The Ultimate Checklist: What You Really Need (and Don’t Need) to Launch Your Online Store

MAKE MONEY

4/25/20251 min read

Let’s keep it simple and skip the overwhelm

Starting an online store can feel like a lot—especially when you're being bombarded with tools, tech, and tutorials you “have” to use. The truth? You can start small and scrappy, and still build something that works.

Here’s what you actually need to launch—and what you can totally skip (or save for later). This list is all about helping you take action without getting stuck.

What You Really Need to Start

1. A Product or Offer

Whether it's handmade earrings, thrifted clothes, print-on-demand shirts, or digital templates—you need something to sell. Start with a few options, not a full catalog.

2. A Platform to Sell On

You don’t need a custom website on day one. Start with:

Etsy for handmade, vintage, or digital
Shopify Starter ($5/month) for social media sales
Big Cartel for a simple, small shop
Stan Store for digital products

Pick one, set it up, and get your listing live.

3. Clear Product Photos

Use your phone and natural light. Clean backgrounds and good lighting go a long way. You don’t need a fancy camera or pro photographer.

4. Basic Branding

A name, a clear vibe, and maybe a logo. You can make a logo for free in Canva. Don’t stress over fonts or color palettes—just keep it consistent.

5. Payment + Shipping Setup

Make sure you can get paid (PayPal, Stripe, etc.) and have a plan for shipping if you’re sending physical products. Start with USPS flat rate or recycled packaging to keep things easy and eco-friendly.

6. A Way to Spread the Word

You don’t need a marketing plan—just a place to start sharing. Try:

An Instagram account or TikTok
Pinterest pins linking to your product
Word of mouth or your personal network

What You Don’t Need (Yet)

A custom website (you can upgrade later)
Paid ads
A fancy shipping label printer
Business cards or packaging inserts
A full inventory system
A massive email list

Start with the bare minimum, then build as you go.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a product, a way to sell it, and a bit of motivation to put it out there. The rest can come later.

Use this checklist to keep things simple, and focus on progress—not perfection.