Shopify Plus Sandbox: Testing Before Migration

The Shopify Plus Sandbox is a testing environment designed for businesses migrating to Shopify Plus. It allows you to safely test store settings, workflows, and integrations without impacting your live store. Here's what you need to know:

• Why Use It? Test critical features, spot issues early, and ensure a smooth migration.
• Key Benefits: Simulate up to 500 test orders, verify API integrations, and experiment with custom workflows.
• Limitations: No live payment processing, apps can't transfer to live stores, and it's strictly for testing.
• Setup Steps: Create a development store via the Partner Dashboard and configure it for testing.
• Testing Focus Areas: Payment processing, inventory management, customer experience, and integrations.

This tool is essential for reducing migration risks and ensuring a seamless transition to Shopify Plus.

How to Place Test Order Shopify - Development Store & Live Store

Benefits of Using Shopify Plus Sandbox

Safe Testing Environment

The Shopify Plus Sandbox provides a secure space to test features, configurations, and workflows without impacting your live store. You can experiment with unlimited test purchases, run up to 500 real test orders, and even customize checkouts. This environment allows teams to confidently test store settings and ensure everything works as expected before rolling it out.

It’s not just about experimenting safely - this sandbox also lets you dive deep into Shopify Plus’s advanced tools and integrations to ensure they function as intended.

Testing Features and Integrations

With the sandbox, merchants can test key Shopify Plus features and integrations to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll have access to powerful tools like Flow, Launchpad, and Transporter apps, allowing you to explore advanced capabilities before implementation.

Feature Type	Capabilities
Apps	Test paid apps without extra charges
API Integration	Confirm Shopify Plus API functionality
Custom Workflows	Check automation and business processes
Theme Modifications	Experiment with and preview design changes

By addressing potential issues early, businesses can reduce risks and ensure a more seamless experience when implementing new features.

Simplifying the Migration Process

Using the Shopify Plus Sandbox helps streamline the migration process by identifying and fixing issues before they affect your live store. This proactive testing prevents costly errors and ensures a smooth transition to Shopify Plus.

One major benefit is the ability to verify data compatibility. Merchants can confirm that product details, customer records, and historical orders transfer correctly, maintaining data accuracy throughout the migration. Additionally, the sandbox allows teams to ensure that essential systems like ERPs, CRMs, and third-party apps integrate properly, so your business-critical tools work as expected post-migration.

Agencies such as Codersy can also use the sandbox to test and refine custom solutions. This ensures all features and integrations are fully functional before deployment, reducing downtime and maintaining business operations during the transition.

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Setting Up and Using Shopify Plus Sandbox

How to Create a Sandbox Store

To set up a Shopify Plus Sandbox store using the Partner Dashboard, follow these steps:

1. Access Partner Dashboard: Log in to your Partner Dashboard and navigate to the “Stores” section.
2. Create Store: Click “Add store” and choose “Create development store.” Configure the settings under “Create a store to test and build.”
3. Select Build Type: Pick “Shopify Plus sandbox” under the “Which build do you want to test?” option.
4. Name Store: Enter your store details and complete the setup process.

This process creates a testing environment where you can identify and address migration issues early on.

Sandbox Features and Limitations

The Shopify Plus Sandbox offers a robust testing environment, but it does come with specific limitations:

Limitation Type	Description
Transactions	No live payment processing available
Orders	Limited to 500 test orders
Apps	Apps cannot be transferred to live stores
Security	Basic SSL only (no Extended Validation)
Usage	Strictly for testing purposes

Understanding these limitations will help you plan your testing strategy effectively.

Preparing Data for Testing

For accurate and productive testing, your data needs to be well-structured. Use migration tools from the Shopify App Store or upload CSV files to import the following key elements:

• Product Catalog: Include your entire inventory, along with variants and attributes.
• Customer Records: Transfer a sample set of customer data for testing purposes.
• App Integration: Set up essential apps in your tech stack to reflect your operational needs.

Well-prepared data ensures that your testing mirrors real-world conditions, reducing the likelihood of migration issues. Partnering with experts like Codersy can streamline this process and ensure everything is set up correctly.

“Plan ahead to ensure app compatibility, data readiness, and clear goals. Use Plus features like Launchpad and Flow for automation.” – Quickfire Digital ^[1]

Testing and Troubleshooting in the Sandbox

Key Areas to Test

Once your data is ready, it's time to test the core functions of your store. Focus on these critical areas:

Testing Area	What to Test
Payment Processing	Simulate different payment scenarios using tools like the Bogus Gateway.
Inventory Management	Check stock updates, variant handling, and bulk operations.
Customer Experience	Test the checkout process, account creation, and wishlist features.
Integration Points	Verify API functionality and address any webhook issues.

If testing uncovers any problems, a clear troubleshooting process will help you resolve them efficiently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error logs are your best friend when diagnosing problems during sandbox testing. For payment gateway errors, double-check your configuration settings. If the issue is theme-related, review and adjust the theme code or customizations in a development environment before making changes live.

Here’s a simple troubleshooting process:

• Pinpoint the Problem: Note down the exact steps that lead to the issue.
• Test Components Individually: Isolate and test one part at a time to find the root cause.
• Fix and Record: Apply solutions methodically and keep a record of what works.

Tools to Simplify Testing

Shopify Plus provides tools to make testing and troubleshooting easier. These tools can simulate transactions, monitor performance, and validate API integrations.

Tool Type	Purpose	Features
Debugging Tools	Identify errors	Access stack traces and analyze logs.
Performance Monitors	Test site performance	Track response times and identify bottlenecks.
Integration Testers	Validate APIs	Confirm endpoint functionality and data flow.

“When making the leap to Plus, plan ahead. Ensure your apps are compatible, data is prepped, and goals are clear.” – Quickfire Digital ^[1]

For more complex migrations, it might be worth consulting experienced developers. Agencies like Codersy specialize in thorough testing and issue resolution to keep your live store running smoothly.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways

The Shopify Plus Sandbox environment is an essential tool for testing before migration. It allows merchants to confirm their store's functionality, maintain data accuracy, and spot potential problems – all without affecting live operations. Key areas like payment systems, inventory control, and third-party integrations can be thoroughly tested, setting the stage for a smooth migration.

While these steps cover the basics, complex migrations often require expert assistance, especially when dealing with custom integrations or specific business needs.

Expert Support from Agencies Like Codersy

When facing complicated migration challenges, professional help can make a big difference. Agencies like Codersy, with their experience in Shopify Plus migrations, offer tailored services such as:

• Planning store architecture and integrations
• Custom development and technical improvements
• Validation and performance testing for migrations

Their expertise ensures that the issues uncovered during sandbox testing are properly addressed, helping your store function flawlessly after the migration.

Preparing for Your Migration

The Forthglade case study highlights the value of careful planning, showcasing their successful 18-week migration to Shopify Plus ^[1]. Using insights gained from your sandbox testing, focus on these key steps before launching:

• Compile a detailed list of sandbox-tested features, including apps and integrations.
• Develop a migration timeline informed by sandbox results.
• Create contingency plans for any identified risks.
• Prepare training materials for your team based on testing insights.
• Schedule final validation checks to confirm readiness.