Launching an online store: a practical checklist
From product data to payments and delivery — the operational details that matter as much as the design.
A well-designed store still fails if products are missing sizes, payments do not reconcile or orders go unnoticed. These are the operational pieces worth preparing before launch.
Product data
- Consistent product names, descriptions and categories.
- Variants such as size and colour with stock for each.
- Clear photos at a consistent size and background.
Payments and policies
Open your payment gateway account early, because verification can take time. Publish shipping, return and refund policies before launch; payment providers and customers both expect them.
Delivery and order handling
Decide who checks new orders, how quickly they are dispatched and how customers are told about progress. Test the full journey with real orders, including a cancellation and a refund.
Mobile performance
Most shoppers browse on phones, often on slower connections. Optimised images and a short checkout make a measurable difference to completed orders.