If you’re looking to close your Shopify store, it’s crucial to know how to do it properly to avoid unexpected charges and secure your store’s information.

Whether you’re moving to a new eCommerce web design platform, taking a break or simply shutting down your online store, this guide will walk you through every step needed to delete your Shopify account permanently.

In this blog, our Shopify developers will take you through everything from backing up your data to removing custom domains and finalising the cancellation of your Shopify subscription.

Step 1: Back Up Your Shopify Store Data

Before you deactivate your Shopify store, it’s crucial to back up your store data.

Shopify doesn’t offer an automatic backup feature, so you’ll need to manually export your data from various sections of the Shopify admin.

If needed, you can learn how to backup a Shopify store here.

  1. Export Orders: Go to the Orders page in your Shopify admin and click the Export button in the top right corner before choosing the desired export format (CSV or Excel).
  2. Export Products: Go to the Products page and click the same Export button to download a file containing all your product details.
  3. Export Customers: Go the Customers page and click on the Export button in the same position to download an export your customer information.
    • You’ll also be asked which fields you’d like included in your customer export. By default, all exports include full name, ID, address, email, phone number, company, marketing consent, orders, and tax exempts.
  4. Export Discounts: Go to the Discounts page and click the Export button to download all of the active, scheduled and expired discounts in your Shopify store.

By exporting your Shopify store data seperately, you’ll ensure that all of your essential data from your online store is backed up.

This information will be invaluable if you decide to start a new online store or need to reference past sales.

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Step 2: Fulfil Outstanding Orders & Bills

Before you cancel your Shopify store, you’ll need to make sure that all pending orders are fulfilled and any outstanding bills are settled.

Leaving these unresolved can result in unexpected charges or issues for your existing customers.

  1. Complete Orders: Make sure all customer orders are processed and completed. Update your customers about their order status to avoid any disputes after closing your store.
  2. Check for Outstanding Charges: Review your billing cycle within the Shopify admin to ensure there are no unpaid invoices. Shopify may attempt to charge your valid payment method for any pending fees even after you initiate the store cancellation.
  3. Cancel Any Third-Party Apps: If you’ve integrated any third-party apps, make sure to cancel these subscriptions separately to avoid additional charges.

By fulfilling your orders and settling your bills, you can proceed to the next steps without worrying about unresolved issues or outstanding charges.

Step 3: Remove Custom Domains

Before you cancel your Shopify store, you need to remove any custom domains linked to your account.

If you plan to use the domain for a new store or transfer it to a different platform, this step is crucial.

  1. Access Domain Settings: In your Shopify admin, go to Settings and select Domains.
  2. Transfer or Remove Domain:
    • If you purchased the domain through Shopify, you can transfer it to another domain registrar. Shopify provides instructions on how to initiate the transfer process.
    • If you’re not planning to use the domain elsewhere, simply remove it from your Shopify store by clicking Remove next to the domain name.
  3. Update DNS Settings: If you’re transferring the domain, update the DNS settings to point to your new platform. This ensures a smooth transition and minimises downtime for your site.

Removing your custom domain is an important step to prevent it from being locked to your Shopify account after cancellation.

Step 4: Cancel Shopify Subscription

To officially begin the process of closing your store, you’ll need to cancel your Shopify subscription.

This step stops Shopify from billing you further and initiates the deactivation process for your store.

  1. Access Your Plan Settings: From your Shopify admin, go to Settings and then select Plan.
  2. Click Deactivate Store: In the Plan section, click Deactivate store to start the cancellation process.
  3. Review Alternative Options:
    • Shopify may offer you options to switch to the Pause and Build plan or to start a new store. If you’re not ready to close your store completely, these alternatives can be considered.
  4. Confirm Deactivation: If you still wish to proceed with the deactivation, click Deactivate store again.
  5. Select a Reason: You’ll be asked to select a reason for deactivation from a list of options. This helps Shopify understand why you’re closing your store. After selecting your reason, click Continue.
  6. Enter Your Password: Finally, you’ll need to enter your password to confirm the deactivation. After doing so, click Deactivate Store to complete the process.

By following these steps, your Shopify subscription will be cancelled and your store will be deactivated at the end of the current billing cycle.

