How to Delete Your Shopify Account After the Trial Period
By Sam Thomas Davies Head of Content
@ Sleeknote

If you have been using Shopify for your online store and have decided that it is not the right fit for you, you may be wondering how to delete your Shopify account after the trial period. This article will provide you with the step-by-step process to help you close your account and explore alternative options.

Understanding the Trial Period on Shopify

Before we dive into the process of deleting your Shopify account, it is essential to understand what the trial period entails. When you sign up for a Shopify account, you are given a 14-day free trial to explore all the features and functionalities of the platform. During this trial period, you can set up your online store, add products, customize your theme, and test out various apps and integrations. At the end of the trial, you will need to choose a paid subscription plan to continue using Shopify.

It’s important to note that during the trial period, you have full access to Shopify’s customer support. This means that if you encounter any issues or have any questions while setting up your store, you can reach out to their support team for assistance. They are available 24/7 via live chat, email, or phone, ensuring that you have the necessary support to make the most out of your trial period. Take advantage of this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the platform and get any help you may need.

Why You Might Want to Delete Your Shopify Account

There are several reasons why you might decide to delete your Shopify account after the trial period. It could be that you have found an alternative platform that better suits your business needs or that you no longer wish to run an online store. Perhaps you have decided to shift your focus to brick-and-mortar retail or explore other business opportunities. Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial to thoroughly consider your decision and ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.

Another reason you might want to delete your Shopify account is if you have experienced a significant decline in sales or customer engagement. If your online store is not generating the desired results and you have exhausted all possible strategies to improve it, deleting your account could be a viable option.

Additionally, privacy concerns may also prompt you to delete your Shopify account. If you have become wary of sharing your personal or business information online, deleting your account can provide a sense of security and peace of mind.

Steps to Take Before Deleting Your Shopify Account

Before you proceed with deleting your Shopify account, there are a few essential steps you should take to safeguard your data and ensure a smooth transition. Firstly, make sure to back up all your data, including product information, customer data, and order history. Shopify provides various export options, allowing you to download this information in a format that can be easily imported into other platforms. Additionally, consider notifying your customers and any partners or suppliers about your decision to close your Shopify store, ensuring minimal disruption to your business relationships.

Another important step to take before deleting your Shopify account is to review any active subscriptions or apps that you have integrated with your store. Cancel or remove any subscriptions or apps that you no longer need or want to continue using. This will help prevent any unnecessary charges or complications after your account is deleted.

Lastly, it is crucial to redirect your domain to a new website or update any links that may be pointing to your Shopify store. This will ensure that your customers can still find you and that you don’t lose any traffic or potential sales. Shopify provides guidance on how to set up domain redirects or update links, so be sure to follow their instructions to avoid any disruptions to your online presence.

Canceling Subscription vs. Deleting Your Shopify Account: What’s the Difference?

It is essential to understand the difference between canceling your subscription and deleting your Shopify account. Canceling your subscription means that you will no longer be billed by Shopify, but your account and store will remain active. This option is suitable if you wish to take a break from running your online store but plan to return in the future. On the other hand, deleting your Shopify account permanently closes your store and removes all data associated with it. This option should only be chosen if you are certain that you will not be using Shopify again.

When you cancel your subscription, you can still access your account and make changes to your store settings. This means that you can pause your business temporarily without losing any progress or data. It’s a convenient option if you want to take a break from managing your online store but intend to resume operations later.

However, if you decide to delete your Shopify account, it’s important to note that this action is irreversible. Once your account is deleted, all your store data, including products, orders, and customer information, will be permanently erased. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up any essential data before proceeding with the deletion process.

How to Cancel Your Shopify Subscription

If you decide to cancel your Shopify subscription instead of deleting your account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Shopify account.
  2. Click on the “Settings” tab in the lower-left corner of your dashboard.
  3. From the settings menu, select “Billing.”
  4. Scroll down to the “Cancel Subscription” section and click on the “Cancel Subscription” button.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation of your subscription.
  6. Your subscription will be canceled, and you will no longer be billed by Shopify.

It’s important to note that canceling your Shopify subscription will not delete your account or remove any of your store’s data. Your store will remain accessible, but you will no longer have access to the features and benefits of a paid subscription. If you decide to reactivate your subscription in the future, you can do so by following the same steps outlined above.

Backing Up Your Data Before Deleting Your Shopify Account

Before proceeding with deleting your Shopify account, it is crucial to back up all your data to avoid any loss of valuable information. To back up your data, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Shopify account.
  2. Click on the “Settings” tab in the lower-left corner of your dashboard.
  3. From the settings menu, select “Billing.”
  4. Scroll down to the “Cancel Subscription” section and click on the “Cancel Subscription” button.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation of your subscription.
  6. Your subscription will be canceled, and you will no longer be billed by Shopify.

