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Elevate Your eCommerce Game: Inside the Shopify Partner Program
Thinking of becoming a partner with Shopify but not sure where to start? You're not alone - the Partner Program can seem complex at first glance. But fear not, there are plenty of opportunities available once you understand the basics.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Shopify partner program. We'll explain the different partnership levels and how to qualify, along with the benefits of joining at each tier. By the end, you'll clearly understand how the program works and what kind of support is offered to members. Let's get started!
Shopify Partner Program: An Overview
The Shopify partner program connects designers, developers, marketers, and affiliates who support merchants in establishing and expanding their online stores on the Shopify platform.
Typically, partner Shopify offers services such as store setup, app development, theme design, and digital marketing to enhance eCommerce functionality and visibility.
By joining, partners can earn commissions through client referrals while gaining access to exclusive resources, training, and a collaborative community to foster their growth in the eCommerce sector.
Shopify Partner Program: Details Information
1. Ways to partner with Shopify:
The Shopify Partner Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to support the vast network of Shopify merchants by connecting them with skilled professionals. This program encompasses two primary types of partners: Service Partners and Technology Partners, each playing a vital role in enhancing the Shopify ecosystem.
- Service Partners: They are experts who offer a range of consulting services aimed at helping businesses succeed on the Shopify platform. Their expertise includes:
- Consulting: Providing strategic advice to optimize store performance.
- Design: Creating visually appealing and user-friendly store layouts.
- Development: Building custom features and functionalities tailored to specific business needs.
- Marketing: Implementing SEO strategies and digital marketing campaigns to increase visibility and drive traffic.
These partners assist merchants with everything from initial store setup and customization to ongoing support and digital marketing strategies, ensuring that businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of eCommerce.
Learn more: Shopify Tutorial: Everything For Success [2024]
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- Technology Partners: They focus on enhancing the Shopify platform through innovative solutions. Their contributions include:
- Custom Apps: Developing applications that add new functionalities to Shopify stores, addressing specific merchant needs.
- Platform Extensions: Creating tools that integrate with Shopify to improve the overall shopping experience for customers.
By leveraging their technical expertise, Technology Partners play a crucial role in expanding the capabilities of the Shopify platform, ultimately benefiting merchants and their customers alike.
As one of the leading platforms for online retail, Shopify supports over a million merchants globally, and its Partner Program plays a crucial role in this ecosystem.
2. Commission details
The Shopify Partner Program offers a structured commission system that rewards partners based on their contributions to the platform. Here are the details:
|
Activity |
Partner Earnings |
Terms |
|
Development Store Referrals |
- Basic Shopify, Shopify, Shopify Advanced: 20% recurring commission on merchant's monthly subscription fee - Shopify Plus: 20% recurring commission on Plus merchant's monthly base platform fee |
- Not eligible for Starter and Lite plans. - Recurs monthly as long as the merchant remains a paying Shopify customer - You can build a development store for a merchant as part of a Shopify Plus deal |
|
Shopify Plus Referrals |
20% recurring commission on Plus merchant's monthly base platform fee |
Only applicable to new Plus deals closed after February 23, 2023. |
|
Shopify Apps |
- Developers earning $20M+ or $100M+ revenue: 85% of total revenue - Developers earning less than $20M or under $100M revenue: 80% of total revenue |
- Effective January 1, 2024, based on 2023 earnings - Eligibility reassessed each year - All apps must comply with the Partner Program Agreement |
|
Shopify Themes |
100% of total revenue on first $1M, then 85% thereafter |
All themes must comply with the Partner Program Agreement |
|
Point of Sale Pro Referral Bonus |
- $500 one-time activation bonus - 20% recurring POS Payments Profit-Share for 24 months |
Referred merchants must meet specific requirements to qualify for recurring commission |
|
Markets Pro Referral Bonus |
1% of referred merchant's Markets Pro GMV for 24 months, up to $50,000 per referral |
The promotion runs August 17, 2023 to May 22, 2024 |
|
Enterprise Commerce Offering |
20% of Year 1 base platform fee, capped at $200K |
The promotion runs January 15 to December 31, 2024 |
Shopify Partners can take advantage of several incentives designed to enhance their earning potential and support their growth. Here are the key incentives available:
- Referral bonuses: Additional bonuses are available for referring merchants to specific Shopify products, such as POS Pro and Markets Pro.
- Access to educational resources: Access to comprehensive training and certification programs to improve skills and credibility.
- Networking opportunities: Partner Shopify gains access to a global community of professionals for collaboration and support.
- Exclusive resources: Access to marketing materials, tools, and insights to help partners effectively promote their services.
- Priority support: Partners receive dedicated support to assist them in their projects and client engagements.
This tiered approach not only encourages partners to engage actively with the Shopify ecosystem but also aligns their success with the growth of the merchants they support.
3. Type of partner with Shopify:
This table summarizes the four types of Shopify partnerships, detailing their descriptions, commission structures, and qualification requirements.
|
Level |
Description |
Commission/Benefits |
How to Qualify |
|
Shopify Affiliate |
Promotes Shopify to audiences, earning commissions for referrals. |
Earn commissions on new merchant referrals; up to $150 for Point of Sale Pro referrals. |
Register for the Shopify Affiliate Program; promote Shopify using unique referral links. |
|
Shopify Partner |
Offers services like theme development, app creation, and digital marketing to merchants. |
Access to resources, training, and the Partner Dashboard; commissions on development store referrals. |
Register as a partner; demonstrate skills in web development, design, or digital marketing. |
|
Shopify Plus Partner |
Specializes in enterprise-level solutions for high-growth merchants. |
Advanced tools, specialized training, dedicated support; 20% recurring commission on Plus referrals. |
Proven experience with high-growth merchants; a portfolio of successful projects; meet specific criteria. |
|
Shopify Fulfillment Partner |
Works with merchants to streamline their order fulfillment processes. |
Access to fulfillment tools and resources; potential for revenue sharing based on services offered. |
Must have experience in logistics and fulfillment; demonstrate the ability to manage complex operations. |
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Key Benefits of Becoming a Shopify Partner
Becoming a partner Shopify comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your business opportunities and expertise in the eCommerce space. Here are the key advantages of joining the Shopify Partner Program:
1. Diverse Income Streams
Shopify currently powers over 4.6 million websites worldwide and holds a 29% market share in the United States alone. As a Shopify Partner, you can leverage this vast network to attract new clients and expand your service offerings. The increasing popularity of Shopify translates into a rising demand for partner services, creating diverse revenue streams for those involved in the program.
