How do COD apps like Releasit, EasySell create orders directly without Shopify Checkout?

Shopify Apps
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Hi everyone,

I'm developing a COD (Cash on Delivery) app for the Indian market. During app review, Shopify rejected my approach of creating orders directly via the Admin API (orders.json endpoint) and asked me to redirect users to Shopify Checkout instead.

However, I notice that popular COD apps like:
- Releasit COD Form & Upsells
- Priya COD Form, Upsells & Quantity
- EasySell COD Form & Upsells

These apps appear to create orders directly after the customer fills a COD form, without redirecting to Shopify Checkout. The order is created immediately and the customer sees a Thank You page.

My questions:
1. How are these apps able to create orders directly while my app was rejected for the same approach?
2. Is there a specific API or method they use that is approved by Shopify?
3. Are there special permissions or app review exemptions for established apps?
4. Has Shopify's policy changed recently regarding direct order creation for COD?

I want to ensure my app follows Shopify guidelines while providing a competitive user experience.

Any insights from app developers or Shopify staff would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
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