How to Cancel Shopify Free Trial: Simple Steps

Embarking on an e-commerce venture with Shopify's free trial opens doors to a world of possibilities. This trial period allows users to explore Shopify's robust platform, experiment with various features, and test the waters of online entrepreneurship without upfront financial commitment. 

However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to understand how to cancel before the trial concludes. Please do so to avoid unforeseen fees and disrupt financial plans. 

In light of this, our guide offers users Simple Steps to effortlessly stop the Shopify Free Trial. By empowering users with this knowledge, we ensure they retain control over their Shopify experience and avoid unintended expenses.

Understanding Shopify Free Trial

The Shopify free trial offers newcomers a risk-free opportunity to explore the platform's capabilities and functionalities before committing to a paid subscription. Here's a breakdown of what to expect during the free trial period:

• Duration: Shopify's free trial is standard for 3 days. This provides users with ample time to acquaint themselves with the platform and assess its suitability for their e-commerce needs.
• Accessible Features: During the trial period, users can access Shopify's full suite of features and tools. They will be able to handle orders and customers, add items, set up payment gateways, develop and configure their online store, and experiment with the different applications and integrations that are available in the Shopify App Store.
• Billing Details: While the trial is free, users must provide billing information when signing up. This information is used to set up the user's account for automatic billing once the trial period ends. Users must be aware that they will be automatically enrolled in a paid membership plan and charged accordingly if they do not cancel their trial before the expiration date.
• Automatic Subscription Setup: Shopify's billing system automatically transitions users to a paid subscription plan at the end of the trial period unless they cancel beforehand. This implies that customers must proactively stop their trial if they decide not to continue with a paid membership.

By understanding the duration of the free trial period, the features accessible during the trial, the billing details, and the automatic subscription setup, users can make informed decisions about their Shopify experience and take appropriate actions to manage their trial effectively.

Read more: 

Shopify Pricing Plans 2024 - Everything You Need To Know

How to claim Shopify Free Trial 2024 (3 free days + 1 month extended)

What Happens to Your Store After you Cancel the Free Trial?

When you opt to cancel your Shopify free trial, you will be initiated into a series of actions regarding the status and accessibility of your store. Firstly, upon cancellation, you will immediately lose access to your Shopify store dashboard and all its functionalities. This means you won't be able to log in to manage your store, edit product listings, adjust settings, or customize the design of your website. Your ability to interact with your store through the Shopify platform ceases.

However, it's important to note that canceling the free trial doesn't result in the immediate deletion of your store. Instead, your store remains in a deactivated state. While it's inactive, it's not completely wiped out. Shopify retains your store data, including product information, customer details, order history, and other settings, for a certain period after cancellation, detailed 30 days. This data retention period allows you to reactivate your store in the future if you decide to subscribe to a Shopify plan.

During this inactive phase, your store will not be visible to the public, and customers will not be able to access your website or make purchases. It will effectively become dormant until you choose to reactivate it or take further action. It's essential to consider backing up any crucial data or content from your store before canceling the free trial to ensure you have copies of essential information for future reference or use.

Ultimately, canceling your Shopify free trial signifies suspending your store's active status on the platform. While you lose immediate access and functionality, your store's data remains intact, allowing for potential reactivation and continuation of your e-commerce journey with Shopify in the future.

Pre-Cancellation Preparation

Confirm that no information about your credit card is retained.

It's important to ensure that you have yet to add any credit card information to your Shopify account during your free trial. This is because Shopify does not request credit card details during the trial period. To prevent potential unintentional charges once the trial expires, ensure your credit card information is removed from your account. 

It is considering the removal of any third-party programs that charge a monthly fee.

When you were experimenting with everything that Shopify had to offer during your free trial, you could have added a number of third-party applications from the Shopify App business to enhance the functionality of your business. Take a close look at the applications you have installed. If any require regular payments, remove or deactivate them to keep control over your spending and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Transfer the custom domains that you bought from Shopify.

Transferring your custom domain names to a different registrar or hosting company is essential if you bought them via Shopify and later determined that Shopify isn't the best option for your online business. You need to transfer your custom domains to avoid losing control and ownership of them.

Export CSV files from your Shopify store to save your store's data.

Your Shopify store probably contains valuable information like product listings, customer profiles, and order histories. To protect this information and ensure its accessibility if you choose to switch to a different e-commerce platform later, it is advisable to export your store's data into CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files. 

This safety measure guarantees that you will always have access to important documents and information, even after your Shopify free trial expires, making a smooth transfer possible if necessary.

Carefully consider the options available to replace Shopify.

It is essential to carefully consider whether Shopify fits with your unique e-commerce demands and objectives before attempting to terminate your Shopify free trial. Even if Shopify is a powerful platform, you may have different business requirements. Consider aspects like cost, functionality, scalability, and demands unique to your sector as you investigate and contrast various e-commerce systems. 

How to Cancel Shopify Free Trial: Simple Steps

Step 1: Log in to Shopify Store

Signing into your Shopify account is the first step towards ending your free trial. Go to the official Shopify website and click "Log in" in the upper right corner. To sign in, proceed by entering your email address and password.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'Settings' Page

When you log in, your Shopify admin panel will appear. Next, you choose "Settings," located in the dashboard's lower left corner.

