How Can I Cancel My Shopify Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Pausing vs. Deactivating Your Shopify Store
  3. Considerations Before Making a Decision
  4. Reactivating Your Store
  5. FAQ

Have you ever found yourself wondering how to take a break from or completely close down your Shopify store without getting tangled in a web of confusion? You're not alone. Many entrepreneurs face this question at some point in their journey. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about pausing or deactivating your Shopify store, ensuring you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

Introduction

Did you know that Shopify, one of the leading e-commerce platforms worldwide, offers options for merchants to pause or even deactivate their store? This can be a crucial feature for business owners facing unexpected challenges or those who need to take a step back to reassess their business strategies. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to effectively manage your store's status on Shopify, whether you're considering a temporary pause or seeking to deactivate your account entirely. We'll cover the procedures, the prerequisites, and even the considerations to keep in mind before making such a significant decision. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of controlling your Shopify store's future.

Pausing vs. Deactivating Your Shopify Store

Before we dive into the "how," it's essential to distinguish between pausing and deactivating your Shopify store since each option has its pathway and consequences.

Pausing Your Shopify Store

Pausing your store is akin to putting it in hibernation. Shopify's "Pause and Build" plan lets you take a breather from selling while still accessing your Shopify admin to make necessary adjustments and improvements at a reduced cost of just $9 USD per month. However, your online store's checkout is disabled, meaning customers can browse but not purchase products.

This option is particularly beneficial for seasonal stores or those undergoing a significant revamp of their product line or store design. Here are the steps to pause your store:

  1. Make sure you're past the free trial period and on a paid Shopify plan.
  2. Navigate to 'Settings' in your Shopify admin.
  3. Select 'Plan' and then 'Pause and Build.'
  4. Follow the prompts to confirm your decision.

Deactivating Your Shopify Store

Deactivating, on the other hand, is a more permanent decision. It involves cancelling your subscription and saying goodbye to your Shopify admin access. Before you proceed, Shopify urges store owners to consider several factors, like preserving information, settling financial obligations, and understanding the impact on customers with unfulfilled orders. To deactivate your store:

  1. Ensure all your bills with Shopify are paid.
  2. Remove any third-party apps and settle external subscriptions.
  3. Transfer or manage your custom domain as needed.
  4. In your Shopify admin, navigate to 'Settings,' then 'Plan,' and select 'Deactivate store.'
  5. Follow the steps to complete the deactivation process.

Considerations Before Making a Decision

Whether pausing or deactivating, several considerations must be taken into account to avoid future complications:

  • Financial Obligations: Ensure all outstanding fees, including third-party apps or services, are settled.
  • Store Information and Assets: Think about the data and content you want to preserve. Shopify guarantees the storage of your store's data for two years after deactivation.
  • Impact on Customers: Communicate clearly with your customers, especially if there are unfulfilled orders.
  • Custom Domain: If you have a custom domain, decide whether to transfer it to another platform or keep it for a future store.

Reactivating Your Store

Changed your mind? Reactivating a paused store is straightforward. Log in to your Shopify admin, select a new plan, and you're set to resume selling. Reopening a deactivated store, though slightly more complex, is still possible within two years of deactivation. Simply log back into Shopify, enter a valid payment method, and select a plan.

FAQ

Can I pause or cancel my Shopify store anytime?

Yes, you can pause or cancel your store anytime, provided you don't have outstanding Shopify bills.

Will I still be charged after pausing or deactivating my store?

If you pause your store under the "Pause and Build" plan, you'll be charged a reduced monthly fee. Deactivating your store cancels your charges, but remember, outstanding bills must be settled first.

Can I preserve my store's name and URL if I decide to deactivate?

Unfortunately, if you deactivate your store, you can't reuse its Shopify URL or store name if you decide to return later. Plan your decision with this in mind to avoid branding issues.

What happens to my store data after deactivation?

Shopify stores your data for two years, allowing you to reactivate and pick up where you left off. However, it's wise to back up vital information independently.

Making the decision to pause or cancel your Shopify store is significant but sometimes necessary. Whether it's to regroup and strategize or to close a chapter and start anew, understanding your options can make the process as smooth as possible. Remember, every end is a new beginning, and in the dynamic world of e-commerce, flexibility and adaptability are your greatest assets.