A Shopify Plus eCommerce agency is a firm that specializes in building, maintaining, and improving online stores through Shopify's Plus platform. Consisting of developers, designers, and operational and marketing specialists, these agencies perform complex and highly customized tasks, such as: 

• Creating personalized storefront themes that align closely with the brand’s identity  
• Implementing intricate layouts and design elements to optimize the shopping experience and drive sales 
• Building custom apps to provide unique features, automate tasks, and integrate with third-party systems 
• Optimizing a store’s performance for faster transactions and a more enjoyable user experience 
• Implementing security measures to protect customer data and ensure compliance with industry regulations

A Shopify Plus agency can also help businesses effectively address unique challenges in using the platform, including: 

• Scalability and performance issues, especially during peak shopping seasons  
• Complex integrations with management and automation systems essential for enterprise-level stores 
• Intricate inventory and fulfillment processes that are difficult to navigate 
• Lack of customized apps and solutions to specific business needs 
• Out-of-date storefronts that perform sluggishly and are highly vulnerable to data breaches 

Success story 

The following case study from Kubix, a UK-based Shopify partner agency, provides practical insight into how these agencies can help retail businesses expand their reach online: 

• Challenge: Menswear brand Hoodrich was doing well across the UK and wanted to expand its reach to markets in Europe and beyond. However, its online store lacked the roadmap and infrastructure to make it happen. Many of Hoodrich’s customers also purchased its products through third-party retailers instead of the online store, further limiting its growth.  
• Solution: To bring more customers to the company’s online store, Kubix helped Hoodrich upgrade to Shopify Plus. The agency used the platform’s premium features, including automated theme changes and advanced customization options, to give Hoodrich’s customers a more unique and enjoyable shopping experience. Kubix also rolled out discounts that provided more value than other sellers to entice customers to buy from the company’s online store. 
• Results: Five years into its partnership with Kubix, Hoodrich has successfully established itself in European and US markets. It has also become one of the world’s most recognizable streetwear brands, with notable appearances on Netflix shows and rappers like 50 Cent, Giggs, and Fumez the Engineer. 

Shopify Plus eCommerce agencies help brands maximize the capabilities of Shopify Plus, the enterprise-level version of the Shopify platform, to drive growth and streamline operations. 

Some of the standard services of Shopify Plus partners include: 

• Store development 
  Creating or enhancing existing Shopify Plus stores that align with clients' unique needs and objectives. 
• Custom theme design 
  Creating Shopify themes or customizing existing ones to reflect brand identity and vision while ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience. 
• App development 
  Developing custom web and mobile applications for the store that add new features and functionalities or enhance existing ones.  
• UI/UX design 
  Driving positive customer experiences through highly intuitive interfaces that are fast and easy to use across multiple devices. 
• API integrations 
  Building and integrating third-party applications and platforms such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and marketing tools to streamline and automate various processes and workflows. 
• Internationalization services 
  Setting up stores to cater to international markets, including integrating multiple currency payments and payment gateways, multi-language support, and localized shipping options. 
• Security and compliance 
  Implementing security measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication systems, conducting regular security audits of critical store and customer data, and maintaining compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, and other eCommerce industry standards. 
• Support and maintenance 
  Providing ongoing technical support, updates, and patches to ensure the store’s operations are smooth and efficient. 

Success story 

To give you a clearer picture of what Shopify Plus partners do, our researchers have provided a case study of the successful collaboration between WeCanFly, a Polish Shopify partner agency, and a rising luxury furniture brand. 

• Challenge: Vetsak needed an online storefront that could reach and sell to customers in markets across multiple regions. The store’s architecture needed to support various languages, currencies, and payment channels. Many of Vetsak’s customers also purchased through the store, so it had to be optimized to run smoothly on mobile devices. 
• Solution: To ensure the store could handle different markets, languages, and currencies, WeCanFly built multiple marketplaces across separate subdomains in the Shopify Plus platform. This gave users the freedom to access preferred payment and delivery methods and, at the same time, enabled the client to conduct activities in specific markets and measure their sales and marketing efforts more effectively. 
• Results: The migration to a Shopify Plus storefront exceeded Vetsak’s expectations, with conversion rates increasing by almost 100%. The platform also allowed for hosting high-resolution images and videos, enabling the client to launch high-quality promotional materials to engage with potential customers better. 

Shopify Plus agencies charge between $500 and $3,000 to set up a store in Shopify. The final cost might also be impacted by various factors, including the scope of services needed and the size and reputation of the agency.  

