What are the clearest signs it's time to sell online?
The most reliable signal is customers directly asking for it — "do you ship?" or "can I order this online?" is a business telling you where demand already exists. Consistent social media DMs asking about buying, or interest from outside your local area, point the same direction.
What does it actually take to launch an online store?
At minimum: a defined product list with photos and descriptions, pricing, a way to accept payment securely, and a plan for shipping or local pickup. It doesn't require your entire catalog on day one — starting with your best-selling 10–20 products is usually the smarter launch.
How many products should I start with?
Fewer than owners expect. Starting with a focused set of proven sellers keeps photography, descriptions, and inventory management manageable, and makes it far easier to launch quickly instead of stalling out trying to list everything at once.
What's the biggest mistake businesses make going online?
Underestimating fulfillment. A beautiful store front means little if orders take two weeks to ship or customer service can't keep up. Plan how orders will actually get packed and shipped before launch, not after the first order comes in.
Do I need a full custom store, or can I start smaller?
A focused online store — the kind included in a Growth-tier subscription, supporting up to 30 products — is usually enough to validate demand before investing in a larger, fully custom e-commerce build. Prove the model first, then scale the store as sales justify it.