When a Shopify Theme Isn’t Really Yours (And Why That Matters)

Recently, a new client came to me feeling confused — and honestly, a little (okay, a lot) burned.

She had worked with another “Shopify Expert” who built her store using a theme purchased from XXXX. Everything looked fine on the surface… until she wanted to make updates.

That’s when she was told:
She didn’t actually own the theme license. SAY WHAT????  She paid a lot for this design, more than I would have charged, but to find out that the theme license wasn't included, WTF! 

If she wanted updates, support, or future improvements, she would need to purchase the theme herself. Or perhaps go back to them, I'm not sure what the arrangements would have been. 

I’ll be blunt: that should have been disclosed upfront. When she questioned them, they went all legal on her. 

Why This Feels Wrong

When a client hires someone to build a Shopify store, the reasonable assumption is that:

  • The site is theirs

  • The assets are theirs

  • The foundation is solid and update-friendly

Using a third-party theme is acceptable IF and I repeat IF the client holds the license. But building a store on a theme the client doesn’t own — and only revealing that later — puts them in a vulnerable position.

Updates become complicated. Support becomes unclear. Suddenly, the store feels less like an asset and more like a liability.

That’s not how I believe client relationships should work. Key word, "relationship."

Why I Recommend the Shopify Theme Store

This is one of the many reasons I strongly encourage clients to purchase themes directly from the Shopify Theme Store. When you buy a theme there:

  • You own the license

  • Try before you buy

  • Updates are straightforward unless you have custom code, which you can try to avoid to make the updates easier

  • The theme is vetted specifically for Shopify BY Shopify

  • It’s compatible with Shopify’s evolving features

  • Support expectations are clear

There’s transparency. No surprises. No awkward conversations later.

Why is this important? 

Your theme isn’t just “how things look.” It’s the structure your entire business sits on.

If that foundation:

  • Can’t be updated easily

  • Depends on someone else’s license

  • Or locks you into a specific developer

Then you don’t really have full control of your store.

And you should.

My Philosophy (and Why I’m Opinionated About This)

I believe clients should own what they pay for.
Full stop.

That includes:

  • Their Shopify account

  • Their theme license

  • Their data

  • Their ability to move forward without friction

Could you technically use a third-party theme? Sure.
Should a client ever be surprised by licensing limitations? Absolutely not.

The Bottom Line

If you’re investing in a Shopify store, make sure:

  • You know where your theme came from

  • You own the license

  • You understand how updates and support work

And if someone can’t clearly explain that to you before the build starts?
That’s a red flag.

This is just one of the many reasons I default to Shopify Theme Store themes — not because they’re trendy, but because they’re transparent, supported, and built for the long haul.

Your store should work for you — not hold you hostage.

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