To build a sales channel app, you need to scaffold an app and turn it into a sales channel app.

## 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

- You've created a [Partner account](https://www.shopify.com/partners) and a [development store](/docs/api/development-stores#create-a-development-store-to-test-your-app).

## Step 1: Create a public app

> Caution:
> If you [scaffold an app using Shopify CLI](/docs/apps/build/scaffold-app#step-1-create-a-new-app), then don't install the app on your development store. You won't be able to convert the app into a sales channel app if the app has been installed.

1. From your [Partner Dashboard](https://partners.shopify.com/), click **Apps**.
1. Click **Create app**.
1. Click **Create app manually**.
1. Enter your app name and click **Create**.
1. On the app overview page, click **Choose distribution**.
1. Click **Public distribution**.

## Step 2: Turn an app into a sales channel app

> Caution:
> Turning an app into a sales channel is a process that can't be reversed. If you no longer want your app to be a sales channel, then you'll need to re-create it.

After you've created an app, you can turn it into a sales channel app.

1. From your app's overview screen, click **Configuration**.
2. In the **Sales channel** section, click **Turn app into sales channel**.
3. Click **Turn app into sales channel** again to confirm that you want to convert your app into a sales channel.
4. Click **Save**.

After you've turned your app into a sales channel app, you can install it on your storefront through the [CLI](docs/api/shopify-cli/commands/app/app-dev) or the [Partner Dashboard](/docs/apps/launch/app-store-review/pass-app-review#install-your-app-on-a-development-store).

## Step 3: Request payment processing

After you've turned your app into a sales channel app, you can request payment processing. Make this request only if your app processes non-2D payments, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), or Voice payments. Apps that don't fit these categories won't be granted access to payment processing and should use [cart permalinks](/docs/apps/launch/app-requirements-checklist#build-a-sales-channel-using-cart-permalinks) for their sales channel.

If your app will 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.

1. In the **Sales Channel** section, on the **Payment processing** card, click **Request payment processing**.
2. On the **Payment processing** page that opens, select your [PCI DSS compliance status](https://www.shopify.com/security), as described in the following table:

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>PCI DSS status</th>
    <th>Description</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>My platform is not PCI-compliant</td>
    <td>You must determine a strategy for processing payments. </td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>My platform uses Stripe</td>
    <td>You have an existing platform account with Stripe and would like to use Shopify's Stripe integration. </td>

  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>My platform uses a service such as Spreedly to deliver payment tokens </td>
    <td>You'd like to use Spreedly or similar service for credit card tokenization and PAN forwarding.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>My platform has a certificate of compliance</td>
    <td>If you already have a PCI compliant solution in place, then you can provide Shopify with the Attestation of compliance.</td>
  </tr>
</table>

1. 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.

2. In the **Customer purchasing experience** section, provide a description of how customers will purchase products on your channel. You should 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Optional: Enter your channel's website.

6. 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.