This blog was originally published in January 2024 and has since been refreshed to reflect Kubix’s current status as a Shopify Platinum Partner. The Shopify partner ecosystem has continued to evolve, and so has the level of expertise, support and strategic guidance available to merchants on Shopify.

Third-party Shopify experts can assist with everything from setting up your first Shopify store, right through to complex migrations from other e-commerce platforms and implementing marketing strategies. And with Shopify boasting an impressive 25% market share of the global e-commerce platform market, Shopify Partners are more in demand than ever before. 

As a Platinum Shopify Agency, Kubix works with eCommerce brands that need more than task-based support. We help businesses map the right Shopify setup, integrate the right technologies, create stronger customer experiences and grow with clearer commercial direction. That means looking beyond the storefront itself and understanding the stock, systems, data, operations and marketing activity that sit behind a successful business.

But what are Shopify Plus Partners and what makes them different?

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is Shopify’s premium plan. Ideal for high traffic and revenue stores, Shopify Plus takes all of Shopify’s regular features and offers even more advanced flexibility and support for its Plus merchants.

Shopify Plus is built for brands that need more control, flexibility and scale from their commerce platform. It gives merchants access to advanced capabilities including greater checkout extensibility, expanded staff permissions, Shopify B2B, international selling through Shopify Markets, automation tools, higher API limits and a more scalable theme and app environment.

For high-growth merchants, the monthly investment is usually considered in the context of total platform value rather than licence cost alone. Shopify Plus can help reduce development overhead, simplify operational complexity and support more efficient payment processing, which can make it a commercially strong choice for brands trading at scale.

Famous Shopify Plus stores include Gymshark, Kylie Cosmetics, Allbirds and Skinnydip London.

‍What is a Shopify Plus Partner?

A Shopify Plus Partner is an agency or technology partner recognised for delivering high-quality Shopify support for more complex merchants. These businesses typically support larger builds, platform migrations, technical integrations, international selling, B2B requirements, checkout considerations and ongoing growth strategy.

Working with a Shopify Plus Partner usually means working with a team that understands more than theme development. The right partner should be able to connect the commercial goal with the technical route to get there, from store architecture and UX through to integrations, reporting, paid media, retention and long-term optimisation.

That said, Plus is no longer the only status merchants should pay attention to. Shopify’s partner programme now includes a clearer tier structure for service partners, with designations including Registered, Select, Plus, Premier and Platinum. Shopify describes the Service Partner track as being for agencies, consultancies and systems integrators that provide expert services to help merchants succeed on Shopify.

There are currently 431 UK-based Shopify Partners on the directory, but only 79 of these have been awarded Shopify Plus Partner status.

‍What are the different Shopify Agency tiers?

Shopify’s partner programme is designed to recognise different levels of experience, expertise and impact across the Shopify ecosystem. For merchants, these tiers can help signal the type of partner they are working with, from agencies starting out through to agencies supporting more complex commerce projects.

Shopify Registered Partner

Registered Partner is the entry point into Shopify’s partner ecosystem. It gives new partners access to the tools, resources and training needed to start building, supporting and growing Shopify stores.

Shopify Select Partner

Select Partner status is awarded to partners who have started to demonstrate stronger Shopify experience, particularly with merchants launching and running their stores. It shows a growing level of platform knowledge and client delivery within the Shopify ecosystem.

Shopify Plus Partner

Shopify Plus Partners have shown experience supporting merchants across Shopify and Shopify Plus. This tier is often associated with agencies that can help growing brands with more advanced store requirements, platform migrations, technical support, integrations and ongoing optimisation.

Shopify Premier Partner

Premier Partner status is reserved for high-performing Shopify partners with a strong track record across merchant success, technical delivery and strategic collaboration. These partners usually work closely with more established brands that need deeper support across their commerce setup.

Shopify Platinum Partner

Platinum is the highest tier in Shopify’s Service Partner Programme. It is reserved for Shopify’s most established and successful partners, with proven experience supporting ambitious, complex and enterprise-level merchants.

For brands, working with a Shopify Platinum Partner is a signal that the agency has demonstrated deep platform knowledge, strong delivery standards and the ability to support commerce projects at scale. For Kubix, that means helping brands make better decisions across Shopify strategy, platform migrations, UX, development, POS, B2B, paid media, retention and long-term growth.

Does a Shopify Plus agency solely works with Shopify Plus merchants?

Not at all. Partner status reflects an agency’s experience, delivery standards and understanding of the Shopify ecosystem. It does not mean they only work on one type of Shopify project.

We support brands across Shopify, Shopify Advanced and Shopify Plus. The right plan depends on the business, the operational setup and what the store needs to do next. Sometimes Plus is the right move. Sometimes it is not needed yet. Our role is to help you understand the best-fit route, not push you into a platform decision before it makes commercial sense.

We only recommend Shopify Plus for merchants it makes financial sense for. Plus fees can quickly add up (see our Pricing blog for a full breakdown of Shopify plans), so it’s about balancing the demand for the sophisticated features and reduced credit card fees with the costs to the merchant.

What’s the difference between Shopify Experts and Shopify Plus Partners?

It’s worth noting that as of October 2023, Shopify Experts are now considered part of the broader Shopify Partner directory, so the term will gradually fade out of use. 

Shopify Plus Partners have a proven track knowledge of working with the most complex merchants and project builds. As such, you can expect an elevated level of service and internal knowledge from a Plus Partner versus a regular non-Plus Partner.

Looking For Shopify Agency support?

Kubix is a Shopify Platinum Agency, recognised for helping established eCommerce brands build stronger, smarter and more connected Shopify stores.

Our team brings together project delivery, strategy, design, development, paid media, retention and platform expertise, so brands can solve the bigger questions as well as the technical details.

If you’re looking for a Shopify partner that understands both the platform and the business behind it, get in touch with Kubix.