Collaborator permissions

This page was printed on Jun 06, 2023. For the current version, visit https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/your-account/staff-accounts/collaborator-accounts?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=development_stores.

You can use collaborator accounts to give Shopify Partners access to your Shopify admin directly through their own Partner Dashboard or using the Shopify app. Collaborator permissions give Partners access to only the sections of your store that you want them to see. These accounts don't count towards your store's staff limit.

Only the store owner, or staff with Manage collaborator requests permission, can view collaborator access requests or grant collaborator access to a store. After a Shopify Partner submits a request to access your store, you receive an email about the request and a notification on your Shopify Home.

You can require Shopify Partners to enter a collaborator request code when you submit a collaborator request, to more effectively control the requests that you receive. When the code is required, only the Partners who you share the code with can request access to your store.

Collaborators can request and be given all available permissions in your store, except permissions to view, add, or remove staff. Carefully consider which permissions a collaborator needs to complete their tasks. Learn more about staff permissions.

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Collaborator FAQs

What are collaborators?

Collaborators are Shopify Partners who have access to your store. They're similar to staff, but offer additional benefits. Collaborators can log in from their Partner Dashboard, and their access to your store can be removed from your store admin. Collaborators also don't count towards your store's staff limit.

Freelancers and agencies can request access to collaborate on your store. When they request access, you can review their request to accept or reject it. After you accept their request, the collaborators are listed in the Collaborators section on the Users and permissions page in your Shopify admin. To more effectively control the requests that you receive, you can require Shopify Partners to enter a 4-digit collaborator request code when they submit a collaborator request.

I'm working with a freelancer or agency. How do I give them access?

Your freelancer or agency needs to request access to your store. If you have a collaborator request code enabled, then you need to provide the code to freelancers or agencies who want to request access to your store. Refer your freelancer or agency to Requesting access to a client's store to get them started.

How do I require a collaborator request code for access?

When you require a collaborator request code, a freelancer or agency needs to enter the correct code to send you a request for access to your store. You need to share the code with a freelancer or agency so that they can send the request. To enable the code from your store's Users and permissions setting, select Only people with a collaborator request code can request access in the Collaborators section. Collaborator request codes are 4-digit codes that are automatically generated when you enable the requirement. You can expire the code and generate a new one at any time.

What permissions should I give the freelancer or agency?

Give only the permissions that you feel comfortable giving. If a freelancer or agency asks for certain permissions, there might be a good reason. If you aren't sure, then ask the freelancer or agency why they need the permissions.

If a collaborator requires access to your shipping profiles, then you need to give them the Products and Manage settings staff permissions.

For more information about permissions, refer to Staff permissions.

Can a freelancer use a collaborator account to log in to the Shopify app?

Yes. However, collaborators must log in to your store at least once through the Stores page in their Partner Dashboard before they can log in using the Shopify app.

I accidentally rejected a request from a freelancer or agency, how can I get it back?

Ask the freelancer or agency to contact Partner Support. Partner Support will adjust the Partner's account so the Partner can send you another request.

What should I do when I'm finished working with a collaborator?

If you don't need any more help from the collaborator, then remove their account.

How do I report an issue with a freelancer or agency?

First, make sure that the problem isn't because of a communication issue or mismatched expectations. Shopify isn't directly responsible for issues with freelancers or agencies. However, if you believe that a Shopify Partner isn't following the Partner Program Agreement, then fill out the Report a Partner violation form.

I got an email from a freelancer or agency that I don’t know or don’t want to work with, what should I do?

Review the request and confirm that you don’t want to work with them. If you aren't expecting a request, or if you don't recognize the sender, then you shouldn't accept their request. To report spam you can contact Shopify Support. You can require freelancers and agencies to enter a 4-digit collaborator request code when submitting a collaborator request, to more effectively control the requests that you receive. When the code is required, only partners with the code can request access to your store, and you won't receive requests from freelancers and agencies who don't include the correct code.

Can I control a collaborator's access to specific apps and channels?

Yes. When you approve access, you can set the same permissions for collaborators that you can for staff. If a collaborator requests access to your store, then they can only see the option to request access to apps. Collaborators don't see the list of apps that you currently have installed.

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