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How To Cancel A Shopify Store
Last modified: May 2, 2024
If you should need to stop your Shopify account for any reason there are two options available: you can pause your store temporarily or close the store completely.
This can be a lengthy process, as you might need to contact any third party services (like app developers) to ensure that their services also get canceled. Otherwise, you could be liable for the bills of their services under contracts you agree with when taking on their app.
Once you’ve paused/closed your store, you will have a final invoice from Shopify that will inform you of any final fees that you will have to pay. If there are no fees, you will not receive an invoice.
Pausing Your Shopify Store
This is when your Shopify checkout is disabled, but your store is active in other ways. This is good if there has been a major change that prevents you from servicing customers (i.e. a natural disaster, fire, damage to property, etc.). Customers will be able to visit and navigate your website and you can make changes.
When you’re ready to start selling again, you can unpause your store at any time and choose a new Shopify pricing plan.
Step 1 – Login To Your Shopify Store
Using your Shopify user credentials, login to your Shopify dashboard.
Step 2 – Account Settings
Click on the ‘Settings’ option and then ‘Account’.
Step 3 - Pause
Find the option that says ‘Pause Your Store’, click on ‘Pause Store’. A dialogue box will appear that explains everything that happens while your store is paused.
Confirm your acceptance by clicking on ‘Pause store’.
Your store will be paused and you’ll be charged a reduced price.
Close Your Shopify Store
You can choose to close your online store whenever you want. When you make that decision and complete the process, you will no longer have access to your Shopify admin. You will be able to login, but to make changes to your store, you will need to re-activate your store.
Step 1 – Login To Your Shopify Store
Using your Shopify user credentials, login to your Shopify dashboard.
Step 2 – Account Settings
Click on the ‘Settings’ option and then the ‘Account’.
Step 3 – Close
In the store status section, find the option that reads, ‘Close Your Store’. Click on the ‘Close Store’ option. You will then be asked to enter in your password and then you will have to select a reason from the drop-down menu and confirm by clicking ‘Close my store’.
Additional Insights on Canceling Shopify Store
Considerations Before Canceling
Before making the final decision to close your Shopify store, it’s crucial to weigh all options. Pausing might be a viable alternative if you’re unsure about the future. This way, you can resume operations without starting from scratch.
Understanding the Implications
Canceling your Shopify store has ripple effects. It’s not just about stopping the monthly fees. You must settle any outstanding charges, and remember to cancel third-party apps to avoid extra costs.
Also, if you’ve collected valuable data, consider exporting it for future use.
Domain Matters
If you’ve used a custom domain for your Shopify store, you’ll need to decide its fate. Whether you’ve acquired it through Shopify or another provider, understanding how to transfer, reuse, or disconnect it is essential.
Alternative Options to Canceling Shopify Store
Selling Your Store
If you’ve built a brand or have consistent sales, consider selling your store through third-party marketplaces or directly to potential buyers, turning your efforts into a profitable exit.
Trying a Different Platform
If your reason for leaving is platform-specific challenges, explore other eCommerce platforms. Some offer different features or pricing structures that might better suit your needs.
Pausing Instead of Closing
Pausing your store is a middle-ground solution. It reduces your monthly charges and keeps your store data intact. Customers can view products, but they can’t make purchases. It’s a way to take a break without fully committing to closing.
Considerations for Store Setup
When creating an online store on Shopify, it’s important to consider how your initial setup and configuration choices may impact the process of canceling a store down the line. For instance, considerations for duplicating or backing up a store can have implications for your decision to change or add another store name on Shopify later on.
Furthermore, taking the time to create an attractive store design and layout and following eCommerce store setup guide can increase the chances of finding a buyer if you eventually decide to sell your store instead of canceling it outright.
Careful planning and consideration of your long-term goals during the store setup and configuration phase can make the cancellation or transition process smoother if the need arises.
Conclusion: How To Cancel A Shopify Store
Shopify will save your store for 30 days after you confirm that you want to close it. Your data and configurations will be preserved. Therefore, if you change your mind within 30 days, nothing will be lost. However, lots of activities will need to be done if you go past this, like customers will need to reset their passwords.
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Can I transfer my store to another account instead of canceling?
Yes, you can transfer the ownership of your Shopify store to another account. Ensure the new owner has an active Shopify account and follow the store transfer process within the Shopify admin settings.
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Will I get a refund for the unused days if I cancel my subscription?
Yes, many companies offer prorated refunds for unused days when you cancel a subscription. However, it’s essential to check the specific refund policy of the service provider to confirm.
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What happens to my store’s data after I cancel my Shopify account?
When you cancel your Shopify account, your store’s data is stored for a short period before being permanently deleted. During this time, you won’t be able to access your data unless you reactivate your account.
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