Step 5: Deactivate Shopify Store Permanently

To ensure your Shopify store is permanently deleted and no longer accessible, follow these final steps:

  1. Verify Store Deactivation: After you’ve clicked Deactivate store, confirm that your store is deactivated by attempting to access your Shopify admin. A confirmation message should indicate that the store is closed.
  2. Request Deletion of Personal Data:
    • Erasing Personal Data from a Deactivated Store: When you deactivate your store, Shopify retains your store’s information for two years in case you decide to re-open. However, you can request the deletion of personal data, such as customer information, before that timeframe.Important Considerations:
      • Data deletion applies only to the deactivated store. If you have other active or inactive Shopify stores, their data remains unaffected.Once data is deleted, it cannot be recovered and the Shopify store cannot be re-opened.Only the Shopify store owner can request the deletion of data, no other staff member can submit this request.
      How to Request Deletion: To delete your store’s personal data, contact Shopify Support. Data is typically deleted within 14 days after the request is completed.
    Note: If you change your mind about deleting the data, you must contact Shopify Support within 14 days to halt the deletion process. After this period, the data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
  3. Clear Any Third-Party Data: Although Shopify manages most data deletions, you should manually clear any data from third-party apps or services linked to your Shopify account.
  4. Final Confirmation: Shopify will send you a confirmation email once the store is deactivated and personal data is deleted if requested. Log out of your Shopify account to finalise the process.

By completing these steps, your Shopify store will be permanently deactivated and all associated data will be securely erased, ensuring that your account and information are fully closed.

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Things to Consider Before Deleting Your Shopify Account

Before permanently deleting your Shopify store, it’s important to consider a few key factors that might influence your decision. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Impacts on Existing Customers

Closing your store can directly impact your existing customers, particularly those with pending orders or subscriptions. Before deactivating your store:

  • Notify Your Customers: Send an email or message informing your customers about the store closure. Provide them with a timeline and any necessary instructions regarding their orders or accounts.
  • Fulfil All Pending Orders: Ensure that all customer orders are fulfilled and shipped before closing. Leaving orders unfulfilled can lead to customer disputes and damage your brand’s reputation.

Alternative Option: Pause Your Shopify Store

If you’re not entirely sure about closing your store permanently, Shopify offers the option to pause your store instead.

This feature allows you to temporarily stop selling while keeping your store’s data intact.

The Pause and Build plan allows you to pause your storefront, reduce your subscription fee to $13 AUD per month and continue working on your store in the background.

You won’t be able to sell products, but your store’s admin and data remain accessible.

Check out this blog if you’d like to learn more about Shopify’s current pricing in Australia.

Pausing your store could be a better option if you plan to return to Shopify in the future or if you’re unsure about permanently closing your store.

Migrating to a New Platform

If you’re closing your Shopify store to move to another eCommerce platform, ensure a smooth transition by following these steps:

  • Export Your Data: Make sure you have exported all necessary data from Shopify, including customer information, product listings and sales data.
  • Transfer Your Custom Domains: Move your custom domains to your new platform or registrar to maintain your online presence without interruption.
  • Set Up on Your New Platform: Take the time to set up your new store properly, ensuring that all data and domains are correctly transferred and your new store is ready to go live.

Considering these factors before deactivating your store can help you make an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition if you’re moving to a new platform.

If you have any other questions about cancelling your Shopify subscription or moving to another eCommerce platform, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Brisbane web design team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cancel my Shopify subscription?

To cancel your Shopify subscription, go to Settings > Plan in your Shopify admin, click Deactivate Store and follow the prompts to confirm.

Can I pause my Shopify store instead of deleting it?

Yes, Shopify offers a Pause and Build Plan for $13 AUD per month that allows you to temporarily stop making online sales while retaining access to your store’s data.

What happens to my store’s data after I cancel my Shopify store?

Your store’s data is retained for two years in case you decide to re-open your store. You can also request data deletion through Shopify Support.

How do I transfer my custom domain to a new platform?

To transfer your custom domain, go to Settings > Domains in your Shopify admin and follow the instructions to move the domain to a new registrar.

Will I be charged after cancelling my Shopify account?

After cancelling, you may be charged for any outstanding fees up until the end of your billing cycle. Ensure all payments are settled before deactivating your store.

To your success,
Jackson