Choosing the Right Platform
The platform decision shapes everything that follows. You have three main options: SaaS platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce), open-source solutions (WooCommerce, Magento), or custom-built stores.
Shopify works well for straightforward B2C shops with standard product catalogs. You get up and running fast, and Shopify handles hosting, security, and updates. The trade-off is limited customization and ongoing subscription costs that grow with your revenue.
WooCommerce (WordPress) gives you more control and lower ongoing costs, but you handle hosting and maintenance yourself. Good for content-heavy stores where blogging and SEO are core to your strategy.
Custom-built stores make sense when your business logic is unique: complex pricing rules, B2B ordering workflows, multi-warehouse inventory, or deep integrations with your ERP. Higher upfront investment, but the store does exactly what your business needs.
Setting Up Payments
At minimum, accept card payments and bank transfers. In Latvia and the Baltics, add payment methods your customers expect: Latvian internet banking (Swedbank, SEB, Citadele), and consider Apple Pay and Google Pay for mobile.
For the technical setup: Stripe and Adyen are reliable payment processors with good developer APIs. If you use Shopify, its built-in Shopify Payments covers most needs. For custom builds, we typically integrate Stripe or a local payment aggregator depending on the market.
Building Your Product Catalog
Good product data sells. Each product needs clear photos (multiple angles, consistent lighting), a concise description that answers the buyer's key questions, accurate pricing, and stock status. If you have hundreds of products, invest time in category structure before you start adding items. A logical hierarchy saves your customers time and improves your search rankings.
Variant handling (sizes, colors, configurations) should be planned upfront. Most platforms handle simple variants well, but complex product configurations may need custom work.
Shipping and Fulfillment
Define your shipping zones, rates, and delivery times before launch. In Latvia, partner with Omniva (parcel lockers), DPD, or Latvijas Pasts for domestic delivery. For international orders, DHL and FedEx are standard choices.
Calculate your shipping costs carefully. Free shipping increases conversion rates, but you need to build that cost into your pricing. A common approach: free shipping above a certain order value, flat rate below it.
Launch Checklist
Test the full purchase flow yourself, on both desktop and mobile. Verify that order confirmation emails send correctly. Check that inventory updates when orders are placed. Make sure your legal pages are in place: terms of service, privacy policy, return policy. Set up Google Analytics and conversion tracking before launch so you have data from day one.
We have built online stores for clients across retail, food, fashion, and industrial sectors. From Shopify setups to fully custom e-commerce platforms with ERP integration. See our e-commerce portfolio or discuss your project with us.