Seamlessly change your development partner

If you feel your current e-commerce partner is not keeping up

The change of an e-store development partner is important if the current partner can no longer satisfy the growing needs of the business, guarantee the quality of the project or offer innovative solutions with a reasonable budget, which are essential for the continued successful development of the company.

Beware are common myths about changing development partners and an introduction to the development partner exchange process.

or

Switching e-shop development partner – Why and when?

Switching software development partners can become essential when your current partner is no longer able to meet your business’s growing and changing needs, ensure project quality, deliver innovative solutions or respond flexibly to changing market conditions. Problems such as communication breakdowns, collaboration issues, lack of innovation or cost inefficiencies can limit a company’s ability to deliver competitive products and services. Therefore, a strategic decision to change partners can help ensure the company’s continued growth, innovation and market survival.

digiturundus

The growing needs of the business

As a business grows, so can its demands. Your current development partner may be great for smaller projects, but may not be able to provide support at scale. Whether it’s the technical know-how or the resources needed.

digiturundus

Quality Assurance

If the current partner fails to ensure code quality, meet deadlines, or implement best development practices, this can lead to defective products, user dissatisfaction, and potentially high costs for remedial work.

digiturundus

High project management

If projects are not managed effectively, this can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, failure to meet project objectives and poor business decisions. Additionally, it creates an unpleasant user experience.

.

digiturundus

Lack of flexibility

If a development partner is unable to adapt to the changing needs of the business, keep up with the latest trends, or respond flexibly by adapting its services accordingly, this will hinder the growth of the business and weaken its competitiveness.

digiturundus

Communication problems

Effective communication and collaboration are the foundation of any successful development project. Communication problems, information concealment or ambiguity, and delays in the flow of information can lead to mistakes and high costs.

digiturundus

Cost-effectiveness

A cost structure that is no longer competitive or does not offer good value for money may also be a sign that it is time to consider a new development partner that can offer better value.

Busted myths about changing e-commerce development partner

When it comes to changing your e-commerce development partner, there are a number of myths that may sound scary, preventing you from making the right decision. Here are some of the most common myths about switching software development partners:

1
Too complicated and time-consuming:

Finding a new partner and making the transition is thought to be an extremely complex and time-consuming process. While it requires careful planning and coordination, the benefits of the right approach can far outweigh the time invested.

2
Risk of data loss:

Concerns about data loss or leakage during migration are common, but a professional development partner will use rigorous data protection procedures and techniques to ensure secure data transfer and integration.

3
Changing development partners brings costs:

Although switching to a new partner may incur initial costs, in the long term, choosing the right partner can improve project ROI, optimize operational costs and reduce costs associated with poor quality or inadequate service.

4
Project delays are inevitable:

Many assume that a change of partner will inevitably cause project delays. While some transition time is necessary, a new partner can bring innovative approaches and more efficient work processes that speed up development.

5
Compatibility issues with existing code:

It is considered that the new development partner may not be able to work with the existing code. In reality, experienced developers are used to working with different code bases and technologies and may even offer better solutions for code optimization and modernization.

6
It is better to adapt to a problematic partner:

Sometimes it is believed that adjusting to an existing partner, even if there are problems, is easier than looking for a new one. However, in the long run, this approach may limit the company’s growth and innovation potential.

How to effectively implement an e-commerce development partner change?

However, a successful transition requires proper preparation. It is important to clearly define the expectations of the new partner and the criteria for success, in order to avoid possible misunderstandings. In addition to technical competencies, the transition process involves analysing the cultural fit, values and work ethics of potential partners to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation. Of course, the partner’s flexibility, communication style and project management practices are also important, and must fit in with your company’s work processes and objectives. Analyzing feedback from previous clients and work carried out, as well as commissioning a trial project, will give you an insight into the partner’s capabilities and working style.

  • Clarification of goals and needs:
    Before looking for a new partner, clearly define why the current partner does not meet your needs and what goals you want to achieve with a new partner. This helps guide the search and makes it easier to find a suitable candidate.
  • Thorough market research:
    Research potential development partners, their past projects, customer feedback and areas of specialization. Check their technical competence, quality of work processes and attitude to innovation.
  • Organizing the selection process:
    Narrow down the list of candidates and conduct in-depth interviews to assess their suitability for your project. Consider giving them a mock project or assignment to see them work in a hands-on environment.
  • Perform due diligence:
    Check the potential partner’s background, financial stability and reputation in the market. Ask for references and interact with past or current clients to get an insight into their experiences.
  • Contracts and agreements:
    Make sure all important points such as scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, intellectual property rights and confidentiality obligations are clearly stated in the contracts.
  • Planning for a smooth transition:
    Create a detailed plan for transferring existing work and data to the new partner. This may include sharing documentation, code base, access rights and other necessary information.
  • Promote communication and collaboration:
    Organize meetings between both teams to introduce project goals, expectations, and work processes. Ensure open and regular communication to keep all parties informed of project progress.
  • Follow-up evaluation and adjustment:
    After the end of the transition period, evaluate the work of the new partner and the progress of the project. Be prepared to make necessary adjustments in work processes or communication to ensure project success.
  • Aldar Reinberk
    E-commerce strategist

    Contact us and we’ll help you make a smart choice!

    We have more than 18 years of experience in analysing and developing e-commerce solutions for both small businesses and large corporations.

    Feedback from customers

    Join Newsletter!

    Keep up to date with e-commerce through the newsletter
    best practices, advice and success stories.
    how to grow your e-business.