY/hardware store owners the power to compete with big-box retailers. Combine it with review apps, chat tools, and marketing automation, and your store won’t just sell—it will scale.

👉 In 2025, success in DIY and hardware e-commerce comes down to having the right tools, both physical and digital. Start with AeroApps, build a smart app stack around it, and watch your store grow.