A Shopify Developmental Store is a free, feature-rich store created by Shopify Partners to design, test, and launch online stores for clients. Whether you're a developer, designer, or agency, developmental stores allow you to explore Shopify’s ecosystem and build fully functional eCommerce websites without paying for a plan—until the store is handed off to a client.
Why Use a Shopify Developmental Store?
Shopify developmental stores offer flexibility and power to create a customized shopping experience. These stores are ideal for:
Building custom Shopify themes or apps
Testing store features and integrations
Training clients before they go live
Offering a complete preview of the final store
Because they’re free to create under a Partner account, they reduce overhead costs during development.
Key Features of Shopify Developmental Stores
When you create a Shopify developmental store, you get access to most of the core features, including:
Unlimited access to the Shopify admin
Use of custom themes and third-party apps
Ability to process test transactions
Password-protected storefront
Free and unlimited time to build until the store is transferred
However, some features like live payment gateways, abandoned cart recovery, and Shopify Payments are disabled until the store is upgraded to a paid plan.
Who Can Create a Shopify Developmental Store?
Only Shopify Partners can create developmental stores. Becoming a Shopify Partner is free and grants access to tools, documentation, and resources to help you build and grow your business.
To get started:
Sign up for a Shopify Partner account.
Go to your dashboard and click on “Stores.”
Select “Add store” and choose “Development store.”
Fill in the necessary details and start building.
Transferring Ownership of a Development Store
Once your Shopify developmental store is complete and ready to go live, you can transfer ownership to your client. This prompts the client to choose a paid Shopify plan. After the transfer, you still maintain access through your Partner dashboard, which is helpful for ongoing support or optimization.
Benefits of Using a Shopify Developmental Store
Cost-Efficient: No monthly fees until the store goes live.
Scalable Development: Build and test without limitations.
Client Collaboration: Easily share access and walkthroughs.
Earning Potential: Get recurring revenue through referrals after store transfer.
Final Thoughts
A Shopify Developmental Store is a powerful tool for web developers and agencies looking to build and launch client eCommerce stores efficiently. With full backend access and zero upfront cost, it enables a seamless design and development process that supports client success from the ground up.
