Well Elias as a new customer let me give you my first impressions. Second day I try to use Shopify all login is disabled for the day the help system doesn’t work and I spend 40 minutes trying to find out how to contact support as the support email facility has also been sunset. I then try and add reviews to my theme to find that has been sunset. If I want to do anything vaguely like an online store I find I have to buy another app subscription for every store one at a time. Quite honestly I’m less than impressed and may well sunset my store.
Topic summary
Shopify discontinued its free Product Reviews app on September 5, 2023, directing users to third-party alternatives. Merchants who had the app installed can access and export their reviews until January 2024.
Key concerns raised:
- Migration challenges: Users with thousands of existing reviews face technical difficulties transferring data and custom coding to new platforms
- Cost implications: Third-party review apps typically charge $10-20/month, adding to Shopify’s base subscription fees
- Theme compatibility: Older themes may not work seamlessly with new review apps, requiring expensive updates
Community reaction:
- Strong negative sentiment from merchants who valued the simple, free solution
- At least one user decided to close their Shopify store and return to WooCommerce due to increasing costs
- Multiple users expressed willingness to pay a small fee to keep the original app rather than migrate
Shopify’s rationale:
Third-party apps offer more robust features like review verification and provide more complete solutions.
Suggested alternatives:
Judge.me, Stamped.io, Yotpo, Loox, Okendo, and Kooee Reviews (free option with migration guide).
The discussion remains unresolved, with Shopify staff acknowledging feedback but making no commitments to reverse the decision.
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