After canceling your subscription, it is important to note that your Shopify account will be deactivated, and you will no longer have access to your store or its data. Therefore, it is crucial to back up all your data before proceeding with the deletion of your Shopify account.

The Process of Deleting a Shopify Account After the Trial Period

Once you have completed the necessary steps to back up your data and cancel your subscription, you are ready to delete your Shopify account. Follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Shopify account.
  2. Click on the “Settings” tab in the lower-left corner of your dashboard.
  3. From the settings menu, select “Billing.”
  4. Scroll down to the “Cancel Subscription” section and click on the “Cancel Subscription” button.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation of your subscription.
  6. Your subscription will be canceled, and you will no longer be billed by Shopify.

Deleting your Shopify account after the trial period is a permanent action and cannot be undone. It is important to note that once you delete your account, all of your data, including products, orders, and customer information, will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

Before deleting your account, it is recommended to download any important data or reports that you may need for future reference. This can be done by exporting your data from the Shopify admin dashboard. Additionally, if you have any active apps or integrations connected to your Shopify account, make sure to disconnect them before proceeding with the deletion process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Deleting a Shopify Account

While deleting your Shopify account is a straightforward process, it is essential to be mindful of a few common mistakes that can occur. Firstly, ensure that you have backed up all your data before initiating the deletion process. Failure to do so could result in the loss of critical information that cannot be recovered. Additionally, double-check that you have canceled your subscription before proceeding with deleting your account. Lastly, make sure to notify any stakeholders, such as customers, partners, and suppliers, about your decision to close your Shopify store to avoid any misunderstandings or disruptions.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition when Leaving Shopify

When you decide to leave Shopify, it is crucial to plan for a smooth transition to minimize any potential disruptions to your business. Start by selecting an alternative platform that aligns with your business needs and transfer your data accordingly. This could include importing your products, customer information, and order history into the new platform. Additionally, consider redirecting any domain or subdomain associated with your Shopify store to your new website to maintain continuity for your customers. Lastly, update any listings or advertisements that may direct traffic to your Shopify store to ensure potential customers are aware of your new online presence.

How to Export Your Data from Shopify Before Deleting Your Account

Exporting your data from Shopify is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to export your data before deleting your account:

  1. Log in to your Shopify account.
  2. Click on the “Settings” tab in the lower-left corner of your dashboard.
  3. From the settings menu, select “Products” or “Customers” depending on the data you want to export.
  4. Click on the “Export” button.
  5. Select the specific data you want to export, such as products, customers, orders, or other types of data.
  6. Choose the file format for the export, such as CSV or Excel.
  7. Click on the “Export” button to start the export process.
  8. Your data will be exported and downloaded to your computer.

What Happens to Your Online Store When You Delete Your Shopify Account?

Deleting your Shopify account has significant implications for your online store. When you delete your account, your store will no longer be accessible, and all associated data, including products, customer information, and order history, will be permanently deleted. It is crucial to consider these consequences and ensure that you have backed up any data you wish to retain before initiating the deletion process.

Understanding the Consequences of Deleting a Shopify Account

Deleting a Shopify account should not be taken lightly, as it has lasting consequences. Once you delete your account, it cannot be restored, and all associated data will be permanently lost. This means that you will not be able to retrieve any product information, customer data, order history, or other essential data that was stored within your Shopify account. It is crucial to evaluate these consequences thoroughly and make an informed decision based on your long-term business goals.

How to Contact Shopify Support for Assistance with Closing Your Account

If you require assistance with closing your Shopify account or have any questions regarding the process, you can contact Shopify Support for guidance. Shopify provides various support channels, including email, live chat, and phone support. Visit the Shopify Support website to access the contact information and choose the support channel that best suits your needs. The Shopify Support team will be able to assist you in navigating the account closure process and addressing any concerns you may have.

Alternatives to Closing Your Shopify Account: Exploring Other Options

If you have decided that Shopify is not the right platform for your online store, there are alternative options worth exploring before closing your account. Consider researching and testing other e-commerce platforms to determine which one aligns best with your business needs. Some popular alternatives to Shopify include WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, and Squarespace. Explore the features, pricing, and integrations offered by these platforms to make an informed decision about the future of your online store.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to delete your Shopify account after the trial period and explore alternative options that better suit your business goals. Remember to back up your data, cancel your subscription if necessary, and consider the implications of closing your Shopify account. With careful planning and research, you can ensure a smooth transition and continued success in your online endeavors.