A 404 error is one of the most frustrating issues for online store owners, as it disrupts customer experiences and can negatively impact sales.
If you're using Shopify and encountering issues related to "Shopify Managed Markets," this article explains how 404 errors occur when using Shopify Managed Markets alongside subscription products and provides clear steps to resolve them.
Another symptom of this issue is when the subscription widget fails to display a subscription-only option and instead shows the full widget with both the one-time purchase and subscription options, even when it should only display the subscription option.
If you're experiencing these issues, follow the instructions below to resolve them effectively.
Why Do 404 Errors Occur in Managed Markets?
Many merchants don’t realize that 404 errors can be linked to Shopify’s Managed Markets settings.
When Managed Markets is enabled, subscription products behave differently in international markets. Specifically, the subscription selling plan is removed, leaving only the one-time purchase option.
When products are offered as a one-time purchase or as a subscription, the subscription selling plan is removed in international markets managed by Managed Markets.
This means customers will only see the option for a one-time purchase. In this case, if you don't offer the one-time purchase, and only offer a subscription only product, then customers will see the 404 error.
Please note this is a current Shopify limitation, and Ongoing does not have control over this. To fix this, you need to disable Managed Markets in your Shopify settings to ensure your subscription products display correctly for all customers.
Here's an overview of why these errors occur and how to address them effectively.
Understanding the Limitations of Shopify Managed Markets with Subscription Products
Shopify's Managed Markets currently does not fully support subscription products.
When Managed Markets is enabled, the subscription selling plan is automatically removed for international markets. This results in the following issues:
Products offered as both a one-time purchase and a subscription will only display the one-time purchase option in international markets.
Subscription-only products (without a one-time purchase option) will lead to a 404 error because no valid purchase option is available.
In some cases, both the one-time purchase and subscription options are displayed, even when the merchant wants to show only the subscription option.
This limitation is a known constraint within Shopify's system, making Managed Markets incompatible with subscription-only products. To resolve this, merchants need to disable Managed Markets to ensure subscription products display correctly in all regions.
Common Causes of 404 Errors with Managed Markets
Incompatibility with Subscription Products
Shopify's "Managed Markets" feature may not support subscription products. If a product is only available as a subscription and "Managed Markets" is enabled, customers accessing the store from international markets might encounter a 404 error. This happens because the subscription selling plan is removed in these markets, leaving no purchase option available, which leads to the error.Theme Settings and Product Restrictions
404 errors can also arise if theme settings or product restrictions inadvertently block access. For example, if the product is restricted by managed markets but marked as active in international markets, this discrepancy can trigger errors for users trying to purchase.Geographical Variability
Some customers in the U.S. or other domestic regions might experience the same issue. This can occur due to theme configurations, caching problems, or lingering settings that need adjustment.Frequent Changes to Settings
If critical product settings, such as "Only sell this product as a subscription," are manually altered by team members or accidentally unchecked, this can lead to temporary inconsistencies. While Shopify doesn't make these changes automatically, it's important to ensure all team members are aligned on how settings should be configured to prevent disruptions.
Steps to Resolve 404 Errors
Turn Off Managed Markets
If subscription products are core to your business, disabling the "Managed Markets" feature can resolve the issue. Navigate to Settings > Markets > Preferences in Shopify and deactivate managed markets. This allows subscription plans to display properly across all regions.Monitor for Further Errors
Even after addressing the root cause, monitor the storefront for several days to ensure the issue is fully resolved. Perform mock purchases as if you were a customer and check for any lingering 404 pages or other purchase-flow disruptions.Check Theme and Product Settings
Go through the theme editor and product settings thoroughly:Verify that products are active and visible in all necessary markets.
Ensure that the correct selling plans (e.g., subscriptions) are applied without conflict.
Coordinate with Team Members
If settings are being altered by team members, confirm that everyone is aligned on how the store should operate. Frequent changes to key product settings can cause unexpected disruptions, so clarify responsibilities and permissions if necessary.
Can merchants disable Managed Markets for individual products, or does it apply to the entire store?
Currently, Shopify's Managed Markets feature applies to your entire store and cannot be disabled for individual products. To prevent 404 errors related to subscription products in international markets, you would need to disable Managed Markets for your entire store. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Markets > Preferences in your Shopify admin and selecting the option to turn off Managed Markets.
How can To check if Managed Markets is enabled on a Shopify store, you can follow these steps:
Log in to the Shopify Admin
Access the Shopify admin dashboard for the store you want to check.Navigate to Markets Settings
Click on Settings at the bottom-left of the Shopify admin.
Select Markets from the Settings menu.
Check the Managed Markets Status
Under the Markets section, you'll see a list of active and inactive markets.
If you notice a market labeled as Managed by Shopify, it means Managed Markets is enabled for that market.
Inspect Product Settings
If you suspect Managed Markets is impacting subscription products, go to a subscription product in the Products section.
Check if the Subscription selling plan is missing or if the product only shows as available for a one-time purchase in certain markets. This is a key indicator that Managed Markets is affecting the subscription product display.
Disable Managed Markets (If Needed)
If Managed Markets is causing issues (e.g., subscription products showing 404 errors), you can disable it by:Going to Markets in the Settings menu.
Selecting the managed market and clicking Manage.
Turning off the option for Shopify to manage that market.
If you're not the store owner and can't access the settings, you might need to ask the merchant directly or have them check these steps for you.
Best Practices to Avoid 404 Errors
Test the Store Regularly
Perform routine tests as a customer to catch errors before they affect buyers. This includes testing different markets and purchasing flows.Use Shopify Logs to Track Changes
Shopify provides detailed logs of account activity. If errors arise due to changes in settings, these logs can help identify what happened and who made the change.Stay Updated on Shopify Features
Shopify frequently updates its platform and features like Managed Markets. Keep an eye on updates or restrictions that may impact your store's functionality.Communicate with Shopify Support
For persistent or complex issues, reach out to Shopify's support team. They can provide insights specific to your store's setup and help resolve technical problems.
By understanding the interplay between managed markets, subscription products, and theme configurations, store owners can prevent 404 errors and ensure a smoother shopping experience for all customers.