Create Shopify Orders Without Payment (Pro Tips)

Running a Shopify store means handling more than just regular checkouts. Sometimes you need to create Shopify orders without payment for testing, wholesale requests, or custom arrangements.

I’ll walk you through how to set this up, why it matters, and the best ways to keep your orders organized while still giving customers a smooth experience.

Why Create Shopify Orders Without Payment

Not every order needs to go through the checkout process. In some cases, you may want to skip payment and record an order manually.

Doing this lets you test store functions, handle special deals, or create internal sales records. It also gives you flexibility to manage wholesale or offline requests.

Testing Your Store

You can safely test your store’s checkout and order process without using real money. This helps confirm shipping rates, notifications, and inventory tracking.

Handling Wholesale Orders

Many wholesale buyers place large requests but prefer invoicing later. By creating orders without payment, you keep their details in Shopify and maintain accurate records.

Managing Custom Sales

Sometimes you close a deal outside your online store, such as in-person or via email. Recording it as a no-payment order keeps your reports accurate.

How to Create Shopify Orders Without Payment

Shopify lets you create orders directly from the admin dashboard. The process is quick and can be tailored to fit different situations.

Make sure you’re logged into Shopify as the admin before starting. You’ll find the option under the “Orders” tab in your store’s backend.

Step 1: Open the Orders Page

From your dashboard, click “Orders” in the left menu. You’ll see all your existing orders listed along with their payment status.

Step 2: Create a New Order

Click the “Create Order” button. This opens a blank order form where you can add products, customer information, and shipping details.

Step 3: Add Products and Customers

Search for the items you want to include and add them to the order. Then select or create a customer profile so the order links to the right person.

Step 4: Mark Payment as None

In the payment section, choose “Mark as paid” or “Pending payment.” For unpaid test or wholesale orders, select “No payment required.” This finalizes the order without charging.

Pro Tips for Creating Orders Without Payment

Using this feature well can save time and prevent mistakes. Let’s look at ways to make the most out of unpaid order creation on Shopify.

Always consider why you’re creating an order without payment and how it impacts your reporting. The right settings make it easier to track performance later.

Keep Reports Accurate

Even unpaid orders count in your analytics. Label them clearly so they don’t confuse your sales data. For test orders, tag them as “Test” or archive later.

Use Notes for Clarity

The notes section in the order form is valuable. Write down why the order was created without payment, such as “wholesale invoice pending” or “system test.”

Set Up Draft Orders

Shopify’s draft order feature is perfect for unpaid orders. Drafts let you build an order, send an invoice later, or mark it as no payment required instantly.

Automate Where Possible

If you create many unpaid orders, consider using an app or automation tool. This reduces manual work and ensures all entries stay consistent.

Common Scenarios for No-Payment Orders

Different businesses use this feature for different reasons. Knowing the most common scenarios helps you decide when to apply it.

From testing checkout to handling bulk buyers, unpaid orders are part of running a flexible and professional Shopify store.

Internal Testing

Before launching a sale or new product, many store owners run through the checkout flow themselves. Unpaid orders let you confirm everything works before customers see it.

Event or Pop-Up Sales

If you sell at markets or pop-ups, you may take cash or bank transfers. Recording these as no-payment Shopify orders keeps your store data aligned.

Special Discounts or Partnerships

Some partnerships or influencers may get products at zero cost. Instead of skipping the record, you can log the order without payment to track stock.

FAQs About Creating Shopify Orders Without Payment

Can I create test orders on Shopify without paying?
Yes, you can create draft orders and mark them as “No payment required” to safely test your checkout and store functions.

Do unpaid orders affect my Shopify reports?
Yes, they appear in your reports. Tagging them or marking them clearly helps you separate them from real customer transactions.

Is this feature available on all Shopify plans?
Yes, order creation is available across all Shopify plans, including the basic plan. It’s part of the core order management system.

Can I later request payment for unpaid orders?
Yes, you can send an invoice directly from the draft order. Customers can then pay using your store’s available payment methods.

What’s the difference between “Mark as paid” and “No payment required”?
“Mark as paid” means payment happened outside Shopify. “No payment required” is for test orders, free products, or custom records.

Conclusion

Creating Shopify orders without payment is a powerful feature. It helps with testing, wholesale management, and custom deals while keeping your records accurate.

Final Step: Scale Your Shopify Store with AeroDrop

After setting up your orders, the next step is growth. That’s where AeroDrop comes in. With one-click product imports, auto-fulfillment, and real-time tracking, you save hours every week. Custom branding, faster shipping, and live insights make it simple to scale from a small Shopify setup to a thriving online brand.

With AeroDrop, you don’t just handle orders you streamline, sell, and scale smarter.