Use the Special Pass feature to restrict a selected collection or category to logged-in customers who enter the correct passcode. You may also limit access to selected customer groups.
Note: Passcode Protected Collection (Special Pass) is an add-on module. To enable this feature or learn more, please contact support@shopcada.com.
Overview
A passcode protected collection is useful for private sales, VIP previews, members-only ranges, staff purchases, or other collections that should not be publicly available.
When the feature is enabled:
- Customers must log in before they can reach the passcode page.
- Customers must enter the correct passcode to access the protected collection.
- Access remains valid for the rest of the customer's current browsing session.
- The protected products are hidden from other storefront product listings until access is granted.
Before you begin
- Create the collection or category and add the required products.
- Decide whether access is open to all logged-in customers with the passcode, or restricted to selected customer groups.
- Prepare the passcode that you will share with eligible customers.
Login is always required
Guests cannot access the passcode entry page.
A customer must first sign in to a registered account.
Special Pass settings
- Go to Settings > Custom > Special Pass.
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Enable Special Pass Code Page | Turns passcode protection on or off for the selected collection. |
| Special Pass Validation Page Title | Sets the title shown on the customer passcode entry page, such as Members Only Access or VIP Sale Entry. |
| Category / Collection | Selects the collection to protect. Only one collection or category can be protected at a time. |
| User Group | Optionally limits access to selected customer groups. Leave this field blank to allow any logged-in customer with the correct passcode. |
| Pass Code | Sets the shared code customers enter to unlock the protected collection. |
Set up the protected collection
- Enable the Special Pass page
Select Enable Special Pass Code Page. - Enter the page title
Under Special Pass Validation Page Title, enter the heading customers will see on the passcode entry page.
If no custom title is required, you may use Special Pass Verification. - Select the collection
Under Category / Collection, select the collection or category to protect. - Configure the user group
Leave User Group blank for passcode-only access, or select the customer group or groups that are allowed to use the passcode. - Set the passcode
Enter the code that eligible customers will use to unlock the collection. - Save and test
Save the settings. Open the protected collection in a private browser window and test the full journey using an eligible customer account.
Important notes
- Only one collection or category can be protected at a time.
- All eligible customers use the same passcode. Treat it as a soft access gate, not as a high-security control.
- Access is session based. Customers may need to enter the passcode again when they start a new browsing session.
- Changing the passcode does not remove access from customers who already entered the previous passcode during their current session.
- Products in the protected collection are hidden from other product listings while protection is enabled.
- After changing the collection, user group, or passcode, test the setup with both an eligible and an ineligible customer account.
Keep the passcode controlled
Share the passcode only with the intended customers. If it has been shared more widely than intended, change it and allow existing authorised sessions to expire.
