Hello there, @userme.

Yes, you need to set up a Shopify customer in QuickBooks Online (QBO) first, then use this customer for all your Shopify transactions or orders.

Here's how:

1. Open your QBO account, then click on Customers at the left pane.
2. Tap on the New customer button.
3. Fill in the necessary information from the Customer information window, then tap Save.

For additional reference about managing customers in QBO, check out this article.

Also, open this link to learn more about Shopify integration: QuickBooks & Shopify.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm always here to help. Have a good day!