How To End Shopify Free Trial: Our Detailed Guide

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to end the Shopify free trial, providing you with our detailed guide to ensure a seamless experience and hassle-free cancellation.

Before Canceling Your Shopify Free Trial

Before canceling your Shopify free trial, it’s crucial to take several necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential issues.

Backup Data And Information

Before canceling your Shopify free trial, backing up all your data and information is essential. Shopify provides tools to export your store data in CSV format, including products, customers, orders, and more. This backup ensures that you don’t lose valuable information during the transition. Make sure to organize the data systematically so it’s easy to import into another platform if needed.

Check If Credit Card Information Is Provided

Double-check your payment settings to ensure your credit card information is not stored in your Shopify account. If it’s saved, remove it to prevent accidental charges or renewals after your trial period ends. Keeping your payment information secure is crucial, mainly when you no longer actively use the platform. This simple step can save you from future unexpected financial transactions and hassles.

Store Login Credentials

Store your Shopify login credentials securely. While it might seem obvious, having easy access to your Shopify account information is vital, especially if you plan to resume or migrate your store later. Store your username and password safely, preferably using a reliable password manager. 

Properly managing your login credentials enhances security and streamlines the process if you return to Shopify or switch to another platform.

How To End Shopify Free Trial: Step-by-step

If you wish to cancel your Shopify account within the free trial period and have yet to choose a pricing plan, there’s no need for any action. Your account will automatically be frozen, and no charges will apply once the trial period ends.

Step-By-Step Guide For Ending The Free Trial Before It Expires

Step 1: Access your Shopify account

Begin by logging into your Shopify account through your preferred web browser. Once inside your dashboard, navigate to the ‘Settings’ tab and select ‘Plan.’

Step 2: Deactivate Your Trial 

Within the Plan details section, find information about your current plan, the upcoming billing date, and any added payment methods. Look for the option to ‘Deactivate trial’ and select it.

Step 3: Confirm Cancellation 

A dialog box labeled ‘Deactivate store’ will appear. Choose ‘Cancel Subscription And Deactivate Store.

Step 4: Provide Reason for Closure 

Shopify will prompt you to specify the reason for closing your account. Select your preferred reason from the provided list and submit your choice. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.

Step 5: Finalize Deactivation 

To complete the process, Shopify will ask you to undergo a brief security check. Enter your password as instructed to confirm the deactivation. Click ‘Deactivate now’ to finalize the closure of your store.

If you choose a pricing plan before the end of your free trial, then you need to pause or deactivate your store to cancel your account manually.

Step-By-Step Guide For Pausing Or Deactivating The Store

Step 1: Log into your Shopify store using the credentials of the store owner.

Step 2: Access the “Settings” option in your Shopify admin panel and choose “Plan.”

Step 3: Click on “Cancel subscription.”

Step 4: Carefully follow the prompts to cancel your subscription. Upon completion, your Shopify subscription will be terminated, and you’ll lose access to your Shopify admin.

Step 5: Navigate to “Settings” > “Plan” from your Shopify admin.

Step 6: Select “Deactivate store.”

Step 7: If applicable, explore the options to switch to the “Pause and build” plan or create a new store.

Step 8: If you still wish to deactivate, click “Deactivate store.”

Step 9: Choose a reason for the deactivation, then click “Continue.”

Step 10: Input your password and click “Deactivate now.”

If you want more information about deleting or pausing your Shopify store, don’t miss the article: How to Delete Shopify Account & Cancel my Shopify Subscription. 

What Happens After Cancellation?

When you cancel your Shopify free trial, your store enters a state of suspension, effectively freezing all activities. During this period, you won’t face any charges but will lose access to your Shopify store.

How long can you access data after ending your free trial?

Shopify takes a cautious approach to your data. Rather than instantaneously erasing your store’s information, Shopify retains your data for 2 years post-cancellation. This time window serves as a grace period, allowing you to reconsider your decision.

Within these 2 years, you have the option to reactivate your store. If you decide to continue with Shopify, you can do so by selecting an appropriate pricing plan. By opting for a paid plan, you regain full access to your Shopify store. 

On the other hand, if you choose not to reactivate after 2 years, Shopify will permanently delete your data after the grace period elapses. It’s essential to make an informed decision within this timeframe, as once the data is deleted, it cannot be recovered. 

