To sell online, a small store first needs to know what it sells, to whom, and how customers pay and receive their order. An online shop is not a showcase with an "buy" button: it is a small system that has to run on its own, even when you are out on deliveries or behind the counter. Here are the six steps I walk my clients through before publishing the first product page.
1. Clarify your product range
Before talking design, count your products. A catalogue of 20 items is not managed like one of 400. For each item, note the name, price, size or weight, available stock and a photo. This work, more than the website itself, is often what takes the most time.
- Group products into clear families, such as clothing, accessories or gifts.
- Remove items you no longer sell or that have no steady stock.
- Decide who enters the product sheets: you, an employee or a provider.
2. Plan payment and legal requirements
Customers must be able to pay by card, through a secure payment system. Your shop also needs legal notices, terms of sale and a clear handling of personal data, in line with GDPR. A customer who hesitates at checkout leaves at the slightest doubt.
The Essentielle shop package, at 1,990 euros, includes card payment, legal pages and terms of sale, plus going live. For data obligations, you can book a free 30-minute call to discuss your case.
3. Organise delivery and collection
This is where many projects get complicated. Ask yourself how long it takes you to prepare a parcel, who will do it, and whether local customers would rather pick up their order.
- Delivery by carrier requires choosing a provider and setting clear shipping fees.
- Collection in store is often the simplest option for a neighbourhood shop, and it brings customers back through the door.
- Click and collect, included in the Pro shop package at 2,990 euros, combines both.
If you ship many parcels, a carrier connector (labels and tracking for Colissimo, Mondial Relay and others) can save time. It is an option at 190 euros.
4. Write product pages that sell
A good product page answers three questions: what it is, what it is for, and why buy it from you. Add sharp photos on a neutral background, and a short description followed by useful details such as material, dimensions and care.
If writing takes too long, an optimised written product page is available at 15 euros per product. For a large catalogue, importing from a spreadsheet costs 90 euros per batch of 50 products.
5. Check the link with your till and tools
Many shopkeepers already have a till, stock software or accounting tools. Check before launch whether they need to talk to the online shop. Note that in the Essentielle package, connection to a till software is not included. I cannot promise that a specific software will connect without studying it with you, which is why an early conversation helps.
6. Launch, measure and adjust
A shop launches in a simple version, then improves with the numbers. Watch which products sell, when customers abandon their basket, and which promo codes or customer reviews bring them back. The Pro package includes promo codes, reviews and sales tracking, with one month of adjustments.
How much does an online shop cost for a small store?
The reference points in the catalogue are:
- Essentielle shop: 1,990 euros, up to 30 products, product entry not included.
- Pro shop: 2,990 euros, up to 150 products, with click and collect and promo codes.
- Custom shop: 4,490 euros, for a large catalogue or particular logistics.
The price simulator gives you a first estimate based on your situation. A firm quote is sent within 48 hours after a 30-minute conversation. Payment in three instalments with no fees is possible from 300 euros.
Mistakes to avoid
Launching a shop with blurry photos and empty product pages: customers do not come back.
Other common traps are underestimating the time needed to enter products, forgetting delivery costs in the displayed price, and testing the checkout only once on your own phone. Test a full order from start to finish, with a real low-value payment, before announcing the opening.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a business status to sell online?
Yes, you need a status suited to your activity. This depends on your situation, so check it with your accountant before launching.
How long does it take to open a shop?
It mostly depends on your products and photos. The more ready your catalogue is, the faster the project moves. I give a precise timeline during the scoping call.
Does an online shop replace my showcase website?
Not necessarily. Many shops start with a showcase website and add online sales later, or the other way round.
Can I start with only a few products?
Yes, the Essentielle package is designed for a small catalogue. You can move up to a higher package when your sales justify it.
Have an online sales project? Ask for a free audit of your current situation, or book a free 30-minute call to talk it through simply.
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