Contact

About

Shopify Plus Agency

Ready to elevate your ecommerce brand?Get in touch with us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@underwaterpistol.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">info@underwaterpistol.com</a>or call&nbsp;<a href="tel:+442034677614" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+44 203 467 7614</a>.<h4> </h4>

Shopify Plus

Work

Blog

Design

Development

Shopify Plus migration

Subscription

AI consultancy

Branding

Loyalty

Tech stack consultancy

Charlie Semmence

When you team up with an ecommerce agency, you’re expecting fireworks. Fresh ideas, accelerated growth, and a partner that’s got your back for the long haul. But if all they're doing is going through the motions, ticking off tasks like it’s a never-ending to-do list, you’ve got a problem. Stuck in a cycle of frustration? It might be time to face the truth: your agency’s not cutting it. Here are five signs it’s time to rethink your agency partnership and find a team that’s as fired up about your success as you are.
 
<h2>1) They only act when you ask</h2>
What’s the issue? Your agency waits for you to come to them with ideas, suggestions or problems. They tend to react rather than lead, only really stepping in when you ask for something specific. Why it matters: If your agency is simply ticking boxes based on your requests, they’re not adding any real strategic value. In ecommerce, things move fast. You need a partner who anticipates your needs, identifies opportunities for improvement, and suggests proactive solutions before issues arise. If your agency stays silent until you raise a flag, they’re not truly invested in your growth - they’re just reacting.
 
<h2>2) They aren’t focused on results</h2>
 What’s the issue? Your agency may be delivering on tasks, but are they tracking the impact of those tasks? Do they dig into the data and make decisions based on performance metrics, or are they content just to complete what’s on their plate? Why it matters: Ecommerce is a results-driven game. If your agency isn’t pushing for tangible outcomes like boosted conversion rates, increased average order value, or better customer retention, they’re missing the bigger picture. Every action should be part of a larger strategy designed to grow your brand, not just a checklist of tasks. You need an agency that’s laser-focused on moving the needle in ways that matter most to your bottom line.
 
<h2>3) They don’t anticipate changes in your industry</h2>
What’s the issue? Your agency is stuck in the present, responding to changes after they’ve already impacted your business. They don’t seem to be ahead of industry trends or customer behaviour shifts, which leaves you scrambling to catch up. Why it matters: The ecommerce landscape is constantly evolving. Whether it’s a shift in consumer expectations, new platform updates, or the latest SEO trends, your agency should have their finger on the pulse. You need a partner that helps you stay ahead of the game, not one that leaves you lagging behind. Forward-thinking strategies and the ability to spot opportunities before they become mainstream are key to staying competitive.
 
<h2>4) They don’t understand your long-term goals</h2>
What’s the issue? Your agency may be handling day-to-day tasks, but do they understand where you want your brand to be in 6 months, a year, or even 5 years? Without an understanding of your vision, they’re likely only providing short-term solutions. Why it matters: Short-term wins are great, but without a long-term strategy, you’ll struggle to maintain momentum. Your agency should be helping you build a roadmap for growth, ensuring that every action they take aligns with your wider business goals. If they’re not thinking beyond the immediate task at hand, you’ll end up with a disjointed approach that doesn’t move the needle where it counts. You need a partner that’s as invested in your future as you are, offering strategies that support sustainable growth.
<h2></h2>
<h2>5) It feels more like a transaction than a partnership</h2>
What’s the issue? You feel like just another client on their roster. The relationship is purely transactional, with your agency focused on delivering tasks rather than building a collaborative, growth-focused partnership. Why it matters: The best agency relationships feel more like an extension of your team. They should understand your brand inside and out, offer insights and ideas unprompted, and work alongside you to achieve your goals. A true partner is someone who’s there for the long haul, invested in your success, and always looking for ways to push your brand forward. If it feels like your agency is just going through the motions, it’s time to find one that truly has your back.
 
<h2>What’s the cost of sticking with the wrong agency?</h2>
If any of these signs feel familiar, it’s a clear signal that your agency partnership isn’t serving you the way it should. At <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/" target="_blank">Underwaterpistol</a>, we believe in being more than just a task-ticking service. We’re a team that’s driven by your success; always proactive, always strategic, and always ready to help your brand grow. If you want more from your agency partnership, <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/contact" target="_blank">let’s talk</a> about how we can help you build the results you deserve.

5 signs it’s time to rethink your agency partnership