Plus, Shopify Partners' commission structure is competitive. For instance, developers can earn a 20% commission for each app sold and up to 30% for themes, potentially increasing to 50% if they manage support and bug fixes themselves. Marketing partners typically earn a 10% commission on their services, which is also competitive within the industry.
2. Access to Training and Resources
One of the standout benefits of the program is the extensive training and resources available to help partners enhance their skills.
The Shopify Partner Academy is the crown jewel of the program's training offerings. This exclusive platform provides partners with a vast array of interactive courses, study guides, and exams designed to help them develop essential commerce skills. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Business Fundamentals
- Product Fundamentals
- Theme Development
- App Development
- Digital Marketing
The courses are self-paced and interactive, allowing partners to learn at their own convenience while applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
In addition to the Partner Academy, Shopify provides partners with a wealth of dedicated resources and support tools. This includes:
- The Partner Dashboard: A centralized platform for managing client projects, accessing educational materials, and tracking earnings.
- Partner Forums: Vibrant online communities where partners can connect with each other, share best practices, and seek support.
- Partner Support: Dedicated support teams available 24/7 to assist partners with any questions or issues they may encounter.
3. Early Access to Features
Partner Shopify does enjoy early access to new features. This benefit is a significant advantage for partners, especially those who are certified or part of the Shopify Plus Partner program. This means that partners can test and implement the latest tools and updates before they are rolled out to the general public.
This proactive approach enables partners to stay ahead of the competition by offering cutting-edge solutions to their clients. By familiarizing themselves with new features in advance, partners can provide informed recommendations and optimize their clients' stores with the latest functionalities.
Furthermore, early access fosters a collaborative relationship between Shopify and its partners, as partners can provide feedback on new features, helping Shopify refine and improve its offerings. This enhances the partner's skill set and elevates their profile within the Shopify ecosystem, showcasing their commitment to staying updated with the platform's advancements.
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How to Become a Shopify Partner? A Step-by-step Guide
To become a Shopify Partner, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Shopify Partner Program Page
Go to the Shopify Partner Program website at www.shopify.com/partners. This page provides essential information about the program, including resources, community engagement opportunities, and events.
Click the “Become a Partner” button.
Step 2: Join the Program
Sign up with your email address. After that, create a strong password and click "Create Account." You will receive a verification email that you need to confirm within 24 hours.
You can create an account via your email or social media.
Step 3: Complete Your Account Setup
After verifying your email, log in to your Shopify account and select "Create Shopify partner account." Fill out the required information about your business, select your business goals, and agree to the Partner Program Agreement. Once completed, click "View your dashboard."
Step 4: Explore Your Shopify Partner Dashboard
In your dashboard, you can apply for various Shopify Partner programs that align with your skills and interests. This is also where you can manage your projects and track your performance as a partner.
Step 5: Get Started
Utilize the unlimited free development stores to experiment with Shopify features and enhance your skills. Engage with the Shopify Partner Academy for training and certification to further develop your expertise and increase your earning potential.
Wrapping Up
With many outstanding benefits such as attractive income, early access to shopify features, partnering with Shopify opens up a world of opportunities for those who want to succeed in the eCommerce field.
As a trusted third-party app partner, GemPages enhances this journey by providing powerful tools that help Shopify users design and optimize their stores with ease. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, GemPages offers the flexibility and support to turn your vision into reality.
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FAQs about Partner Shopify
What is Shopify Partner Program?
The Shopify Partner Program is a network designed for professionals such as developers, designers, and marketers who assist businesses in creating and managing their Shopify stores. Partners can generate revenue through various ways, including referring clients, creating and selling apps or themes, and earning commissions on subscriptions from referred merchants. Additionally, members gain access to exclusive resources, training, and a supportive community to enhance their skills and business opportunities.
Is there a cost to become a Shopify partner?
No, there is no cost to become a Shopify partner. The Shopify Partner Program is free to join and allows members to experiment with the Shopify platform through unlimited test stores.
How much do Shopify partners earn?
A partner Shopify earnings can vary significantly based on their specific roles and geographical locations. For instance, partners earn an average of up to $60 for each affiliate referral who signs up for a paid plan, while they can receive 80% of the revenue from apps they develop and sell on the Shopify App Store. Additionally, when selling themes, partners can earn either 70% or 50% of each sale, depending on their support responsibilities.
Who should join the Shopify partner program?
The program is ideal for professionals such as developers, designers, marketers, and affiliates with eCommerce expertise who want to build websites, themes, and apps on the Shopify platform. By joining the program, partners can expand their client base, access exclusive resources and training, and generate ongoing revenue through referrals, theme design, and app development.
Is the Shopify Partner Program worth joining?
Certainly! The Shopify Partner Program is worth joining for professionals looking to grow their business and generate recurring revenue. Partners can earn commissions by referring clients, creating and selling themes or apps, and accessing exclusive resources like free test stores, training courses, and marketing materials.
