Track the stored object and the route to it separately
A file can still exist after a particular link stops working. A link can also remain syntactically valid while the underlying file has been deleted or the external provider denies access. “The link expired” is therefore a diagnosis to verify, not a label for every failed download.
QuickAttach’s listing describes limited retention. The precise behavior for a file and its customer path should be confirmed in the current setup with support when unclear. Do not assume an advertised retention maximum is the lifetime of every link.
A two-clock worksheet
| Question | File retention | Access route |
|---|---|---|
| What is being timed? | The stored copy | A link or access permission |
| When does timing begin? | Confirm storage rule | Confirm link or provider rule |
| What can end it early? | Deletion or storage changes | Revocation, changed permissions, or removed destination |
| Who can investigate? | Storage owner or app support | Delivery app or external provider owner |
Fill the worksheet for your actual configuration. It is not a product specification and intentionally supplies no universal duration.
Fictional timeline: a file and two links
A store delivers a synthetic plan on day one. On day ten, a customer path becomes unavailable. The merchant investigates and finds that the stored release copy still exists, then follows the supported process for restoring access. In a different scenario, the file itself was deleted; simply sending the same link again would not restore it.
These examples illustrate the distinction, not observed QuickAttach behavior. Do not promise replacement links or recovery unless the supported workflow and retained copy have been confirmed.
Diagnose in a useful order
- Identify the exact order item and intended revision.
- Check whether the storage destination still contains the file.
- Check the link’s supported validity and access conditions.
- For an external file, inspect provider permissions and any provider expiry.
- Record which condition failed before deciding on a resend or recovery action.
When writing customer copy, state the verified availability that matters to the buyer. Internally, keep the two clocks separate so support can explain a failure accurately.
The customer return path is a convenience during availability, not a promise of perpetual storage. A merchant backup and a customer’s saved copy are additional locations with their own handling rules.
Deliver the right file with the right order
See how QuickAttach connects a customer-specific file or link to a Shopify order item.
See the QuickAttach order-to-download walkthrough