Launching an online store is exciting, but going live with missing pieces can cost you sales and damage your brand. Here are 15 things every ecommerce store must have before launch.
Payment and Shipping
- Payment gateway tested — Run a real transaction with a test card
- Shipping rates configured — Flat rate, weight-based, or free shipping thresholds
- Tax settings — GST configured correctly for Australian sales
- Checkout flow tested — Complete a full purchase from cart to confirmation email
Product Pages
- High-quality product photos — Multiple angles, consistent lighting
- Compelling descriptions — Features, benefits, and specifications
- Inventory levels set — Stock quantities and out-of-stock behaviour
- Variants configured — Sizes, colours, and options working correctly
Legal and Trust
- Privacy policy — Required by Australian law
- Terms and conditions — Returns, refunds, and shipping policies
- SSL certificate — HTTPS on every page
- Trust badges — Payment icons, security seals, and guarantees
Marketing
- Google Analytics installed — Track visitors and conversions
- Email marketing connected — Welcome emails and abandoned cart recovery
- Social media linked — Share buttons and social proof
Ready to Launch?
If you can tick all 15 items, your store is ready. If not, take the time to get it right — a strong launch builds momentum that compounds over time.