Scope before promises
An online shop has to work after launch.
The right setup depends on the number and type of products, how often stock changes, where orders can be delivered and who will manage the catalogue. A careful discovery stage prevents a simple-looking website from becoming an expensive system the business cannot comfortably run.
Product and catalogue planning
We establish product types, options, imagery, descriptions and expected catalogue size before choosing the build approach.
Payments and checkout
Payment-provider requirements, checkout flow and essential customer information are identified early.
Delivery or collection
Shipping areas, delivery prices, local collection and order communication are treated as core requirements.
Ongoing management
The owner needs a realistic way to update products, prices, stock and orders after the website goes live.
What we need to understand first
- What is being sold, how many products exist and whether they have sizes, colours or other options.
- Which payment methods, delivery areas, collection arrangements and currencies are required.
- Who supplies product images, descriptions, pricing, policies and legal information.
- Whether stock must be tracked and how orders will be processed and fulfilled.
- What ongoing support, training or managed maintenance will be needed.
A deliberately scoped service
E-commerce is not included within the £300 standard website package or automatically covered by the £50 managed website option. After discovery, we will either provide a clear separate proposal or explain honestly when the project needs a more specialised provider or system.
E-commerce questions
Which platform do you use?
We do not prescribe a platform before understanding the project. Product volume, management needs, integrations and budget should determine the recommendation.
Can you guarantee online sales?
No. A functional shop supports sales, but demand, product quality, pricing, marketing, photography and fulfilment remain business factors outside the website itself.
Is product entry included?
The amount of initial product setup must be agreed explicitly. Large catalogues, copywriting, photography and ongoing stock management require their own scope.