diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 916b740..be739ec 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -16,3 +16,9 @@ REDIS_URL=redis://127.0.0.1:6380
 
 # Google Maps (Phase 5 — geocoding, radius/distance eligibility, map display).
 GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=
+
+# Test/dev only: when "true", every shop resolves as the top tier so all
+# plan-gated features (Zones, Rates, Product rules, Dashboard, unlimited
+# locations) are open regardless of subscription. Bypasses billing — leave
+# unset / "false" in production.
+UNLOCK_ALL_FEATURES=false
diff --git a/app/services/billing.server.ts b/app/services/billing.server.ts
index 0ec342c..5ddb451 100644
--- a/app/services/billing.server.ts
+++ b/app/services/billing.server.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,15 @@ import { locationLimitFor, type Tier } from "../lib/billing-plans";
 export type { Tier };
 export { tierAtLeast, tierFromPlanName, locationLimitFor, LOCATION_LIMITS, PLAN_PRICING } from "../lib/billing-plans";
 
+// Test/dev escape hatch: set UNLOCK_ALL_FEATURES=true in .env to make every
+// shop resolve as the top tier, so plan-gated screens (Zones, Rates,
+// Product rules, Dashboard) and the per-tier location cap are all open
+// regardless of the shop's real subscription. MUST stay off in production —
+// it bypasses billing entirely.
+const UNLOCK_ALL_FEATURES = process.env.UNLOCK_ALL_FEATURES === "true";
+
 export async function getShopTier(shopDomain: string): Promise<Tier> {
+  if (UNLOCK_ALL_FEATURES) return "pro";
   const shop = await db.shop.findUnique({ where: { shopDomain }, select: { tier: true } });
   return (shop?.tier as Tier | undefined) ?? "free";
 }