The Ultimate Guide on How to Test Buy on Shopify: Ensure Your Store's Success Before Going Live

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Test Orders
  3. How to Place a Test Order on Shopify
  4. FAQs
  5. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine launching your Shopify store, filled with excitement, only to discover that your checkout process has glitches, leading to frustrated customers and lost sales. This scenario is not only disappointing but entirely avoidable. How? By conducting test purchases on your Shopify store. This step is crucial, not just for new store setups but also whenever you make changes to your payment settings. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of how to test buy on Shopify, ensuring your store operates smoothly from day one. By the end of this read, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to conduct thorough test buys, covering various payment methods and scenarios, thus securing your store's integrity and your customers' satisfaction.

The Importance of Test Orders

Why bother with test orders? The answer lies in the purpose they serve: they are your best defense against unforeseen issues affecting your customers' purchasing experience. Test orders help you:

  • Verify the correctness of your checkout process, order processing, inventory, shipping, email notifications, and taxes.
  • Ensure all setups are correctly configured before going live.
  • Avoid unnecessary charges, as test orders do not incur costs.
  • Identify and fix any potential issues, ranging from payment processing to how tax is calculated on different shipping addresses.

How to Place a Test Order on Shopify

Shopify's Bogus Gateway

One of the simplest ways to simulate a transaction is using Shopify's Bogus Gateway. It's designed for stores under any plan, allowing you to create mock orders without actual financial transactions. Here's how to leverage the Bogus Gateway:

  1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Payments.

  2. Activate the (for testing) Bogus Gateway.

  3. Place an order as if you were a customer. When prompted for payment details, you can simulate different transaction outcomes depending on the information entered:

    • Successful transaction: Use "1" as the card number.
    • Failed transaction: Enter "2".
    • Error from the provider: Use "3".

After testing, remember to deactivate the Bogus Gateway to prevent real customers from seeing it as a payment option.

Shopify Payments Test Mode

If you're using Shopify Payments, benefit from its test mode. This feature allows you to simulate payments without real transactions. While in test mode, use specific test credit card numbers provided by Shopify to simulate various outcomes, including successful and failed transactions. Important to note, when test mode is activated, real credit card transactions cannot be processed, so ensure it's turned off before launching your store.

Real Transaction Testing

For a comprehensive evaluation, consider placing an order with a real transaction using your actual payment provider. This method helps you experience the process exactly as your customers would. Afterward, immediately cancel and refund the order to avoid unnecessary charges. Be aware, though, some payment processor fees may not be refundable.

Testing in Different Scenarios

Creating a robust test encompasses more than just making a single purchase. Consider these scenarios to ensure thorough testing:

  • Apply a discount code to check if it correctly adjusts the order total.
  • Test purchases by logging into a customer account and as a guest.
  • Evaluate multiple payment methods if available.
  • Verify correct shipping rates are displayed and taxes are accurately calculated.
  • Make test purchases using different devices, like desktop and mobile, to ensure responsiveness.
  • Simulate a failed transaction to observe how your store handles it.

Post-Test Order Review

After placing a test order, examine these areas carefully:

  • Order Notifications: Confirm that the order confirmation email looks as expected. Customize your email templates if necessary.
  • Fulfillment Process: Manual or automated, ensure the process flows smoothly.
  • Shipping Notifications: Adding tracking information should trigger a shipping notification to the customer.
  • Refund Process: Test both full and partial refunds to ensure they work as intended.

FAQs

Can I perform a test buy while my Shopify site is under password protection?

Yes, conducting test buys while your site is password protected is a wise move, ensuring everything is set before your store goes live.

How do payments work when testing with real transactions?

When testing with real transactions, funds will temporarily leave your account until you process a refund. Always check with your payment provider for specifics on fees and refund policies.

Are there any costs associated with placing test orders?

Test orders made through Shopify's Bogus Gateway or the Shopify Payments test mode incur no charges. However, testing with real transactions may involve temporary charges until refunded.

Can test orders affect my inventory or financial reports?

Test orders should not impact your inventory or financial reports, especially if using the Bogus Gateway or test mode. Remember to cancel any real transaction test orders to maintain accurate records.

Conclusion

Testing your Shopify store with both simulated and real transactions is a crucial step in ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers. By thoroughly exploring different scenarios and reviewing all aspects of the order process, you can launch with confidence, knowing your store is ready to meet your customers' needs effectively. With the insights provided in this guide, you're now equipped to perform comprehensive test buys, laying the foundation for your store's success.