Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparing to Cancel Your Shopify Plan
- How to Cancel Your Shopify Subscription
- What to Do After Cancellation
- Considering Alternatives: Pausing Your Shopify Store
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Introduction
Did you know that the flexibility of Shopify's platform extends well beyond creating and managing an online store? Understanding how to navigate the different aspects of your Shopify plan, including how to cancel it should you need to, is essential for any savvy store owner. This guide will help you through the process of Shopify plan cancellation, ensuring you're well-equipped to make the change without hassle.
If you've decided to close your store or simply take a break, Shopify offers a straightforward way to cancel your plan. We'll cover everything from the necessary preparation before cancellation to the step-by-step process itself. Plus, we'll delve into alternatives that might suit your situation better, like pausing your store. By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of your options regarding your Shopify plan and how to execute them efficiently.
Preparing to Cancel Your Shopify Plan
Before you dive into canceling your Shopify plan, here are key things to keep in mind:
Settle Any Outstanding Charges
Before you can cancel your plan, ensure that all outstanding charges, bills, or fees on your account are taken care of. Outstanding bills left unpaid can lead to further bills, even after the cancellation has taken effect.
Back-Up Your Store Data
Consider saving a copy of your store's data before cancellation. You might need this data for future reference, or should you decide to reopen or start a new store. Store data such as customer lists, product information, and past orders can be exported as CSV files for safekeeping.
Handle Third-Party Applications and Subscriptions
Deactivating your Shopify account does not automatically cancel third-party apps that you may have subscribed to through Shopify’s App Store. Ensure you cancel these subscriptions to avoid continued billing.
Domain-Related Considerations
If you have a custom domain that was purchased through Shopify, make sure you transfer it prior to cancelling if you plan to reuse it. Forgetting this can cause complications, or even the loss of your domain name.
Think Twice About Permanence
Before confirming the cancellation, consider whether you simply need a temporary break. Shopify offers options like pausing your store which allows you much-needed flexibility without complete cancellation.
How to Cancel Your Shopify Subscription
If you're certain that cancelling your Shopify plan is the right move, follow these steps:
- Log into your Shopify admin dashboard.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and then to the ‘Plan’ section.
- Here, you will find options regarding your current subscription plan. If your decision is final, select "Cancel subscription" or "Close store".
It's critical to read through and understand the implications of each step in the cancellation process, from losing access to your admin panel to the permanency of your data being archived.
What to Do After Cancellation
Once you cancel your Shopify subscription:
- Access to your store is restricted—Shopify retains your store data for a period which can come in handy should you decide to resume selling within a specified time.
- You won't be billed for any recurring Shopify subscription charges moving forward. Do verify in the following days to ensure your account closure has processed correctly and that no additional charges occur.
Considering Alternatives: Pausing Your Shopify Store
Should you reconsider the complete cancellation of your store, you have the option to pause your subscription instead. This can be achieved with Shopify's Pause and Build plan, which reduces your monthly fees while allowing you to access and edit your store. Although the checkout will be inactive, you can continue building and modifying your shop without the full expense of the monthly plan.
FAQ Section
Q: What happens to my custom domain if I cancel my Shopify plan? A: If your custom domain is registered through Shopify, you'll need to transfer it before cancelling, or you risk losing control over the domain.
Q: Can I re-open my store after cancelling my Shopify plan? A: Shopify stores can often be re-opened within a certain time frame after cancellation by re-subscribing to a plan. However, it's not guaranteed indefinitely, so it's better to pause rather than cancel if you're uncertain.
Q: Will Shopify retain my store data after I cancel? A: Yes, Shopify retains your store's data for a limited time post-cancellation. This is intended to give you a grace period should you decide to resume selling.
Q: I have outstanding orders; can I still cancel my Shopify plan? A: Ideally, you should fulfill all orders before cancellation to avoid leaving your customers unsatisfied. This is also true for any ongoing obligations such as returns or exchanges.
Q: If I'm paused on the Pause and Build plan, can I still cancel later? A: Yes. You can cancel your Shopify plan anytime during the Pause and Build plan if you decide that you no longer wish to continue your store.
Conclusion
Cancelling your Shopify plan is a decisive step that requires careful consideration. Ensure you've taken all necessary actions, like paying outstanding fees and backing up data, before going through with the cancellation. Remember that pausing your plan might be the better option if you foresee a chance of return to eCommerce. Whatever your choice, this guide aims to streamline the process, providing clarity and direction every step of the way.
Explore these steps and considerations carefully, and choose the course of action that best aligns with your current business strategy and future intent.
