Collaborator permissions

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 access. 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 they 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.

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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.

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

Freelancers and agencies can request access to collaborate on your store. You can find your collaborator request code and review requests in Settings > Users and Permissions > Collaborators.

To protect your store's security, Shopify Partners must enter a 4-digit code when they submit a collaborator request. If you're working with a freelancer or agency, then you must provide them with your unique collaborator request code before they can send a request. Refer your freelancer or agency to Requesting access to a client's store to get them started.

After the Partner submits their collaborator request, you can review their request to accept or reject it in Settings > Users and Permissions > Collaborators. Accepted collaborators are listed in the Collaborators section on the Users and permissions page.

Do I need to require a collaborator request code for a freelancer or agency to request access to my store?

In the Collaborators section of your Users and permissions page, Only people with a collaborator request code can send a collaborator request is selected by default. It's recommended that you require a collaborator request code to more effectively control the requests that you receive.

If you don't want to require collaborators to provide a code to request access to your store, then select Anyone can send a collaborator request.

How do I change my collaborator request code?

As a layer of security, a freelancer or agency must enter your 4-digit collaborator request code to send you a request for access to your store.

You can change your collaborator request code at any time by generating a new code. After you generate a new collaborator request code, any old codes no longer work.

Steps:

  1. From your Shopify admin, click Settings > Users and permissions.
  2. In the Collaborators section, click Generate new code.
  3. In the Generate new collaborator request code dialog, click Generate code to confirm.

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, then 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 View products and Manage settings staff permissions.

For more information about permissions, refer to Staff permissions.

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

Yes. When you approve access, you can set your apps and channels permissions to give a collaborator access to only certain apps and channels.

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 one time 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 more effectively control the requests that you receive, ensure that the option to require a collaborator request code is selected. When you require a collaborator request code, only partners with the code can request access to your store, and you won't receive requests from freelancers and agencies who don't provide the correct code.

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