Start-up guide

Launch an Online Store in One Weekend: Saturday + Sunday Checklist

By Osceola Martin Del Campo · Updated October 30, 2026

A first store doesn't need to be perfect. It needs a handful of products, clear shipping info, working payments, and one successful test order. Here's how to split that across one weekend.

This plan uses Shopify as the example (see Shopify's plans). Check plan details and any trial offer on Shopify's own site, since they change.

Saturday: set up the store

1. Pick a niche and a store name

Narrow beats broad. "Hand-poured soy candles for small spaces" is easier to describe, photograph and market than "home goods". Pick a name that's easy to say and spell, and check that the matching domain and social handles are free.

2. Start your Shopify store

Create the store, then fill in the basics in Settings: store name, contact email, and your business address.

3. Choose a free theme

Start with one of Shopify's free themes. Swap in your logo and colors, and resist redesigning everything. A clean theme with good photos beats a heavily customized one with weak photos.

4. Add 5–10 products

Launch with a small, focused set. For each product write a clear title, a short description that answers "what is it, who is it for, what size or material", at least one well-lit photo, and a price you've checked against your costs.

Sunday: make it ready to sell

5. Write your About page

A few honest sentences on who you are and why you started. Real photos of you or your workspace help.

6. Set shipping and taxes

Decide your shipping rates and where you ship. Look up the sales-tax rules for where you sell, or ask a tax professional. Shopify's help center explains its tax settings, but you're responsible for getting them right.

7. Connect payments

Set up your payment provider and confirm your payout bank account.

8. Place a test order, then launch

Run a test order from start to finish. Check the confirmation email, then cancel or refund it. When it all works, remove the store password and share your link.

Ready to start your store? Start with Shopify