How can I create a test shop for product integration without payment?

Shopify Apps

Topic summary

Goal: test product/order integrations for a Shopify app without paying for a store.

Key guidance:

  • Create a Shopify Partner account, then create a free development store from the Partner dashboard.
  • Development stores cost nothing and can be used to install and test apps.

Clarifications given:

  • A frozen/basic (standard) store requires payment to unlock; it’s not the path for free testing.
  • Access to create development stores is through the Partner account, not from a regular merchant store.

Open point:

  • The requester asked about using a development store with a third‑party app (Convictional) they don’t own. One reply states you can install and test “your app” on a development store, implying app testing is supported, but it doesn’t explicitly confirm policies for third‑party apps.

Status: Practical solution provided (create Partner account → development store). No further actions or unresolved blockers noted beyond the implicit third‑party app usage question.

Summarized with AI on January 2. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hello,

I am a developer working with Convictional’s Shopify App.

I need a test shop to test the integrations of products / orders.

Is there a way to do it without paying Shopify?

Thanks in advance!

2

hi @CotonCoton

You can create a development store from your partner dashboard. You can install and test your app on that development store. Development stores does not cost you any money.

3

For now I just have a basic shop (like anyone willing to sell something, nothing related to development)
My store if frozen, and all I can do to unlock it is pay for it. The common settings don’t seem accessible.

Therefore I don’t see where to create a development store. Could you please tell me where it is?

Also, the app I am experimenting with (Convictional App) is not mine, is that ok to use a development store with someone else app?

Thanks in advance

4

Create a partner account here: Become a Shopify Partner Today - Shopify Partners Then you will have an option to create a free development store from your partner account dashboard.