Reactivating Your Account

After canceling your Shopify free trial account, if you want to reclaim access to your Shopify store, the only way is to subscribe to a Shopify plan. Luckily, you can also get the $1/month for the first 3 months regardless of your chosen plan.

Here’s a brief guide on how to do it. You can also check out our How to purchase a Shopify plan article for more information.

1. Log In: Visit Shopify’s website and log in using your previous account credentials.
2. Choose A Plan: You’ll see options for different Shopify plans. Choose the plan that suits your business needs and budget.

3. Provide Your Payment Method: Choose to pay via debit card, credit card, or PayPal and provide your payment infomation. 
4. Confirm Subscription: After selecting a plan and updating your payment information, double-check your billing and click “Subscribe” to confirm your subscription. After this, your account will be reactivated immediately. You can upgrade or downgrade your Shopify plan at any time to meet your business requirements.
5. Review Store Settings: Once your account is reactivated, review your store settings, including product listings, shipping options, and payment gateways, to ensure everything is set up correctly and is in line with your business needs.
6. Check For App Integrations: If you used third-party apps or integrations before, ensure they are still active and functioning as intended. Some apps need to be reconfigured after reactivation.
7. Resume Operations: With your account reactivated, you can resume your e-commerce operations. Monitor your store’s performance, sales, and customer interactions to ensure a smooth transition back into business.

Consider Alternatives to Cancellation

Here are what you can consider instead of ending your Shopify free trial:

Extend The Trial

Before making hasty decisions, check if the platform offers trial extensions or special deals. For example, Shopify provides exclusive offers like a reduced rate of $1/month for the next three months. This extended trial period allows you to explore the platform’s capabilities further and assess if it aligns with your business needs without incurring significant costs. 

Choose The Cheapest Plan And Pause Your Store

If you already subscribed to a plan during the free trial and now you’re considering cancellation, we recommend you choose the most economical plan, which is the Shopify Basic plan, and then choose to Pause your Shopify store, just in case you might want to come back to use Shopify later.

The Pause and Build plan allows you to maintain your Shopify store at a reduced monthly cost of $9 USD while temporarily deactivating the checkout feature. You can still access the admin panel to edit products, but customers won’t be able to make purchases. This plan could be beneficial if your store operates seasonally or is only open for limited durations.

If you want to start selling products again, then you can reopen your store at any time by choosing a new plan.

Explore Other Platforms To Compare

You also can take the time to thoroughly research and explore other e-commerce platform alternatives for Shopify available in the market, like Wix or Big Ecommerce. Look beyond just the popular ones; numerous platforms cater to various business needs. 

Create a checklist of essential features such as payment gateways, inventory management, and customer support. Evaluate transaction fees, scalability options, and user reviews. By conducting a detailed comparison, you can identify a platform that fits your budget and offers the functionalities required for your business model. 

Don’t hesitate to take advantage of free trials or demos these platforms might offer, allowing you to experience their interfaces firsthand.

Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Free Trial

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Shopify free trial:

• Add Products and Details: During your free trial, it’s crucial to upload a few products and their details. This step ensures that your products display correctly on your online store. High-quality images and detailed descriptions can significantly enhance your customers’ shopping experience.
• Organize with Collections: Creating collections is an excellent way to organize your products. Group related items together to make navigating your store easier for your customers. This organization enhances the user experience and can increase your sales.
• Explore Settings: Familiarize yourself with the Settings page in your Shopify admin. Here, you can configure essential aspects such as taxes, shipping options, and sales channels. Understanding these settings ensures that your store operates seamlessly when you officially launch.
• Explore Themes and Apps: Visit the Shopify Theme Store to explore various website designs. Your store’s appearance significantly influences customer perception. Additionally, check out the Shopify App Store for apps that enhance your store’s functionality. These apps can expand what you can do, offering solutions for everything from marketing to customer service.
• Learn and Experiment: Use the free trial period as a learning experience. Experiment with different settings, themes, and apps to understand what works best for your business. The trial allows you to make mistakes and learn from them without any financial risk.
• Seek Support and Resources: Take advantage of Shopify’s support resources. There are tutorials, forums, and customer support services available. If you encounter challenges or have questions, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Utilizing these resources can help you resolve issues quickly and maximize your trial period.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, our detailed guide on how to end the Shopify free trial empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to seamlessly cancel your subscription, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you move forward with your business endeavors.

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