--- title: "E-commerce basics: starting an online store | MCC Solutions" description: "What to plan before selling online: product pages, platform choice, shipping, taxes, inventory, returns and customer service for a small shop going digital." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/websites/guides/ecommerce-basics-for-starting-an-online-store" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # E-commerce basics: starting an online store Selling online adds a layer of work that a brochure site does not have: inventory, payments, shipping, returns and support. Planning these before building saves a lot of trouble later. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Before starting an online store, list what you will sell, the cost to make or buy each item, the price and the shipping cost, then work out the margin after fees, packaging and returns. Heavy, fragile or low-margin products may be better sold locally or in a limited range. **Free tools:** [Free website SEO check](/websites/seo-checker) · [Search result preview](/websites/search-result-preview) ## Start with the product and the numbers List what you will sell, the cost to make or buy each item, the price, and the shipping cost. Work out the margin after fees, packaging and returns. Products that are heavy, fragile or low-margin may be better sold locally or in a limited range. Decide whether to ship nationwide, locally only or offer pickup. Each choice changes the setup. Before building, sell a few items by hand to friendly customers or at a local market. You learn how people react to price, packaging and descriptions with no technology cost. ## Choose a platform Hosted store platforms handle security, payments and carts, and suit most small shops. Self-hosted options give more control but require more maintenance. Compare monthly fees, transaction fees, payment processor options, theme quality, inventory features and the ability to export your data. Check how the platform handles taxes, shipping labels and links to your accounting software. Run a trial order through the checkout of any platform you are considering, using a phone, before you pay for a plan. Awkward steps in the buying process are easier to spot early. ## Build product pages that sell Each product needs clear photos from several angles, a plain description with size, material and use, an honest price and a visible delivery estimate. Add a size guide or care notes where needed. Customer reviews help when they are real. Write unique descriptions instead of copying supplier text, which many other stores also use. Mobile shoppers make up a large share of visits, so view each product page on a phone before approving it. Buttons should be easy to tap and the photos should load quickly. ## Plan shipping and inventory Decide on carriers, packaging, shipping rates and handling time. Be clear about delivery windows and do not promise what you cannot meet. Track stock so that you never sell items you do not have; set low-stock alerts. Weigh and measure each product for accurate rate calculation and keep supplies on hand. Plan for returns coming back as well. Decide who pays return postage, how fast you refund and where you store returned goods until they are checked. ## Taxes, rules and records Sales tax rules for online sales can be complicated and vary by location and sales volume. Ask an accountant or check with the tax authority about registration and collection. Keep records of every order, refund and fee for bookkeeping. Certain products, such as food, cosmetics, supplements or items for children, carry labeling and safety rules. Check before listing. Keep every receipt and supplier invoice together, since they support your cost figures at tax time. ## Customer service and returns Write a returns and exchanges policy in plain words and link it at the footer and checkout. Provide a way to reach you and answer promptly. Send order confirmation and shipping notifications. Test the full journey yourself: place an order, pay, receive the email, ship, and process a refund. Fix the clumsy parts before launch. Add a short help section about sizing, delivery and contact times. It answers questions before they become emails. ## Common questions **Do I need a separate business bank account for my store?** It is strongly advised, because it keeps sales, fees and refunds clear for bookkeeping. Ask your accountant about your setup. **Can I sell through marketplaces instead of my own store?** Yes. Marketplaces bring traffic but take fees and control the customer relationship. Many sellers use both. This guide is general information. 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Speed →](/websites/services/website-speed) More guides - [How to accept online payments on your website](/websites/guides/accepting-online-payments-on-your-website) - [Legal pages for a business website: a general overview](/websites/guides/legal-pages-every-business-website-needs) - [Rebranding a small business: a step-by-step plan](/websites/guides/rebranding-a-small-business-step-by-step) - [Logo and brand basics for a small business](/websites/guides/logo-and-brand-basics-for-small-business) Free tools - [Website basics check](/websites/seo-checker) - [Is your website working for you? quiz](/websites/quiz) [All guides](/websites/guides) Reach small business owners working on their website and Google listing who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#websites). Do it yourself ### Small Business Website Starter A fast, mobile-friendly one-page site you edit in a text editor and host anywhere, with the sections a local service business needs and a plain setup guide. 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