So you’ve made the decision to go all-in with your internet store. Now is the time to start creating your online presence. Here’s a checklist to help you get your project begun on the right foot.

1. Create a cost sheet for your online store

Create a cost sheet to estimate how much it will cost to set up your online store. Make a priority list of the key requirements after you’ve identified all of the costs associated with running a profitable online store. Ensure your product pricing allows you to make a profit.

2. Get the help of a financial advisor or accountant

If you are starting a new business, you will need to examine your business and tax compliance.

One of the most common hurdles for new businesses is ensuring that they are business and tax compliant.

For your bookkeeping, look at software solutions. There are a number of free and low-cost solutions available to assist you with automating as many tasks as possible.

3. Set up and organize your product catalog

When it comes to uploading products to sell (this includes photos and product descriptions), having an e-commerce site will require a formalized product catalog, but it will also allow you to spend time thinking about what you want to sell and what assets you’ll need to sell profitably.

4. Select a payment option for your site

Online customers are accustomed to choice, and since you are only a click away from losing a customer, it makes sense to integrate as many options for payment as possible such as:

Online Shoppers are exposed to a variety of options It is important to offer as many payment methods, such as:

• Mobile money
• Cash on delivery
• Credit or debit card
• QR Code

5. Draft a return policy and warranty

Customers will demand a clear return policy once you start selling online.

A legal expert can assist you in drafting a policy that protects you and your company, you will also require a version that explains your policy to your consumers in simple, straightforward language.

When drafting your policy, consider the following:

• What costs will be included, and who will bear them?
• Is your chosen delivery partner willing to accept returns, and what are their terms and conditions?
• What will your warranty policy be (if applicable)?
• In what circumstance could a consumer be held liable for these costs/charges?

The goal of your warranty and return policy should be to make your consumers feel secure and important. The greater their trust in you, the more likely they are to buy from you again.

6. Partner with a reputable delivery and shipping company

As a result of the pandemic, small business owners have begun to experiment with new modes of delivering their products to customers. As additional delivery partners enter the market, what was once a costly endeavor has become more affordable.

Conduct research to establish the best delivery partner for you.

In an ideal world, you’d strike a balance between outstanding service and price. Choosing the wrong partner could harm your company’s reputation if the service fails to meet expectations.

7. Research design and brand ideas for your online store

Creating your online business is crucial not just for providing a pleasant client experience, but also for communicating your brand identity and ideas.

Spend some time researching alternative e-commerce stores, particularly those run by small enterprises. Look at the following:

• Is the site’s layout simple to navigate?
• Is your site responsive for both laptops and a phone?
• Are your payment options clear and simple to utilize during the checkout process?

After you’ve established what’s achievable, you may narrow down your list to what you can handle on your own and what you’ll need assistance with.

Work on building a functioning and cost-effective online store, and as your business expands, you may implement additional functionality to improve it.

The next step of the process is choosing professional developers to get your ideas off the ground and start building.