Users are encountering a persistent “server error” when attempting to purchase themes from the Shopify Theme Store. The issue prevents transactions from completing despite using valid payment methods with sufficient funds.
Troubleshooting attempts that failed:
Multiple payment cards tested
Different browsers (desktop and mobile)
Incognito mode
Clearing cache/history
Disabling ad-blockers
Bank verification (transactions approved by bank but not completed by Shopify)
Current status:
Multiple users affected across different themes and time periods (2021 to present)
Support tickets escalated to senior developers
No clear resolution provided beyond generic troubleshooting steps
One user accidentally purchased wrong theme during retry attempts due to system glitches
Shopify’s response:
Directing users to create support tickets for account-specific investigation
Confirming no widespread reports of the issue
Unable to resolve through community forum
The problem remains unresolved for current users, with ongoing escalations to technical teams.
Summarized with AI on October 29.
AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
After a period of unlimited trial of the Mr. Parker theme, I’ve decided to buy it. However, I’ve repeatedly been met with the message “server error” and nothing more happens, when clicking “Buy theme”. Tried two different cards that for sure has funds and is open for online purchases/worldwide. Ad-block and privacy badger deactivated. History/cache cleared. Tried different browsers, both desktop and mobile. Tried in-cognito. Same “server error” repeatedly.
Monthly billing from the same card(s) is no problem. Really getting tired of shopify here…
Thank you for reaching out and bringing this to our attention!
I understand you’re running into an error when trying to purchase the Mr. Parker theme. While we haven’t received any other reports of issues with purchasing themes, there were some reports of merchants being unable to publish their themes at the time of this posting. However, I can confirm that this publishing issue has been resolved. In case the issues were related, can you check if the purchasing issue is persisting on your end?
If the issue continues to persist, then it looks like we’ll need to access your account in order to resolve the issue. While we’re not able to provide account-specific support via the Shopify Community at this time, we’d be happy to continue assisting you through live chat, email, or callback. Please visit the Shopify Help Center and log in to your account to create a support request.
Can you confirm if you’re able to complete your theme purchase?
It looks like we’ll need to take a closer look and, if necessary, loop in our Technical team. Did you get a chance to create a support ticket with our Support team?
Chatted with support and nothing came out of that. Messed up during a retry to purchase my desired theme and a PC lag/glitch caused me to purchase a wrong theme from the same developer! Now I’m looking at refund/exchange of theme instead. Oh well, I hope things will work out in the end anyways. Thanks for your time anyways Elias.
The original issue mentioned in this post was from late 2021 and the merchant was able to complete a theme purchase. However, a different issue arose, as they purchased the wrong theme by accident. While the original issue can be considered resolved, it’s possible that you may be running into a similar issue.
Are you also experiencing an issue with purchasing a theme at the moment? If so, are you seeing a specific error message?
This is also happening to me at this moment in time. The ticket is opened with Support and escalated to senior devs. No further help as they are saying to try a different card which, I have 3 times. It went to the authentication screen, approved with bank but transaction did not complete via Shopify. Tried again, no authentication screen for bank, website redirected to theme store page for the specific theme. Tried again “Server Error”, swapped cards “server error”. My issue is not with the same theme as above but another Theme within the Theme Store.
I understand that you’re experiencing a similar issue. However, while the original post was from 2021, we may need to access your account in order to get a closer look and resolve the problem. While we’re unable to provide account-specific support via the Shopify Community, we’d be happy to further assist you through live chats. Simply visit the Shopify Help Center and we can check on the status of your escalation.
I noticed that you’re a new member of our Shopify Community! Once you’ve resolved this issue with purchasing the theme, I’d love to hear more about your business and share some resources to help you get started.
I’m also facing the same issue. I’m unable to buy a theme due to a server error. I tried all kinds of troubleshooting and reached out to the bank, but nothing worked. It’s a real disppointment