We simply created a form and planted it as a main menu item. “Application for Wholesale Status”. It’s hard to miss and people are using it. The form uses field references that allow it to set up the customer for me. All I have to do is approve it.
Topic summary
Issue: After migrating from a blended B2B/DTC store to a dedicated B2B expansion store (with the legacy Wholesale channel being sunset next year), there’s no built-in way to let new wholesale prospects apply, get approved, and then access pricing; anyone can currently create/log into an account.
Platform constraints:
- Shopify B2B requires “new customer accounts,” which don’t allow apps or Liquid customizations on login/registration.
- Toggling “restrict to B2B customers only” blocks prospects from applying.
Workarounds proposed:
- Use a public application form (menu-linked) to collect/qualify leads; approve in admin, then grant access.
- Pair apps: Helium Customer Fields (custom registration + manual approval + auto-tagging) with Locksmith (access control). Some success reported even with new accounts; team is developing features for company account approvals.
- Alternative to Locksmith: light custom Liquid for storefront access control (blog guidance shared).
- Communication hacks: embed an application link/QR in the logo area of the new login UI; or direct prospects to apply on the main site first.
- For pricing/ordering by segment: consider Sparklayer.
Status: No native approval flow for new B2B accounts; solutions rely on third‑party apps or custom Liquid. Multiple merchants ask for confirmations/how‑to; no definitive first‑party resolution yet.