Fix Shopify this store can't accept real orders error

Are you encountering the frustrating “This store can’t accept real orders or real payments” error when trying to process orders on your Shopify store? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This common issue can occur for various reasons, but fortunately, there are several solutions available. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve it, ensuring your store can start accepting orders and payments smoothly.

Understanding the Error

What Does the Error Mean?

The “This store can’t accept real orders or real payments” error typically appears during the checkout process. It prevents customers from completing their purchases, which can lead to lost sales and frustrated shoppers. This error message indicates that there’s an issue with your store’s ability to process transactions, but the root cause can vary.

Common Causes of the Error

Several factors can trigger this error message:

1. Payment gateway settings
2. Store ownership and development status
3. Subscription plan issues
4. Technical glitches

Understanding these potential causes is crucial for troubleshooting and resolving the problem effectively.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Your Payment Gateway Settings

The most common cause of this error is related to payment gateway settings. Here’s what you should verify:

Ensure Test Mode is Off

Many store owners accidentally leave their payment gateway in test mode. To check this:

1. Go to your Shopify admin panel
2. Navigate to “Settings” > “Payments”
3. Look for your active payment gateway (e.g., Shopify Payments, Stripe)
4. Confirm that test mode is turned off

Verify Payment Gateway Integration

Make sure your payment gateway is properly integrated with your Shopify store:

1. Check that all credentials are correct
2. Ensure there are no error messages in the payment gateway settings
3. If using a third-party gateway, log into their website to verify the account status

2. Confirm Store Ownership and Development Status

If you’re a Shopify Partner or using a development store, there might be restrictions preventing real orders. Here’s what to do:

Transfer Store Ownership

If you’re a Shopify Partner and this is a development store:

1. Transfer store ownership to the client
2. Alternatively, switch the store to a paid plan without transferring ownership (contact Partner support for this)

Check Store Status

Ensure your store is not in development mode:

1. Go to your Shopify admin
2. Check for any banners indicating development status
3. If present, follow the prompts to change the store status

3. Verify Your Shopify Subscription

Your store needs to be on an active paid plan to accept real orders. Here’s how to check:

Confirm Active Subscription

1. Go to your Shopify admin
2. Navigate to “Settings” > “Plan and permissions”
3. Verify that you have an active paid subscription

Check for Billing Issues

Ensure there are no outstanding payments or billing issues:

1. Review your billing history
2. Address any payment failures or subscription pauses

4. Technical Troubleshooting

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, try these technical solutions:

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data can cause checkout issues:

1. Open your browser settings
2. Clear cache and cookies
3. Restart your browser and try the checkout process again

Test on Different Devices and Browsers

To rule out device-specific issues:

1. Try completing a test order on another device
2. Use a different web browser to see if the error persists

When to Contact Shopify Support

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and still encounter the error, it’s time to reach out to Shopify support. They can provide personalized assistance and investigate any underlying issues specific to your store.

To contact Shopify support:

1. Go to https://help.shopify.com/
2. Click on the “Contact support” button
3. Choose the appropriate category for your issue
4. Provide detailed information about the steps you’ve already taken

Remember to include screenshots or error messages to help the support team diagnose the problem more efficiently.

Preventing Future Errors

To avoid encountering this error in the future, consider implementing these best practices:

Regular Store Maintenance

1. Periodically review your payment gateway settings
2. Keep your Shopify plan and billing information up to date
3. Regularly test your checkout process to catch any issues early

Stay Informed

1. Subscribe to Shopify’s official blog and newsletter
2. Join Shopify community forums to learn from other merchants’ experiences
3. Keep an eye on your payment gateway’s documentation for any updates or changes

By following these guidelines and staying proactive, you can minimize the chances of encountering checkout errors and ensure a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Remember, a functioning checkout process is crucial for your e-commerce success. Don’t let the “This store can’t accept real orders or real payments” error hinder your business growth. With the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this issue and keep your Shopify store running smoothly.