Our app was recently rejected under Shopify policy 1.1.2 with the following feedback:
1.1.2. Use Shopify checkout. Shopify can’t guarantee the safety or security of an order that’s been placed through an offsite or third party checkout. Apps that bypass checkout or payment processing, or register any transactions through the Shopify API in connection with such activity, are prohibited.
The reviewer also noted:
The app is using Amazon checkout instead of Shopify checkout.
I’m trying to better understand how this policy applies to our specific use case.
Our app is designed for merchants participating in the Amazon Associates program. Many of these merchants use their Shopify store primarily as a product showcase and content site, while directing visitors to Amazon through affiliate links. In these cases, the Shopify store is not intended to sell products directly, but to introduce products and send customers to the merchant’s Amazon affiliate listing.
The app allows merchants to optionally hide the native Add to Cart button and replace it with a “View on Amazon” button. Clicking this button simply opens the merchant’s Amazon affiliate product page. The app’s only action is redirecting the customer to an external URL chosen by the merchant. It does not initiate, process, or participate in any checkout or payment flow.
The app does not:
- Process any payments.
- Create Shopify orders or draft orders.
- Register transactions through the Shopify API.
- Integrate with Amazon Checkout.
- Create an alternative checkout flow.
I’d also appreciate clarification from Shopify staff on whether replacing the Add to Cart button with an outbound affiliate link for affiliate-focused stores is considered “using Amazon checkout instead of Shopify checkout” under policy 1.1.2, even though no checkout, payment processing, or order creation occurs within the app.
Thank you for your time and clarification.