Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pausing Vs. Deactivating: What's the Difference?
- How to Pause Your Shopify Store
- How to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
- Customizing Your Theme to Inform Customers
- Reopening Your Store
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Imagine launching your online store, filled with excitement about the prospects of your new business venture, only to realize you need to make some significant changes or halt sales temporarily. Whether it's due to inventory issues, a need for website updates, or various other reasons, there might come a time when you need to make your Shopify store not live, without fully taking down your site. In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the steps you can take to effectively pause or deactivate your Shopify store, keeping it accessible to you for behind-the-scenes work but not visible or operational to the public. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of the different options available to you, how to execute them, and the implications of each choice.
Pausing Vs. Deactivating: What's the Difference?
Before we dive into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the difference between pausing and deactivating your Shopify store. Pausing your store allows you to take a break from selling or to work on your store without closing it completely. You'll still have access to your admin and be able to make necessary changes, but customers won't be able to make purchases. On the other hand, deactivating your store is a more permanent solution. It's essentially closing your store and ending your subscription with Shopify, removing your access to the Shopify admin.
How to Pause Your Shopify Store
The Pause and Build Plan
Shopify offers a 'Pause and Build' plan aimed at store owners who wish to take a break from selling but still want to work on their store. This option comes at a reduced cost compared to the standard plans and is ideal for seasonal stores or those undergoing major updates. However, you should note:
- Your checkout will be deactivated, preventing any purchases.
- You can edit your products and access the admin area.
- Your monthly fee will be lowered to a nominal charge of $9 USD.
- Certain functionalities like POS, discounts, and third-party integrations will be paused.
Steps to Pausing Your Store
- Log into your Shopify admin.
- Navigate to 'Settings' followed by 'Plan and permissions.'
- In the 'Store status' section, select 'Pause Store.'
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your action.
How to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
Preliminary Considerations
Before deciding to deactivate your store, consider the following:
- Backup important information and store assets you may need in the future.
- Review your financial obligations and resolve any outstanding issues.
- Think about the impact on customers, especially those with unfulfilled orders.
Steps to Deactivation
- Log into your Shopify admin.
- Go to 'Settings,' then 'Plan and permissions.'
- In the 'Store status' section, select 'Deactivate store.'
- Provide a reason for deactivation and follow the prompts to confirm.
Customizing Your Theme to Inform Customers
If you're pausing your store and want to leave a message for your visitors, consider customizing your theme to:
- Hide product prices and the 'Add to cart' button.
- Use a password page to restrict access, adding a custom message about your pause.
- Remember to customize your theme's settings to adjust these elements.
Reopening Your Store
Should you decide to reactivate your Shopify store after pausing, you'll need to select a new Shopify plan. Simply log into your admin, choose a plan that fits your needs, and you'll be back in business. If your store was under a password, ensure to remove it to make your store live to the public again.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to take a temporary break or need to end your Shopify venture, it's clear that Shopify provides flexible options to cater to various needs. By following the steps described, you can confidently make your store not live, providing you the space to make necessary adjustments or close your store. It's a process that respects both the store owner's and customers' needs, ensuring a seamless transition for any changes your business undergoes.
FAQ
Q: If I pause my store, will I still be charged by Shopify? A: Yes, but at a reduced rate. The Pause and Build plan charges a minimal fee of $9 USD per month.
Q: Can I access my Shopify admin if I deactivate my store? A: No, deactivating your store ends your subscription with Shopify, thus removing your access to the admin area.
Q: What happens to my domain if I deactivate my store? A: If you bought your domain through Shopify, it might be eligible for transfer to another provider. Otherwise, you'll lose access to the domain if it's directly tied to your Shopify account.
Q: Can I still process returns or refunds if my store is paused? A: While checkout is deactivated, you should still be able to manage returns or refunds through your admin as needed.
Q: What should I do with third-party apps if I pause or deactivate my store? A: You might continue to be billed for third-party apps unless you cancel them separately, even if your store is paused.
