How can I handle billing for a Shopify app if I don’t want to use Shopify Billing?

Shopify App Store
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1

I’m building a SaaS app that will primarily target Shopify merchants, but it won’t be limited to Shopify users. The app will also be used by sellers on platforms like Amazon, TikTok Shop, and other marketplaces.

Because of this, I don’t want to rely on Shopify Billing. I’d prefer users to pay for their membership directly on my website.

My intended flow would be:

  1. The user signs up and pays for a subscription on my website.

  2. During onboarding, they choose which platform they sell on.

  3. If they choose Shopify, I redirect them to a Shopify installation link so they can install/connect my app to their store.

I don’t necessarily need my app to be publicly listed on the Shopify App Store. I mainly want Shopify merchants to be able to install/connect the app after subscribing through my website.

Is this approach allowed for a Shopify app, especially if the app is unlisted or custom/private?

I’d also appreciate any advice about compliance, app review requirements, installation flow, and whether there are any limitations I should be aware of when using external billing for Shopify merchants.

2

All apps published on the Shopify App Store are required to use a Shopify provided billing solution and adhere to the terms and conditions of the Shopify Partner Program Agreement.

This can only be bypassed with an exemption from Shopify I believe.

3

Hi thanks for your answer, do you know how to ask for an exemption and the criteria to obtain it ?