Ecommerce automation isn’t just for brands. It’s also one of the most underused opportunities for the partners who support them.
Agencies and tech providers are in a prime position to help merchants reduce friction, scale faster, and run more efficient stores. But too often, automation gets left out of the strategy. It’s seen as a nice-to-have or something the merchant will “figure out later.”
That’s a missed opportunity — for everyone involved.
When agencies and technology partners collaborate on ecommerce automation, they can deliver more value, strengthen relationships, and build smarter stores that run better over time. Here’s how to make it work.
Why ecommerce automation is a missed opportunity for many partners
Automation platforms are getting better and easier to use. But most brands are still buried in manual work — and most partners aren’t addressing it.
Merchants are still relying on manual tasks
Even successful ecommerce brands are doing too much by hand. Tagging customers. Routing orders. Updating spreadsheets. These repetitive tasks waste hours each week — and they scale poorly.
As a partner, it’s easy to focus on the launch: the new theme, the campaign strategy, the integration. But when you overlook what happens after those things go live, you miss where the real operational drag sits.
Automation can improve performance and retention
Agencies that build automation into their service model deliver more than surface-level wins. Smart workflows can improve retention, boost conversion rates, and reduce support costs — all without adding more hours to the retainer.
A well-built automation system keeps campaigns running smoothly, updates segments in real time, and ensures the brand looks polished across every channel. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes value that keeps clients coming back.
Platforms need partners to unlock their full value
Ecommerce automation tools work best when they’re implemented with purpose. A merchant signing up for an app doesn’t always know what to build or how to get started. That’s where partners come in.
When agencies and tech providers collaborate, merchants get solutions — not just software. And that’s what turns a tool into a long-term system that drives real results.
How agencies and platforms can collaborate better
Good partnerships don’t happen by accident. They start with shared goals, simple communication, and the right mix of expertise.
Align on problems, not just tools
Instead of leading with features, start by mapping friction. What’s repetitive? What’s inconsistent? What’s taking too much time?
Agencies understand the merchant’s day-to-day. Tech platforms and app developers understand what’s possible. When both sides share context, they can build systems that solve real problems instead of checking boxes.
Build automation into the plan, not as an afterthought
Don’t bolt automation onto the end of a project. Include it in the scoping process — whether it’s a new store build, a migration, or a retention strategy.
Examples:
- Automate product tagging during migration
- Set up VIP workflows as part of the loyalty launch
- Build fulfillment logic that triggers based on order contents
By planning early, you can tie automation to the broader strategy — and show clients how it supports their goals.
Choose tools built for partner collaboration
Some automation tools are easier to work with than others. Platforms like Arigato are built with partners in mind — offering no-code or low-code or fully DIY coded workflows, and a library of reusable templates.
You don’t need to wait for your developers to get started. You just need a clear goal and a tool that’s flexible enough to support the client’s needs without breaking when things scale.
What successful collaboration looks like
When agencies and platforms collaborate well, automation becomes more than a feature — it becomes a growth driver.
Turn workflows into ongoing value
Automation doesn’t end after setup. Once the core systems are in place, agencies can offer optimization, testing, and iteration as a service. This creates a recurring value stream — and deepens your role as a long-term partner.
Workflow reviews can be part of monthly check-ins or quarterly growth audits. Each improvement makes the store more efficient and the partnership more valuable.
Position your agency as proactive and strategic
Clients want partners who see around corners. When you surface opportunities to streamline and scale, you show that you’re not just delivering what they asked for — you’re helping them operate smarter.
That’s how agencies go from one-time builds to trusted advisors. Automation is a clear, high-impact way to get there.
Conclusion: ecommerce automation works best when we build it together
Brands shouldn’t be left to figure out automation alone. The best results come when agencies and tech platforms work side by side — mapping problems, building workflows, and turning complexity into clarity.
If you’re an agency or consultant helping brands grow, ecommerce automation shouldn’t sit on the sidelines. It should be baked into the work — right alongside design, dev, and strategy.
The tools are here. The need is clear. What’s missing is collaboration.
Ready to turn workflows into long-term wins? Let’s build something better — together.