How to Pause Shopify Subscription: A Comprehensive Guide.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Pause and Build Plan
3. How to Pause Your Shopify Subscription
4. Reactivating Your Shopify Store
5. Conclusion
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Imagine you're a small business owner who has invested countless hours into your Shopify store. Suddenly, life throws you a curveball: a family emergency, a move to a new location, or perhaps an unexpected opportunity that requires your immediate attention. You might be wondering, "How can I hit pause on my Shopify store without losing all that I've built?" Fortunately, Shopify offers a solution that allows you to temporarily halt your operations while retaining your store's data and settings.

In this blog post, we will explore the process of how to pause your Shopify subscription effectively. We'll provide a detailed overview of the Pause and Build plan that Shopify offers, discuss the benefits and considerations of pausing your store, and guide you through the reactivation process. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to manage your Shopify store during times when you need a break, ensuring you can return to business without starting from scratch.

What You'll Learn

• The significance of pausing your Shopify subscription
• Step-by-step instructions on how to pause your store
• Key factors to consider before pausing your subscription
• How to reactivate your store once you're ready to resume operations
• Insights into how Praella can support your e-commerce journey while you pause your store

Why Consider Pausing Your Shopify Store?

Pausing your Shopify store can be a strategic choice for various reasons. Maybe your business is seasonal, and you want to avoid unnecessary costs during off-peak times. Alternatively, you might need to make significant updates to your store's design or inventory. Whatever the reason, pausing your subscription allows you to maintain your brand's integrity and customer data without incurring full subscription fees.

Understanding the Pause and Build Plan

The Pause and Build plan is an ideal option for Shopify store owners who need a break but still want to maintain access to their store's backend. Here are some key features of this plan:

• Reduced Cost: The Pause and Build plan costs only $9 per month, significantly lower than standard subscription fees.
• Access to Admin: You can still access the Shopify admin interface, allowing you to make changes to your store, manage products, and even view reports.
• Checkout Disabled: While your store remains visible, the checkout function is disabled, preventing customers from making purchases during the pause.
• Visibility of Products: Customers can still view your products, which may help maintain interest in your offerings for when you resume sales.

Benefits of Pausing Your Shopify Subscription

1. Cost Savings: By switching to the Pause and Build plan, you significantly reduce your monthly expenses while retaining access to your store's data.
2. Flexibility: You can work on your store without the pressure of active sales, giving you the freedom to update inventory, redesign, or fulfill existing orders.
3. Customer Retention: Keeping your products visible helps maintain customer interest, allowing them to browse while you prepare to reopen.

How to Pause Your Shopify Subscription

Pausing your Shopify store involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Desktop Instructions

1. Log in to Shopify: Access your Shopify admin by logging into your account.
2. Navigate to Settings: In the bottom left corner, click on Settings.
3. Select Plan: Find and click on the Plan option.
4. Deactivate Store: Click on the Deactivate store button.
5. Choose Pause and Build: Review the options provided, select the Pause and Build plan, and click on Switch to Pause and Build.
6. Confirm Your Choice: You may be asked to provide a reason for the deactivation and to confirm your password. Complete these steps and click Deactivate.

Mobile Instructions (iPhone/Android)

1. Open Shopify App: Log in to your Shopify app as the store owner.
2. Access Settings: Tap on the Settings icon.
3. Select Plan: Tap on the Plan option.
4. Deactivate Store: Choose the Deactivate store option.
5. Switch to Pause and Build: Tap on the Switch to Pause and Build option and follow the prompts to confirm.

Congratulations! Your store is now paused, and you’re on the Pause and Build plan.

Important Considerations Before Pausing

Before you proceed, it's essential to consider a few key factors:

• Third-Party Apps: If you have third-party apps with recurring charges, consider uninstalling them, as they will still incur fees during the pause.
• No Checkout: Remember that while your products remain visible, customers cannot make purchases. This may affect your revenue flow during the pause.
• Plan Changes: Once you choose the Pause and Build plan, your previous plan becomes invalid, and you'll need to select a new plan when you reactivate.
• Impact on Shopify Capital: If you have received funding through Shopify Capital, pausing your store may affect your remaining advances.

Reactivating Your Shopify Store

When you’re ready to get back to business, reactivating your store is just as easy as pausing it. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Reactivate

1. Log in to Shopify: Access your Shopify admin as the store owner.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click on Settings at the bottom left.
3. Select Plan: Click on the Plan option.
4. Pick a New Plan: Click on Change plan, choose a plan that fits your needs, and follow the prompts to activate it.

Best Practices for Reactivation

• Review Your Offerings: Take this opportunity to assess your inventory and product offerings. Make any necessary updates before reopening.
• Communicate with Customers: Consider sending out an email or a newsletter to inform your customers about the reopening and any new products or promotions.
• Optimize Your Store: If you’ve made any changes during the pause, take the time to optimize your store for SEO and user experience. Praella offers User Experience & Design services that can help ensure your store is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Conclusion

Pausing your Shopify subscription can be a strategic move that allows you to manage your business effectively during uncertain times. The Pause and Build plan provides a flexible and cost-effective way to maintain your store's integrity while you regroup and strategize for the future.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly pause and reactivate your store whenever necessary. Remember, this option keeps your customer data secure and your store settings intact, so you can return to business without missing a beat.

If you require additional assistance during your pause, consider leveraging Praella's Consultation services. Their expertise can guide you through the process of enhancing your store's performance and preparing for a successful return to e-commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay when pausing your Shopify store?
Yes, you will still incur a reduced fee of $9 per month while your store is on the Pause and Build plan.

How do I delete my Shopify store?
To permanently delete your Shopify store, navigate to Settings, select Plan, click on Deactivate store, and follow the prompts to confirm.

What is the difference between deleting and pausing a Shopify store?
Pausing your store keeps your products visible and retains access to your admin, while deleting your store makes it inaccessible, and you lose all your data.

Is my store hidden from customers if paused?
Your store is not hidden; customers can still browse. However, they cannot complete purchases.

How long can I pause my Shopify store?
You can pause your store for a maximum of 90 days.

By understanding how to pause your Shopify subscription, you can ensure your e-commerce business remains resilient in the face of unexpected changes.