Shopify Retainers vs. Project-Based Work: Which Is Best for Your Store?

If you’re a Shopify store owner or marketer, you know running your store is easier said than done. 

From backend to storefront, design, UX, content, marketing, inventory - all this requires expertise, skill, time, resources, and effort.

It is practically impossible to have all the expertise in-house. And that is why most stores go for external help.

But when it comes to hiring external help, there’s one big question: Shopify retainers vs. project-based - which one is better?

This blog answers the question!

What is a Shopify Retainer?

A Shopify retainer is an agreement between a Shopify merchant and an agency offering Shopify services. This arrangement involves a fixed monthly fee in exchange for predefined deliverables and services. 

Shopify retainers are best suited for small and mid-sized businesses that do not have sufficient in-house resources and skills required to manage Shopify tasks. That said, large enterprise businesses also require Shopify retainers based on the skills gaps in their internal teams. 

However, many businesses are wary of onboarding retainers. One common question merchants grapple with is: Shopify retainer vs. project-based work - which is better. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Shopify retainers.

Pros:

• It is more cost-effective compared to one-time hourly payments

• Predictable, monthly fee helps with budget forecast and financial planning

• Long-term associations help with better understanding of the business and goals

• Retainers often contribute with strategic advice when required

Cons:

• Finding the right fit Shopify retainer can take some time

• Factors such as communication, professional alignment may be difficult initially

What is Hourly or Project-Based Support?

Hourly or project-based support is when freelancers or specialist consultants offer one-time service for a one-time fee. Typically, Shopify merchants use hourly or project-based support when they have one-off needs that do not require ongoing involvement from the specialist. 

For example, Shopify merchants may require a one-time app integration, customization, an emergency solution, etc. During such times, they use project-based support.

Hourly support has both pros and cons:

Pros:

• It allows cost control as it requires only one-time payment

• Ideal for new Shopify stores

Cons:

• Service delivery can take time based on availability

• Lacks long-term understanding or strategic context

• Multiple one-time engagements could add up to huge costs

Shopify Retainers vs. Project-Based Work: Key Differences

Here’s a table that shows a comparison between Shopify retainers and project-based work.

When a Retainer is the Better Option

In Shopify retainer vs. project-based work, both retainer and project-based engagements have benefits, in the long-term, having retainers has a compounding effect for Shopify stores. Here are some cases when a retainer is a better option between the two.

1. Growing stores with evolving needs

If your Shopify store is at a growth stage, you will most likely have more service requirements compared to a newly launched business. As your store expands with your growing business, you will have more and complex support needs. 

This is where a Shopify retainer can be helpful. A retainer working with you for a long time can adapt, understand your needs, shift gears, proactively share strategic advice, and offer support in different areas.

2. Stores requiring proactive monitoring

Depending on the nature and industry in which you function, your Shopify store may even have complex requirements. For example, if you’re in a competitive industry where trends keep changing frequently and you have to adapt to them, you will require proactive monitoring and optimization. This is where it helps to have a marketing retainer.

Your Shopify retainer agency can continuously monitor your site’s performance, keep abreast with market trends, identify gaps and opportunities, and keep optimizing various aspects of your store. 

3. Ongoing customizations and marketing

When comparing Shopify retainers vs. project based work, another case where retainers are more helpful over one-time freelancers, is when your store requires continuous customizations and marketing. 

For instance, if your store requires inventory and product updates, new content, design, and regular updates on the site, it is more beneficial to have a retainer on board. Moreover, marketing retainers can focus on planning and running campaigns, while you focus on the strategic areas of your business. 

When Hourly/Project Work is Ideal

Now let us look at cases where hourly or project-based work is ideal for Shopify stores.

1. One-off fixes

At times, you might have one-off problems that need some fixing, especially if you’re a small store and your requirements are few. For example, maybe one feature doesn't function on your website, or there’s an issue integrating a new tool. At such times, you can hire an hourly-based professional to fix the problem.

2. Early-stage stores with limited needs

Hourly or project-based work is suitable for new Shopify stores that have limited budgets and support needs. Early-stage businesses often have lesser support requirements and hence they may need help on rare occasions. 

For instance, if you’re a small business that does not require regular site updates, you may need to reach out to a professional only when you face an issue. For example, maybe your site software needs an upgrade once a year.

3. Testing out agency partnerships

When choosing between Shopify retainers vs. project-based work, business owners are often wary of signing up with retainers at the start. The ideal way is to first work on a one-time project basis, evaluate the partnership, and then move to a retainer arrangement. 

For Shopify businesses who are on the lookout for long-term retainer partners, starting out with one-time projects is the ideal scenario. This also helps you understand your business needs, get a sense of budget requirements, and make the association more productive. 

Shopify Retainer vs. Project-Based Work: A Wrap Up

Both retainers and project-based arrangements have pros and cons, but in comparison, Shopify retainers tend to be more beneficial in the long run. From the point of budget to strategic partnership, Shopify retainers are more ideal.

If you’re struggling to assess which one is better - Shopify retainers vs. project-based work - start by understanding your current needs, your future business goals, budget, and the value that having a dedicated retainer team can add to your business.

If you’re looking to find answers to these questions and find an efficient Shopify retainer agency, reach out to XgenTech.