Getting started with a sales channel app
To build a sales channel app, you need to create an app and turn it into a sales channel app. If you want to process credit card payments using the Storefront API, then you need to request payment processing.
After you've turned your app into a sales channel app, you'll need to create a channel app experience using Channels UI and onboard merchants.
What you'll learn
Anchor link to section titled "What you'll learn"After finishing this tutorial, you'll know how to do the following tasks:
- Turn an app into a sales channel app
- Request payment processing
Requirements
Anchor link to section titled "Requirements"- You've created an app in the Partner Dashboard.
- Your app is public.
Step 1: Turn an app into a sales channel app
Anchor link to section titled "Step 1: Turn an app into a sales channel app"After you've created an app, you can turn it into a sales channel app.
- From your app's overview screen, click App setup.
- In the Sales channel section, click Turn app into sales channel.
- Click Turn app into sales channel again to confirm that you want to convert your app into a sales channel.
- Click Save.
Step 2: Request payment processing (Optional)
Anchor link to section titled "Step 2: Request payment processing (Optional)"After you've turned your app into a sales channel app, you can request payment processing to use the Storefront API with credit cards.
If you use the Storefront API to process payments, then your selling platform must be PCI-compliant. You can meet PCI requirements by using a payment service, such as Stripe or Spreedly, or by providing Shopify with a certificate of compliance.
- In the Sales Channel section, on the Payment processing card, click Request payment processing.
- On the Payment processing page that opens, select your PCI DSS compliance status, as described in the following table:
| PCI DSS status | Description |
|---|---|
| My platform is not PCI-compliant | You must determine a strategy for processing payments. |
| My platform uses Stripe | You have an existing platform account with Stripe and would like to use Shopify's Stripe integration. |
| My platform uses a service such as Spreedly to deliver payment tokens | You'd like to use Spreedly or similar service for credit card tokenization and PAN forwarding. |
| My platform has a certificate of compliance | If you already have a PCI compliant solution in place, then you can provide Shopify with the Attestation of compliance. |
In the Channel function textbox, provide a description of your channel's function.
This should be a high level overview of your channel that outlines the functionality and benefit that the channel provides to merchants. You should also include information about how customers do the following:
- Access the channel
- View products listed on the channel
- Add products to a cart
- Purchase products added to a cart
In the Intended channel audience section, specify whether you're building the channel for a single merchant, or for multiple merchants. If you select Multiple stores or clients, then specify the number of stores.
In the Selling platform relationship section, specify whether you own the channel where customers will purchase products, or if you're building the channel independently or on behalf of a channel owner.
Optional: Enter your channel's website.
Click Request payment processing.
A request for payment processing can take up to 7 business days. You'll receive a notification when your request is processed.
- Create a channel app experience using Channels UI
- Onboard merchants