Freelancer wants full collaborator permissions to upload a premium theme to my store?

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

A Shopify newcomer questioned whether to grant full collaborator permissions to a freelancer who sent a zip file of a theme requiring a license activation. The freelancer claimed “all modular API” permissions were needed for licensing.

Key concerns identified:

  • Security risks from granting unrestricted store access
  • Unusual installation method (zip file vs. standard Shopify Theme Store purchase)
  • Vague licensing explanations suggesting potential pirated/unauthorized themes

Standard practice clarified:
Shopify themes are normally purchased directly through the Theme Store and activate automatically upon installation through the admin panel.

Resolution:
The original poster declined the freelancer’s services and decided to select a theme from Shopify’s official store and attempt self-design first. A follow-up note suggested using staff accounts with limited permissions as a safer alternative for future developer access.

Summarized with AI on November 2. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi all,

New here and to Shopify, and could do with some clarity. I’ve been speaking to Freelancers to build my store for me. One of them has said he would need a collaborator code and full permissions, in their words: “For now, we need all. Because the license require all the modular API to activate.”

He sent a zip file of a theme, but said it requires a license.

I was under the impression that I buy the theme directly from Shopify and it gets activated via my account?

Having worked with developers before, this seems quite strange. Am I right to be suspicious here?

Thank you in advance,

Ash.

2

Hi @AshKage

You’re right to be cautious!

The freelancer’s request for a collaborator code and full permissions raises several red flags:

  1. Security risk: Granting full permissions can compromise your store’s security and give the freelancer unrestricted access to your data.
  2. Lack of transparency: The freelancer’s vague explanation about the license requirement is unclear and suspicious.
  3. Unconventional theme installation: Buying a theme directly from Shopify is the standard procedure. Receiving a zip file from a freelancer, especially with a license requirement, is unusual.

Shopify themes are typically purchased directly from the Shopify Theme Store, installed through the Shopify admin panel, and activated automatically upon installation.

It’s possible the freelancer is trying to sell you a pirated or unauthorized theme, gain unauthorized access to your store, or charge you for a theme that’s available for free or at a lower cost.

Before proceeding, verify the theme’s authenticity by checking the Shopify Theme Store to ensure the theme is legitimate and available for purchase. Clarify the licensing requirements by asking the freelancer to provide clear documentation and explanation about the license. Request a detailed breakdown of the work to ensure you understand what services the freelancer will provide and what you’re paying for.

Consider seeking advice from Shopify Support or a trusted expert to help you navigate this situation.

If its helpful please Like and Accept as Solution Thanks.

1 Like
3

Thanks for this, I’ve refused to grant them access and pulled out of their offer to design my store. I’m going to choose my own theme from Shopify and have a go at designing it myself first.

1 Like
4

You’re welcome

For developer access , staff account is good option, you can set permissions.