Why Does the Shopify Connector Assign Orders to a Default Customer or Throw a Missing Customer Error?

Why Does the Shopify Connector Assign Orders to a Default Customer or Throw a Missing Customer Error?

f you’re using the Shopify connector for Odoo and notice that orders are being assigned to a default customer, or you’re seeing an error asking to configure a default customer for non-guest orders — this is not a bug or issue with the connector itself.

It is caused by Shopify’s recent changes to their API access for customer data.

Important:

This is not a bug or limitation of the VentorTech connector. Shopify’s pricing plans – particularly the Basic plan – now restrict access to Personal Identifiable Information (PII) such as customer names, emails, and phone numbers through their API. These limitations are enforced on Shopify’s side, and unfortunately, cannot be bypassed or controlled by our connector.

What Changed in Shopify?

As of 2024, Shopify adjusted its subscription tiers and API data policies:

  • The Basic Shopify plan provides only limited access to customer data

  • Full customer data (PII) via API is only available on:

    • Grow

    • Advanced

    • Plus

Refer to the Shopify Pricing Comparison Table → Row: Custom Apps

Basic Plan: “Limited data access (no PII)”

How This Affects the Odoo Connector

When importing orders into Odoo:

  • Shopify Basic users receive stripped-down API responses

  • The connector cannot retrieve full customer records (missing email/name)

  • It will:

    • Assign the order to a configured default customer

    • Or raise an error if no default is set for such cases

Example: Full vs. Limited Customer Data

image-20250616-181939.png

GraphQL Error When Accessing PII on Basic Plan

If you try accessing full customer info via GraphQL on a Basic plan, Shopify returns:

This app is not approved to access the Customer object. Access to personally identifiable information (PII) like customer names, addresses, emails, phone numbers is only available on Shopify, Advanced, and Plus plans. Learn more: https://admin.shopify.com/store/nobelarts/settings/apps/development/95176720385/configuration

How to Resolve This Issue

  1. Upgrade your Shopify plan to one that supports PII access (Grow, Advanced or Plus)

  2. If staying on the Basic plan:

    • Set a default customer in Odoo to assign imported orders:

      image-20250616-182451.png
    • Be aware that actual customer identity won’t be synced

Still Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to configure a default customer or confirm your Shopify plan’s limitations, reach out to VentorTech Support.
We’ll gladly assist in verifying your setup and recommending the best approach for your business.

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