Why small & medium Shopify Stores should Partner with Agency instead of hiring in-house
Operating a Shopify store is no small feat. As a store owner, you’re juggling marketing, inventory management, customer service, and the technical upkeep of your website. For many small and medium-sized businesses, a common question arises: should I hire a full-time, in-house developer to manage the technical aspects of my Shopify store, or is partner with Agency is a better option?
While hiring an in-house developer may seem like the ideal solution, this approach often proves to be costly, inefficient, and restrictive—especially for small to medium-sized businesses. On the other hand, partnering with a Shopify agency provides flexibility, access to specialized expertise, and significant cost savings.
In this article, we’ll explore why an in-house developer might not be the best solution for your Shopify store. We’ll also outline the numerous advantages of working with a Shopify agency, with real-world examples and practical advice to help you make the best decision for your business.
The Challenges of Hiring an In-House Developer
High Costs. Hiring an in-house developer is expensive. Beyond the base salary, you must also account for benefits, taxes, and equipment costs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Salary: The average Shopify developer earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually.
- Benefits: Healthcare, paid leave, retirement contributions, and bonuses can add an extra 30–40% to their base pay.
- Overhead: Don’t forget the cost of office space, equipment (laptops, software licenses), and training.
For example, let’s consider a mid-sized Shopify store with annual revenue of $500,000. Devoting 20–25% of that revenue to a full-time developer might not be sustainable—especially when development needs fluctuate throughout the year.
Limited Expertise. A single developer is unlikely to possess the breadth of skills required to fully manage a Shopify store. Some of the key areas of expertise needed include:
- Frontend Development: For designing a seamless and visually appealing user experience.
- Backend Development: For creating custom functionalities, APIs, and integrations.
- SEO Optimization: To ensure your store ranks well on search engines.
- Performance Tuning: To improve site speed and handle high traffic during sales or promotions.
For instance, if you want to implement advanced features like dynamic pricing, custom product filtering, or AI-driven product recommendations, you may find that one developer doesn’t have the expertise to handle it all.
Inconsistent Workload. Most Shopify stores don’t require a full-time developer on staff. Workloads often vary depending on the business cycle:
- Quiet periods: Your store may not need much technical attention after a major project is completed.
- Peak seasons: You may require significant development support to prepare for events like Black Friday, holiday sales, or product launches.
Paying a developer a full-time salary during quiet months when there’s little to do can be a waste of resources.
Turnover Risks. Employee turnover is another significant risk. When an in-house developer leaves, you’ll face the costs of recruiting, onboarding, and training a replacement. In the meantime, your business may experience delays in implementing critical updates or resolving issues.
The Advantages of Partnering with a Shopify Agency
Access to a Diverse Team. One of the most significant benefits of working with a Shopify agency is access to a multidisciplinary team of experts. At Mgroup, for example, we offer:
- Developers: Skilled in Shopify’s Liquid language, custom app development, and backend integrations.
- Designers: Experts in creating UX/UI designs that enhance customer satisfaction and boost conversions.
- SEO Specialists: Professionals who ensure your store ranks high in search results and attracts organic traffic.
- Project Managers: Dedicated managers who oversee timelines, budgets, and communication.
Having a team like this ensures that every aspect of your Shopify store is handled by a specialist, not a generalist.
Cost Savings. Working with an agency can save you money in the long run. Instead of paying a full-time salary, you only pay for the work you need. Agencies typically offer flexible pricing models, such as:
- Hourly rates: Ideal for small tasks or ongoing support.
- Project-based pricing: For larger initiatives like store redesigns or migrations.
- Retainer contracts: For continuous support and maintenance.
Proven Processes and Tools. Shopify agencies often have proven workflows and tools that allow them to work efficiently. For example:
- Ready-made templates for common store features.
- Expertise with popular Shopify apps like Klaviyo, ReCharge, or Bold.
- Established testing and quality assurance processes to minimize bugs.
Scalability. Agencies are equipped to scale their efforts based on your needs. Whether you’re a small boutique launching your first online store or a mid-sized retailer preparing to expand internationally, an agency can adapt its services to match your growth.
At Mgroup, we worked with a fashion retailer struggling to optimize their Shopify store. The business needed faster loading times and a better mobile experience. Within three weeks, we:
- Optimized their store’s images and code, reducing load times by 35%.
- Designed a mobile-friendly layout that increased conversions by 22%.
- Implemented secure access controls to ensure privacy and exclusivity for B2B customers.
This level of expertise and efficiency is hard to achieve with a single in-house developer.
Scenarios Where Partner with Agency Is the Best Fit
Store Creation. Launching a new Shopify store involves multiple steps, from setting up the basic structure to implementing advanced features. Designing custom themes tailored to your brand. Configuring payment gateways, tax settings, and shipping options. Setting up inventory management systems and third-party integrations.
Store Optimization. If your Shopify store isn’t performing as well as it should, an agency can:
- Audit your site’s speed, SEO, and user experience.
