🎙️ The Commerce DevCast – Episode 7
Topic: Merchant–Agency Relationships in E-Commerce
In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most critical aspects of running an online business: how merchants work with agencies.
We explore different development models, trust issues, conflicts of interest, quality control problems, and the leadership needed to build reliable long-term partnerships.
If you’ve ever hired an agency—or plan to—this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and understand what truly makes a collaboration successful.
Together, we discuss:
- • On-site vs agency-based development
• How to evaluate an agency before you sign
• Why trust is fragile—and how it gets broken
• Red flags, scams, and unfair practices
• Quality control issues in extensions and delivered work
• Why leadership on the merchant side is a game-changer
• How long-term partnerships reduce risk and cost
• Communication mistakes that destroy collaborations
• Why some agencies “sell hours instead of expertise”⸻
🔑 Keywords:
e-commerce, agency relationships, development approaches, hiring decisions, conflict of interest, agency scams, leadership, business partnerships, merchant strategies, quality control, extensions, project management, communication, trust, software development⸻
📌 Key Takeaways:
• Strong agency relationships require technical understanding + clear leadership
• Merchants often rely heavily on agencies due to missing in-house expertise
• Transparency is essential to avoid miscommunication and conflicts
• Agencies can bring huge value—but also carry risks
• Leadership on the merchant side determines project success
• Avoid agencies that optimize for hours rather than outcomes
• Quality control in extensions is often overlooked
• Long-term trust is more valuable than short-term cost savings⸻
🕒 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to E-commerce Relationships
02:10 – Understanding Development Approaches
05:01 – Building Relationships with Agencies
08:30 – On-site vs Agency Development
12:53 – The Role of Agencies in E-commerce
15:45 – Cost vs Expertise: Hiring Decisions
18:05 – Conflict of Interest in Agency Relationships
20:41 – Finding the Right Agency Partner
23:31 – Identifying Unfair Practices in Agencies
29:06 – Scams and Misleading Practices
35:22 – The Importance of Leadership in E-commerce
40:35 – Unpacking Agency Practices
41:20 – The Cost of Trust: Agency Relationships
47:32 – Quality Control in Extensions and Modules
53:30 – Navigating Agency Relationships
01:09:24 – Building Strong Partnerships with Agencies⸻
👥 Meet the Hosts:
• Vladyslav Podorozhnyi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladyslav-podorozhnyi
• Oleksandr Kravchuk – https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleksandr-kravchuk
• Vitalii Boiko – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalii-boiko-3ba269232Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/27uVu3QGhp4cHdIzsXoP2Q
🌐 Visit our website:
https://thecommercedevcast.github.io🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on Adobe Commerce, Magento, and eCommerce architecture!
#eCommerce #Magento2 #Agency #Merchant #AdobeCommerce #TheCommerceDevCast