Step 3: Click 'Plan' to See Your Plan Details

Locate the "Plan" section on the Settings page and click on it.

Step 4: Choose 'Deactivate Trial'

You are now viewing your plan details, which include details about your current plan. To initiate the cancellation procedure, locate the "Deactivate Trial" button at the bottom of the page. If you decide to change your mind, click "Choose Plan" to pick a paid plan and keep using Shopify's services.

Step 5: Press' Cancel Subscription'

To deactivate the store, click "Cancel Subscription" when the Deactivate Store window appears.

Step 6: Select a Reason for Canceling

After that, Shopify will ask why you wish to shut down your business. Use the drop-down menu to select a cause, then click "Continue."

Step 7: Confirm the Cancellation

This is the last step! To confirm your cancellation, enter your password and click "Deactivate" right away.

That's it, too! After that, an email confirming that your store has been deactivated and that you will no longer be able to access it will be sent to you. 

Alternatives to Cancelling

Choosing a Reasonable Plan 

Take the time to assess your current business requirements and growth trajectory. Shopify offers a range of subscription plans tailored to different stages of business development, from startups to established enterprises. By choosing a plan that fits your demands, you can obtain the features and resources you need to support the success of your online business without going over budget.

Read more:

Quick Guide: How to Change Your Shopify Plan 

Pausing Your Store 

If you're facing temporary challenges or need to step back from your business for a period, pausing your store can be a strategic alternative to cancellation. Pausing allows you to maintain your store's data, configurations, and customizations while temporarily suspending subscription fees. This option is particularly valuable if you anticipate returning to your business in the future or if you're experiencing a seasonal downturn. It offers the flexibility to take a break without losing the progress you've made on your Shopify store.

Read more:

How to Cancel Shopify Subscription and Get a Refund [2024]

Seeking Assistance from Shopify Support

Should you encounter technical issues, usability concerns, or operational challenges that prompt cancellation thoughts, contacting Shopify support can provide invaluable assistance. The Shopify support team comprises knowledgeable professionals helping merchants overcome obstacles and optimize their online stores. 

Whether you need guidance on store setup, troubleshooting assistance, or advice on maximizing Shopify's features, their expertise can help you navigate challenges effectively. By leveraging Shopify support, you can address concerns proactively and find solutions that alleviate the need for cancellation altogether.

Finding another E-commerce Platform

While canceling your Shopify free trial may seem like the only option, consider exploring alternative e-commerce platforms before making a final decision. Here are some other platforms to consider:

Wix

Wix is ​​a renowned website builder platform where users can easily design, create, and manage their websites without any coding knowledge. With Wix, users may upload their content, select from several pre-designed themes, and alter the website to suit their preferences.

It is a comprehensive package with e-commerce capabilities, domain registration, and website hosting. Wix was founded in 2006 and has grown to include millions of users worldwide.

WordPress

Creating and managing websites is made easy using WordPress, a feature-rich content management system (CMS). It may be obtained for no cost. It was once intended to be a blogging platform, but Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little have since developed it into a versatile content management system (CMS) that can be utilized to build a range of websites.

WordPress is based on a template system and plugin architecture, which lets users alter the look and feel of their websites and add new functions. According to HubSpot, the official WordPress plugin catalog contained over 60,000 free plugins as of 2022.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a significant player among the diverse range of e-commerce systems. This robust WordPress plugin allows any WordPress website to become a dynamic online store. Because of its fundamental qualities, which include flexibility and adaptability, WooCommerce is a top option for business owners who want a great deal of control over their e-commerce platform. 

WooCommerce, first developed in 2011 by the innovative team at WooThemes, swiftly evolved from a basic plugin to a powerful e-commerce platform. Its success may be linked to its open-source structure, which provides flexibility and capabilities that have helped it grab a sizable portion of the e-commerce business.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a well-known subscription platform that simplifies website and e-commerce construction. It was established in 2003 and provides a variety of services, including e-commerce capabilities, site design, blogging tools, and marketing links. Its goal is to make managing an internet presence easier, which makes it a great tool for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Magento

Launched in 2008, Magento is a widely known publicly available platform designed specifically for e-commerce companies. It is well regarded for its adaptability and scalability and includes an extensive set of tools to improve user experiences and optimize online sales, including effective search engine optimization tools, product catalog management, and strong shopping cart functionality.

Magento is a powerful e-commerce platform, but managing it requires some technical expertise due to its complexity—possibly more than other platforms. It is also notable that Adobe purchased Magento in 2021, renamed it Adobe Commerce, and integrated it with Adobe's portfolio of e-commerce products.

Comparison with Shopify

Choosing the platform to build your website and manage your business is extremely important. Therefore, to consider whether to switch from Shopify to another platform or not, you need to consider many aspects. Below are some essential comparisons to help you make the right choice for your business:

Wix and Shopify: Which Platform is Right for You [2024] 

Shopify vs WordPress 2024: Which Is Better for Your Online Store?

Shopify vs. WooCommerce 2024: Which is better?

