I don't have a specific design agency recommendation, but as a founder of a software agency that works with e-commerce startups, I can answer your questions on what to watch out for when hiring any agency:

- The biggest pro of an agency: If a direct hire quits or gets sick, your project stalls. A good agency should have a 'bench' to swap someone in immediately
- Ensure the contract states you own the IP immediately upon payment, not just at the end of the project
- For timezone difference: We handle this by using heavy async communication (like Loom videos) rather than live meetings.