Requirements and considerations for using the Shopify Collective app
Before you start using the Shopify Collective app, review the following requirements and considerations.
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Requirements for using the Shopify Collective app
To use the Shopify Collective app in your Shopify admin, your store must meet the following requirements:
- Compliance with Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy: Your store needs to comply with Collective's Terms of Service, and Shopify's Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.
- Active Shopify plan: Your store must be on an active plan.
- Store location and store currency: Your business must be based in the United States or Canada, and your store currency can be either USD or CAD.
- Activation of Shopify Payments: You need to complete the Shopify Payments account setup process for your store. Learn more about eligibility for Shopify Payments.
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.
| App section | App feature or action | Eligible to use Shopify Collective | Ineligible to use Shopify Collective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Discover and search for suppliers and products | ✔ | ✔ |
| Overview | Complete tasks in app onboarding checklist | ✔ | ✘ |
| Settings | Create shareable signup link | ✔ | ✘ |
| Policies | Edit the Importing rule for the default product policy | ✔ | ✘ |
| Policies | Add suppliers to a custom policy (if your store has existing supplier connections) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Suppliers | View existing connections | ✔ | ✔ |
| Suppliers | Invite 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 page | View supplier's contact details | ✔ | ✔ |
| Received invitation | View supplier's contact details | ✔ | ✘ |
| Received invitation | Accept 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.
- To charge tax rates in Canada, you can set up your taxes in Shopify.
- To charge your suppliers correct tax rates, and file and remit your taxes correctly, you need to consult with your local tax authorities or a tax professional.
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:
- Product bundles for the products that you import from a supplier.
- Subscriptions and combined listings. This applies only for retailers.
- Shopify Flow.