Choosing a Magento Partner: Key Considerations for Partner Selection

Choosing the right Magento partner can make or break your eCommerce business. At Shero, we’ve spent over a decade helping merchants navigate Adobe Commerce (Magento) complexities and achieve online growth.

But we’ve also witnessed the challenges merchants face with rising costs and technical frustrations on the Magento platform, which is why many have started exploring alternatives.

Whether you’re fully committed to Magento, are looking for a partner for Magento support, or are quietly considering your options, here’s everything you need to know about selecting the perfect partner for your current needs.

Let’s get started!

The Adobe Commerce (Magento) Partners Program

Adobe has a structured partnership program that allows agencies to become certified partners. This program is not focused solely on Adobe Commerce / Magento, which is only one of the Adobe offerings. The partners are instead incentivized and trained to sell a whole range of Adobe Experience Cloud solutions and products.

As a result, the partnership tiers are designed to match a company’s specific goals. As partners gain more experience and expertise, they often move up a level in their partnership. The Adobe Solution Partner Program includes five different partner levels: Community, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Each level has its own set of requirements and benefits.

Except for the Community tier, it’s important to note that the fees for each will likely be significant, as they provide access to a range of benefits and resources designed to help partners grow their businesses. To maintain their current level, partners must meet the annual requirements, which include revenue thresholds, closed deals, and certifications.

In the past, Adobe Commerce categorized its partners into three tiers: Professional Solution Partners, Enterprise Solution Partners, and Global Elite Partners. These tiers were based on the scale and scope of the services offered by the partners, with Global Elite Partners offering the most comprehensive services.

What should you, as a merchant, expect from each tier

As mentioned above, the partnership program with the different tiers is designed to offer merchants a unique set of benefits. Here’s what merchants can expect from each tier:

1. Community: This is the entry-level tier. Community partners can provide basic Magento development services and have limited access to some resources and support from Adobe.
   
2. Bronze: Bronze partners have more experience and expertise than Community partners. They may offer a broader range of services and have access to more resources and support from Adobe. The specific benefits for this level are 33% off certification exams and 10% off on Adobe Digital Learning services.
   
3. Silver: Silver partners have access to Adobe Experience Cloud certification exams with a 15% discount, hands-on training environments. They also receive ten certification vouchers, which can be used to certify their developers in various Adobe technologies. Silver partners are eligible for the product partner advisory council and have access to Adobe product teams.
   
4. Gold: Gold partners receive all the benefits of Silver partners, plus prioritized planning with Adobe Sales, marketing support, preferential marketing opportunities, and a 20% discount on Adobe Digital Learning Services. They also receive 20 certification vouchers. Gold partners are promoted to Adobe field teams and have access to partner management.
   
5. Platinum: Platinum partners receive all the benefits of Gold partners, a dedicated Partner Manager, eligibility for a Partner Marketing Manager, and a 25% discount on Adobe Digital Learning Services. They also receive 30 certification vouchers. This is the highest level of partnership, indicating a deep commitment to the Adobe partnership and a high level of expertise in Adobe technologies.

In summary, the benefits a merchant can expect from a partner at each level will depend on the specific services offered by the partner. For example, some partners may specialize in certain areas of Magento development, while others may offer a broader range of services focused on other Adobe products.

Additionally, higher-tier partners are likely to have more experience and expertise, will usually have higher rates per hour or project, and may be able to offer more advanced services and solutions.

It’s important to note that the license cost of Adobe Commerce itself is based on a company’s gross merchandise value, with varying license fees for Adobe Commerce and Adobe Commerce Cloud.

Why We Transitioned from Magento to Shopify

At Shero, we built our reputation as a Magento partner. Throughout the past 15 years, we’ve helped countless Magento merchants like STX, the New York Times, and Regal Cinemas navigate complex Magento (Adobe Commerce) projects. And yes, we’ve moved all these brands to Shopify.

However, over recent years, we’ve observed firsthand how Magento’s rising maintenance costs, increasing complexity, and diminishing popularity have left many merchants frustrated, overwhelmed, and searching for a better solution.

Shopify emerged as the obvious answer. Its user-friendly backend, scalability, lower total cost of ownership, and unmatched ecosystem have transformed eCommerce operations for businesses of all sizes. Merchants moving to Shopify have seen higher conversions, fewer technical headaches, and significantly reduced overhead.

This is why we’ve fully shifted our agency’s focus and expertise from Magento to Shopify. If you’re feeling the pain of Magento’s complexities, high expenses, or just general inefficiency, migrating your online store to Shopify might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

How to evaluate an Adobe Commerce / Magento Partner

Evaluating the experience and portfolio of an Adobe Commerce / Magento development agency is a critical step in ensuring that you partner with an agency that can meet your eCommerce needs and deliver a high-quality website. Here’s a comprehensive approach to assessing a potential Magento development partner:

Review Their Portfolio

A company’s portfolio is a showcase of its past work and provides insights into its design and development capabilities. When reviewing a portfolio, consider the following:

• Variety of Projects: Look for various projects across different industries and business sizes. This diversity indicates the company’s ability to adapt to market demands and customer needs.
  
