Productive.io Alternative for Ecommerce Agencies
Ecommerce agencies handle a mix of store build projects, ongoing optimization retainers, and multi-channel management that requires both project and retainer billing. Productive.io provides resource planning and budgeting but can't handle the milestone billing ecommerce builds need, the recurring invoicing ongoing retainers require, or the client-facing approvals that ecommerce merchants expect at every stage. Its per-seat pricing and complex onboarding further strain agencies that need to move fast and stay lean.
If you're a E-commerce agency looking for an alternative to Productive.io, you're not alone. Many E-commerce teams switch when they outgrow Productive's capabilities — particularly around expensive per-seat pricing that scales poorly. AgencyPro is purpose-built for agencies like yours, combining project management, client portals, and billing into one platform.
Why E-commerce Agencies Struggle with Productive.io
Productive.io can't handle milestone billing for ecommerce store builds — deposit, design approval, development complete, launch — which is standard in the industry
No client portal means ecommerce merchants can't review design mockups, approve product page layouts, or track project progress without constant email updates
The combination of project work (store builds) and retainer work (ongoing optimization) requires billing flexibility that Productive's basic invoicing doesn't support
No CRM means ecommerce agencies track leads from Shopify partner directories and referrals in a separate tool disconnected from project delivery
Why E-commerce Agencies Switch to AgencyPro
Milestone Billing for Store Builds
Structure ecommerce projects with payment milestones — deposit at signing, payment at design approval, payment at staging review, final payment at launch. AgencyPro generates invoices automatically at each milestone when the client approves. Productive.io's flat invoicing doesn't support the phased billing model that ecommerce store builds universally require.
Client Portal for Merchant Approvals
Share wireframes, design mockups, staging site previews, and product page layouts with ecommerce clients for review and formal approval. Clients see project progress, provide feedback, and sign off on deliverables through a branded portal. Productive.io forces all merchant communication and approvals through email.
Mixed Project and Retainer Billing
Handle one-time store build invoicing and ongoing monthly retainer billing for the same client. Many ecommerce agencies build a store (project) then manage it ongoing (retainer). AgencyPro supports both billing models simultaneously per client. Productive.io struggles with this billing duality.
CRM for Ecommerce Agency Growth
Track leads from Shopify partner directories, referral networks, and inbound inquiries through AgencyPro's native CRM. Manage proposals, close deals, and convert them into active projects without switching tools. Productive.io has no CRM, which disconnects your business development from your delivery operations.
AgencyPro vs Productive.io: Key Feature Comparison
Ecommerce Project Templates
Pre-built templates for store builds, migrations, redesigns, and optimization projects with phases, tasks, and approval gates for each stage.
Merchant Approval Portal
Share design mockups, staging environments, and product page layouts for client review and formal sign-off through a branded portal.
Hybrid Billing Engine
Handle milestone-based project billing and monthly retainer invoicing for the same client within one unified billing system.
Ecommerce CRM Pipeline
Track agency leads, manage proposals, and forecast revenue with a pipeline built for ecommerce agency business development.
Scope Change Tracking
Log additional feature requests and customization work as change orders with cost estimates for client approval before work begins.
Client Profitability Analysis
Track actual hours and costs vs estimates per ecommerce client to understand which accounts are profitable and which need renegotiation.
Key Features for E-commerce Agencies
Ecommerce Project Templates
Pre-built templates for store builds, migrations, redesigns, and optimization projects with phases, tasks, and approval gates for each stage.
Merchant Approval Portal
Share design mockups, staging environments, and product page layouts for client review and formal sign-off through a branded portal.
Hybrid Billing Engine
Handle milestone-based project billing and monthly retainer invoicing for the same client within one unified billing system.
Ecommerce CRM Pipeline
Track agency leads, manage proposals, and forecast revenue with a pipeline built for ecommerce agency business development.
Scope Change Tracking
Log additional feature requests and customization work as change orders with cost estimates for client approval before work begins.
Client Profitability Analysis
Track actual hours and costs vs estimates per ecommerce client to understand which accounts are profitable and which need renegotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AgencyPro handle both store build projects and ongoing retainers for the same ecommerce client?
Yes. You can run a milestone-based store build project and a monthly optimization retainer for the same client simultaneously. Each has its own billing structure — milestones for the build, recurring invoicing for the retainer — with unified client visibility through their portal. Productive.io doesn't handle this billing duality well.
How do ecommerce clients review and approve designs in AgencyPro?
Upload wireframes, mockups, and staging site links to the client portal. Merchants review deliverables, leave feedback, and formally approve each phase before your team proceeds. Every approval is timestamped for accountability. Productive.io has no client approval workflow, so ecommerce agencies rely on email-based sign-offs that frequently create disputes.
Does AgencyPro include a CRM for tracking ecommerce agency leads?
Yes. AgencyPro has a native CRM with pipeline management for tracking leads from Shopify partner programs, referral networks, and inbound inquiries. Manage proposals, follow up on prospects, and convert won deals into active projects. Productive.io has no sales pipeline features, requiring a separate CRM tool.
How does AgencyPro's pricing compare to Productive.io for an ecommerce agency?
AgencyPro uses flat-tier pricing rather than per-seat billing. Ecommerce agencies typically employ developers, designers, project managers, and QA specialists, plus freelancers for specific builds. Adding all these team members to Productive.io at per-seat rates gets expensive quickly. AgencyPro keeps costs predictable regardless of team size.
Switching from Productive.io Is Easier Than You Think
Switching from Productive.io to AgencyPro is straightforward. Our team helps migrate your projects, client data, and workflows so nothing falls through the cracks. Most E-commerce teams are fully operational within a week.
Productive.io Alternatives for Other Industries
Other Alternatives for E-commerce Agencies
Learn more about AgencyPro for E-commerce Agencies
View the E-commerce Agencies use case page →Build and Manage Ecommerce Stores Without the Tool Tax
AgencyPro gives ecommerce agencies milestone billing, client approval portals, and CRM that Productive.io can't deliver — at a price that scales with you.