Work through legal, payment, tax, product and policy tasks before you open your store.
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Use this checklist to make sure the unglamorous parts of launching an online store are done before the first order arrives. Tick items as you complete them; your progress is saved only in your own browser and is not sent anywhere.
The list is grouped into business setup, payments and banking, tax, store content and policies, and testing. Names, addresses and tax IDs should match exactly across your state registration, your bank account, your payment provider and your website, because providers compare them during review.
This checklist reflects common practice, not a legal requirement for every seller. Requirements differ by state, by product type and by provider. Regulated products such as supplements, alcohol, cosmetics or children's items can carry extra rules. If you are unsure about registration, licensing or sales tax, ask your state revenue department, a CPA or an attorney.
Getting Started and Setup
Which documents and information payment providers, banks and platforms usually ask for when you open an online store, from EIN and bank details to policies and licenses.
Mistakes, Risks and FAQ
Learn the warning signs of scams aimed at new store owners, including fake platform support, guaranteed traffic offers, overpayment fraud, phishing and shady contracts, and how to respond.
Getting Started and Setup
A practical step-by-step roadmap for launching an online store in the United States, from business setup and platform choice to payments, taxes, policies and testing.
Getting Started and Setup
A realistic week-by-week timeline for launching an ecommerce store, including payment approval, product setup, sales tax registration, testing and the first month after launch.
Getting Started and Setup
How U.S. sales tax works for online stores, including economic nexus after Wayfair, marketplace facilitator laws, registration steps, exemptions and how platforms help.