• Design Aesthetics: Evaluate the design quality of the websites they have built. Are they visually appealing, modern, and aligned with the brands they represent?
  
• Functionality: Assess the functionality and user experience of the portfolio websites. Are they easy to navigate, fast-loading, and do they provide a seamless shopping experience?
  
• Technical Proficiency: Verify that the company uses up-to-date eCommerce technologies and follows best practices for development.

Check Client Testimonials and Case Studies

Client feedback can provide valuable insights into the company’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service. Look for detailed testimonials and case studies that highlight:

• Ability to Meet Deadlines: Does the company consistently deliver projects on time?
  
• Quality of Customer Service: Are clients satisfied with the level of support and communication they received?
  
• Results Delivered: Do the case studies show a positive impact on the clients’ businesses, such as increased sales or improved customer engagement?

Evaluate Their Experience

Understanding the depth of a company’s experience with Magento is crucial. Consider the following:

• Years of Experience: How long has the company been working with Magento? A longer track record can be a good indicator of stability and expertise.
  
• Certified Developers: Does the company employ Magento-certified developers? This certification is a testament to their knowledge and skill with the platform.
  
• Similar Projects: Have they worked on projects similar to yours? Familiarity with your type of project can lead to more efficient development and better outcomes.

Assess Their Technical and Soft Skills

The development team’s technical and soft skills are essential for your project’s success. Look for:

• Problem-Solving Skills: Can the company demonstrate their ability to overcome complex challenges and provide practical solutions?
  
• Communication Skills: Ensure that the team has strong communication skills and can collaborate effectively with you throughout the project.

Industry Certifications and Partnerships

Certifications and partnerships can add an extra layer of credibility and trust. Check if the company has:

• Adobe Partnership: Are they recognized as official Adobe partners at any level? This can indicate a closer working relationship with the platform and access to exclusive resources.
  
• Other Industry Recognitions: Look for relevant industry certifications demonstrating their commitment to quality and best practices.

Is a Magento Certification Important?

What is Magento Certification?

Magento Certification, now known as Adobe Commerce Certification, is a series of exams that validate a developer’s expertise in various aspects of the Magento platform. These certifications cover topics such as Adobe Commerce version 2.4, PHP, debugging tools, version control, cloud architecture, and more.

There are seven different certifications, each targeting specific roles and levels of experience, from Professional to Expert and Master. The more certifications an Adobe Commerce/Magento agency has, the better.

List of Magento Certifications:

There are seven main Adobe Commerce certifications, which are:

1. Adobe Certified Expert – Magento Commerce Business Practitioner (ADO-E700)
   • Target Audience: Project Managers, Sales People, Technical Architects
   • Focus: Aligning Magento 2 capabilities with business goals and maximizing the use of native features.
2. Adobe Certified Professional – Magento Commerce Developer (ADO-E702)
   • Target Audience: Developers with less than two years of experience
   • Focus: UI changes, database updates, customizations, admin modifications, and functionality adjustments.
3. Adobe Certified Expert – Magento Commerce Front-End Developer (ADO-E701)
   • Target Audience: Front-end Developers
   • Focus: Designing and tweaking Magento themes, requiring at least 1.5 years of experience with Magento 2.
4. Adobe Certified Master – Magento Commerce Architect (AD0-E704)
   • Target Audience: Highly experienced developers
   • Focus: Mastery over various aspects of the Magento platform, suitable for those in leadership roles.
5. Adobe Certified Professional – Adobe Commerce Developer (AD0-E717)
   • Target Audience: Developers familiar with Adobe Commerce version 2.4 and related technologies
   • Focus: Fundamental areas of Magento development.
6. Adobe Commerce JavaScript Developer Expert Certification
   • Target Audience: Developers specializing in JavaScript within Magento
   • Focus: JavaScript-related customizations and functionality in Magento.
7. Adobe Commerce Cloud Developer Expert Certification
   • Target Audience: Developers specializing in cloud solutions for Magento hosting
   • Focus: Cloud-specific aspects of Magento development

Benefits of Working with Magento Certified Developers

• Deep Knowledge: Certified developers deeply understand Magento’s technical aspects, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and implement best practices.
• Experience: Certification is a testament to a developer’s practical experience, ensuring they can deliver high-quality solutions.
• Quality Code: Certified developers are more likely to produce clean, efficient, and secure code, saving you time and money in the long run.
• Following Best Practices: They are familiar with industry standards and can ensure a seamless online shopping environment for customers.
• SEO and UX: Certified developers often consider SEO factors and UI/UX design, leading to better-performing eCommerce websites.
  How to Verify Magento Certifications
• Credentials: Ask developers to provide their certification credentials and discuss specific project scenarios to gauge their expertise.
• Experience: Inquire about their prior Magento experience to ensure they have practical knowledge.
• Digital Badges: Certified developers can share a link to their digital badge at youracclaim.com, which can be used to verify their certification. This resource does an excellent job of explaining how Adobe Credentials work.

