Why didn't I receive full commission from my client's theme purchase?

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

A developer built a Shopify store for a client using the Impact theme and expected to receive 100% commission when the client purchased it, but did not receive the payment.

Clarification provided:

  • Only the Partner who manages/owns the theme itself is eligible for theme sale earnings
  • Developers who simply use a theme for client stores do not receive commission from those theme purchases
  • This policy is outlined in Shopify’s Partner Earning documentation

The issue appears resolved through explanation of Shopify’s commission structure, which limits theme earnings to theme creators/managers rather than developers implementing themes for clients.

Summarized with AI on November 1. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hey there,

I had a question, I developed a Shopify store for my client on the Impact theme. My client bought the theme. As per Shopify Policy, I expected to get 100% commission from the theme purchase but I didn’t. Is there any reason why I didn’t?

2

Hi

Only the Partner who manages the theme is eligible for earnings from theme sales. This page: Shopify Partner Earning has more information: