How to Do a Test Order on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Place a Test Order?
3. Methods to Place a Test Order
4. Post-Test Order Checklist
5. Conclusion
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Imagine launching your Shopify store only to discover that your checkout process is flawed, your payment gateways are malfunctioning, or your notifications are misaligned. It’s a nightmare no store owner wants to face. Fortunately, Shopify allows you to place test orders to simulate the complete purchase experience and ensure everything runs smoothly for real customers. This guide will walk you through how to do a test order on Shopify, ensuring your e-commerce platform is fully functional before it goes live. By the end of this article, you'll understand multiple methods to perform test orders, why it’s crucial, and how it benefits your business.

Why Place a Test Order?

Conducting a test order is pivotal because it helps you:

• Validate the functionality of your checkout process.
• Ensure proper configuration of payment gateways.
• Verify that email notifications are correctly set up.
• Confirm shipping rates and tax calculations are accurate.
• Test inventory management and fulfillment processes.

These tests allow you to pinpoint potential issues and rectify them, ensuring your store is user-friendly and free of errors when real customers start purchasing.

Methods to Place a Test Order

There are several effective ways to place a test order on Shopify, each offering different advantages and use cases. Let’s delve into each method in detail.

1. Using Shopify’s Bogus Gateway

The Bogus Gateway is an excellent option for creating test orders without making an actual payment. This method is ideal for comprehensive testing without financial implications.

Steps:

1. Navigate to the Payment Settings:

   • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
   • Go to Settings > Payments.

2. Activate the Bogus Gateway:

   • Click on Manage next to Shopify Payments.
   • Scroll down and select Switch to a third-party provider.
   • Choose (for testing) Bogus Gateway from the list of payment providers.

3. Simulate a Test Order:

   • Add a product to your cart and proceed to the checkout.
   • Enter any random name and address details.
   • For the payment information, use:
     • Card Number: 1 (for a successful transaction).
     • Expiry Date: Any future date.
     • CVV: Any three digits.

4. Complete the Checkout:

   • Click Pay now to simulate the transaction.
   • Confirm that the order appears in your Orders page.

2. Using Shopify Payments Test Mode

If you’re using Shopify Payments, you can enable test mode and use test credit card details to simulate transactions. This method is particularly useful for testing how different payment scenarios are handled.

Steps:

1. Activate Test Mode:

   • Go to Settings > Payments.
   • In the Shopify Payments section, click Manage.
   • Scroll down to find Test mode and check the box to enable it.
   • Click Save.

2. Place a Test Order:

   • Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
   • Enter test credit card details:
     • Card Number: 4242 4242 4242 4242 (for a successful transaction).
     • Expiry Date: Any future date.
     • CVV: Any three digits.

3. Complete the Purchase:

   • Follow the checkout process like a regular transaction.
   • Confirm the order appears in your Orders page.

4. Deactivate Test Mode:

   • Go back to Settings > Payments.
   • Click Manage and uncheck the Test mode box.
   • Click Save.

3. Using a Real Transaction and Refunding

For the most realistic test, you can place an order using a real payment gateway and then immediately cancel and refund the transaction. Be cautious, as some payment gateway fees may not be refunded.

Steps:

1. Place a Real Order:

   • Add products to your cart and checkout using your real payment gateway.
   • Enter genuine payment details and complete the transaction.

2. Cancel and Refund the Order:

   • Go to the Orders page in your Shopify admin.
   • Select the test order and click Cancel.
   • Process a refund to your payment method.

3. Review Any Fees:

   • Check if any transaction fees were applied and manage them accordingly.

4. Using Offline Payment Methods

You can also simulate an order using offline payment methods such as bank deposits or cash on delivery. This method is simple and doesn’t involve real transactions.

Steps:

1. Enable Offline Payment Method:

   • Go to Settings > Payments.
   • In the Manual payments section, select Add manual payment method.
   • Choose a method like Bank Deposit or Cash on Delivery and set it up.

2. Place a Test Order:

   • Go through the checkout process and select the offline payment method.
   • Complete the checkout to generate the order.

3. Review the Order:

   • Check the Orders page to verify the order appears as expected.

Post-Test Order Checklist

After placing a test order, there are several additional checks you should perform to ensure everything is functioning correctly:

• Email Notifications: Ensure you receive the correct order confirmation emails.
• Shipping Rates: Verify that shipping rates are calculated and displayed correctly.
• Tax Calculations: Check that taxes are applied accurately based on the shipping address.
• Fulfillment: Test your order fulfillment process, whether manual or through an integrated app.
• Refunds: Ensure you can issue both full and partial refunds appropriately.

Conclusion

Placing a test order on Shopify is essential for verifying that your store is set up correctly and free from errors. Using Shopify's Bogus Gateway, Shopify Payments test mode, real transactions with refunds, and offline payment methods, you can thoroughly test every aspect of your store's checkout and order processing. This proactive approach helps to ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers, reducing the risk of issues when your store goes live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Delete Test Orders on Shopify?

Yes, you can delete test orders. After canceling and refunding the test order, go to the Orders page, and select the order. Click on More actions and choose Delete this order.

Can I Do a Test Order Before I Launch My Website?

Absolutely! In fact, it is advisable to conduct multiple test orders before launching to ensure your checkout process is flawless.

Why Shouldn’t I Use Real Information for the Test Order on Shopify?

Using real information can lead to actual charges on your credit card. Always enable test mode or use the Bogus Gateway to avoid incurring unnecessary costs.

How Often Should I Perform Test Orders?

Regularly placing test orders, especially after making significant changes to your store, can help catch issues early and ensure a consistently smooth checkout experience.

By following the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you can successfully place test orders on Shopify and ensure your online store operates seamlessly, providing a reliable and efficient shopping experience for your customers.