- Implement fixes to reduce bounce rates and increase conversions.
- Add features like one-click checkout or advanced search filters.
Seasonal Campaigns. Preparing for major sales events requires meticulous planning. Set up promotional banners, discount codes, and landing pages. Optimize your store to handle high traffic without crashing. Implement countdown timers and urgency-inducing tools to boost sales.
Platform Migration. Upgrading from another platform to Shopify/Shopify Plus? An agency can handle the complexities of migration, including:
- Transferring your product catalog and customer data.
- Setting up advanced Shopify Plus features like customizable checkout pages.
- Ensuring no downtime during the migration.
How to Choose the Right Shopify Agency
Selecting the right Shopify agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your eCommerce store. With so many options available, it’s essential to evaluate agencies based on specific factors to ensure they align with your business needs.
An agency’s experience is a strong indicator of its ability to deliver high-quality results. Agencies with a solid history in Shopify development are likely to have encountered and solved a wide range of challenges. Ensure the agency specializes in Shopify and understands its unique ecosystem, including Liquid coding, app integrations, and platform features. Agencies that have worked with various industries (e.g., fashion, food and beverage, beauty) bring valuable cross-industry insights to your project.
What to Ask:
- How many Shopify stores have you worked on?
- Do you have experience with stores of similar size or complexity to mine?
- Have you worked with businesses in my industry?
An agency’s portfolio showcases its expertise, creativity, and ability to deliver results. Reviewing their past projects allows you to assess whether their design and development style matches your vision.
What to Look For:
- Design quality: Are the stores visually appealing, modern, and easy to navigate?
- Functionality: Have they implemented custom features like advanced product filters, dynamic banners, or integrated apps?
- Results: Look for case studies or metrics that demonstrate how their work improved a store’s performance (e.g., increased conversions, faster load times, higher sales).
What to Ask:
- Can you share examples of Shopify stores you’ve developed?
- Are there any case studies or testimonials from previous clients?
- Do you have experience implementing features or solving challenges similar to mine?
Effective communication is crucial for the success of any partnership. They should take the time to learn about your brand, target audience, and objectives. You should receive progress reports, timelines, and milestones to ensure the project stays on track. A reliable agency will anticipate potential issues, suggest improvements, and provide solutions without waiting for you to point them out.
What to Ask:
- Who will be my primary point of contact during the project?
- How often will we have meetings or updates?
- How do you handle feedback and revisions?
Every Shopify store is unique, and your agency should be able to adapt its approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a small, one-time fix or ongoing support, flexibility is key. Ensure the agency doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach but instead tailors its services to your business goals. Can the agency handle increasing demands as your store grows? For instance, if you’re planning to expand internationally or migrate to Shopify Plus, do they have the expertise to support these changes? Check if they offer a variety of services beyond development, such as UX/UI design, SEO, and ongoing maintenance.
Flexibility. Every Shopify store is unique, and your agency should be able to adapt its approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a small, one-time fix or ongoing support, flexibility is key.
What to Look For:
- Customized solutions: Ensure the agency doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach but instead tailors its services to your business goals.
- Scalability: Can the agency handle increasing demands as your store grows? For instance, if you’re planning to expand internationally or migrate to Shopify Plus, do they have the expertise to support these changes?
- Service range: Check if they offer a variety of services beyond development, such as UX/UI design, SEO, and ongoing maintenance.
What to Ask:
- Do you offer hourly, project-based, or retainer contracts?
- Can you scale your services as my business grows?
- What happens if my needs change mid-project?
Technical Expertise. Beyond Shopify basics, the right agency should have technical expertise in:
- Custom app development: To build unique features that enhance your store’s functionality.
- Third-party integrations: Such as payment gateways, CRM systems, or marketing automation tools.
- Performance optimization: To improve site speed, ensure mobile responsiveness, and handle high traffic during sales events.
What to Ask:
- Do you have experience with API integrations or custom app development?
- How do you ensure the store is optimized for speed and performance?
- Can you support my store with ongoing updates and new feature development?
Reputation and Reviews. An agency’s reputation reflects the quality of its work and customer service. Research reviews and testimonials to understand how previous clients view their experience.
What to Check:
- Google Reviews or Clutch.co profiles: Look for agencies with high ratings and detailed feedback.
- Client testimonials: Testimonials on their website can provide insights, but also seek independent reviews for an unbiased perspective.
- Word of mouth: If you know others in your industry, ask if they’ve worked with or heard about the agency.
What to Ask:
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What is your client retention rate?
- How do you handle negative feedback or difficult situations?
Pricing Transparency. Budget is always a critical factor. The right agency should provide clear pricing structures, so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
What to Look For:
- Breakdown of costs: Ensure there are no hidden fees for additional features or services.
- Flexible pricing models: Some agencies offer hourly rates, while others work on a flat fee or retainer basis.
