Shopify App Review Stuck in Pending? Here's What to Do (and What the Community Says!)
Dealing with a Long Shopify App Review: A Community Perspective
So, you've poured your heart and soul into building a fantastic Shopify app, submitted it for review, and now… you're waiting. And waiting. And waiting. It's a familiar story for many developers, and the Shopify community forums are full of threads from folks in the same boat. I recently stumbled upon a thread started by @vivekreddy, titled "Shopify App Review Pending for Over a Month — Ref #99208", and it sparked a great discussion about navigating the app review process. Let's dive into what the community had to say and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
The Waiting Game: Is it Normal?
First off, let's address the elephant in the room: how long should an app review take? As Bundler-Manuel pointed out in the thread, it's "quite normal for the review process to take over 4 weeks." So, if you're a month in and still seeing that dreaded "pending" status, don't panic just yet. It seems long review times are more common than we'd like.
What to Do While You Wait (and Wait Some More)
Okay, so patience is key, but that doesn't mean you have to sit idly by. Here’s a breakdown of actions you can take, gleaned from the community's experiences:
- Double-Check Everything: Vivekreddy mentioned they'd already done this, but it's worth repeating. Review your app listing details, scopes, compliance requirements, and the app review checklist. Make sure you haven't missed anything obvious.
- Contact Partner Support: Again, Vivekreddy already tried this, but persistence is important. Keep the lines of communication open. Even if you don't get a concrete timeline, showing you're engaged can help.
- Reach Out on Twitter: This was Bundler-Manuel's suggestion, and it's a good one. Sometimes, a public nudge on social media can get things moving. Be polite and professional, but don't be afraid to mention your review queue reference number.
Escalation Paths and Community Wisdom
Vivekreddy's key question was about escalation paths and whether there's a moderator to tag for visibility. Unfortunately, there's no magic bullet here. The Shopify app review process can feel like a black box sometimes. However, engaging with the community, like Vivekreddy did, is a great start. Sharing your experience and asking for advice can often lead to helpful suggestions or even connections with Shopify employees who can offer assistance.
Key Takeaways for a Smoother Review Process
While there's no guaranteed way to speed up the review process, here are a few best practices to keep in mind for future app submissions:
- Thorough Testing: Before submitting, rigorously test your app to catch any bugs or issues that could cause delays.
- Clear Documentation: Provide clear and comprehensive documentation for your app, including setup instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Adherence to Guidelines: Carefully review and adhere to all Shopify app store guidelines and requirements.
Ultimately, dealing with a long app review time is part of the Shopify app development journey. While it can be frustrating, remember that you're not alone. Engage with the community, stay persistent, and keep refining your app. Good luck!