# Shopify App Onboarding Checklist

Use this when designing or reviewing onboarding for a Shopify app. The target is merchant first value, not just installation.

## 1. Install And Trust

- [ ] App listing explains the merchant problem clearly.
- [ ] Screenshots show the real merchant workflow.
- [ ] Permissions are justified in plain language.
- [ ] Pricing is visible before installation.
- [ ] Reviews, support channels, and documentation are easy to find.
- [ ] Install flow preserves context from the app listing.

## 2. First Run

- [ ] The app confirms the store context.
- [ ] The merchant understands what to do first.
- [ ] Required setup steps are separated from optional enhancements.
- [ ] Empty states include examples or defaults.
- [ ] The app avoids asking for every setting upfront.
- [ ] The merchant can leave and resume setup.

## 3. Store Data And Integrations

- [ ] Product, customer, order, discount, and theme dependencies are explicit.
- [ ] Missing data states are handled.
- [ ] Sync progress is visible when data import takes time.
- [ ] Sync failure messages include recovery actions.
- [ ] External integrations explain why they are needed.
- [ ] Permissions and scopes are reviewed before launch.

## 4. Merchant First Value

- [ ] The activation milestone is defined.
- [ ] The app helps the merchant create or enable something useful.
- [ ] Preview states show what shoppers or staff will see.
- [ ] The merchant can test safely before publishing.
- [ ] Default recommendations reduce decision load.
- [ ] The next best action is visible after activation.

## 5. Admin UX

- [ ] Navigation labels match merchant language.
- [ ] Settings are grouped by workflow.
- [ ] Risky actions require confirmation.
- [ ] Save states are clear.
- [ ] The app handles slow Shopify API responses gracefully.
- [ ] Tables, filters, and bulk actions work on smaller screens when relevant.

## 6. Commerce Growth

- [ ] The app explains how it improves revenue, conversion, retention, or operations.
- [ ] Analytics connect app usage to merchant outcomes.
- [ ] Merchants can understand what changed after enabling the app.
- [ ] Upsell prompts are tied to value moments.
- [ ] Trial reminders are helpful and not aggressive.
- [ ] Billing changes are clear.

## 7. Support And Recovery

- [ ] Documentation links are contextual.
- [ ] Support contact is visible during setup failure.
- [ ] The merchant can undo or disable the app behavior.
- [ ] Theme changes or storefront effects are documented.
- [ ] App uninstall behavior is explained.
- [ ] Known limitations are honest and findable.

## 8. Launch QA

- [ ] Test with a development store.
- [ ] Test with a store that has very few products.
- [ ] Test with a large catalog.
- [ ] Test permission denial.
- [ ] Test billing failure or plan downgrade.
- [ ] Test install, uninstall, and reinstall.
- [ ] Verify analytics events for install, setup, activation, and upgrade.