Imagine biting into a burger and realizing that it lacks some essential ingredients. But the reality is that it was made like that. There’s a different burger available with other ingredients. Similarly, some partners feel the Shopify Partner Program falls short in certain areas. It's important to remember that while these flaws exist, they may not necessarily overshadow the program's overall benefits and opportunities.
Limited Support
Another issue some partners face is Shopify's perceived lack of support. While Shopify offers various resources, such as educational materials, forums, and documentation, some partners feel that direct support from Shopify representatives is limited or difficult to access. This can be frustrating, particularly when dealing with complex technical or business-related challenges. Although Shopify provides support channels, including email and chat, partners may need to rely on their expertise or community forums for assistance.
Limited Customization Options
Shopify provides a robust platform for building e-commerce stores, but some partners feel limited by the available customization options. Although Shopify offers a range of themes and plugins, partners may encounter situations where they need to create more unique or specialized functionality for their clients' stores. This limitation can lead to extra development work, increased costs, or the need to explore alternative solutions outside of the Shopify ecosystem.
Limited Revenue Sharing
One common concern among Shopify Partners is the revenue-sharing model. Under the program, partners receive a 20% revenue share for each client they refer to Shopify. While this may seem reasonable initially, some partners argue that the revenue share could be higher, considering the effort they put into bringing new clients to the platform. This limitation can be discouraging, especially for partners who generate significant sales for Shopify.
Stringent Approval Process
Becoming a Shopify Partner involves an application process, which includes submitting an application and undergoing a review. While this ensures a certain level of quality control, some partners express concerns about the strictness and subjectivity of the approval process. Some applicants may be rejected without clear explanations or specific guidance for improvement. This can be disheartening for aspiring partners who believe they meet the necessary criteria but face rejection or ambiguity in decision-making.
Shopify Partner Program Vs. Shopify Affiliate Program
First, Let's discuss the difference between the Shopify Partner Program and the Shopify Affiliate Program. They may sound similar, but they have some important distinctions. You won't receive recurring referral commissions in the Shopify Affiliate Program, which can be a drawback. The training available is primarily geared towards beginners, so if you're already experienced, you might not find it as beneficial. Additionally, the only payment method accepted in the Shopify Affiliate Program is PayPal, which could be limiting for some.
Regarding affiliate programs, Shopify is known for being one of the highest-paying options available online. However, it's important to note that there might be some limitations when it comes to payment options. This means you might have fewer choices when receiving your commissions.
Joining the Shopify Partner program is a breeze, and the best part is that it's completely free. However, remember that to be eligible for the Shopify Affiliate Program, you need an already established website and an audience. This requirement may exclude some potential partners who are just starting.
Shopify Plus Available only for Enterprises
Now, if you aim to generate higher revenue as a partner, you might want to consider becoming a Shopify Plus Partner. However, it's worth mentioning that this program is not open to individual experts. It targets well-established enterprise consultants, digital marketing agencies, system integrators, and design agencies. So, if you're an individual looking to join, this might not fit you. Additionally, Shopify has some advanced requirements that partners must meet to be accepted into the Shopify Plus Partner program.
Learning Material is Suitable for Beginners
If you're interested in joining the Shopify Partner Program, you'll need to have design, development, or marketing skills. While Shopify does offer some free apps for development stores, it's important to note that once you start using them for actual client work, they may come with premium monthly fees. To build themes for Shopify's theme store, you'll need to learn Liquid, their template language. It may take some time and effort to get familiar with it.
Referred Merchants Commission
Shopify is known for helping businesses increase their client base and revenue. However, you won't earn a commission if you refer a merchant using the Shopify Starter Plan. The commission structure kicks in once the referred merchant purchases any paid plan. Additionally, it's important to adhere to Shopify's Partner Program Agreement, which can be extensive. Lastly, selling themes and apps will earn 85% of the total revenue, but this applies only if your income exceeds 1,000,000 USD.
It's worth noting that the Shopify Partner Program has strengths, including a large user base, a well-established brand, and the potential to earn recurring revenue through client referrals. However, being aware of the potential challenges can help partners navigate the program more effectively and make informed decisions about their involvement with Shopify.
