{"title":"Use test mode for transaction testing","slug":"test-orders","url":"https://support.storeconnect.com/articles/test-orders","url_markdown":"https://support.storeconnect.com/articles/test-orders.md","subtitle":null,"summary":"Place test orders without incurring shared success fees by enabling test mode on the store, adding test email addresses via a store variable, or flagging individual orders.","type":"Help_Documentation","video_url":"","keywords":"test mode, test orders, transaction testing, shared success fees, store variable, test checkout emails, sandbox license, trial license, enable test mode, testing only, order testing, checkout testing","last_modified":"2026-08-21T07:12:35+0000","body_markdown":"Use test mode to complete transactions during store setup without incurring [Shared Success fees](storeconnect-billing). Test orders display a **TESTING ONLY** banner on the checkout and confirmation pages.\n\n![Storefront checkout page displaying the TESTING ONLY banner above the order summary](https://res.cloudinary.com/hzkr6fi81/image/upload/v1725790520/knowledge/test-order/test-order-checkout_osieqb.jpg)\n\n:::warning\nAn order only counts as a test order if it was flagged **during checkout**. Selecting **Test Order** on an order after it has been created does not make it one, and it is not exempt from fees. There is no way to convert an existing order into a test order.\n:::\n\n## Choose a method\n\nThree things can put an order into test mode. Pick the one that matches your situation.\n\n| Method | Use it when | What it covers |\n|---|---|---|\n| Trial or sandbox license | You are on a trial or sandbox web app | Every order on every store, automatically |\n| **Enable Test Mode** on the store | You are setting up or rebuilding a store and no real customers should be able to buy | Every order on that store |\n| `test_checkout_emails` store variable | The store is live and taking real orders, but you need to test alongside them | Only orders placed with the listed email addresses |\n\n## Trial and sandbox licenses are always in test mode\n\nWhen your StoreConnect web app runs on a trial or sandbox license, its stores are always in test mode. This is independent of the **Enable Test Mode** checkbox on the **Store** record, and you cannot turn it off. Once a production license is activated, use one of the methods below instead.\n\n## Enable test mode for a whole store\n\nAll new stores have **Enable Test Mode** selected. On a paid license you can turn it on and off as you need.\n\n1. Open the **Store** record.\n2. Select or clear the **Enable Test Mode** checkbox.\n3. Save the record.\n4. Confirm the setting applied: place an order on the storefront and check the **TESTING ONLY** banner appears at checkout.\n\n![Store record showing the Enable Test Mode checkbox selected](https://res.cloudinary.com/hzkr6fi81/image/upload/v1747196699/knowledge/test-order/Test_Mode_2_eowmtg.jpg)\n\n## Test on a live store with specific email addresses\n\nUse this when the store is trading and you cannot put the whole store into test mode.\n\n1. Open the **Store** record and go to the **Store Variables** related list.\n2. Create a **Store Variable** named `test_checkout_emails`.\n3. Set its value to a comma-separated list of up to four test email addresses:\n\n    ```text\n    bob@example.com,jane@example.com\n    ```\n\n4. Save the record.\n5. Confirm it works: check out using one of those addresses and check the **TESTING ONLY** banner appears. Orders from any other address remain live and chargeable.\n\nOrders from `support@getstoreconnect.com` are also treated as test orders.\n\n## Flag an individual order\n\n1.  Create an order.\n2.  Select the **Test Order** option before completing checkout.\n\n    ![Order record with the Test Order option selected](https://res.cloudinary.com/hzkr6fi81/image/upload/v1770265937/knowledge/test-order/TestOrder_vozr42.png)\n\nFlows, triggers, payments, and promotions all run as normal on a test order, but test orders are excluded from reports."}