1. Start With Strategy, Not Shiny Things
If the first thing out of their mouth is “So… what fonts do you like?”, congrats, you’ve matched with the wrong Shopify partner. Abort mission.
Unless your biggest business challenge is Helvetica vs. Poppins, there’s bigger fish to fry. A legit Shopify pro isn’t here to play dress-up, they’re here to dissect your margins, your customer journey, and why your cart abandonment rate makes you cry at night.
Their opening line should sound like a business coach with a caffeine addiction, not a junior graphic designer on a vibes-only quest.
Data-led decisions will set you up for success, this doesn’t mean design isn’t important.
🚩 Red flag: If they say “Let’s just get something up and we’ll figure it out later.”
🟢 Green flag: They ask about your customer journey, current pain points, and future growth plans.
Question to take to your next call: Looking at my store, what top 1-3 things can you see that could be hindering our conversions?
2. Make Sure They Speak Fluent Shopify
You don’t need someone who “also does Shopify.” You need someone who lives and breathes it.
This means:
- They understand Shopify’s ecosystem, including apps, checkout limitations, and backend quirks.
- They know what not to do (like over-customising to the point of no return).
- They can explain Shopify Editions updates to you without sounding like a robot.
- They don’t rely too heavily on apps that overload your store.
🏅Bonus points if they’re a verified Shopify Partner, because that badge actually means something.
Question to take to your next call: What apps or integrations do you typically recommend and why?
3. Ask What Happens After Launch
Spoiler alert! Launching your Shopify store is not the finish line, it’s the starting gun.
A good Shopify service provider will talk to you about ongoing support, tracking, iterations, and maybe even training your team. The best ones become long-term partners, not just “set-it-and-forget-it” vendors.
They should help you evolve, not just exist.
👉 Reality check: If you’re not planning for post-launch, you’re planning to plateau
🚩 While post launch support is necessary, watch out for agencies forcing you into a monthly retainer.
🟢 A great agency will give you the tools you need to fly on your own.
Question to take to your next call: How do you set us up for success after launch? What does support look like?
4. Look for a Culture Fit (Yes, Really)
Here’s an underrated truth: your service provider is a temporary extension of your team. Check if they think that way.
If your communication styles clash or their vibe is all “smoke and mirrors” while yours is direct and practical, you’ll waste time, energy, and possibly your will to live.
Get on a call. Feel it out. Are they asking smart questions? Are they listening? Do they respect your ideas while still pushing back when it matters?
You want people who care about your business as much as you do and aren’t afraid to tell you when your idea needs tweaking.
Question to take to your next call: What are your business values or philosophies? What does a typical project process look like and how does communication work?
Bonus: The TikTok Trap
Yes, there are some wild success stories from businesses that “launched in 24 hours” or “scaled to six figures in a week.” And yes, some of them used Shopify. But here’s the thing:
Those stories are the exception, not the blueprint.
Building a sustainable, scalable Shopify store takes real work. It takes strategy, UX design, dev know-how, and constant iteration. If a service provider promises instant success or only talks about virality… take a deep breath and back away slowly.
⏰Go slow to go fast.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Choosing a Shopify service provider isn’t just a line item, it’s a business decision that can shape your future growth.
To recap:
- Look for strategic thinking, not just design chops.
- Ask for proof of impact, not just pretty screens.
- Plan for the long game, not just a launch day high.
- Prioritise communication, chemistry, and Shopify know-how.
And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve all been there. That’s why Expand exists. We’re not just Shopify Partners. We’re partners to our clients. The kind who obsess over details, ask the right questions, and actually care what happens after your store goes live.
Thinking of launching or upgrading your store? Let’s chat. No pressure, just real talk.
👉 Drop us a message at expand.agency or connect with us on LinkedIn.