> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://crushsuite.gitbook.io/docs/compliance/managing-products/removing-or-archiving-products.md).

# Removing or Archiving Products

When you need to take a product off your Shopify store, the correct workflow depends on whether you use Vinoshipper or manage compliance yourself. Getting this right prevents sync issues and keeps you

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### For Vinoshipper Users

**Always archive in Vinoshipper first, then sync.**

CrushSuite syncs product status from Vinoshipper to Shopify. If you archive or delete a product directly in Shopify without updating Vinoshipper, the product will reappear on the next sync because Vinoshipper still considers it active.

#### Steps

1. **Log in to Vinoshipper** at [vinoshipper.com](https://vinoshipper.com).
2. Navigate to the product you want to remove.
3. **Change the product status to "Archived"** in Vinoshipper.
4. Open the **CrushSuite app** in your Shopify Admin.
5. Navigate to **Products** and click **Sync** to pull the updated status.
6. The product will now be removed from your storefront. Note that the status label differs between systems: **archived in Vinoshipper shows as&#x20;*****draft*****&#x20;in CrushSuite.** This is expected and does not indicate a problem.

#### Verify

After syncing, check the product in Shopify Admin → Products. It should no longer appear on your storefront. Check the status against the mapping table below before reporting a problem — the three systems do not use the same words for the same state.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Do not change product status directly in Shopify.** If you set a product to "Draft" or "Archived" in Shopify without updating Vinoshipper, the next sync will overwrite your change and the product will reappear as active. Always start in Vinoshipper.
{% endhint %}

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### For Self-Compliance Users

Since you're managing products directly (no Vinoshipper sync), you can archive or delete products through standard Shopify workflows:

#### To Archive a Product

1. In **Shopify Admin**, go to **Products**.
2. Click on the product name.
3. Change the product status to **"Archived"**.
4. Click **Save**.

Archived products are hidden from your storefront but preserved in your catalog. You can reactivate them later.

#### To Delete a Product

1. In **Shopify Admin**, go to **Products**.
2. Click on the product name.
3. Click **Delete product** and confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Deletion is permanent.** Deleted products cannot be recovered. If you might want the product back later, archive it instead.
{% endhint %}

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### Archive vs. Delete

| Action      | What Happens                                        | Reversible?                          |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Archive** | Product hidden from storefront, retained in catalog | Yes — change status back to "Active" |
| **Delete**  | Product permanently removed from Shopify            | No — must recreate from scratch      |

For most situations, **archiving is safer**. You keep the product data, compliance history, and can reactivate if needed (e.g., a seasonal wine that returns next year).

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### Removing Multiple Products

If you need to remove many products at once (e.g., discontinuing an entire line), the workflow is the same:

* **Vinoshipper users:** Archive all products in Vinoshipper first, then run a single sync in CrushSuite.
* **Self-compliance users:** Use Shopify's bulk actions to archive multiple products at once (Products → select products → More actions → Archive).
