Hidden Costs: Why Shopify Store Owners Should Double-Check Their App Subscriptions

Running a Shopify e-commerce store is exciting and stressful enough - this just shouldn't be happening and we shouldn't have to write this post, but.... we do.

If you are an ecommerce owner runnings Shopify apps we emplore you to check your monthly invoice from Shopify.

After a tip-off we looked at dozens of Shopify apps and found many, almost half in fact, had no way to unsubscribe from the monthly subscription the apps were charging, AND, simply uninstalling the apps didn't stop the subscription.

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The fact is, unfortunately, subscription-based Shopify apps can quietly drain your wallet.

Many store owners may well be unknowingly pay for apps they no longer use, and worse, some apps make it difficult (or nearly impossible) to unsubscribe.

This issue is global, with the Shopify apps we reviewed being available in Australia, the United States, the UK and other countries, where e-commerce entrepreneurs may be losing thousands of dollars annually on forgotten or inactive app subscriptions. If you’re not regularly auditing your Shopify billing, you could be one of them.

And this issue of paying for unused or unwanted subscriptions plays into a larger trend. A 2020 SaaS trends report highlighted that the average company wastes approximately $135,000 annually on unused or unnecessary SaaS tools. This waste tends to increase by 80% each year, underscoring the importance of regular audits and effective subscription management. 

Additionally, a report from G2 indicates that 53% of SaaS licenses remain unused, despite businesses utilizing over 300 SaaS products. This suggests that a significant portion of software investments may not be yielding returns, emphasizing the need for businesses to monitor and optimize their software usage.

These statistics highlight the critical importance for businesses to regularly review their software subscriptions, ensuring that each tool provides value and aligns with organizational needs.

The Silent Drain on Your Business

Most Shopify apps operate on a subscription model, charging store owners monthly or annually for access to their features. While this is convenient, it also means that once you approve an app’s billing in your Shopify store, it may continue charging you even after you remove it.

Why does this happen?

Unclear Unsubscription Processes. Some apps don’t have an obvious "unsubscribe" button or a straightforward cancellation process. Instead, they require store owners to jump through hoops—such as emailing support, filling out a form, or even contacting developers directly.

Third-Party Billing Outside Shopify. While many apps bill directly through Shopify, some use external billing systems. This means even if you uninstall the app from your store, the subscription remains active. Since the charge doesn’t appear under Shopify’s billing, it’s easy to overlook.

Store Growth and Staff Turnover. As e-commerce businesses scale, multiple team members may install apps over time, forgetting to document them. If staff members leave, the knowledge of these subscriptions may be lost, leaving unnecessary costs hidden in your expenses.

Bundle and Tiered Pricing Traps. Some apps include free trials or bundled pricing, but if you don’t manually downgrade or cancel, you’ll automatically be moved to a paid plan. This is especially common with apps that start free but upgrade users after a set period.

Lack of Regular Billing Audits. Many Shopify store owners don’t review their Shopify statements in detail every month. Recurring charges—especially small ones—can go unnoticed for months or even years.

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How to Protect Your Shopify Store from Subscription Traps

To avoid falling into the Shopify app billing trap, here’s what you need to do:

Conduct a Shopify App Audit

Set a recurring schedule—whether monthly, quarterly, or biannually—to review your Shopify billing statement. Look for any app-related charges and verify that you’re actively using each app. If you don’t recognize a charge, investigate it immediately.

• Go to Shopify Admin > Settings > Billing to see your active subscriptions.
• Compare this with the apps currently installed in Shopify Admin > Apps.
• Cross-check against external billing systems such as PayPal, Stripe, or direct credit card charges.

Confirm Cancellation Policies Before Installing Apps

Before adding any new Shopify app, check how easy it is to unsubscribe. Ask the following questions:

• Does the app allow cancellation directly from the Shopify dashboard?
• Is there a clear "unsubscribe" or "cancel" button in the app?
• If the app uses external billing, how do you cancel, and does it require manual confirmation?

If an app lacks a transparent cancellation policy, consider alternatives with better terms.

Immediately Cancel Billing When Uninstalling Apps

If you decide to remove an app, don’t assume the billing will stop automatically. Follow these steps:

• Check the app’s settings to confirm any required cancellation steps before uninstalling.
• If the app uses external billing, log into the billing platform (if available) and cancel the recurring charge manually.
• If you're unsure, contact the app’s customer support and request written confirmation of cancellation.

Use a Spreadsheet or Subscription Tracking Tool

Maintain a record of all installed apps, their costs, and their usage status. A simple Google Sheet can help track subscriptions.

Key details to include:

• App Name
• Subscription Cost
• Billing Provider (Shopify vs. External)
• Installation Date
• Last Use Date
• Uninstallation & Cancellation Confirmation

Leverage Shopify Support for Refund Requests

If you discover an app has continued charging you despite being uninstalled, reach out to Shopify Support. While Shopify does not control third-party app refunds, they may help mediate disputes with app developers.

When requesting a refund:

• Provide proof that you uninstalled the app.
• Show billing statements with continued charges.
• Be polite but firm in requesting a resolution.

The Future of Shopify App Billing Transparency

As Shopify continues to grow, store owners should push for better transparency in app billing practices. Some potential improvements could include:

• Mandatory unsubscribe options for all Shopify apps before removal.
• Automated email alerts if a charge continues after app uninstallation.
• More rigorous approval processes for third-party billing integrations.

Until these improvements happen, it’s up to Shopify store owners to stay vigilant and protect their hard-earned revenue.

Don’t Let Hidden Subscriptions Drain Your Profits

If you’re running a Shopify e-commerce store, don’t let hidden subscriptions drain your profits. By double-checking your billing, confirming cancellation procedures, and keeping a record of active subscriptions, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and reinvest that money back into your business.

A few minutes of auditing today could save you hundreds—or even thousands—over the long term. Take control of your Shopify app subscriptions now before they take control of your budget.

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