Requirements and considerations for using the Shopify Collective app

Before you start using the Shopify Collective app, review the following requirements and considerations.

Requirements for using the Shopify Collective app

To use the Shopify Collective app in your Shopify admin, your store must meet the following requirements:

You need to meet all the requirements to be able to use all the features of Shopify Collective. If your store doesn't meet all the requirements, then a banner displays in your app's Overview page saying Your store isn't eligible to sell from Collective. Click Check requirements to view a list of the requirements to sell from Collective, and which ones you need to fulfill to become eligible. Banners also display in other parts of the app saying that certain features are unavailable, and that you can take certain actions only after meeting the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility states in the Shopify Collective app

If you install the Shopify Collective app for the first time, and a message displays saying that you're ineligible to use Shopify Collective, then you can't connect with other merchants or begin to sell any products until your store meets the eligibility requirements.

If you're an existing retailer with Shopify Collective, and your store becomes ineligible through a recurring eligibility check, then you can't sell any of your imported products with Shopify Collective until your store meets the eligibility requirements again. You can review any existing orders or payments with the relevant supplier.

Review the table for details of the key actions that you can or can't take in the Shopify Collective app when your store is eligible or ineligible.

List of features in the Shopify Collective app and which ones can be used by eligible or ineligible stores
App sectionApp feature or actionEligible to use Shopify CollectiveIneligible to use Shopify Collective
OverviewDiscover and search for suppliers and products
OverviewComplete tasks in app onboarding checklist
SettingsCreate shareable signup link
PoliciesEdit the Importing rule for the default product policy
PoliciesAdd suppliers to a custom policy (if your store has existing supplier connections)
SuppliersView existing connections
SuppliersInvite supplier
Supplier page (existing private connection)Request supplier pricing
Product page (existing private connection)Request product margin
Supplier page (open public access)Import products
Product page (open public access)Import product
Supplier imported products list (existing supplier connection)Set products to active status
Supplier available products list (existing supplier connection)Import product(s)
Existing supplier connection pageView supplier's contact details
Received invitationView supplier's contact details
Received invitationAccept invite

Ineligible suppliers

You might find that a supplier you're working with becomes ineligible to use Shopify Collective. The supplier is informed about the steps that they need to take to become eligible again. Review the following list of what happens during this time:

  • You receive an email notifying you that one of your suppliers is currently ineligible to use Shopify Collective.
  • You can't sell any products that you previously imported from the supplier.
  • You should review any pending orders or payments with the relevant supplier.
  • If and when the supplier becomes eligible to use Shopify Collective again, then you receive another email, and you can continue selling the supplier's products.

Considerations for using the Shopify Collective app

Before you start using the Shopify Collective app, review the following considerations:

  • Shopify Collective app doesn't support digital products and gift card products.
  • Shopify Collective app doesn't pass duties, taxes, or tariffs to suppliers.
  • You can't use the Pause and Build plan with the Shopify Collective app.
  • If your business is based in Canada and you work with a supplier based in Canada, then you need to determine how you and your supplier collect taxes. Generally, you collect taxes from your customers and your supplier collects taxes from you.

Incompatible apps and features with the Shopify Collective app

The Shopify Collective app can't be used with the following features and apps:

  • Managed Markets.
  • Shopify POS in-person. You can add Shopify Collective products to your POS channel for purchase and your customers can place an order in-person on your POS system. However, Shopify Collective products are shipped only to a customer's address by your supplier.
  • Pickup in store.
  • Metafields.

Compatible apps and features with the Shopify Collective app

The Shopify Collective app is compatible with most apps and features including the following:

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