Klaviyo + Shopify integration

What Klaviyo is

Klaviyo is an email and SMS platform built around commerce data. Connected to Shopify, it receives orders, browsing events and customers, and uses them for segments, sign-up forms and automated flows.

How we would approach Klaviyo with Shopify

We've connected Klaviyo on three client stores: alongside a theme migration, for a launch with a server-side sync, and for event lead capture where a mismatched Klaviyo account broke translated pop-ups. The pattern is the same each time: confirm the right account and list, check the events the flows depend on, decide which fields sync back to Shopify, and test forms inside the theme on mobile.

What the work involves

• The right Klaviyo account and list connected to the store
• Order, product and browsing events checked against what each flow needs
• Consent and profile fields synced back to Shopify, chosen deliberately
• Sign-up and back-in-stock forms that fit the theme and its languages

Ways to connect Klaviyo and Shopify

• Existing app

  Klaviyo's Shopify integration

  Klaviyo's own app. It imports the last 90 days first, then full history, then syncs new orders, fulfilments, refunds and browsing events (viewed product, added to cart, checkout started) in real time.

• Built in

  Sync back to Shopify

  Klaviyo can send profile fields, consent status and events back to Shopify. You choose which fields; some, like first name, only fill when empty in Shopify.

• Custom build

  Custom events

  Events the app doesn't send, such as configurator choices or rental terms, pushed from the theme or a custom app through Klaviyo's API.

Where these projects go wrong

• The store connects to a different Klaviyo account or list from the one the team sends from.
• Syncing all profiles back creates Shopify customers for every Klaviyo profile, including ones that never bought.
• Shopify's own abandoned-checkout email keeps running next to Klaviyo's flow.
• Pop-ups and forms aren't translated, or cover the add-to-cart button on mobile.
• A full historical sync takes days on large stores, and flows are switched on before it finishes.

Questions

How long does the first Klaviyo sync take?

Klaviyo says from minutes to several days, depending on the number of orders, customers and products. It brings in the last 90 days first.

Should we turn off Shopify's abandoned checkout email?

If Klaviyo sends the abandoned-checkout flow, yes. Otherwise customers get both.

Do you write the flows and campaigns too?

We set up the integration, events and forms. Flow strategy, copy and campaign calendars are a separate scope we agree with you.

Before we scope the work

• Which data or customer journey needs to connect, and which system owns it?
• What access, plan features or API permissions are available?
• Does an existing connector cover the requirement, including failures and updates?
• Who will maintain the connection, and how will you know it is working?

Send your current setup and one real example of the flow you need. We'll tell you whether it can be done and what it would take.