How to Shut Down Your Shopify Store: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Considerations Before Deactivating Your Store
3. Steps to Cancel Your Shopify Store
4. Unsure? How to Pause Your Shopify Store
5. Alternative Options: Sell Your Store
6. FAQs About Shutting Down Your Shopify Store

Introduction

Did you know that more than 1.7 million businesses are currently using Shopify to sell online? This staggering number is indicative of the rise of the e-commerce ecosystem, where entrepreneurs from all walks of life create online storefronts to share their products and services. However, what happens when these entrepreneurs decide it’s time to move on or take a break? Whether due to market fluctuations, personal circumstances, or simply needing to explore different ventures, the decision to shut down a Shopify store can feel overwhelming.

At Tevello, we understand the emotional and logistical complexities involved in this decision. In this blog post, we aim to provide you with a detailed roadmap for how to navigate the process of shutting down your Shopify store, whether temporarily or permanently. We welcome you to consider how our all-in-one solution, specializing in online courses and community building, could offer new avenues for growth and connection in a constantly evolving landscape.

In our journey together, we’ll explore essential considerations before deactivating your store, the step-by-step process for closing it, and potential options for pausing your storefront. You’ll also find insights tied to our mission of empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience.

As we dive into the specifics, we invite you to reflect: What is your current state of your Shopify store? Are you contemplating closure, or is it time for a shift? Let’s embark on this important journey together.

Considerations Before Deactivating Your Store

Closing a Shopify store may seem straightforward, but many factors require careful thought before pressing the "deactivate" button. Here are several vital considerations to weigh before making this decision.

Retaining Store Information and Assets

One of the most crucial steps before deactivating a store is figuring out what information and assets you want to retain:

• Domain Names: If you’re using a custom domain for your Shopify store, you need to transfer it to a third-party domain provider. If you purchased the domain through Shopify, you'll need to ensure you complete this transfer before your store shuts down, as the domain will be tied to your Shopify account.
• Shopify Data Exports: Consider exporting your store data, including customer information, sales, inventory, and other essential records. This includes the ability to export orders and product lists in CSV format—a foundational step for future ventures.
• Themes and Customizations: If you've purchased themes for your store, you should download a backup of the theme to preserve your design customizations as they can only be used with the store you originally purchased them for.

Financial Obligations

It’s crucial to address all financial matters before deactivating your store:

• Pending Payments: Ensure that any outstanding Shopify Payments payouts are settled. Delaying consents related to payments can complicate your exit process.
• Third-Party Fees: If you're using third-party apps, make sure to cancel those subscriptions individually. Shopify does not automatically cancel these services during the store closing process.

Customer Considerations

Your existing customers will need to be taken into account:

• Unfulfilled Orders: Make arrangements for unfulfilled orders. If you have orders pending, especially for gift cards or subscriptions, communicating this with your customers is essential.
• Chargebacks: Understand that chargebacks could still be initiated by customers even after the store is deactivated, limiting your ability to manage customer disputes efficiently.

Domain and URL Implications

One critical aspect of closing your Shopify store is the impact on your domain:

• Domain Reuse: If you deactivate your store, you won't be able to create another store under the same myshopify.com domain name.
• HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): If you are moving your domain to a different platform, be aware of Shopify's HSTS policy, which remains in effect for 90 days post-deactivation. This policy can affect how your domain is perceived by browsers and users in those crucial days.

Emotional Preparedness

Beyond technical considerations, it's vital to prepare mentally and emotionally for the closure:

• Reflect on Reasons: Take the time to journal or voice your thoughts regarding the closure decision—whether it's temporary or permanent. Understanding your motivations can help you assess future opportunities and directions.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering merchants through periods of transition and exploration. If you are considering expansion beyond your current Shopify store, it may be worth exploring how Tevello can help you build and sell online courses, establishing deeper connections with your audience. Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how you can unlock new streams of revenue through courses and communities.

