How to Pause a Shopify Store

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Pause Your Shopify Store?
3. The Pause and Build Plan
4. Steps to Pause Your Shopify Store
5. Preparing for a Pause
6. Reopening Your Store
7. Conclusion
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Running a Shopify store can be both exhilarating and demanding. Whether you're taking a break for personal reasons, performing maintenance, or reorganizing your inventory, knowing how to pause your Shopify store efficiently can alleviate stress and keep your customers informed. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to pause your Shopify store, the considerations you need to be aware of, and best practices you can incorporate during this break.

This post aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the "Pause and Build" plan, the benefits of pausing your store, and how to resume normal operations seamlessly. By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid grasp of how to manage your Shopify store's downtime effectively.

Why Pause Your Shopify Store?

There are numerous reasons to consider pausing your Shopify store:

1. Seasonal Business Adjustments: If your business operates seasonally, pausing the store can save you money and allow you to update your inventory.
2. Rebranding or Redesigning: Taking a break to focus on branding changes or a new store design can help maintain a consistent customer experience.
3. Personal Break: Sometimes, life demands a break from business. Pausing your store allows you to step back without losing everything you've built.
4. Inventory Management: Pausing sales can provide a window to manage stock levels and update product listings.

Whatever your reason, the "Pause and Build" plan can maintain your store presence while halting transactions, ensuring your store remains accessible for updates and maintenance.

The Pause and Build Plan

The "Pause and Build" plan allows store owners to suspend online transactions while keeping access to the Shopify admin. This plan costs $9 USD per month and is ideal for those who need to take a temporary break from selling but continue working on their store including managing products, themes, and other back-end functionalities.

Features Available on Pause and Build

• Access to Shopify admin for managing products, themes, and settings.
• Visitors can view your storefront.
• Ability to send draft orders (though customers cannot complete the purchase).

Features Restricted on Pause and Build

• Online store checkout.
• Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Discount codes and gift cards.
• Abandoned cart recovery and third-party integrations like Facebook and Google.

Steps to Pause Your Shopify Store

Here's a detailed step-by-step process to pause your Shopify store using the "Pause and Build" plan:

Step 1: Log In to Shopify Admin

Navigate to your Shopify admin panel and log in using your store owner credentials.

Step 2: Access Your Store’s Settings

From the admin dashboard, click on "Settings" at the bottom left corner of the page.

Step 3: Select Plan and Permissions

Click on "Plan" and then "Pause or Deactivate Store." Shopify will present you with options including “Pause and Build” or fully deactivating your store.

Step 4: Choose Pause and Build Plan

Select the "Pause and Build" plan. You will be prompted to confirm the change and acknowledge the billing details. Once confirmed, your store's checkout functionality will be disabled, but your admin access remains intact.

Preparing for a Pause

Before pausing your store, make these essential preparations to ensure a smooth transition:

Communication with Customers

• Homepage Announcement: Place a notification on your homepage indicating that your store is temporarily paused.
• Email Campaign: Send out an email to your subscribers explaining the pause, the expected duration, and any upcoming changes they can look forward to.
• Social Media Updates: Use social media channels to inform your followers about the pause. Share updates and sneak peeks to keep them engaged.

Securing Admin Access

Ensure you back up your store data and review any third-party apps that may require pausing or subscription adjustments.

Adjusting Storefront

• Password Protection: If you prefer to completely close off the storefront, enable password protection and customize the password page with a message for your visitors.
• Hide Prices and Add to Cart Buttons: Customize your theme to hide product prices and the “Add to Cart” buttons to avoid confusion among visitors.

Reopening Your Store

When you are ready to resume operations, shifting from the "Pause and Build" plan back to a fully active plan involves the following steps:

Step 1: Log In and Navigate to Settings

Access your Shopify admin, click on "Settings," and then go to "Plan."

Step 2: Select a New Plan

Click on "Change Plan," review the available options, and select the plan that suits your needs. Confirm the change to reactivate your store's checkout and other functionalities.

Step 3: Remove Password Protection

If you had set a password for your store, disable it to make your store accessible to the public again.

Step 4: Final Touches

Notify your customers via email and social media that your store is back online. Update your homepage announcement and ensure all product listings and settings are in order.

Conclusion

Pausing your Shopify store using the "Pause and Build" plan offers a flexible solution to handle various business needs without disrupting your ongoing improvements or losing your customer base. It provides a cost-effective way to maintain online presence, optimize back-end functions, and prepare for a strong comeback.

By following the outlined steps and tips, you can efficiently manage your store's downtime, keep your customers informed and engaged, and ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Pause My Shopify Store Without Paying a Fee?

No, pausing your Shopify store through the "Pause and Build" plan requires a $9 USD monthly fee. Deactivating your store entirely is free, but it restricts access to your admin and store functionalities.

Will My Store Be Hidden from Customers If It's Paused?

Your store's checkout will be disabled, but the storefront remains visible. To entirely hide the store from public view, you must enable password protection yourself.

How Do I Resume Operations After Pausing My Store?

To resume operations, log in to your Shopify admin, navigate to "Settings" > "Plan," then select a new plan to activate your store's checkout and other functionalities.

What Happens If I Reactivate My Store After Pausing?

Upon reactivation, you regain full access to your Shopify admin, active checkout processes, and functionalities based on the new plan you select. Ensure all settings are updated before going live again.

Can I Deactivate My Store Temporarily Without Losing Data?

Yes, deactivating your store temporarily stores your data for up to two years. You can reactivate within this period without rebuilding your store entirely.

By considering these FAQs, you can make informed decisions about managing your Shopify store more effectively. Enjoy the flexibility and control that comes with the "Pause and Build" plan, and ensure that your store is always ready for what's next!