How to Create a Shopify Development Store in 2025 (Complete Guide)

 In the evolving world of eCommerce, developers and digital entrepreneurs are constantly looking for reliable ways to test, customize, and launch online stores efficiently. Shopify’s development stores make that possible.

A Shopify development store provides a safe testing space—where you can build, experiment, and optimize online stores without financial risk. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know: from understanding what a development store is, to creating, customizing, and transferring it to a client.

What Is a Shopify Development Store?

A Shopify development store is a sandbox account offered to Shopify Partners. It’s designed to let developers test new features, themes, and apps in a risk-free environment.

Unlike a live Shopify store, this setup doesn’t process real orders or charge fees, making it perfect for experimenting with designs, integrations, or functionality before launch.

Developers often use these stores to:

• Build new client projects

• Test custom Shopify apps or API integrations

• Practice new Shopify theme development techniques

• Create demo stores for showcasing work to potential clients

Key Features and Benefits of Shopify Development Stores

Shopify provides an impressive set of tools for its development stores. These features not only help in testing but also in preparing for a professional, live eCommerce environment.

1. Unlimited Test Orders

You can simulate an unlimited number of test transactions using Shopify’s built-in Bogus Gateway—ideal for validating checkout flows or payment integrations.

2. No Expiration Period

Unlike Shopify’s regular 3-day trial, development stores don’t expire. This means you can take your time refining your setup until it’s ready to go live.

3. Access to Advanced Features

Development stores include most of the capabilities found in the Advanced Shopify plan, allowing you to test nearly every feature before going live.

4. Recurring Commission for Developers

When a developer transfers a completed store to a client, Shopify rewards them with recurring commission as long as the client remains on a paid plan.

5. Custom Domain Support

You can connect a custom domain name to your development store for a more branded, professional experience.

6. Custom Password Page

Development stores allow limited customization of the password page—useful when showcasing your work to potential clients or partners.

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Who Should Use a Shopify Development Store?

Shopify dev stores are beneficial to a variety of users within the eCommerce space.

Shopify Developers

Developers use dev stores to create and test new themes, apps, and storefront customizations safely.

New Shopify Partners

When joining the Shopify Partner Program, you automatically gain access to non-transferable dev stores. These come with sample data for testing your designs, themes, or apps.

E-commerce Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs use dev stores to experiment with layouts, products, and apps before investing in a full Shopify plan.

Freelancers and Agencies

Web designers and agencies can use development stores to create client demos and showcase capabilities—helping them win projects and build trust.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Shopify Development Store

Let’s break down the complete process of creating and configuring a Shopify development store in 2025.

Step 1: Join the Shopify Partner Program

To create a development store, you must first sign up for the Shopify Partner Program.
It’s completely free and gives you access to tools, analytics, educational materials, and revenue opportunities.

• Go to partners.shopify.com

• Click Join Now and fill in the required details

• Once verified, you’ll have access to your Partner Dashboard

Step 2: Access the Partner Dashboard

After signing up, log in to your Partner Dashboard. This is your central hub to manage development stores, track app installs, and monitor your partner earnings.

Step 3: Create a Development Store

Inside your Partner Dashboard:

1. Click Stores in the sidebar.

2. Select Add Store → Create Development Store.

3. Choose one of the following options:

   • Create a store to test and build (for theme/app testing)

   • Create a store for a client (for client projects)

4. Enter your store name (this automatically generates your .myshopify.com URL).

5. Fill in location details and preferences, then click Create Development Store.

Your development store will be set up within minutes.

Step 4: Design and Customize the Store

Once created, it’s time to make your dev store look and feel like a real eCommerce website.

Choose a Theme

Go to Online Store → Themes and select from Shopify’s theme library. You can customize layouts, typography, and color schemes using the Theme Editor.

Add Products

Add products manually or upload them in bulk using CSV files. Use sample data for testing categories, collections, and tags.

Set Up Core Settings

Configure payment gateways, shipping rates, and taxes. Although real transactions aren’t processed, testing these settings ensures a seamless live setup later.

Install Apps

You can install free and partner-approved apps from the Shopify App Store to test integrations and extended features.

Step 5: Test and Optimize

Before finalizing your store, run multiple tests to ensure everything functions properly.

• Run Test Orders: Use the Bogus Gateway to simulate real purchases.

• Mobile & Desktop Testing: Confirm that your site looks perfect across devices.

• Performance Testing: Use Google PageSpeed Insights or Shopify’s built-in performance tools to optimize load time.

• UX Testing: Evaluate your navigation, checkout process, and call-to-action.

Transferring Ownership of a Development Store

Once your development store is complete and tested, it’s time to hand it off to your client.

When to Transfer Ownership

Transfer ownership when the store is ready to go live — meaning the products, branding, and integrations are finalized.

After transfer, the client becomes the full owner, handling billing, analytics, and ongoing store operations.

If the client is new to Shopify, offer short training or documentation to help them manage the store effectively.

How to Transfer Ownership

1. Log in to the store’s Admin Panel.

2. Navigate to Settings → Users and Permissions.

3. Click Transfer Ownership under the “Store Owner” section.

4. Enter the client’s email and name, then click Transfer Store Ownership.

5. The client receives an email invitation and activates their Shopify account.

Once the client accepts, the store pauses until they choose a paid Shopify plan.

 Tips for a Successful Shopify Development Store Project

To ensure your project runs smoothly and delivers top results, follow these expert recommendations:

• Communicate Regularly: Keep clients updated on milestones and potential issues.

• Document Everything: Share how-to guides, login details, and training materials.

• Set Clear Goals: Define deliverables, deadlines, and expectations from the start.

• Use Version Control: Tools like Git help track changes and prevent data loss.

• Focus on User Experience: Prioritize navigation simplicity and speed.

• Follow Up Post-Transfer: Schedule a quick check-in after handover to ensure client satisfaction.

 Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Challenge	Solution
Scope Creep	Define project boundaries clearly in a written contract.
Client Confusion	Offer video walkthroughs or short tutorials for onboarding.
Performance Issues	Run early and frequent performance tests; optimize images and code.
App Conflicts	Test third-party apps individually to detect compatibility problems.
Mobile Responsiveness	Follow a mobile-first design strategy and test across multiple devices.

By addressing these proactively, you’ll streamline development and deliver a polished, professional result.

 Conclusion

Setting up a Shopify Development Store in 2025 is one of the smartest moves for developers, freelancers, and eCommerce creators. It offers a secure, flexible environment to build, test, and perfect online stores before going live.

By joining the Shopify Partner Program, creating your dev store, and following best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll not only improve your development workflow but also strengthen your professional portfolio and client trust.

So, whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting your Shopify journey, a development store is your gateway to creating innovative, high-performing eCommerce experiences that truly stand out in 2025.