Conflicting messaging - PayPal Express & Reference transaction approval - purchase option app

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

Merchants installing an app that uses purchase options are receiving conflicting messages about PayPal reference transaction approval.

The Issue:

  • Merchants get emails stating Shopify is requesting PayPal’s approval for reference transactions
  • Their Shopify dashboard simultaneously prompts them to take action with PayPal themselves
  • This creates significant confusion about the correct steps to follow

Request:
The developer is asking for clarification on the proper procedure to communicate to customers, as the mixed messaging is causing problems for their user base.

Note: The post includes screenshots of both the email notification and dashboard banner, which appear central to illustrating the conflicting instructions.

Summarized with AI on November 12. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hey everyone,

Quick heads up: merchants installing our app, which utilises purchase options, are facing a mix-up.

They’re informed Shopify is requesting PayPal’s approval for reference transactions via email:

Email notification
Email notification438×316 29.5 KB

but their dashboard prompts them to take action with PayPal:

Shopify dashboard banner

Could we clarify the correct steps for them as It’s creating a lot of confusion for our customers.

Thanks!

1 Like