Running a business comes with its highs and lows — and sometimes, you simply need to take a break. That’s where the Shopify Pause and Build plan comes in. If you're wondering how to keep your online store live without continuing to pay full price, this plan might be the ideal solution.
In this post, we’ll explain what the Shopify Pause and Build actually is and whether it’s right for your business.
What Is the Shopify Pause and Build Plan?
The Pause and Build plan is a lower cost subscription that allows you to put your store on hold while still maintaining access to the admin and back end. Your storefront remains visible to visitors, but checkout is disabled — meaning customers can browse but not buy.
It’s an ideal option if you’re not currently selling products or just want to continue working behind the scenes.
Who Is the Pause and Build Plan For?
The Pause and Build plan is particularly useful for:
- Seasonal businesses that only sell during specific times of the year (e.g. Christmas or summer).
- Businesses undergoing a temporary break, such as rebranding, inventory restocking, or changing suppliers.
- Merchants needing to reduce expenses during slow periods or for personal reasons, without losing all progress.
- Portfolio sites looking to promote their service, with no intension of selling items online.
How Much Does Pause and Build Cost?
The Pause and Build plan costs just £9 a month, compared to the standard Shopify Basic plan at £25 month. This makes it a very cost effective way to keep your store running.
You are be billed monthly, but if you have any credit left from your previous plan (for example, if you paid annually), it will be applied to future bills.
How Soon Can I Pause My Shopify Store?
You can pause your store immediately once you have moved to the Basic plan.
Previously, you had to wait at least 60 days before being able to switch. However, this is no longer the case. We found this to be one of the most misunderstood questions online, as most articles provided the wrong information.
Steps .
Admin > Plan > Deactivate plan > Switch to Pause and Build
Final Thoughts
The Shopify Pause and Build plan is a smart solution for merchants looking to save money while keeping their store almost fully operational . Whether you're taking a break, planning a rebrand, or just need a short-term pause, it allows you to keep your progress intact without paying full price.
Need help managing your Shopify store? At Digi Creative, we specialise in building and maintaining Shopify websites — even while they’re paused.
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