---
title: Client transfer stores
description: >-
  Learn how to create a store for a client and transfer ownership when it's
  ready.
source_url:
  html: >-
    https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/stores/client-transfer-stores
  md: >-
    https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/stores/client-transfer-stores.md
---

# Client transfer stores

Client transfer stores are stores you build on behalf of a client. You own and configure the store during the build phase, then transfer ownership to the client when it's ready to go live. After the transfer, the merchant takes full ownership and the store exits your organization.

Use a client transfer store when a merchant has hired you to build their Shopify store. If you're building or testing an app, use a [dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/stores/development-stores) instead. Dev stores can't be transferred to clients.

***

## Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A Shopify Partner account.
* The [required permissions](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/user-permissions) to create, transfer, or delete stores in your organization.

***

## Create a client transfer store

You can create unlimited client transfer stores from the Dev Dashboard. To create a client transfer store:

1. Log in to the [Dev Dashboard](https://dev.shopify.com/dashboard/).
2. Select **Stores** from the left sidebar.
3. Select **Create store**.
4. Select **Client transfer store**.
5. Enter a name for the store. This sets the store's `myshopify.com` URL and can't be changed after creation.
6. Select the store's country or region.
7. Optional: Enable **Shopify Plus** if the client requires Plus features.
8. Select **Create store**.

### Password protection

All new client transfer stores are password-protected by default. The password page can't be removed or replaced with a custom page while the store is in your organization, but you can customize it and preview it.

There are three ways to access a password-protected store:

* Enter the store password from the storefront
* Log in through the Shopify admin
* Use a Theme Store or App Store demo link

To update the store password: go to the store's admin, then **Settings** > **Online store** > **Store access** > **Password protection**.

***

## Transfer a store to a client

When the store is ready to hand off, you can transfer ownership to the client directly from the Dev Dashboard.

Before transferring, we recommend:

* Adding the client's address to the store's settings, especially if they're in a different country or region (this avoids potential tax issues after transfer).
* Setting up POS if the client needs it. POS Pro subscriptions become per-location charges once the store is on a paid plan.
* Confirming the billing currency matches the client's currency.

To transfer a store:

1. From the **Client transfer** tab, find the store you want to transfer.
2. Select the three-dot menu (**⋯**) on the store's row.
3. Select **Transfer store**.
4. Enter the client's email address.
5. Select **Transfer**.

The client receives an email to accept the transfer. Pending transfers expire after 7 days if the client doesn't accept. Once the transfer is complete, you lose access to the store and it moves to a paid plan under the client's ownership.

### Transfer status

You can track the status of a transfer from the **Client transfer** tab:

| Status | Meaning |
| - | - |
| — (no status) | The store is active in your organization and hasn't been transferred yet. |
| **Pending transfer** | A transfer invitation has been sent. Waiting for the client to accept. Expires after 7 days. |
| **Transferred** | The store has been transferred to the client and no collaborator relationship exists. You no longer have access to the store. |

***

## Limitations

Client transfer stores include most features available on the Advanced plan. If you enable Shopify Plus during store creation, the store instead mirrors Plus plan features. The following limitations apply while the store is in your organization:

* You can only install free apps and partner-friendly apps. Custom and draft apps can't be installed.
* Real transactions aren't supported. Use the [Bogus Gateway](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-using-bogus-gateway) or [Shopify Payments test mode](https://help.shopify.com/en/partners/manage-clients-stores/development-stores/test-orders-in-dev-stores#testing-orders-using-shopify-payments-test-mode) to test orders. Unlimited test orders are allowed.
* Shipping labels are for testing only. Functional labels aren't available.
* The password page can't be removed.
* Stores aren't eligible for promotions or free trials after they're transferred to the client.
* File, video, and 3D model storage limits match the Basic plan.

***

## Delete a store

If you no longer need a client transfer store, you can delete it from the Dev Dashboard. To delete a store:

1. From the **Client transfer** tab, find the store.
2. Select the three-dot menu (**⋯**) on the store's row.
3. Select **Delete store**.

This takes you to the cancel plan page and immediately cancels the store's plan.

***

## Next steps

* [Create a dev store](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/stores/development-stores) to build and test apps.
* [Request collaborator access](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/stores/collaborations) to work on a merchant's live store.
* [Configure user permissions](https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/build/dev-dashboard/user-permissions) to manage who can create and transfer stores in your organization.

***