CODEWITHSUNDEEP
bigcommerce
newb
newb

Reputation: 115

BigCommerce Requirements to "Join the Technology Partner Program"

I want to write an app for BigCommerce. On the BigCommerce developer website, it says

"Before you begin, you’ll need a sandbox store. BigCommerce offers app developers free sandbox stores through its Technology Partner Program. To get your sandbox store, apply to become a BigCommerce Technology Partner. To be approved as a partner, you will need:

I have written code to modify themes using trial stores in the past without being a partner. (That is not what I am trying to do here, I did that in the past. I am trying to write an app, ANY app. I made the statement about modifying themes with a trial store to emphasize the fact that I know that I can do that and I am assuming that the sandbox store has other capabilities like the ability to access the control panel code.) As far as I can see, an app will need to integrate with the control panel code that I cannot see from just having a store. So, I am assuming that the sandbox store issued when approved as a partner will have this capability.

I sent an email to BigCommerce asking about the approval requirements and their reply was this.

“you must prove that you are an application developer. This consists of a website where you showcase the functionality and current companies that are possibly using your app.

If you have issue with the requirement to be approved as a partner you will need to speak with the team that does the approvals. [email protected]”

This reply came from [email protected]. Why wasn't my email forwarded to [email protected] to begin with so I could get a more comprehensive answer? I did forward it to them and I am still waiting for an answer.

I am confused about this requirement. I want to write a BigCommerce app. Are they saying that I cannot write a BigCommerce app unless I have written a BigCommerce app before? Are they saying that I have to have written other apps in general? If I write a great app, why would it matter if it is my first?

After I write the app, I can set up a webpage for it and submit it for approval.

How can I "showcase the functionality and current companies that are possibly using your(my) app" when it is an app specifically written for BigCommerce?

I cannot write the app unless I understand how to integrate it with BigCommerce. As far as I can see, I cannot understand how to integrate it with BigCommerce unless I am a partner.

Am I missing something here? Is there some other way to approach this?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 418

Answers (1)

John Nichols
John Nichols

Reputation: 31

Sr Marketplace Mgr for BigCommerce here. I think there are a few items of clarification I can offer:

  • You do not have to have an existing BigCommerce app to be approved for a partnership. You do however need some evidence of your existing work. If you don't have a portfolio, website, or other examples of your development work, it's difficult for our Partners team to determine if you're a qualified developer.

  • Partner apps will not have access to modify the BC control panel or core code. Apps must use our public APIs to work with a BC user's data or settings. Any settings that are in the CP but not in our APIs can't be modified directly via an app.

  • Any storefront changes - such as an edit to a BC theme to display weight in two different units - would have to be done using HTML/CSS/JS in the theme itself. We don't have an API for programmatically changing a storefront theme at this time.

  • If any of your questions for BigCommerce involve your app or app development, you'll need to direct them to my team at [email protected]. Directing questions regarding your app to [email protected] will be forwarded to my team. That channel is primarily for questions around the Partners program in general, and won't be able to provide detailed support on the app developer program.

Hopefully this clears up some of your confusion, please reach out to me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to respond myself if you need more info.

Cheers - John

Upvotes: 2

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