Test mode vs live mode

ShipMagic runs in one of two modes, controlled from Settings → App Modes. Understanding which you’re in explains most “it works for me but not for customers” confusion — and its reverse.

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The two modes

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Two independent toggles

Check both before assuming you’re fully live.

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Testing in test mode

With the toggle off, enter shipmagic as the first name in the checkout address. ShipMagic then returns rates for that session only. Anyone else checking out is unaffected and sees your existing Shopify rates — which is the point: you can build and test against a live store without risk.

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Going live

Live mode needs a paid plan. See Billing for which plan covers what — Starter for customizations only, Pro for rates. Once the toggle is on:

• Every customer gets ShipMagic rates
• The shipmagic first-name requirement no longer applies
• Your rules run in real time on real orders

Full checklist in Going Live.

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Which mode am I in?

Settings → App Modes is the direct answer. Two practical symptoms:

• Rates appear for you but not for customers — you’re in test mode and using the test name without realising.
• Rates appear for everyone unexpectedly — you’re live. Turn the toggle off to pull back.

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Common mistakes

Testing with the same address twice. Shopify caches rates per address, so the second test shows the first result. Use a fresh address each time. Forgetting to turn on toggles. See the warning above. Assuming test mode blocks orders. It doesn’t. Real customers continue checking out normally on your existing Shopify rates.

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