- Value for money: Instead of choosing the cheapest option, focus on the agency that offers the best ROI for your business.
What to Ask:
- Can you provide a detailed quote for the project?
- Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
- What’s your payment schedule?
Selecting the right Shopify agency is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your online store. With the Shopify platform powering over 4.4 million eCommerce websites worldwide and generating over $7 billion in revenue in Q3 2024 alone, it’s clear that competition is fierce. To stay ahead, you need an agency that can deliver tangible results tailored to your business needs. Here’s a detailed guide, with key considerations and statistics to help you make an informed decision.
By carefully evaluating Shopify agencies based on these factors, you’ll be better equipped to find a partner who can bring your vision to life and support your eCommerce goals. The right agency will not only meet your expectations but also help your Shopify store thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Why Choose Mgroup as Your Shopify Partner?
Selecting the right partner for your Shopify store is a crucial decision, and Mgroup stands out as a trusted choice for businesses looking to maximize their eCommerce potential. With years of experience, a skilled team, and a track record of delivering exceptional results, here’s why Mgroup is the ideal partner for your Shopify needs:
Expertise in Shopify Development. At Mgroup, we specialize exclusively in Shopify development, giving us an in-depth understanding of the platform’s ecosystem. From Shopify Basic to Shopify Plus, our team has the technical knowledge to:
- Build custom features tailored to your unique business requirements.
- Seamlessly integrate third-party apps and tools, such as payment gateways, CRM systems, and inventory management software.
- Optimize store performance to ensure fast load times, smooth navigation, and a flawless user experience.
Our team doesn’t just know Shopify; we live and breathe it. This allows us to stay ahead of platform updates and trends, ensuring your store remains competitive in a dynamic eCommerce landscape.
Comprehensive Services for Every Business Stage. Whether you’re launching a new store, upgrading your existing site, or preparing for a major sales event, Mgroup provides end-to-end Shopify services to support every stage of your business journey:
- Store Creation: We design and build beautiful, functional Shopify stores that reflect your brand’s identity and cater to your target audience. From initial concept to final launch, we handle every detail.
- Optimization and Upgrades: If your existing store isn’t performing as expected, we can audit and enhance it. Our UX/UI improvements, performance optimizations, and SEO strategies are designed to increase conversions and drive revenue.
- Migration to Shopify Plus: Thinking about scaling your business? We handle complex migrations to Shopify Plus with minimal downtime, ensuring your store is ready for growth.
With a diverse team of developers, designers, and SEO specialists, we can take on projects of any size or complexity, delivering measurable results every time.
Proven Track Record with Successful Projects. Our portfolio speaks volumes about the quality of our work. One standout example is our partnership with Lampconcept, a Shopify Plus store catering to the Swedish market:
- We optimized the store’s user experience by redesigning the navigation and search functionality, enabling customers to easily find products in their extensive catalog.
- We implemented dynamic banners to highlight seasonal promotions, increasing engagement and sales during peak periods.
- Our efforts led to a significant increase in mobile conversions, making the store more accessible to customers on the go.
The success of this project demonstrates our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. We’re proud to have helped Lampconcept expand into new markets, and we bring the same commitment to every project we take on.
Personalized Approach and Ongoing Support. At Mgroup, we understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific goals, challenges, and industry nuances. Our personalized approach includes:
- Collaborative Planning: We work closely with you to identify your objectives and create a roadmap for achieving them.
- Transparent Communication: You’ll receive regular updates and have direct access to our project managers, ensuring you’re always in the loop.
- Dedicated Support: Whether you need a quick bug fix or ongoing maintenance, our support team is available to ensure your store operates flawlessly.
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, we pride ourselves on delivering customized services that align with your vision and drive real business growth.
Choosing Mgroup means partnering with a team that’s as invested in your success as you are. From strategy to execution, we bring the expertise, creativity, and dedication needed to elevate your Shopify store to new heights.
Ready to get started? Contact us today at mgroupweb.com to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve your eCommerce goals.
FAQ
Do I need a long-term contract to work with an agency?
Not necessarily. Many agencies offer flexible, project-based, or hourly contracts.
What if I already have an in-house developer?
An agency can complement your in-house team by handling specialized tasks or managing peak workloads.
How do agencies ensure quality work?
Reputable agencies follow established workflows, including regular testing, quality assurance, and client feedback cycles.
How does partnering with an agency affect my budget?
While agencies charge per project or hour, they eliminate overhead costs like benefits, training, and downtime, making them a cost-effective solution for small and medium businesses.
Conclusion
For small and medium Shopify stores, hiring an in-house developer is often impractical and costly. Partnering with a Shopify agency like Mgroup gives you access to a team of experts, greater flexibility, and significant cost savings. Whether you need a new store, a redesign, or ongoing support, an agency can help you achieve your goals efficiently.
Ready to elevate your Shopify store? Contact Mgroup today at mgroupweb.com to learn how we can transform your online business.