i’m under 18 but my business is registered under my name

[Tahlia]

how am i supposed to create a shopify store if i am under 18 but the abn is registered under my name and i am a sole trader? do i need to use another platform until i turn 18 and if so can i save the website i have just created and put a pause on the payments until i am of age?

[eComInsider]

Hi, you can find more details: https://community.shopify.com/c/shopify-discussions/can-i-start-a-merchandise-shop-under-18-with-par...

[Kudosi-Carlos]

Hello @Tahlia 

Shopify’s Terms of Service require you to be at least 18 years old to own an account. Even if your ABN is legit and you’re a sole trader, they still need the account holder to be 18+ for legal reasons. Here’s what you can do:

• You can have a parent or guardian register the Shopify account in their name and manage it on your behalf until you turn 18. Once you're of age, you can transfer ownership.
• Or, if you’d rather pause everything:
  Go to Settings > Plan and click Pause and Build. That keeps your website saved and active (just without checkout), and the fee drops to around $9/month.

Shopify won’t delete your store unless you actively close it, so you won’t lose your progress. When you're ready, you can upgrade and go live under your own name.