Choosing a Magento Partner: Key Considerations for Partner Selection

Explore our guide on Adobe Commerce (Magento), offering insights into selecting the right partner for your eCommerce success.

By Gentian Shero

The process of choosing a Magento Partner or Adobe Commerce, formerly Magento, Development Company can be a tough one because there are so many variables that come into play for the decision-making process.

For instance, one has to ask if the goal they have for their website is realistic for a projected budget and timeline, as well as knowing who they can trust. This is why Adobe Commerce has come up with what is known as the Adobe Commerce (Magento) Partners Program.

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.

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.

The Importance of a Magento Certification


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 ExpertMagento 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 ProfessionalMagento 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 ExpertMagento 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 MasterMagento 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 agecncy 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 recommended to consult the Adobe Solution Partner Directory or directly contact Adobe if you are looking for an agency that specializes in a unique vertical.

Summary

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. Shero has been developing Magento websites since 2012 and are confident we can help you too.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Adobe Commerce and Magento

How does Adobe Commerce differ from Magento?

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento Commerce, is a premium, paid-for eCommerce solution that offers additional features and scalability compared to Magento Open Source (formerly Magento Community Edition). Adobe Commerce is more focused on the needs of larger businesses and provides a cloud-based option, Adobe Commerce Cloud, which offers enhanced security, faster page loading speeds, and global availability. Magento Open Source remains popular with developers and offers a free, open-source solution with a wide range of extensions available in the Magento marketplace.

What are the benefits of working with an Adobe Commerce certified partner?

Working with an Adobe Commerce certified partner provides several benefits, including:

  • Access to a partner manager and quarterly business reviews
  • Eligibility for specializations, rapid deployment solutions, and marketing support
  • Discounts on Adobe Digital Learning Services and certification vouchers
  • Promotion to Adobe field teams and access to Adobe product teams
  • Preferential marketing opportunities and partner spotlight on Adobe Partner social channels.

How can I verify a Magento agency’s certifications?

Magento certifications have transitioned to Adobe certifications. You can verify a Magento agency’s certifications by checking their status on the Adobe Solution Partner Directory or by asking the agency to provide proof of their Adobe-certified professionals.

What should I look for in a Magento development portfolio?

When evaluating a Magento development portfolio, consider the following:

  • The complexity and scale of the projects
  • The quality of the design and user experience
  • The use of best practices and customizations
  • The performance and speed of the sites
  • The integration with third-party services and extensions
  • The ability to meet specific business requirements

How do Magento certifications benefit an eCommerce project?

Magento certifications, now Adobe certifications, benefit an eCommerce project by:

  • Ensuring that the agency has a deep understanding of the platform
  • Demonstrating the agency’s commitment to staying current with the latest developments
  • Providing a level of assurance that the agency can deliver high-quality solutions
  • Helping to identify agencies with the necessary skills and expertise to meet specific project requirements

What are the key factors to consider when selecting a Magento partner?

When selecting a Magento partner, consider the following key factors:

  • Their partnership tier (Community, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
  • Their experience with similar projects and industries
  • The quality of their development portfolio
  • The certifications and expertise of their team
  • Their ability to meet your project’s timeline and budget
  • Their communication and project management skills
  • Their post-launch support and maintenance capabilities
Chief Strategy Officer at

Gentian, CSO and co-founder of Shero Commerce, guides the company and client digital strategies. He's an expert in technical SEO, Inbound Marketing, and eCommerce strategy.