As businesses scale, they often need more than just a standard Shopify store to meet growing demands. This is where Shopify Plus Partners come into play. These experts specialize in helping high-growth businesses maximize their potential on Shopify Plus by offering advanced development, marketing, and strategy solutions.
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Shopify Plus Partners, including their benefits, services, and how to choose the right one for your business.
I. What Is a Shopify Plus Partner?
So, what exactly is a Shopify Plus Partner?
A Shopify Plus Partner is a certified Shopify development agency, technology provider, or expert that has been rigorously vetted by Shopify. These partners have successfully completed multiple Shopify Plus development projects that have demonstrated tangible improvements in user experience, store performance, and business growth.
1.1. How Shopify Plus Partners Are Recognized
Shopify Plus Partners are officially listed in the Shopify Plus Partner Directory, a global database of top-tier Shopify development agencies. This ensures that businesses looking for expert assistance can easily find trustworthy, high-quality service providers.
1.2. Shopify Plus Partner vs. Shopify Expert
Many people confuse Shopify Plus Partners with Shopify Experts, but there are key differences:
- Shopify Experts: A general certification that many Shopify agencies can attain.
- Shopify Plus Partners: A highly exclusive group that is vetted, tested, and approved by Shopify based on their proven success in handling Shopify Plus projects. If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality development and optimization services, a Shopify Plus Partner is the best choice.
1.3. Types of Shopify Plus Partners
Shopify Plus Partners fall into three main categories:
- Service Partners – Agencies specializing in design, development, marketing, and strategy for Shopify Plus businesses.
- Technology Partners – Companies that create Shopify Plus-approved apps and integrations.
- Solution Partners – Experts who assist in Shopify Plus migrations and business optimizations.
II. Benefits of Partnering with a Shopify Plus Partner
Choosing a Shopify Plus Partner can significantly impact your store’s growth and efficiency. Here’s why:
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Advanced Shopify Plus Expertise
- Shopify Scripts – Custom checkout logic for discounts, promotions, and payment methods.
- Launchpad – Tools for automating flash sales and product launches.
- Shopify Flow – Workflow automation for order management, inventory updates, and fraud prevention.
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Seamless Integrations with Enterprise Tools A Shopify Plus Partner can integrate your store with third-party ERP, CRM, PIM, and fulfillment systems to ensure smooth operations.
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Custom Store Development and Optimization
These experts build tailored solutions, including headless commerce setups and performance enhancements, to improve user experience and increase conversions. -
Ongoing Support and Strategy
Many partners offer long-term support, monitoring, and optimization to help businesses grow sustainably.
III. Why Work with a Shopify Plus Partner?
For businesses looking to scale efficiently and optimize their Shopify Plus store, working with a certified Shopify Plus Partner is a strategic move that ensures long-term success.
IV. How to Select the Best Shopify Plus Partner
Selecting the right Shopify Plus Partner is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your eCommerce success. With the right partner, you can optimize your store, streamline operations, and drive growth. Here’s how to find the best fit for your business.
4.1. Identify Your Business Needs
Before searching for a Shopify Plus Partner, determine what your business requires. Do you need custom development, migration assistance, performance optimization, or marketing strategy ? Understanding your goals will help you find a partner with the right expertise.
4.2. Explore the Shopify Plus Partner Directory
Shopify provides an official Shopify Plus Partner Directory where you can browse certified agencies. Use filters to narrow down your options based on industry experience, service offerings, and location.
4.3. Evaluate Their Portfolio and Experience
Look at the partner’s past work, case studies, and client success stories. Check whether they have experience working with brands similar to yours and if their projects align with your expectations. A strong track record in high-growth Shopify Plus stores is a key indicator of expertise.
4.4. Check Their Specializations
Shopify Plus Partners offer different services, including:
- Development & Customization: Custom themes, checkout optimization, and advanced integrations.
- Marketing & SEO: Growth strategies, conversion rate optimization, and digital advertising.
- Migration & Scaling: Seamless migration from other platforms and store performance enhancement.
Make sure the partner specializes in the areas you need support in.
4.5. Read Client Reviews and Testimonials
Customer feedback provides valuable insights into a partner’s reliability, communication, and support. Look for reviews on Shopify’s directory, Clutch, Trustpilot, or their website. A strong repuation is a sign of quality service.
4.6. Assess Their Communication and Support
A great Shopify Plus Partner should be easy to communicate with and responsive to your needs. Ask about their process for handling updates, troubleshooting, and post-launch support to ensure smooth collaboration.
4.7. Compare Pricing and Value
Cost should not be the only deciding factor, but it’s important to understand pricing models. Some partners charge fixed project fees, while others offer ongoing support and retainer packages. Compare pricing structures and choose a partner that provides the best value for your investment.
4.8. Request a Consultation and Proposal
Once you’ve shortlisted potential partners, schedule consultations to discuss your project in detail. Ask about their approach, timeline, and expected outcomes. A well-structured proposal should include:
- Scope of work
- Deliverables and milestones
- Estimated costs
- Project timeline
4.9. Look for Long-Term Partnership Potential
The best Shopify Plus Partners don’t just build your store—they help you scale and grow. Choose a partner who offers ongoing support, performance monitoring, and strategic guidance beyond the initial project.
4.10. Make Your Final Decision
After evaluating all aspects, select the Shopify Plus Partner that aligns with your business goals, budget, and expectations. Sign a contract outlining project details, responsibilities, and timelines to ensure a smooth collaboration.
V. How to Become a Shopify Plus Partner
Becoming a Shopify Plus Partner is a great opportunity for agencies and technology providers to work with high-growth businesses and enterprise-level eCommerce brands. Shopify requires partners to have extensive experience in enterprise or wholesale eCommerce before applying. If you meet the criteria, here’s how you can join the Shopify Plus Partner Program.
5.1. Application Process
To apply, you’ll need to submit your details through the Shopify website. The application process requires the following information:
- Personal and Business Information – Your name, email, phone number, and company details.
- Company Background – The name and location of your business, the year it was established, and the number of employees.
- Enterprise Experience – The percentage of enterprise clients you work with and the number of commerce projects you deliver annually.
- Expertise and Services – Your agency’s specialization, eCommerce services, and additional offerings.
- Motivation – A statement explaining why you want to become a Shopify Plus Partner.
5.2. Advice for Getting Started
If you’re ready to become a Shopify Plus Partner, here are some key steps to set yourself up for success:
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Leverage Shopify Partner Resources
Shopify offers a Partner Blog filled with insights on attracting new clients, building authority, and improving eCommerce marketing strategies. Stay updated with best practices and industry trends. -
Build a Strong Online Presence
Your website should reflect your expertise in Shopify Plus development. Showcase case studies, testimonials, and examples of your work to prove your ability to handle enterprise clients. -
Master Shopify Plus Benefits
Understanding the full potential of Shopify Plus is crucial. Utilize the Shopify Sales Toolkit to educate potential clients on the platform’s advanced features and drive sales. -
Specialize and Differentiate
Instead of offering generic services, focus on a specific niche or expertise. Whether it’s custom Shopify development, integrations, UX/UI design, or conversion optimization, playing to your strengths will set you apart.
Final Thoughts
A Shopify Plus Partner can help businesses scale efficiently by offering expert solutions in design, development, and strategy. Whether you're looking to optimize performance, integrate enterprise tools, or expand globally, a Shopify Plus Partner can provide the expertise needed to succeed.
For businesses ready to take their Shopify Plus store to the next level, partnering with a certified Shopify Plus expert is a strategic move that ensures long-term growth and success.
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