How to Pause Shopify Store to Test Checkout

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the Pause and Build Plan?
3. Why You Can't Test Checkout in Pause and Build Mode
4. Steps to Temporarily Activate Your Store
5. Using the Bogus Gateway for Testing
6. Testing with Shopify Payments Test Mode
7. Real-life Examples and Solutions
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

Imagine you're on the verge of launching your dream Shopify store or simply updating your existing one. You've done everything right, from creating stellar product listings to optimizing your website for SEO. However, there's one crucial aspect you must ensure is flawless: the checkout process. But how can you effectively test your checkout if your store is in Pause and Build mode? This blog post will guide you through the steps, tips, and best practices on how to pause your Shopify store to test the checkout process effectively.

By the end of this post, you'll understand why testing your checkout is crucial, the pitfalls to avoid, and the exact steps to take for a seamless transition. Whether you're a new store owner or a seasoned merchant, this guide aims to make the process as straightforward as possible.

What is the Pause and Build Plan?

Before diving into the specifics of testing your checkout, it’s essential to understand Shopify’s Pause and Build plan. This plan allows you to halt your store's active status while still granting access to its backend functionalities. At a reduced cost of $9 USD per month, this plan lets you update your products, manage inventory, and make design changes, but it disables checkout functionality.

Why You Can't Test Checkout in Pause and Build Mode

One of the significant limitations of the Pause and Build plan is the disabled checkout functionality. This means customers cannot make purchases, and consequently, you can't test the checkout process. Hence, moving to an active plan temporarily is a necessity. This limitation can pose a challenge, especially if you want to confirm that everything works perfectly before reopening your store to customers.

Steps to Temporarily Activate Your Store

Here’s how you can temporarily activate your Shopify store to test the checkout process:

1. Upgrade to an Active Plan:

   • Navigate to Settings in your Shopify admin.
   • Click on Plan and permissions.
   • Select a suitable plan, even if it's just for a short period, to facilitate testing.

2. Test the Checkout System:

   • Once your store is active, you can test the checkout process.
   • Utilize Shopify’s Bogus Gateway or Shopify Payments in test mode to simulate transactions.

3. Revert to Pause and Build Plan:

   • After successfully testing the checkout, you can revert to the Pause and Build plan.
   • It’s crucial to ensure that no potential customers are attempting to make purchases during this testing period to avoid confusion.

Using the Bogus Gateway for Testing

Shopify offers various methods to test transactions, and one of the most effective is the Bogus Gateway. This method allows you to simulate a variety of transactions without any real financial exchanges.

Steps to Use the Bogus Gateway:

1. Navigate to Settings > Payments.
2. In the Payment providers section, click on Choose a provider.
3. Select (for testing) Bogus Gateway.
4. Click Activate.

During checkout, use the following test card details to simulate transactions:

• Successful transaction:

  • Card number: 1
  • Expiry date: Use any future date
  • CVV: 111

• Failed transaction:

  • Card number: 2

Ensure to deactivate the Bogus Gateway once testing is complete to resume normal operations.

Testing with Shopify Payments Test Mode

Alternatively, you can use Shopify Payments’ test mode to simulate transactions with more granularity. This mode is particularly useful for merchants planning to use Shopify Payments in their live store.

Steps to Enable Shopify Payments Test Mode:

1. Go to Settings > Payments.
2. Click on Manage under the Shopify Payments section.
3. Enable Test mode.
4. Use test credit card numbers provided by Shopify to simulate different transaction outcomes.

Real-life Examples and Solutions

Common Issue: Order Processing Errors in Test Mode

Merchants often encounter errors like "Checkout System disabled" during test transactions. This issue usually arises when the store is in trial mode or not on an active plan. The solution is straightforward: ensure your store is temporarily upgraded to an active plan during the testing phase.

Case Study: Subscription Box Store

Suppose you run a subscription box store. The complexity of recurring payments adds an extra layer to your checkout testing. Shopify’s test mode and the specific guidelines by subscription apps like Bold Subscriptions can help you simulate these transactions accurately.

Conclusion

Testing your Shopify store’s checkout process is a crucial step before going live or implementing significant changes. While the Pause and Build plan offers cost benefits and flexibility, it restricts your ability to test the checkout flow directly. By temporarily upgrading to an active plan and using tools like Shopify’s Bogus Gateway or Shopify Payments test mode, you can ensure a seamless and error-free checkout experience for your customers.

Remember, a flawless checkout process not only enhances user experience but also boosts your store's credibility and sales. So, take the time to test thoroughly and revert to the Pause and Build plan if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I test the checkout process without moving to an active plan? No, the Pause and Build plan disables checkout functionality, so you must temporarily upgrade to an active plan.

2. How much does it cost to temporarily upgrade my Shopify plan? The cost depends on the plan you choose. You only need to keep the upgraded plan active for the duration of your testing.

3. What is the Bogus Gateway and how do I use it? The Bogus Gateway is a Shopify feature for simulating transactions. It can be activated in your payment settings for testing purposes.

4. How can I test recurring payments for subscription products? Use the test guidelines provided by your subscription app, such as Bold Subscriptions, and simulate recurring transactions accordingly.

5. Are there any risks in switching back and forth between plans? There are no significant risks, but ensure no real customer transactions occur during your testing phase to avoid confusion or errors.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well-prepared to pause your Shopify store and test the checkout process accurately and efficiently.