1. Define what customers will buy online
List the products or services, variations, prices and stock rules. Decide whether items are always available, made to order or subject to confirmation. A developer cannot organise the store effectively without reliable product data.
2. Prepare complete product information
- Product names and categories
- Clear descriptions
- Prices and applicable taxes
- Sizes, colours or other variations
- Stock availability
- High-quality photographs
- Delivery or collection information
3. Choose an order and payment process
We provide e-commerce development as a TD Web Solutions service, but they do not specify supported payment providers. Payment options must therefore be confirmed during project discovery. The chosen method should fit the target customer, settlement process and business operations.
Some stores accept online payment immediately, while others allow customers to submit an order for confirmation. The website should clearly explain what happens after checkout.
4. Plan delivery and collection
Define delivery locations, fees, time expectations and responsibility for fulfilment. Decide whether customers can collect orders and how they will be notified. Delivery rules should be understandable before customers reach the final checkout step.
5. Write essential store policies
Customers need accessible information about returns, exchanges, refunds, delivery, privacy and terms of sale. These policies should reflect the actual business process and applicable requirements. A website developer should not invent policies on behalf of the business.
6. Decide who will manage the store
Someone must add products, update prices, confirm orders, manage stock and respond to customers. The business should identify this person before launch and ensure that training and access are included in the project discussion.
7. Plan customer communication
Order confirmations, payment instructions, delivery updates and support contact details should be consistent. Business email and WhatsApp can support communication, but customers should know which channel is used for each stage.
8. Design for mobile customers
Product browsing, cart use and checkout must work on small screens. Buttons should be easy to tap, forms should request only necessary information and images should be optimised so pages do not become unnecessarily heavy.
9. Protect customer and administrator access
The store should use HTTPS, strong passwords, controlled user access and maintained software. Security is an ongoing responsibility rather than a one-time feature. The business should also understand what customer data is collected and why.
10. Prepare a launch and testing plan
Test product variations, prices, forms, payment instructions, emails, delivery options and mobile behaviour before promotion begins. Place test orders and check the full customer experience from product page to confirmation.
11. Plan how customers will find the store
An online store still needs marketing. Product pages can support search visibility, while social media, email, advertising and existing customer networks can drive relevant traffic. Marketing should be planned before launch rather than after the store is already online.
12. Budget for ongoing operation
Hosting, domain renewal, maintenance, content updates, payment charges and marketing may continue after launch. The business should understand recurring responsibilities and costs before approving the project.
Frequently asked questions
Does TD Web Solutions support every payment method?
We assess the most suitable payment options during project discovery and confirm integration requirements before development.
How many products are needed before development starts?
The business should at least have a representative set of final product data so the store structure can be planned and tested.
Can customers order without paying online?
That may be possible depending on the agreed workflow, but the order confirmation and fulfilment process must be clearly defined.
Who should write store policies?
The business should provide or approve policies that reflect its real operations and applicable legal responsibilities.