Comprehensive Overview of Technology Partner Tier Requirements

Estimated 7 min read

On this page:

• Types of Technology Partners

• App Store Partners

• Enterprise Technology Partners

• Technology Track Tiers Explained

• The Requirements: How Technology Partners Achieve Tiered Status

• Key Takeaways

• Take the Next Step

Shopify Technology Partners are pivotal in driving merchant success within the Shopify ecosystem. They empower merchants to build robust applications, enhance Shopify’s functionality, upgrade their technology stacks, and tailor their stores to meet unique needs. This partnership track is tailored for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), application developers, ERP providers, and global technology companies aiming to integrate solutions with Shopify while pursuing collaborative go-to-market strategies.

Understanding the four tiers within the Shopify Partner Program for Technology Track partners is crucial: Registered, Plus, Premier, and Platinum. The top three tiers are accessible by invitation only, contingent upon meeting performance and category criteria. This framework signifies an evolution from prior programs, notably superseding the Plus Certified App Partner (PCAP) initiative.

Types of Technology Partners

The Technology Partner track primarily caters to partners dedicated to developing enterprise-level solutions for large merchants, equipped to execute strategic go-to-market initiatives alongside Shopify.

App Store Partners

App Store partners amplify the technical capabilities of the Shopify platform, enabling merchants to grow their businesses effectively. For partners who create public apps or custom integrations, the Shopify App Store serves as the ideal marketplace for merchants seeking solutions tailored to their needs. Successful partners can reach millions of entrepreneurs worldwide.

To gain recognition, if an app meets Shopify’s quality standards, developers can apply for the Built for Shopify (BFS) status. Achieving this status signifies that the app is of high quality and reliability, unlocking further advantages for the partner.

Partners who excel in the App Store and showcase significant market influence, commercial impact, and robust integration capabilities, particularly with larger merchants, may evolve to earn recognition as Technology Partners.

Enterprise Technology Partners

Enterprise Technology Partners consist of companies focused on integrating sophisticated solutions with Shopify while executing collaborative go-to-market strategies. The solutions they offer are designed to foster extraordinary growth and keep complex commerce enterprises ahead of the curve. Notable examples of Shopify's collaboration with Enterprise Technology Partners include:

• Google Cloud

• Oracle

• Klaviyo

• Algolia

Technology Track Tiers Explained

The Technology Track incorporates various tiers, acknowledging differing levels of partnership and influence.

Registered Tier

Who is it for? Technology partners focused on small to medium-sized businesses aspiring to market through the Shopify App Store and achieve Built for Shopify status. Example: Locksmith.

Key Benefits

• A listing on the Shopify App Store

• Access to go-to-market resources and Shopify store development environments

Shopify Plus Tier

Who is it for? Partners showcasing success with medium to large merchants. Example: Loox.

Key Benefits

• A listing on the Shopify App Store

• A profile on the Enterprise Technology Partner directory

• Eligible for partnership and solutions support

• Inclusion on the internal partner recommendation list for Shopify teams, including Sales and Merchant Success

• Access to additional partnership and solutions support designed to accelerate growth

Shopify Premier Tier

Who is it for? This tier is for partners that either originate or co-sell significant business to Shopify. Example: Acumatica or Klaviyo.

Key Benefits

• A profile on the Enterprise technology partner directory

• Dedicated partnership and solutions support

• Inclusion on the internal partner recommendation list for Shopify teams, including Sales and Merchant Success

• Opportunities for strategic product collaboration

• Priority access to Shopify events and personnel

• Access to application-based funding

Shopify Platinum Tier

Who is it for? The premier tier, reserved for Shopify’s global enterprise partners. Example: Google Cloud or Oracle.

Key Benefits

• Personalized account management

• Bespoke growth opportunities

• Industry recognition

The Requirements: How Technology Partners Achieve Tiered Status

All partners can access the Registered tier through the sign-up process. However, the Plus, Premier, and Platinum tiers are currently by invitation only. Shopify evaluates partners based on their demonstrated success, particularly with large and enterprise merchants, across three key categories: market influence, commercial impact, and integration credentials.

Dimension 1: Market Influence

What it measures: A partner’s influence and established track record with complex, high-volume merchants. Shopify evaluates various factors that correlate with a partner’s capability to serve larger merchants and their engagement within the ecosystem.

Why it matters: Market influence indicates to Shopify that the partner can effectively lead and serve the crucial segment of large merchants.

Examples: Market influence can encompass aspects such as market share, install volume and scale, leadership in their technology category, adoption of Shopify’s latest APIs, dedicated sales and alliance resources, relationships with key accounts and agencies, and industry presence.

Dimension 2: Commercial Impact

What it measures: A partner’s contribution to Shopify’s growth through quantifiable business generation, specifically via partner-originated deals or co-sold deals.

Why it matters: Commercial impact underscores the partner’s role in actively expanding the Shopify ecosystem and fostering mutual success.

Who it applies to: Commercial impact is relevant to the Premier and Platinum tiers. Plus tier partners are currently exempt from these specific deal requirements but may qualify for higher tiers based on commercial performance.

Dimension 3: Integration Credentials

What it is: All tiered Technology Partners (Plus, Premier, Platinum) must comply with minimum Shopify technical standards that signify technical expertise and strong alignment with Shopify’s platform. This ensures partners provide high-quality, secure, reliable, and scalable solutions.

Why it matters: Integration credentials guarantee that merchants, especially those with complex technical needs, receive secure and high-performing solutions they can trust.

Key Credentials:

• Built for Shopify (BFS): A set of quality standards ensuring apps are user-friendly, safe, performant, and effectively address merchant challenges. Meeting BFS requirements is crucial for public apps in the App Store.

• Quality Standards: Additional performance and quality benchmarks focusing on aspects such as demonstrated usefulness, robust infrastructure, performance, scalability, support standards, security, and privacy. Meeting these standards ensures applications are optimized for the demands of large and enterprise merchants.

Key Takeaways

The Shopify Partner Program’s Technology track is specifically designed for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), application developers, ERP providers, and global technology companies seeking to integrate with Shopify and pursue synergistic go-to-market strategies.

The Technology track encompasses four tiers: Registered, Plus, Premier, and Platinum, with the top three tiers being invitation-only based on performance metrics. Progression through the Plus, Premier, and Platinum tiers hinges on Shopify’s evaluation of a partner’s market influence, commercial impact (for Premier/Platinum), and integration credentials.

Take the Next Step

Are you interested in ensuring your app meets Shopify’s rigorous standards for quality and performance? Explore the complete list of app requirements or learn more about the app review process to take your partnership to the next level.