Account types: Direct signup vs Shopify App

There are two ways to use Stockist: signing up directly through our website, or installing the Stockist app from the Shopify App Store. The overall functionality of Stockist is very similar no matter how your account was set up — you'll have access to the same features for managing your store locator. However, there are a few differences in how billing, login, and team access work depending on which type of account you have.

Direct accounts

Direct accounts are created by signing up on our website and can be used with any website platform. This is a good option if your site isn't hosted on Shopify or if you want to manage your Stockist billing independently.

• Platform flexibility: Works with any website platform (Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, custom sites, etc.)
• Installation: Paste a small "embed code" snippet into your website
• Billing: Direct invoicing through Stockist using a credit/bank card
• Login: Sign in at our website with your email and password
• Team access: Currently supports a single login only. For team access, you can choose a unique shared password, or can grant edit access to a connected Google Sheet (available on our Premium plan) if you only need others to update store listings.

Shopify-linked accounts

Shopify-linked accounts are created by installing Stockist from the Shopify App Store. This is the most common option for Shopify stores, since billing is handled automatically through Shopify and team members can access the app using their existing Shopify staff accounts.

• Platform: Tied specifically to your Shopify store
• Installation: The app automatically creates a Store Locator page for you
• Billing: Appears on your regular Shopify invoice
• Login: Access through your Shopify admin under Apps > Stockist Store Locator
• Team access: Anyone with staff access to your Shopify store can access Stockist, as long as the permissions for their account are set up to allow access

Key differences at a glance

Can I switch between account types?

Due to Shopify's App Store policies, the type of each account is set when it's created, and it's not possible to merge accounts or switch types later on. An account set up through the Shopify App Store is permanently linked to your Shopify shop, and accounts set up directly on our website can't be accessed through your Shopify admin.

Please see the common questions below for more details on the options available in each situation.

If you find yourself with two accounts (for example, you installed our Shopify app and later signed up directly as well), you can choose which one to keep and we can help transfer your store listings and settings to it.

Common questions

I have a direct account and am moving to Shopify. Can I show my map there?

Yes! You have two options:

• Option A: Keep using your direct account. You can add your existing map to a Shopify page using the embed code (instructions here). This is often the simplest approach since you don't need to set everything up again.
• Option B: Switch to a Shopify-linked account. Install Stockist from the Shopify App Store to create a new account, then contact us and we can copy your stores and settings over. Once everything is transferred, you can cancel the subscription for your original direct account.

I have a Shopify-linked account and am moving away from Shopify. Can I continue using my map?

Yes! You can create a new direct account on our website, then contact us and we can copy your stores and settings over to the new account. You can also export your store data yourself under Locations > Bulk export and re-import it to the new account.

I have two accounts — which one is active?

Check which account has your store listings. You can log into each account to see the store count, or contact us and we can help identify which one is in use.

How do I update my payment info?

This depends on your account type:

• Direct accounts: Update your payment method in the Stockist dashboard under Account > Billing.
• Shopify-linked accounts: Payment is managed through Shopify. Update your payment method in your Shopify admin under Settings > Billing.

Can multiple team members access the account?

• Direct accounts: Currently support a single login. For team access, you could consider choosing a unique shared password. If team members only need to update store listings, you can connect a Google Sheet (available on our Premium plan) and share edit access to that sheet.
• Shopify-linked accounts: Anyone with staff access to your Shopify store can access Stockist. In your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Users and permissions, then make sure the "Apps" permission is enabled for each team member who needs access.