Shopify vs Squarespace: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Shopify vs Magento: Which Is the Right Platform for Your Business?

How to Maximize The Benefits of Your Free Trial

To maximize your Shopify free trial, dive into a strategic exploration of its features. This period offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in e-commerce and refine your understanding of Shopify's capabilities. With focused engagement, you can turn this trial into a crucial step toward achieving your business objectives. Below are some essential factors that we have listed for you: 

• Add Products and Details: During your free trial, it's uploading a few products and their details are crucial. This step ensures that your products display correctly on your online store. High-quality images and detailed descriptions can significantly enhance your customers' shopping experience.

• Organize with Collections: Creating collections is an excellent way to organize your products. Group related items together to make navigating your store more accessible for your customers. This organization enhances the user experience and can increase your sales.

• Explore Settings: Get started with your Shopify admin's Settings page. This is where you set up important things like shipping, taxes, and sales channels. By being aware of these options, you can make sure that your shop runs well on launch day.

• Examine the Apps and Themes: Go through the Shopify Theme Store to see different types of websites. The way your shop looks has a significant impact on how customers see it. In addition, go through the Shopify App Store for apps that improve the functionality of your store. With solutions ranging from customer care to marketing, these applications may help you achieve more.

• Learn and Try: Make use of the free trial period to gain knowledge and experience. Try out several themes, settings, and applications to see which ones are most effective for your company. You have no financial risk when you take the trial, so you may make errors and learn from them.

• Find Support and Resources: Shopify offers assistance through customer support services, forums, and tutorials. It is never too late to ask for help if you need it or have questions. By using these tools, you may make the most of your trial time and promptly address problems.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your free trial period and gain valuable insights into whether the platform fits your business before committing.

FAQs When Cancelling Shopify Free Trial

Will I be charged if I cancel my Shopify free trial?

No, you will not be charged if you cancel your Shopify free trial before the trial period ends. Shopify offers a 03-day free trial for new users to explore and test their platform without any financial commitment. If you cancel your free trial before it expires, Shopify will not charge you any fees, and your account will be closed without any further obligations.

However, it's essential to note that if you don't cancel your free trial before it ends and your trial transitions into a paid subscription, Shopify will automatically charge you for the selected subscription plan. Therefore, if you do not wish to continue using Shopify beyond the free trial period, it's crucial to cancel your trial before it expires to avoid any unexpected charges.

Can I resume my trial later if I cancel it now?

As of the last update, Shopify's policies may have changed since then. Typically, Shopify does not offer the option to resume a free trial once it has been canceled. Once you cancel your trial, your account will be closed, and you will need to sign up for a new trial if you wish to use Shopify again in the future.

However, it's worth noting that Shopify occasionally offers promotions or special arrangements that may include extended trial periods or other incentives for users who wish to return to the platform after canceling their trial. If you're interested in resuming your trial or exploring your options further, you should reach out to Shopify's customer support for assistance. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and help you find a solution that meets your needs.

Will my custom domain be affected if I cancel my trial?

If you cancel your Shopify trial, the impact on your custom domain varies. If you were using a free Shopify domain, it will be deactivated. However, if you connected a custom domain, it won't be affected directly. If the custom domain was registered through Shopify, you may lose access to it if it was part of a trial promotion. Independently registered domains remain unaffected but may require updating if you switch providers. Reviewing the terms of your domain registration and Shopify trial can provide clarity on potential impacts.

If I neglect to finish my trial before it expires, will I receive a refund?

Whether you can get a refund if you forget to cancel your trial before it ends depends on the specific policies of the platform offering the trial, such as Shopify. Typically, suppose you're automatically billed for a subscription after the trial period ends. In that case, some platforms may offer a refund if you request it within a certain time frame after the charge is made. However, this is not guaranteed, and it's essential to review the terms and conditions of the trial and subscription carefully. To increase your chances of a refund, contact customer support as soon as possible after noticing the charge and explain your situation.

Can I transfer my Shopify store to another person if I cancel my trial?

Transferring your Shopify Store to another person typically isn't possible if you cancel your trial. During the trial period, your store is associated with your Shopify account, and canceling the trial usually results in the closure of your store. However, if you're interested in transferring ownership of your Shopify store to another person, consider upgrading to a paid plan and then transferring ownership within the Shopify platform. Shopify allows for store ownership transfers between Shopify accounts, but this process usually requires both parties to agree and follow specific steps outlined by Shopify. It's essential to review Shopify's policies and contact their support team for guidance on transferring ownership of your store.

Wrap up

In concluding your Shopify free trial experience, it's important to assess whether the platform aligns with your business objectives. To avoid any unforeseen charges, navigate to your Shopify account settings and initiate the cancellation process before the trial period expires. Take this opportunity to explore alternative e-commerce platforms, considering factors such as features, pricing, and user feedback to make an informed decision. 

Additionally, review the status of your custom domain and understand any implications for its accessibility or ownership post-cancellation. Whether you decide to stick with Shopify and go on to a paid plan, or look into other possibilities, making a deliberate decision about how to finish your trial will guarantee a seamless transition and pave the way for future success in your e-commerce ventures.

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