Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparing to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
- Steps to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
- After Deactivation: What Happens Next?
- What to Consider Before Deactivation
- Conclusion
Introduction
Did you know that over 1.7 million merchants rely on Shopify to power their e-commerce businesses? With the rise of the creator economy and digital products, managing an online store can become overwhelming. There may come a time when we need to pause our commercial activities, whether to refocus our efforts or pivot to a new project. If you’re currently grappling with your Shopify store and contemplating its deactivation, it’s critical to tackle the process methodically to avoid unforeseen complications.
In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of deactivating your Shopify store. We’ll explore the importance of preparing for this transition, from preserving valuable data to fulfilling pending orders, as well as the steps necessary to stop your Shopify subscription effectively. Our approach here at Tevello is all about empowerment; we want to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your business.
As we navigate through the detailed guides and insights, we will also introduce how Tevello’s all-in-one solution can help Shopify merchants seamlessly transition to offering online courses and building engaged communities in the future. It’s a perfect way to reinforce your business strategy, regardless of your current Shopify status.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to deactivate your Shopify store while maximizing the retention of your business data and adhering to best practices.
Preparing to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
Before we jump into the steps of deactivating your store, it’s crucial to lay groundwork that ensures a smooth transition. Preparation can notably prevent unexpected fees, protect customer data, and give you peace of mind.
1. Backup Your Store Data
Your Shopify store likely contains integral data that you'd want to retain even after your store is deactivated. This includes customer details, sales records, product lists, and analytics. Here, we briefly outline how to back up vital aspects of your store:
- Orders: Go to the Orders page and click the Export button at the top right. Choose the format you prefer.
- Products: Navigate to the Products section and utilize the same Export button. This exports product details, which can be indispensable for future businesses.
- Customers: Similar to the previous steps, export your customer data to keep track of your patrons for potential re-engagement efforts.
- Discounts: If you run promotions through your Shopify store, export these from the Discounts section.
Taking these steps is essential — you never know when your venture might take a different turn and you might resume operations.
2. Fulfill Outstanding Orders
It’s vital to ensure all currently pending orders are fulfilled. It not only preserves customer satisfaction but also minimizes disputes.
- Notify Customers: Communicate with your customers regarding any changes to their orders or subscription statuses.
- Complete Orders: Go through the list of orders to ensure they are shipped out and your customers receive their products promptly.
By ensuring that all transactions are closed, you keep your business reputation intact.
3. Clear Any Financial Obligations
Review your billing situation to ascertain there are no outstanding charges left. Businesses can sometimes overlook subscriptions to apps or services integrated into Shopify, so:
- Check Subscription Apps: Cancel any third-party applications and settle any unpaid invoices.
- Review Billing Cycle: Check the Shopify billing section to confirm there are no unexpected payments pending.
This precaution prevents additional financial burdens once you take the step to deactivate.
Steps to Deactivate Your Shopify Store
Once we've gone through necessary preparations, let's move to the official deactivation steps. Keep in mind, the process ensures that you exit gracefully and responsibly.
Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin
Log into your Shopify account, the typical way you would access your store. This gives you access to the administrative functions necessary to deactivate.
Step 2: Navigate to Plan Settings
Within your Shopify admin, head to the Settings section located at the bottom left of the navigation page. Click on it to view the menu, and select Plan.
Step 3: Choose to Deactivate the Store
Within the Plan section, there should be an option labeled Deactivate store. Clicking this option will initiate the deactivation process:
- Review Shopify Alternatives: You might encounter options such as switching to a Pause and Build plan that allows you to save your page while ceasing sales.
- If you wish to deactivate entirely, click Deactivate store again.
Step 4: Selection of Reason for Deactivation
Shopify seeks to understand the reasons for your store's closure, which helps improve their services. You will need to select a reason from a given list.
Step 5: Enter Your Password
As a final confirmation step, enter your password to verify that it’s you who is initiating this action.
Step 6: Confirm Deactivation
After entering your password, select Deactivate store. This final acknowledgment prompts Shopify to deactivate your store.
Through these steps, your Shopify subscription will be canceled, and your store will become inactive at the end of the current billing cycle.
After Deactivation: What Happens Next?
It's essential to know what to expect after deactivating your store.
Retention of Data
Even after closure, Shopify retains your information for up to two years. This means you are able to reactivate your store within this period without losing any historical data.
Request Deletion of Personal Data (If Needed)
If you're concerned about personal privacy and data security:
- Contact Shopify Support: You can request the deletion of personal data, ensuring it’s gone after closure for peace of mind. But remember, this process is irreversible, and once confirmed, the data is permanently deleted.
Transitioning to a New Platform
In case you plan to shift to a different e-commerce platform post-deactivation, ensure a smooth migration:
- Transfer Custom Domains: If your domain was purchased through Shopify, you will want to transfer it to another registrar.
- Export Necessary Data: Ensure all data has successfully been exported, as mentioned in the preparatory steps.
What to Consider Before Deactivation
Deactivating your Shopify store is a significant decision that could have various implications for your business. Below are crucial factors to consider before taking this step.
Impact on Existing Customers
Closing your online store can affect your customers, especially those with pending orders or subscriptions. Keeping your customers informed about the closure is critical.
Assess the Option to Pause
If you are unsure about completely deactivating your store, consider pausing it instead. This option allows you to keep your data while not processing any sales.
- Pause Plan Cost: The Pause and Build plan reduces your subscription fee to $13 AUD per month. This keeps your data intact without having to deactivate entirely.
Consider Your Future Plans
Are you looking to pivot into a different business model? With Tevello, for example, we offer a complete solution for Shopify merchants to create and sell online courses. As we strive to empower merchants to unlock new revenue streams, you might want to consider how transitioning to digital products can sustain your business financially.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Shopify store can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your closure is smooth, ultimately protecting your business reputation and retaining valuable customer data.
At Tevello, we believe in providing solutions that empower Shopify merchants to explore new avenues for growth. Whether it's transitioning to create online courses or building vibrant communities, we’re here to support your e-commerce journey. If you're interested in venturing into online courses or digital products, we invite you to start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today.
Keep in mind, you can also evaluate our pricing model as you strategize your next steps—learn about our simple, transparent pricing to ensure you make informed decisions for your business growth.
FAQ
What are the steps to deactivate a Shopify store?
To deactivate a Shopify store, you must log in, navigate to Settings > Plan, and click on Deactivate store. You will be asked to fulfill additional steps like providing a reason for closure and entering your password.
Can I recover my Shopify store after deactivation?
Yes, Shopify retains your store's information for up to two years post-deactivation, allowing you to reactivate your store and access your historical data.
What do I need to do with my customer data before deactivation?
Export essential customer data, product details, and order history to ensure you have records of previous transactions for future reference or marketing.
Is pausing my Shopify store a better option than deactivating?
If you are uncertain about permanently closing your store, pausing your store might be a better choice. This option allows you to keep your data while stopping sales temporarily.
How can Tevello help me after I deactivate my Shopify store?
Tevello offers an all-in-one solution for Shopify merchants to create and manage online courses and digital products effectively. You can easily transition into different revenue streams as you explore new business models.
In this dynamic landscape of e-commerce and digital products, there is no single approach that fits all. The key is to remain agile and open to change. If ever you feel overwhelmed, remember you can reach out for support and guidance tailored to your path.