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to spend on Shopify Plus eCommerce services: 

• Basic store setup: $500 to $3,000 
• Custom store setup: $5,000 to $100,000+ 
• Theme development: $5,000 to $30,000 
• App development and integrations: $5,000 to $50,000+ 
• Ongoing maintenance: $500 to $5,000 

Aside from development services, businesses must also have a budget for the following expenses: 

• Platform pricing 
  Shopify charges a minimum of $2,500 monthly to use its Shopify Plus platform, although this can increase depending on usage and monthly sales volume. 
• Payment transaction fees 
  Shopify offers a payment gateway service in exchange for a specific rate for online and in-person transactions. You can also opt for third-party payment providers, which charge a separate rate aside from Shopify’s transaction fees. 
• Theme purchases 
  Shopify offers a vast catalog of premium themes and templates for customizing your store’s appearance. These themes range from $29 to $350, although a limited number of free-to-use themes are also available. 
• App fees 
  The Shopify App Store also offers various tools that businesses can purchase to add more functionality to the platform. It is usually a single lifetime fee or a monthly subscription, although freemium packages are also available. 

You should hire a Shopify Plus eCommerce agency to get the most out of the Shopify Plus platform, especially if you're looking to grow your online store quickly and efficiently.  

These agencies are experts at designing custom websites, setting up special features, and making the site easy to use, which can attract more customers and increase sales. They handle technical tasks like moving data, setting up advanced checkout options, and improving site performance, so you don’t have to worry about the complicated parts. Plus, they offer advice on how to keep growing your business, helping you stay ahead of the competition without needing a big in-house team. 

Some of the specific advantages companies can benefit from such services include: 

• Knowledge and experience to fully leverage the capabilities of the Shopify Plus platform 
• Highly customized solutions tailored to address particular needs and requirements 
• Stores are optimized to effectively handle high-traffic and sales volumes  
• Speed and performance of the online store is increased, resulting in better conversion rates 
• Access to advanced features such as custom checkout systems, product configurations, and loyalty programs  
• Effective sales and marketing strategies to drive traffic and retain more customers 

Success story 

Our research team has also shared the case study from Swanky to illustrate how a Shopify partner agency can give businesses a competitive edge. 

• Challenge: Fitness brand Vitruvian needed to make its Shopify Plus store operations more cost-efficient. The fees for international transactions proved too costly and impacted the company’s average order value (AOV). 
• Solution: To address Vitruvian’s concerns, Swanky implemented a new expansion store that branched off from the main store to handle the Canadian region, one of the company’s key markets. This provided Vitruvian additional control over their regional operations and, more importantly, process transactions using the local currency to bypass international transaction fees. 
• Results: Following the launch of its expansion store in Canada, Vitruvian reported a 33% increase in AOV due to reduced transaction fees. The company also reported a 200% increase in conversion rate and 100% higher revenue. 

To choose the best Shopify Plus agency for your business, follow these steps: 

• Define your needs 
  Clearly outline your goals, budget, and requirements for Shopify partner agency. This will help narrow your search and make it easier to find an agency that aligns closely with your vision. 
• Shortlist agencies 
  Browse agency directories like DesignRush, which often contain detailed agency information such as portfolios and customer success stories. 
• Check websites 
  An agency’s website contains a wealth of helpful information, including a service catalog, case studies, and contact information. 
• Certifications and awards 
  Check if the agency is a certified Shopify Plus Partner and whether it has won awards like the Shopify Commerce Awards and the Webby Awards. 
• Request Proposals 
  Once you have a shortlist, send requests for proposals (RFPs). The proposal should list the project’s objectives, timeline, scope, and budget, as well as your expectations from the agency. 
• Evaluate proposals 
  Compare proposals according to their recommended solutions, timeline, pricing, and how well they align with your needs. 
• Communication and cultural fit  
  Assess how the agency effectively communicates with your team and whether their office culture and values match yours. 
• Request references 
  Ask prospects if they can provide references from previous clients relevant to your project. The DesignRush directory and Google My Business are good sources of transparent customer testimonials. 
• Negotiate terms and conditions 
  Ensure the scope of work, timelines, payment terms, and other key details are in your company’s best interests. 
• Decide on a partner 
  Choose an agency that aligns closely with your project’s needs and objectives. 

Do you need more help in your search for a Shopify Plus eCommerce agency? Visit the DesignRush Marketplace today, and we’ll help you find a partner that meets your requirements. With just a few basic details about your project, we’ll point you to the top five most suitable candidates – free of charge. 

