Shops need more care than brochure sites, because the database changes constantly.
THE PRINCIPLE
Never migrate a shop that is taking orders without a freeze. Orders placed on the old server after your database copy are lost.
THE SEQUENCE
- Set up the new hosting and copy files and database across.
- Test thoroughly using a hosts file entry: browse, cart, checkout, payment in test mode, emails.
- Configure cron, caching and SSL on the new server.
- Announce a short maintenance window at your quietest hour.
- Put the shop in maintenance mode so no new orders are taken.
- Take a final database copy and import it.
- Switch nameservers.
- Take the shop out of maintenance mode once it resolves.
- Keep the old hosting for a week.
WHAT TO VERIFY AFTERWARDS
Checkout completes with a real payment Order emails arrive Stock is correct
Cron is running: check Scheduled Actions
Gateway webhooks point at the live site
ASK US
Our free migration covers this. Say it is a shop, and we will coordinate the freeze with you.