Ask About Their Development Process

Understanding how the company approaches project management is important. Ask about:

• Development Methodology: What methodologies do they use (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)? This can affect the flexibility and transparency of the development process.
  
• Project Timelines: Do they provide clear timelines and milestones? This helps in setting realistic expectations for project completion.

Consider Their Business Understanding

A Magento development company should not only be technically proficient but also have a good understanding of business and eCommerce strategies. They should:

• Understand Your Business Goals: The company should take the time to understand your business objectives and how your eCommerce site can help achieve them.
  
• Offer Strategic Insights: Look for a company that can provide strategic advice on how to grow your online presence and improve your eCommerce operations.

Communication and Collaboration

The ease of communication and the company’s willingness to collaborate closely with you are important for a successful partnership. Consider:

• Responsiveness: Are they quick to respond to your inquiries and concerns?
  
• Collaboration Tools: Do they use effective project management and communication tools to keep you updated and involved in the development process? For instance, at Shero we use Jira, Bitbucket, Jira Service Desk, and Slack to communicate with clients. Your agency of choice should use similar tools.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a Magento development company’s experience and portfolio, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your eCommerce goals.

Top Adobe Commerce (Magento) Agencies

So far, you have learned how the Adobe partner program works, the different partner levels, and have a good understanding of what to look for in a Magento agency.

While the Adobe Partner directory may not provide all the details you’re looking for, it often includes information about the services offered by each partner. These services consist of Custom Development, Integration, Digital Marketing, Web Design, Support & Maintenance.

To make your research easy, I am compiling a list of the top Adobe Commerce (Magento) Agencies, listed in no particular order:

1. Shero Commerce – A platform-agnostic digital agency with over 13 years of Magento/Adobe experience specializing in complex Magento builds, B2B, and integrations.
2. Classy Llama – A full-service digital agency with years of experience in Adobe Commerce solutions, consulting, and design.
3. BORN Group – A global digital agency with a strong presence in the U.S., known for its expertise in Adobe Commerce solutions.
4. Perficient – A leading digital consultancy with Adobe Commerce capabilities.
5. Rave Digital – A U.S.-based full-service digital agency specializing in Adobe Commerce.
6. Absolute Web – A creative digital commerce agency offering Adobe Commerce development.
7. Americaneagle.com – A full-service digital agency with experience in Adobe Commerce.
8. Blue Acorn iCi – An insights-driven digital agency with expertise in Adobe Commerce.
9. Corra – A digital agency that specializes in Adobe Commerce and other eCommerce platforms.
10. EYStudios – A U.S.-based eCommerce agency focused on branding and Adobe Commerce solutions.
11. Guidance – A commerce services provider that offers Adobe Commerce solutions.
12. Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG) – Part of Capgemini, this agency offers Adobe Commerce services.
13. Redstage (now Fulcrum Commerce) – Specializes in Adobe Commerce development and digital transformation.
14. Rightpoint – A strategic digital agency that provides Adobe Commerce solutions.
15. Vaimo – Although Vaimo primarily does business in Europe and the Nordics, it has a presence in the U.S. and is known for its Adobe Commerce work.
16. Web Solutions NYC – A NYC-based agency that specializes in Adobe Commerce development.
17. Atwix – An agency with a strong focus on Adobe Commerce. Headquartered in the US but initially founded in Eastern Europe
18. Bear Group – A West Coast web development agency that works with Adobe Commerce.
19. Creatuity – A long-time provider of Adobe Commerce solutions based in Texas.
20. Bounteous – A full-service digital agency that offers Adobe Commerce integration and strategy.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including the specific tier of partnership, I would recommend consulting the Adobe Solution Partner Directory or directly contacting Adobe if you are looking for an agency that specializes in a unique vertical.

Ready to Leave Magento? Migrate Seamlessly to Shopify

Considering leaving Magento behind? You’re not alone. Over 90% of our Magento clients have already successfully transitioned to Shopify, guided step-by-step by our team.

As experts with both platforms, Shero offers a proven and streamlined Magento to Shopify migration process. We systematically translate every Magento extension and custom functionality into equivalent Shopify apps and features. Thus, ensuring zero loss of capability and minimal disruption to your business.

If you’re tired of Magento’s headaches and ready for Shopify’s simplicity and scalability, let’s talk. Schedule your personalized Shopify migration consultation today, and we’ll show you exactly how smooth the transition can be.

Schedule Your Free Migration Consultation →

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Adobe Commerce partnership program offers a structured pathway for agencies to become certified partners, with different levels and tiers offering varying benefits and requiring different levels of commitment and fees.

Everything is a matter of perspective, and what is great for a first-time eCommerce website owner is not nearly good enough for a Fortune 500 company. Focus on agencies with the experience that fits your goals first, see if you can find one that is local, as they will probably provide the best level of support and, should that not work, use the Adobe Partner Directory to see if you can find the right fit. Just make sure you put in the time to perform the research and vet them carefully. Ask questions, look at the work they have performed, and take it from there.

If you have any questions about Magento or setting up an eCommerce website, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Adobe Commerce and Magento