If you own a shop, listing products online lets customers beyond your street find you. A good listing is simple: clear photos, an honest price, accurate stock and a description that answers the buyer's questions. This guide covers the practical steps. For the wider picture, read how local shops can sell online without building a website.
Choose what to list first
Start with products that are in stock, easy to pack, easy to describe and not easily damaged. A short, accurate catalogue is better than a long, careless one.
Take clear photos
Use daylight, a plain background and several angles. Photograph the real item you will send. See how to take good product photos with a phone.
Set an honest price
Your price is what you want to be paid for the product. Online sellers add their own margin on top, so a fair, steady price attracts more of them than a price that changes often. Check your costs so you still make a profit.
Write a useful description
- What the product is and what it is for.
- Size, colour, material and any variations.
- What is included.
- Care or usage notes.
Keep phone numbers, links and social handles out of listing text. On Shipify, listings containing them are blocked so that business stays on the platform.
Keep stock accurate
Only list what you can hand over, and mark items unavailable as soon as they sell out. See how to manage stock in a small shop.
Be ready to pack
When an order arrives, prepare it promptly so a rider can collect it. Pack securely; how to package orders so they arrive safely has practical tips.
Know your duties
You are responsible for the goods you sell, any licences they require and your taxes. Do not list illegal or prohibited goods.
If you would like to list your shop on Shipify, you can create a shop account and the team will verify it before products go live.
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