Will installing an app through "Merchant Install Link" make the client's store non-transferable?

[SK_TG]

Hello. 

My client has a Shopify store, let's say ABC - under Basic Shopify Plan.

As per the requirements, I built a custom app for managing orders with webhooks using Kyon147/laravel-shopify package. 

I tested the app using a test development store. While testing, I noticed the status change from "Development" to "Transfer disabled" store. This wasn't clearly outlined in custom app development documentation. 

My question is, now, if I generate a "Merchant Install Link" for my custom app, to be used for ABC store.. will the ABC store status also change from "Basic Shopify" to "Transfer disabled"?

Is there a workaround? Is there anything else I should keep in mind before installing the app? There has been a lot of work already done on ABC store, so I do not want to risk losing any of it.

[SomeUsernameHe · Accepted solution]

Hey Sabira, 

Development store transfer is permanently disabled in the following cases:

• If you install a custom app or a draft app on a development store
• If you enable developer preview for a development store

You won't be using a development app on a customer's store, so you have nothing to worry about. When you choose your distribution, you will just select "Custom Distribution" which will allow you to give the store owner a link to install your unlisted app. It will be the same as any other app on the app store and will not apply a "Transfer Disabled" status to your customer's shop.

[SomeUsernameHe]

I would also look into developing a "Custom App" rather than a regular Shopify app via the Shopify CLI. When you develop you will need to pay a one-time $99 fee to distribute Shopify CLI apps. 

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/apps/app-types/custom-apps

[SK_TG]

Thank you for all the information! Yes, I built a custom app, just connected it through the partners admin dashboard, instead of using Shopify CLI.

[SomeUsernameHe]

Awesome, well if you need any other help, feel free to post here or message me! 

Happy Coding!

[rammed]

I have a link for custom app built by developer when i click that link it is asking for the store that i need to install. Once click the store it is going to example.com and after that nothing happening. I am not sure how to install custom app using the link