When using apps through Shopify, including Upcart, it's important to understand how app billing cycles work so you can manage your charges and subscriptions effectively.
This guide will walk you through how Shopify handles billing for third-party apps, what to expect on your invoice, and how billing cycles relate to your Shopify subscription.
What is an App Billing Cycle?
An app billing cycle is the interval at which you are charged for using a third-party app on your Shopify store. Shopify manages billing for most apps (including Upcart), so your app charges are added directly to your Shopify invoice. App subscriptions renew automatically on their set renewal date, and a new charge is applied unless the app is uninstalled prior to this renewal date. To avoid unnecessary charges, it is crucial to uninstall apps before the renewal date if they are no longer needed.
Key Points:
App billing cycles do not necessarily match your Shopify subscription billing cycle.
Each app you install may have its own billing cycle, which usually starts on the day you approve the app charge.
Charges are typically recurring monthly, but apps can also use usage-based or one-time charges.
Types of App Charges
There are three main types of charges you may see from an app:
Recurring Application Charges (most common)
A flat monthly fee, for example, $29.99/month for Upcart.
Billed every 30 days starting from the approval date.
Automatically renews unless canceled.
Usage Charges
Based on how much you use the app (e.g., based on orders, views, or other metrics).
These are added to your invoice within your Shopify billing cycle.
Usage charges are applied based on specific criteria like your store’s total monthly order volume. They are accrued as long as specific conditions are met, regardless of whether key features of the app are actively utilized. This ensures that usage aligns with your store's activity, even if certain app features are not live.
One-Time Charges
A single charge, typically for a special feature, upgrade, or add-on.
Billed once and not repeated unless explicitly triggered again.
Combination of Subscription and Usage Charges
Some apps may combine a subscription fee with usage-based charges under the same pricing tier, which can result in multiple charges presented separately in your Shopify invoice. This practice is consistent with Shopify's billing processes.
Billing Timeline Example
Let’s say you install an app on April 10 and approve a $29.99/month recurring charge:
Your first app billing cycle is April 10 – May 10.
You’ll be charged $29.99 on your next Shopify invoice, even if your main Shopify subscription renews on a different date.
On May 10, the next $29.99 will be billed, starting a new 30-day app billing cycle.
Usage-based charges (if applicable) may also appear on the same invoice, based on your usage during the Shopify billing period.
Please note: App billing cycles and your Shopify billing cycle may not always align. This means charges can occasionally appear larger than expected, especially if Shopify combines multiple app billing periods (e.g., two months of charges) into a single invoice. Additionally, because Shopify’s billing cycle and app-specific billing cycles operate independently, charges for these respective cycles may seem to appear on unusually proximate dates. Despite this, these charges correspond to separate periods, ensuring no duplication occurs in the invoice.
Where to See App Charges
You can review all app charges directly in your Shopify Admin: This includes charges for all apps like AfterSell. Follow the steps below to locate these details.
Login to your Shopify Admin.
Navigate to Settings in the lower-left corner of your admin dashboard.
Select Billing.
Under the Recent bills section, you'll see all invoices related to your Shopify account, including app charges. App names, such as AfterSell or Upcart, are displayed next to their respective charges.
For more detailed information, Shopify provides an official breakdown here: Shopify Help Center – App Charges. If you need to review refunded charges or charge history, filter for Refunded invoices on the Billing page. This allows you to select and review specific bills, including detailed information on refunds and charge adjustments.
Confirming Free or Promotional Plans and Checking Pending Charges
To confirm that a free or promotional plan has been applied correctly:
For Aftersell, log into the app and verify pricing details when prompted to ensure successful application.
For Upcart, no further confirmation is needed once the promotional plan is activated by the team.
To check for any pending charges or app-related expenses:
Navigate to the "App charges" section in your Shopify invoice.
Pending charges are itemized and can be cross-referenced with app usage.
Need help?
Feel free to reach out to our support team via chat in the app or by emailing us at support@upcart.app. we’ll be happy to help clarify any billing questions or concerns you may have!