Does that sound counterintuitive? Total Commerce Partners is an expert Shopify Plus Partner, surely we should be pushing our eComm agency services in our own blog? Well, sure! But we also approach things from a different perspective and we’re really all about giving you the best advice at any given stage in your business growth, and sometimes, giving you the skills and information to get things done yourself.
When launching or scaling an eCommerce business, many brands assume they need a dedicated Shopify agency to optimize their store. However, Shopify itself offers a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities designed to help businesses succeed—without the added costs of hiring an agency.
By leveraging Shopify’s native capabilities and understanding its built-in tools, businesses can handle Shopify migrations, eCommerce replatforming, and store optimization without relying on expensive external agencies. Whether you’re a high-growth DTC brand or an enterprise business looking for scalability solutions, Shopify has you covered.
Shopify is a powerful eCommerce solution without the agency fees. BUT…
While Shopify has these powerful tools, the key is knowing how to use them effectively. That’s where Total Commerce Partners comes in. Instead of charging hefty agency fees, we work as an extension of your team to help you make the most of Shopify’s native features, ensuring you unlock the full potential of the platform without unnecessary expenses. Let’s explore how this would work in the real world.
Core Shopify Features That Can Replace an Agency (at least at first)
Shopify Store Optimization and Troubleshooting
Performance issues and slow load times can harm your conversion rates. Shopify provides native tools to optimize store speed, troubleshoot bugs, and ensure seamless functionality:
- Shopify’s Lighthouse-based performance reports for speed insights
- Automated image compression and CDN support to enhance page load times
- Native analytics to pinpoint performance bottlenecks
Yet, knowing how to interpret and act on these insights is crucial. Total Commerce Partners specializes in Shopify store optimization, helping brands tweak their stores for maximum performance without the need for an external agency.
Shopify Plus Experts for High-Growth Brands
Shopify Plus is built for scaling businesses, offering tools typically provided by agencies but without the added costs. Some of the top features include:
- Shopify Scripts and Flow for automation and advanced discounting
- Multi-store capabilities for international expansion
- Advanced checkout customization without the need for third-party developers
Total Commerce Partners helps brands maximize Shopify Plus’s advanced features, ensuring that you’re using automation, multi-store management, and checkout customization to drive revenue and efficiency.
When Shopify’s Native Solutions Can be Enough
Shopify App Integrations
Shopify’s App Store provides thousands of integrations that handle the same tasks an agency would typically take on:
- Marketing automation tools such as Klaviyo and Omnisend
- Custom workflows and automation using Zapier and Shopify Flow
Rather than hiring an agency to set up and manage these integrations, Total Commerce Partners helps businesses choose the right tools, configure them properly, and ensure seamless data synchronization across platforms. We work together with businesses to make it work for them.
Shopify Checkout Customization and UX/UI Improvements
One of the biggest agency expenses is UX/UI customization. But Shopify offers:
- Shopify Theme Editor for no-code design changes
- Built-in A/B testing tools for conversion optimization
Total Commerce Partners assists in making impactful UX/UI improvements using Shopify’s built-in features, ensuring a seamless user experience without the need for costly design agencies.
The Real Problems Agencies Solve (and How Shopify Already Does It)
1. Shopify Bug Fixes and Troubleshooting
Instead of paying an agency, Shopify’s support team provides solutions for common technical issues. Additionally, Shopify’s developer documentation allows merchants to troubleshoot minor bugs without expert help.
Total Commerce Partners steps in when brands need an extra hand, offering Shopify troubleshooting services that quickly resolve issues without the overhead of an agency.
2. eCommerce Performance Optimization and Scalability Solutions
- Shopify’s native Content Delivery Network (CDN) ensures fast loading times globally
- Automated updates and security patches eliminate the need for maintenance agencies
- Shopify Plus infrastructure is built to scale with enterprise-level traffic spikes
Total Commerce Partners helps brands implement best practices for performance optimization, ensuring they get the most out of Shopify’s built-in scalability tools.
3. Multi-Store Shopify Solutions
For brands expanding internationally, Shopify Plus supports multiple storefronts with localized experiences. Built-in features like:
- Multi-currency and multilingual support
- Custom storefronts per region
- Automated tax and duties calculation
mean that you don’t need an agency to manage multiple Shopify stores efficiently. However, when you have complex warehouse and logistics locations, it makes sense to turn to a Shopify agency like Total Commerce Partners. We guide brands through setting up and managing multi-store solutions to ensure a seamless global experience.
Who Benefits from Shopify’s Built-In Solutions?
1. For Startups, Solo Entrepreneurs and Small Teams
If you’re just getting started, Shopify is designed to empower you without the need for a big agency budget. The platform’s built-in tools — from intuitive store setup to native marketing and analytics features — give startups, solo founders, and lean teams everything they need to launch and grow without the overhead of an external agency.
Shopify offers:
- Easy-to-use themes and drag-and-drop customization.
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools.
- App integrations for automation and growth without heavy development.
At Total Commerce Partners, we believe early-stage businesses should invest in learning the platform rather than overextending on agency fees. We’re always here to offer strategic guidance when you need it, but the truth is: Shopify is built for you to start strong on your own.
2. eCommerce Conversion Optimization for All Business Sizes
Shopify’s built-in conversion optimization tools empower businesses of all sizes—including startups and those new to eCommerce—to improve sales without hiring an agency. Features include:
- Built-in abandoned cart recovery
- Dynamic checkout buttons for one-click purchases
- Personalized product recommendations
Total Commerce Partners helps brands fine-tune these features to maximize revenue, whether you're launching your first store or optimizing an existing one.
Shopify Empowers You to Succeed Without an Agency
Shopify is designed to be an all-in-one eCommerce platform, reducing the need for external agencies. Whether you're handling Shopify migrations, optimizing your store, or scaling internationally, Shopify's built-in features provide:
- A frictionless eCommerce experience
- Cost savings by eliminating unnecessary agency fees
- Powerful performance and scalability tools for high-growth brands
With Total Commerce Partners as your strategic partner, you can harness Shopify’s native power without an expensive agency—allowing you to focus on growth, efficiency, and success.