Some of the red flags you need to watch out for when hiring Shopify Plus eCommerce agencies are: 

• Lack of Shopify Plus Partner certification  
  Being a certified Shopify Plus Partner indicates that Shopify has vetted the agency to have knowledge and expertise of the Shopify Plus platform's features, resources, and best practices.
• Limited portfolio 
  If the agency doesn’t show a substantial portfolio of Shopify Plus projects, it may lack the experience needed to ensure the success of your project.
• Little or no references 
  An agency that cannot provide references from previous customers to vouch for their capabilities should be a cause for concern.
• Poor communication 
  Unresponsiveness to queries, lack of timely updates or reliable communication channels, and avoiding answering specific questions are signs that the agency lacks professionalism or has deeper operational issues.
• Unrealistic promises 
  Successful eCommerce campaigns are complex and influenced by various factors. An agency that guarantees precise outcomes, especially within a reasonably short period, may not be entirely trustworthy.
• Lack of transparency 
  A reputable agency should be transparent about potential challenges, limitations, costs, and other concerns on the project.
• High-pressure tactics 
  Be wary of eCommerce agencies that rely on pushy sales techniques to quickly close deals. A good agency should prioritize understanding your needs and determining how they can provide suitable solutions.
• Rigid pricing
  Agencies with inflexible pricing options or unwilling to negotiate rates may indicate a lack of customer focus. 

The key success metrics in Shopify Plus eCommerce vary depending on the objectives your business wants to achieve, although the core indicators include: 

• Store traffic 
  Measures the number of people visiting the store. It’s one of the leading indicators of a store’s general popularity and visibility to potential customers.  
• Conversion rate
  The percentage of visitors who purchased, signed up for a newsletter, or took another desired action. A high conversion rate is a good sign that the store’s eCommerce and marketing initiatives are effective. 
• Average order value 
  Gauges the average amount spent for each order. This metric can provide insight into customer spending habits and the store’s profitability overall.
• Customer lifetime value 
  An estimation of the total revenue you can expect from the customer. It helps determine the long-term value of customers and the effectiveness of sales and marketing campaigns. 
• Repeat customer rate 
  The percentage of customers who return and make another purchase is an effective measure of customer loyalty and the quality of the products and services offered. 
• Gross profit margin 
  Sums up the total revenue minus the cost of the good store. It indicates how profitable a store is and determines its general financial health. 
• The shopping cart abandonment rate 
  The percentage of customers that added items to their cart but did not complete the purchase. It can help identify issues in the checkout process and customer loyalty. 
• Return rates 
  Measures the rate of orders being returned by customers. This metric reflects the quality of the products and services and whether they meet customer expectations. 
• New contact rate 
  Tracks the rate at which new customers are added to the store’s database. The higher this metric is, the more effective the eCommerce and marketing initiatives are in reaching out to and growing the customer base. 

The questions you should ask Shopify Plus eCommerce agencies before hiring one include: 

Its Relevant Background 

1. How long has your agency been working with Shopify Plus? 
2. Do you have experience working with businesses within our specific industry? 
3. Is your agency a certified Shopify Plus partner? 
4. Do you have other industry certifications and awards? 
5. What is your agency’s team structure, and what are their credentials? 
6. Can you share case studies of similar projects that you’ve completed? 
7. What notable challenges have you encountered with Shopify Plus, and how did you resolve them? 
8. Could you share references from clients you’ve worked with in the past? 
9. What are your pricing options and payment terms? 

Its Services and Processes 

1. What eCommerce services can you provide that are relevant to our project? 
2. What level of customization could you achieve in the Shopify Plus platform? 
3. Can you integrate with specific third-party tools and apps? 
4. How will you ensure optimal website performance and fast load times? 
5. What security measures do you have in place to protect sensitive data? 
6. What methodology do you follow for project management? 
7. What level of post-launch support do you offer? 
8. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you use to measure a project’s success? 

Relevant To Your Project 

1. What is your estimated timeline for completing a project of this size and complexity? 
2. How will you ensure the project is completed on time and within budget? 
3. Who are the team members involved in our project, and what will their roles be? 
4. How does your team collaborate to deliver projects efficiently? 
5. What will be our methods of communication, and who will be our contact person? 
6. How often will we receive reports, and in what format? 
7. Will you provide ongoing support after the project has been completed? 

The best Shopify Plus eCommerce agencies in the US are: 

• Mercury Development 
  • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (5 reviews) 
  • 4.1 stars on Google (17 reviews) 
  • Top clients: Symantec, Sony, HP, SAP 
• WebDesk Solution LLC 
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (18 reviews) 
  • Top clients: MY ESSENTIA, Camera Source, PACK N WOOD, Oz Lighting 
• Digital Silk
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (38 reviews) 
  • 4.7 stars on Google (12 reviews) 
  • Top clients: IBM, NASA, XEROX, Microsoft 
• WPRiders 
  • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (6 reviews) 
  • Top clients: Panasonic CZ, Versace, Technics, PNB Paribas 
• Codup 
  • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (43 reviews) 
  • Top clients: Unilever, Dyson, Seacoast Bank, Harrods