Online Store Checklist: What You Need Before Selling in Sri Lanka
Thinking of starting an online shop? Use this checklist for products, payments, delivery, policies and marketing before you launch.
Launching an online store is more than adding products to a website. Customers need to trust you, pay easily and receive their order. Work through this checklist before you go live.
Products and pages
- Clear photos from several angles, with consistent backgrounds.
- Honest descriptions with size, colour, materials and stock status.
- Simple categories so shoppers can find items in two clicks.
- A fast mobile experience, since many shoppers will browse on their phones.
Payments
Offer the options your customers actually use, for example card payments through a supported payment gateway, online bank transfer and cash on delivery for local orders. Make the checkout short and show the total cost, including delivery, before the final step.
Delivery and returns
- Choose reliable courier partners and set realistic delivery times.
- Publish delivery fees for each area.
- Write a plain returns and refund policy.
- Send order confirmations and tracking updates by email or WhatsApp.
Trust signals
Add your address, phone number, WhatsApp link, privacy policy and terms. Show real customer reviews as soon as you have them. These small details reduce hesitation at checkout.
Marketing from day one
Set up a Google Business Profile, share products on social media, collect emails and track visits and sales so you can see which channels work. Start simple, measure, then improve.