Nick, our support hero atSyncer® (and DMWS and Plus+ ;),isn't meeting with any new faces this time. On the contrary: he's talking to two customers he's known for years. First, throughDMWSwith aLightspeed shop. Then they used thePlus+ dashboard, which gave them access to handy apps and add-ons to get the most out of Lightspeed. Now they're back, this time with a detour.
Where it all began
Nick: It almost feels like we're back to square one, but in a new phase. You've been a customer for years. How do you look back on the early days with Lightspeed?
Tim: "That was a great time for me. The Plus+ dashboard allowed us to expand our shop with apps and add-ons that made Lightspeed smarter. That really allowed us to get the most out of it. It gave us control and overview."
Sanne: "Yes, I can relate. Lightspeed was a logical choice at the time: Dutch, familiar, and we could easily add functionality through Plus+. But honestly, after a few years it started to feel restrictive. I ran into limitations that I couldn't overcome even with Plus+."
The feeling that you have 'outgrown'
Nick: “When did you realize that Lightspeed wasn't a good fit anymore?”
Customer 1: At some point, you realize your ambitions are outpacing the platform. New integrations, scalability, customization—it all became increasingly difficult. I felt like we'd outgrown the system.
Customer 2: For me, it was more about flexibility. You want to further develop and differentiate your shop, but you run into obstacles. We persevered for a long time thanks to Plus+, and even had the design updated once, but ultimately, the limitations outweighed the benefits.
Meeting Nick again, but now at Syncer®
Nick (smiles): "And then you found Shopify. Coincidentally, you also found me through Syncer®. How did that feel?"
Tim: Honestly? I was skeptical at first. Especially when we got both Roy and Roel on the phone—huh, aren't they from DMWS too? Besides, Shopify isn't a Dutch company, and I wondered if that would become distant. But because you were involved, it felt familiar. The idea that Syncer® would guide the transition gave me peace of mind.
Sanne: Exactly. The migration went smoothly. And the funny thing was: we never actually discussed switching during the Lightspeed period, but it felt good that we were finally back with you and Syncer®.
The maze of external parties and AI
Nick: I often hear that entrepreneurs get lost in advice. How did that go for you?
Sanne: That was a real challenge. We collaborated with several external parties, and everyone had a different opinion. One party recommended this, another that. Sometimes the advice simply clashed. That caused a lot of frustration.
Tim: On top of that, this year saw the onslaught of AI. Tools were being pushed everywhere:try this, use that, let AI shape your strategy. Before I knew it, I was stuck in a maze of dashboards and was becoming less and less focused on the core: running the shop. AI felt more like noise than help.
Nick: “I hear that often: AI can be fantastic, but without direction you will actually move further away from your goal.”
Being heard and supported
Tim: The difference Syncer® makes is that I feel heard. You truly listen to the situation and build a suitable model around it. I can now take advantage of a subscription that includes service, support, minor customizations, and maintenance. No individual hours or constant quotes, just clarity.
Sanne: "That gives me peace of mind. Small adjustments, questions, or maintenance no longer have to wait or be billed separately. It feels like there's always someone there to keep an eye on things."
A community of partners
Nick: “And how do you experience the collaboration with our network of partners?”
Sanne: That's perhaps the biggest advantage. I used to get conflicting advice from various parties. Now I notice that you work with partners who are on the same page. Whether it's marketing, payments, integrations, or webshop software: it feels like a coordinated whole.
Tim: "Yes, that makes a huge difference. My previous marketing partner, for example, had never worked with Shopify. Then you get advice that simply doesn't fit. Now I notice that all the links are better connected. It feels more like a community that strengthens each other, instead of separate islands."
From uncertainty to trust
Nick: “Looking back, how does it feel now compared to a year ago?”
Tim: Much calmer. Where I used to be afraid of making the wrong choices, I now know there's a safety net. I have the time to think about my clients again instead of technical hassles.
Sanne: "I feel like I've gained more control. Not just because of Shopify itself, but also because of the way you're involved and involve the right partners. It feels like collaboration instead of struggle."
Lessons for other entrepreneurs
Use platforms as long as they're compatible.Lightspeed, combined with Plus+, offered value for years, but growth sometimes necessitates a switch. If you don't have dedicated developers or a suitable partner to maintain your WooCommerce or Magento store, consider a SAAS platform.
Find partners who listen.Not just technical expertise, but also commitment and continuity make the difference.
Don't get lost in AI hype.Tools are useful, but without direction, you'll lose sight of the core.
Choose predictability.A subscription that includes service, support, and maintenance provides peace of mind.
Build a community of specialists.Aligned partners deliver far more value than disparate parties with conflicting advice.
Switching from one platform to another is daunting for many entrepreneurs. It requires choices, creates uncertainty, and there are always external opinions. But with a dedicated partner like Syncer® and a network of aligned partners, the journey feels less like a leap into the unknown and more like a logical next step.
Or, as one of the customers put it: "At first, we got caught in a maze of advice and AI tools. Now it feels like everything is working out again."
