Unlocking the Secrets: How Some Shopify Apps Bypass Checkout for COD Orders

Cracking the Code: Direct Order Creation for COD Apps on Shopify

Hey everyone! I was just digging through the Shopify Community forums and stumbled upon a really interesting question from shishantdixit about Cash on Delivery (COD) apps. He was asking how some popular apps, like Releasit COD Form & Upsells and EasySell COD Form & Upsells, seem to create orders directly without forcing customers through the standard Shopify checkout. It's a great question, especially for developers working in markets where COD is super common, like India.

shishantdixit's app was rejected for creating orders directly via the Admin API (orders.json endpoint), which is understandable because Shopify generally wants you to use their checkout flow. But then you see these other apps doing it, and you're left scratching your head. So, what's the deal?

Understanding the Shopify Checkout Process and Alternatives

Shopify prefers you use their checkout for a few key reasons: security, fraud prevention, and data consistency. It ensures all orders are processed in a standardized way, making things easier for everyone involved. Plus, it gives Shopify more control over the transaction.

However, in markets where COD is prevalent, a streamlined, one-page order form can significantly improve conversion rates. Customers in these regions are often more comfortable providing their address and phone number directly, without the added steps of a full checkout process.

So, how are these apps seemingly bypassing the rules?

Well, there are a few possibilities, and it's likely a combination of factors:

• App Approval History: It's possible that some of these apps were approved before Shopify tightened its policies on direct order creation. App Store policies evolve, and what was acceptable a year or two ago might not be today.
• Partnership Programs & Special Permissions: Larger, more established apps might have negotiated special arrangements or permissions with Shopify, especially if they bring significant value to the platform. It's all about relationships and demonstrating a commitment to the Shopify ecosystem.
• Clever API Usage: While creating orders directly via orders.json might be a no-go, there could be other, less direct ways to achieve a similar result. Perhaps they're using a combination of APIs and webhooks to create a draft order and then automatically mark it as paid upon submission of the COD form. This is just speculation, though.

Navigating Shopify's Guidelines for COD Apps

If you're developing a COD app, here's what you should keep in mind to avoid getting rejected:

1. Prioritize the Shopify Checkout: If possible, try to integrate with the standard checkout flow. You can customize the checkout experience with Shopify's checkout API and functions to include COD as a payment option.
2. Explore Draft Orders: Instead of creating orders directly, consider using the Draft Orders API. This allows you to collect customer information and create a draft order that the customer can then complete through the Shopify checkout.
3. Webhooks are your friend: Use webhooks to listen for checkout events (like order creation or payment) and trigger actions in your app accordingly. This allows you to keep your app synchronized with the Shopify order lifecycle.
4. Be Transparent: Clearly explain your app's functionality and data handling practices in your app description and privacy policy. Transparency builds trust with Shopify and your users.
5. Contact Shopify App Support: If you're unsure about a particular approach, reach out to Shopify's app support team for guidance. They can provide valuable insights and help you avoid potential issues during the app review process.

The Importance of User Experience

Ultimately, Shopify wants to ensure a consistent and secure experience for all merchants and customers. While a direct order creation flow might seem ideal for COD, it's crucial to balance that with Shopify's guidelines and best practices. I think that optimizing the checkout flow to be as smooth and intuitive as possible for COD customers is the best approach. This might involve pre-filling address fields based on location data or offering a simplified payment selection process.

It’s a tricky situation, and it sounds like shishantdixit is trying to do the right thing by adhering to Shopify's guidelines. It just goes to show that app development on Shopify is a constantly evolving landscape. Staying informed, being creative with the available APIs, and communicating openly with Shopify are key to success.