Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pausing vs. Deactivating: Understand Your Options
- Steps to Disable Your Shopify Store
- Safeguarding Your Digital Assets
- FAQ Section
Introduction
Are you considering taking a break from your online business or permanently moving away from your Shopify store? There may be multiple reasons prompting you to step back: maybe it's a seasonal business, possibly you need a fresh start, or life's curveballs are leading you in a different direction. Whatever the case, disabling your Shopify store is a straightforward process, and this blog post will guide you through it. We will cover everything from the implications of pausing over deactivating your store to ensuring a smooth transition. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of the steps to take and the factors to consider before making your final decision.
Pausing vs. Deactivating: Understand Your Options
Before you disable your Shopify store, it’s essential to recognize the difference between pausing and deactivating your store, as they have different outcomes and may influence your decision.
Pausing Your Shopify Store
Pausing your store with the "Pause and Build" plan is an ideal solution if you're planning to return to your business after a temporary break. This plan reduces your Shopify subscription fee to a minimal $9 USD per month. During this period, customers can view your products but purchasing capabilities are disabled. Your store remains accessible to you, so you can make necessary adjustments or updates behind the scenes.
Here’s what you can do while your store is paused:
- Access the Shopify admin.
- Edit and organize your products.
- Customize themes and create a password protection page if you’re not displaying products.
However, certain features are not available on this plan:
- Checkout functionalities.
- Point of Sale (POS).
- Discount applications.
- Recovery of abandoned checkouts.
- Utilization of gift cards.
- Visibility through third-party integrations like Facebook and Google.
When you decide it's time to resume business, simply log into your admin panel and choose a new Shopify plan to reactivate the checkout functionality.
Deactivating Your Shopify Store
On the other hand, deactivating your store means genuinely saying goodbye. When you cancel your subscription, you'll lose access to your Shopify admin. If you change your mind, the only way to get back in business is by entering new payment details to reactivate your account. You will need to transfer any domains you wish to keep using or wait until Shopify's 90-day security period concludes if you transfer to a non-HTTPS platform.
Consider these points before deactivation:
- Ensure any outstanding bills or other financial obligations are settled.
- Decide what store information or digital assets you want to retain.
- Think about your existing customer orders and your approach towards incomplete transactions.
Steps to Disable Your Shopify Store
When the difference between pausing and completely deactivating your store is clear, follow these steps according to your chosen path:
To Pause Your Store:
- Visit your Shopify admin dashboard.
- Click on 'Settings,' then 'Plan and permissions.'
- Opt for the "Pause and Build" plan, review the terms, and confirm the switch.
To Deactivate Your Store:
- Navigate to the 'Settings' menu within your Shopify admin.
- Select 'Plan and permissions' and scroll down to find the 'Deactivate store' option.
- You’ll be prompted to give a reason for store deactivation ahead of a final confirmation.
Keep in mind that once these actions are taken, Shopify will retain your store data for two years.
Safeguarding Your Digital Assets
Whether you’re pausing or deactivating your store, it’s critical to protect your digital presence. Does your store have a custom domain? Plan ahead to transfer this domain to prevent losing it upon deactivation. Also, remember to backup any crucial business information prior to shutting down the storefront.
FAQ Section
How do I regain access to my Shopify admin after pausing?
When you’re ready to come back, simply select a new plan from your Shopify admin to restart full store functionality, and any password protection can be lifted.
Will I still be charged for Shopify after deactivation?
Once deactivated, your Shopify subscription is terminated; you won't receive any new invoices from Shopify itself. However, confirm that all third-party app charges or external services are also canceled.
What happens to my domain if I deactivate my Shopify store?
If you've purchased your domain through Shopify, you'll need to transfer it to another registrar or ensure its DNS settings will connect to your new platform.
Can I reactivate my Shopify store once it’s deactivated?
Yes, your information is stored for two years after deactivation, providing you with the opportunity to resume operations should you choose.
How can I make sure my customer experience isn’t affected if I pause or deactivate my store?
Communicate clearly with your customers about the changes. Update your storefront with relevant messages or explanations if it remains visible in paused mode, and honor any existing commitments regarding orders and refunds accordingly.
Closing or pausing your Shopify store is a significant decision impacting your business trajectory. While the process itself is relatively smooth, your due diligence beforehand will help facilitate a transition that respects your customers and your brand. Consider the implications, prepare adequately, and choose the timeline that works best for you—ensuring that whether you're hitting pause or stop, the impact on your digital journey is optimal.
