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Client transfer stores

Client transfer stores are stores you build on behalf of a client. You own and configure the store during the build phase, then transfer ownership to the client when it's ready to go live. After the transfer, the merchant takes full ownership and the store exits your organization. You retain collaborator access by default, so you can continue to work on the store after the transfer.

Use a client transfer store when a merchant has hired you to build their Shopify store. If you're building or testing an app, use a dev store instead. Dev stores can't be transferred to clients.

You can't directly change the plan of a client transfer store. Transfer the store to your client first. Your client selects a plan when they receive the transfer.

Anchor to RequirementsRequirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Shopify Partner account.
  • The required permissions to create, transfer, or delete stores in your organization.

Anchor to Create a client transfer storeCreate a client transfer store

You can create unlimited client transfer stores from the Dev Dashboard. To create a client transfer store:

  1. Log in to the Dev Dashboard.
  2. Select Stores from the left sidebar.
  3. Select Create store.
  4. Select Client transfer store.
  5. Enter a name for the store. This sets the store's myshopify.com URL and can't be changed after creation.
  6. Select the store's country or region.
  7. Optional: Enable Shopify Plus if the client requires Plus features.
  8. Select Create store.

Anchor to Password protectionPassword protection

All new client transfer stores are password-protected by default. The password page can't be removed or replaced with a custom page while the store is in your organization, but you can customize it and preview it.

There are three ways to access a password-protected store:

  • Enter the store password from the storefront
  • Log in through the Shopify admin
  • Use a Theme Store or App Store demo link

To update the store password: go to the store's admin, then Settings > Online store > Store access > Password protection.

Anchor to Transfer a store to a clientTransfer a store to a client

When the store is ready to hand off, you can transfer ownership to the client directly from the Dev Dashboard.

Before transferring, we recommend:

  • Adding the client's address to the store's settings, especially if they're in a different country or region (this avoids potential tax issues after transfer).
  • Setting up POS if the client needs it. POS Pro subscriptions become per-location charges once the store is on a paid plan.
  • Confirming the billing currency matches the client's currency.

To transfer a store:

  1. From the Client transfer tab, find the store you want to transfer.
  2. Select the three-dot menu (⋯) on the store's row.
  3. Select Transfer store.
  4. Enter the client's email address.
  5. Select Transfer.

The client receives an email to accept the transfer. Pending transfers expire after seven days if the client doesn't accept. After the transfer is complete, ownership of the store is transferred to the merchant. You keep collaborator access, so you can continue to work on the store after the transfer.

Anchor to Transfer statusTransfer status

You can track the status of a transfer from the Client transfer tab:

StatusMeaning
— (no status)The store is active in your organization and hasn't been transferred yet.
Pending transferA transfer invitation has been sent. Waiting for the client to accept. Expires after 7 days.
TransferredThe store has been transferred to the client and no collaborator relationship exists. You no longer have access to the store.

Anchor to LimitationsLimitations

Client transfer stores include most features available on the Advanced plan. If you enable Shopify Plus during store creation, the store instead mirrors Plus plan features. The following limitations apply while the store is in your organization:

  • You can only install free apps and partner-friendly apps. Custom and draft apps can't be installed.
  • Real transactions aren't supported. Use the Bogus Gateway or Shopify Payments test mode to test orders. Unlimited test orders are allowed.
  • Shipping labels are for testing only. Functional labels aren't available.
  • The password page can't be removed.
  • Stores aren't eligible for promotions or free trials after they're transferred to the client.
  • File, video, and 3D model storage limits match the Basic plan.

Anchor to Delete a storeDelete a store

If you no longer need a client transfer store, you can delete it from the Dev Dashboard. To delete a store:

  1. From the Client transfer tab, find the store.
  2. Select the three-dot menu (⋯) on the store's row.
  3. Select Delete store.

This takes you to the cancel plan page and immediately cancels the store's plan.

Anchor to Next stepsNext steps

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