Understand the catalogue
Product variations, stock, delivery rules and returns shape the platform choice. Define who owns product data and how updates are made.
- Category and product information
- Payment and tax requirements
- Stock and fulfilment connections
- Customer support and returns
Design the buying journey
Test browsing, filters, product comparison, basket and checkout on small screens. Show total cost and delivery expectations before the final step.
Performance and accessibility help customers use the site; technical SEO helps search engines find appropriate categories and products.
Prepare for real orders
Test payment failures, refunds, out-of-stock cases and notifications. Agree who handles each exception and how orders reach fulfilment tools.
Questions worth asking
Should we use a hosted platform or bespoke commerce?
Hosted platforms often suit standard shops. Bespoke work may be justified for unusual catalogue, integration or buying requirements, with higher maintenance responsibility.
Advice here is general; the appropriate implementation depends on the people, systems and constraints involved.