Steps to Cancel Your Shopify Store

Once you’ve taken a thorough inventory of your situation and made the necessary preparations, you can begin the process of deactivating your store. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Deactivating from the Desktop

1. Log into Shopify: Start by logging into your Shopify admin panel. This is where you manage all your store functionalities.
2. Access Settings: Navigate to the bottom left corner and select Settings.
3. Select Plan: Click on Plan in the Settings menu.
4. Cancel Subscription:
   • If you're still within the free trial period, click on Cancel trial.
   • If you're on a paid plan, then click on Cancel plan.
5. Review Options: Decide if you would like to switch to the Pause and Build plan, which will allow you to keep your store active at a lower cost but without the ability to sell. If you’re sure about deactivating, click on Cancel plan.
6. Select Reason for Deactivation: You’ll be prompted to give feedback on your closure. This is optional but can help Shopify improve its services.
7. Final Confirmation: After clicking Continue, you’ll need to enter your password to confirm the deactivation.
8. Click Deactivate Now: Your store is now deactivated! You will receive a confirmation email.

Deactivating from the Shopify Mobile App

1. Open the Mobile App: Log in to the Shopify app as the store owner.
2. Navigate to Settings: Tap the three dots at the bottom right (… > Settings).
3. Tap Plan: Select Plan from the list.
4. Cancel the Subscription: Similar to the desktop process, choose whether you're canceling a free trial or a paid plan and follow the prompts.
5. Feedback and Confirmation: Provide feedback if prompted, enter your password, and save your changes.

Important Notes

• Reactivate Your Store: If you decide to return within the two-year window, you can log back in and choose a new plan. Your store's information will be preserved, allowing for a smoother transition back to business.
• Consider Pausing Instead: If you're unsure about a complete shutdown, consider the Pause and Build plan that allows you to hold your store while maintaining access to your admin panel. This can be beneficial for updating your offerings or reducing overhead costs while preparing for future sales.

Learn about our simple, transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees for Tevello to see how we can offer you value during your business phases.

Unsure? How to Pause Your Shopify Store

For those who might need a break but aren’t ready to say goodbye completely, Shopify offers a Pause and Build option. This plan allows you to keep your online presence without the standard costs associated with a full Shopify plan.

Benefits of Pausing

• Reduced Cost: On the Pause and Build plan, you’ll only pay a minimal monthly fee while maintaining access to your store’s admin without the ability to sell.
• Easier Transition: You can take your time to refine your offerings or explore other options without the pressure of immediate decisions.

Steps to Pause Your Store

1. Login to your account: Just like before, use the admin panel for your Shopify store.
2. Settings Navigation: Go to Settings > Plan.
3. Select Pause and Build: Choose the option to switch to the Pause and Build plan during your cancellation process instead of fully deactivating.
4. Settle Outstanding Charges: Ensure that you've settled all your bills, as any dues need to be cleared before cutting down your operations.
5. Re-Open Your Store: When you’re ready to relaunch, you can easily reaccess your account by selecting a new plan and confirming your payment details.

At Tevello, we recognize the need for flexibility in business. If you're looking to expand your monetization strategies while navigating your business journey, we invite you to explore our powerful, all-in-one feature set for course creation, communities, and digital products—ensuring a user-friendly experience without the hassle of multiple platforms.

Alternative Options: Sell Your Store

If your Shopify store has valuable offerings, consider selling it rather than shutting it down completely. Though Shopify previously had its Exchange marketplace, several external platforms provide great alternatives:

• Flippa: A popular platform for buying and selling online businesses.
• Empire Flippers: This site connects buyers with established online businesses.

Before selling, remember to clean up any outstanding customer orders, finalize financial obligations, and prepare all necessary documentation.

FAQs About Shutting Down Your Shopify Store

How do I cancel my Shopify account?

To close your Shopify store and account, go to your admin page and select Settings > Plan. Click on Deactivate store, choose a reason for your closing, and confirm your password.

How do I remove my Shopify store and start over?

If you cancel your Shopify store account, you will lose your store name and URL forever. To do so, ensure it’s done via Settings > Plan. Click on Deactivate store, state your reason, and provide confirmation.

Can I permanently delete my Shopify account?

When you close your store, your store’s name and URL disappear, making it effectively deleted. Refer to the steps under How to Close (and Cancel) Your Shopify Store.

Will I be charged if I close my Shopify store?

If you owe any payments to Shopify, those must be cleared before you can finalize your closure. If you’re within a free trial period, canceling will not result in any charges.

We hope this comprehensive guide has demystified the process of shutting down your Shopify store and casting a light on your alternatives. If you're ready to rethink your approach and potentially explore empowering new revenue streams through creating online courses or digital products, we encourage you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today. Together, we can help you build meaningful connections that last.

Remember: In the journey of e-commerce, it's not about the closure—it's about the next step in your business evolution. Let’s explore the endless possibilities together!