From registered to platinum:

Shopify’s new Partner Program raises the bar

Shopify

Bella Hume

5 minute read20 Jan 2025

Shopify’s Partner Program just got a serious upgrade, and it’s all about levelling up. It’s the evolution knocking on the doors of ecommerce agencies globally, verifying standards and empowering a merchant-centric approach. Shopify partners can now see how they stack up against competition, tracking from Registered to Shopify Platinum Partner on a new tiered model.

But this fresh design isn’t just about ranking, it’s about strengthening the entire ecommerce ecosystem, giving agencies the tools to grow while delivering better results for merchants. Not bad, if you ask us.

Tier-Model Breakdown

The program revamp will decipher Shopify’s best of the best in ecommerce service delivery. There’s no hiding! Merchants now know what it takes and which players to play with in order to win at commerce in their industry.

Registered Partner: The baseline level for all new or growing partners
Select Partner: For partners with demonstrated expertise with small and medium business merchants
Plus Partner: For partners that have demonstrated success with medium to large merchants on all Shopify plans
Premier Partner: An exclusive tier for high-performing partners
Shopify Platinum Partner: The top tier, reserved for select global enterprise partners

Ask Phill has been awarded Platinum Partner status - one of the few agencies awarded this title globally.

With only a handful of industry heavyweights like Google and Oracle receiving Shopify Platinum, the pool of agencies making up the remaining market share is substantial. So what separates the tiers and how can agencies track upwards and, drive more merchant success?

Ask Phill has been awarded Platinum Partner status from Shopify

Walk down memory lane

Ask Phill’s impact on Shopify’s ecosystem

In 2016 Shopify was ten years in - an exciting member of the ecommerce space, making noise with its user-friendly platform and growing community of merchants. It had the basics down - themes, secure checkout, and essential tools to help brands get online without the usual headaches. The platform was building momentum with features like social media integrations, discount codes, and a budding App Store. Shopify Plus was in its early stages, offering a glimpse into enterprise solutions, but the platform was still far from the powerhouse it is today.

In 2016, Ask Phill was in its infancy, trying to discover a difference in a growing market of ecommerce agencies. We saw an opportunity in Shopify to customise. What if we could write our own rules whilst leveraging the innovations and integrations available within the online builder? Since then, we have been among the first movers in the Shopify space, establishing ourselves as a leader in the industry. Our innovative spirit led us to launch the first Shopify Hydrogen platform in EMEA, setting a new standard for headless development.

Pushing the boundaries on an established Shopify platform, Ask Phill has naturally shaped its course. This impact on ecommerce innovation has created a catalogue of possibilities for our merchants Pal Sporting Goods, King Louie and by-bar who chose to scale on a budget with No-code or others like Tony’s Chocolonely and Patta who created high-impact, visually stunning experiences with Custom Platforms.

The path to Shopify Platinum Partner status

The fresh tiered structure now gives agencies a clear path to climb the ranks - but it’s not just about bragging rights, each tier unlocks exclusive perks, greater visibility, and deeper collaboration with Shopify. If agencies are advancing, merchants are winning. Let’s take a closer look.

Shopify Platinum Partner perks - what's in it for the merchants?

Tailored support for global growth: Reserved exclusively for enterprise-level partners, Platinum status ensures merchants receive excellent service with a focus on international scale and globalisation.
Access to innovation, first: Get early access to Shopify's latest features and beta programs, giving merchants a competitive edge in tech and user experience.
Backed by proven ecommerce excellence: Work with partners who have a track record of delivering global, high-performing ecommerce solutions - ensuring your brand is in expert hands.

Platinum Partners, like Ask Phill, gain a competitive edge with unmatched access to Shopify resources and collaboration, ensuring they can deliver top-tier solutions to merchants.

Whilst becoming a Shopify Platinum Partner is every agency’s goal, there is naturally a road to get there. This new program places nearly 500 Shopify Plus agencies and thousands of additional qualified partners into the five tiers:

Whether it’s a one-person agency getting off its feet or an established team already making big moves, this new structure gives partners a framework to progress through the tiers. Each level reflects an agency’s proven impact within the Shopify ecosystem - rewarding performance, skills, and commitment to merchant success.

“With so many agencies out there, it's hard for merchants to find the right partner. We've been looking for ways to help differentiate" - Ryan Donahue, Shopify Partner Lead

Partners In-check with Verified Skills

Verified Skills are a cornerstone of the evolved Shopify Partner Program, endorsing agencies that demonstrate the requisite expertise to deliver top-tier Shopify solutions. They serve as a benchmark for professional development, helping partners build credibility and differentiate themselves by commercial impact and skill development.

What do they signify?

Put simply, lifetime impact. They are the official credentials partners can earn by completing specialised learning paths within Shopify Academy. These skills validate an agency’s proficiency in key areas of the Shopify ecosystem.

The categories

The Verified Skills program covers a wide range of disciplines that are crucial for delivering successful Shopify solutions for merchants. Some key categories include:

Store Setup & Optimisation
Shopify Plus Implementation
Theme Development
Headless Commerce & APIs
Marketing & Growth Strategies
App Development & Integration
International Expansion

Ask Phill has successfully earned 30 (and counting) Shopify Verified Skills in our pursuit of creating the next in commerce.

Verified Skills are an essential component of Shopify’s Partner Program, providing a structured way for agencies to prove their top spot and deliver exceptional results. For us, earning and maintaining these credentials is a strategic move toward achieving Shopify Platinum Partner status and continuing to set the standard for innovation and excellence in the Shopify ecosystem.

Building the next as a Shopify Platinum Partner

We’ve officially achieved Shopify Platinum Partner status - an acknowledgement of our deep expertise, innovation, and influence within the Shopify ecosystem. But this isn’t just a badge of honor -it’s a reflection of our commitment to building scalable, future-ready ecommerce solutions for ambitious brands.

Our merchants are already thriving on Shopify - and we’re just getting started. With Platinum-level access to Shopify’s most advanced resources, we’re equipped to drive even greater impact across global markets.

A huge shoutout to the entire Ask Phill team - your dedication and creativity has been the driving force behind achieving our Platinum Partner status. We couldn’t have done it without you!

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