Help needed- Transferring store to client

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

A Shopify partner is preparing to transfer a client’s store and seeks guidance on the process. The store is currently informational only with no online sales, and the client wants to use Pause and Build mode after transfer.

Key Transfer Steps Outlined:

  • Add client as staff member first and ensure they complete staff account setup
  • Update store address to client’s location (critical for tax/billing purposes)
  • Domain can be added before or after ownership transfer
  • After transfer, the partner remains as collaborator but loses access to financial information

Important Considerations:

  • Pause and Build mode can only be activated after the initial invoice is paid
  • Wrong address during transfer may cause extra tax charges on client’s Shopify invoice
  • Client should create their own account, select a plan, then switch to Pause and Build mode

Additional Resources Shared:

  • Pre-launch checklist for store setup
  • Brand building and social media marketing strategy guides to help with successful launch
Summarized with AI on November 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I have created a store under the Shopify partnership program for a client of mine.

I’m at the point of transferring it over but I have a few questions.

  1. Should I do a domain transfer on the store before or after I transfer it over?

  2. The client needs to have the store in Pause and Build, mode. The site is for information only, no online sales at this time. So should he create his own account, pick a plan and then switch it to the Pause and Build mode?

2

Hi @kirkcanada ,

When you’ve reached the stage of transferring store ownership, you’ll want to be sure to add the client as a staff member first as a first step. Make sure that you add them as a staff member and that they complete the staff account setup. After you transfer ownership to your client, you remain on the store as a collaborator but no longer have access to financial information.

It’s also important to add your client’s address to the store settings, especially if your client is based in a different country than you. In some cases, transferring a store with the wrong address can cause your client to be charged extra taxes on their Shopify invoice. To learn more about changing a store’s address, refer to Adding business settings for your store.

Please keep in mind that a store can be paused only after the initial invoice is paid. You can learn more about Pause and Build here.

The domain can be added prior to, or after transferring ownership. Here are some tips and tools for selecting and activating a great domain name.

Hope that helps! If I can clarify any of the above or assist in any way, just let me know.

3

Ren,

Thank you for the very clear and concise response.

I really appreciate the help!

4

My pleasure, @kirkcanada .

I also wanted to offer some of my favorite resources for you to pass along to your client as they prepare to launch their store.

This general checklist is a great way to track and be sure all of their bases are covered to ensure a successful launch.

Building a Brand is pivotal to creating an identity and a voice for reaching their customers and producing social media content and advertising.

And of course, a solid marketing strategy is going to help sets the right things into motion.

All the best!

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