Finalize store compliance and go-live readiness
After building the foundation of your Genstore store, the next step is to finalize policies, shipping, taxes, and payment settings. This ensures everything is compliant and functioning properly before launching your store.
Set up policy pages
Create clear store policies to protect customer rights and meet platform compliance standards.
Generate policy pages
You can either create policy pages from scratch or use and modify Genstore templates. For details, see Set store policies.
Path: Settings > Policies
- Privacy policy – Explain how customer data is collected, used, and protected.
- Return policy – Outline return conditions, refund process, and related information.
- Shipping policy – Describe delivery areas, shipping fees, and estimated times.
- Terms of service – Define customer obligations and purchase terms.
Add policies to navigation
After creating policy pages, go to Online Store > Navigation to add them to your store menus. See Navigation menu setup.
Display policies in the storefront
- Go to Online Store > Themes, click Design on your current theme to open the visual editor.
- In any page footer, link the appropriate menu to display your policy pages. For steps, refer to Theme editor guide.
Set up shipping and tax rules
Configure your store’s fulfillment and tax settings to align with customer expectations and local regulations.
Shipping settings:
- Path: Settings > Shipping
- Set warehouse and shipping origin addresses. For multiple locations, add them under Locations. See Manage locations.
- Define shipping zones and rates. See Set up shipping rates.
- Set default package size for more efficient fulfillment. See Manage packages.
- (Optional) Authorize logistics partners to buy labels and manage orders through Genstore. See Authorize logistic carrier.
Tax settings:
- Path: Settings > Taxes
- Enable automatic tax calculation (e.g., via Avalara). See Automated taxes.
- Adjust special tax rates manually by region or product type as needed. See Manual taxes.
Tip: Accurate shipping and tax settings improve the customer experience and ensure legal compliance.
Configure payment and checkout process
Optimize your checkout experience to help customers complete purchases smoothly.
Enable payment services:
- Path: Settings > Payments
- Activate Genstore Payments or a supported third-party provider.
Note: Using Genstore Payments removes third-party transaction fees and centralizes income tracking.
Set up checkout preferences:
- Path: Settings > Checkout
- Choose what customer info to collect (email, phone, address).
- Configure payment capture mode (automatic or manual).
Tip: A seamless checkout experience reduces cart abandonment and improves conversions.
Preview and debug your store
Before going live, thoroughly review your store content and functionality.
- Page review – Check the homepage, product pages, collection pages, cart, checkout, and blog for completeness and accuracy.
- Navigation check – Ensure all menu links work and there are no broken or misdirected links.
- Responsive testing – Confirm layout and design are optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile.
- SEO metadata review – Check that each page has a clean title, meta description, and user-friendly URL.
Tip: View your store from a customer’s perspective to identify and fix issues.
Create test orders
Simulate transactions to verify key shopping flows.
- Test successful payment – Place an order and complete a real or test payment.
- Test failed payment – Simulate a failure to check if the system responds appropriately.
- Test refund and cancellation – Cancel or refund orders in the admin to verify functionality.
- Test fulfillment – Create shipments and send tracking updates.
Tip: Review confirmation and notification emails to ensure accuracy.
Launch your store
When you’re ready, remove password protection and open your store to the public.
- Remove password protection:
- Go to Online store > Preferences and disable password protection. See Turn off password.
- Invite customers to activate accounts (if migrating customers):
- Send account activation or password reset emails so customers can access your store.
- Add more sales channels (optional):
- Connect to marketplaces and social platforms to expand reach. For details:
- Start your marketing campaigns:
- Drive your first round of traffic with:
Tip: Monitor traffic, payments, and orders closely during launch. Enable Genstore Inbox to handle customer messages and order updates in real-time.
Summary
By completing the above steps, your Genstore store will meet compliance standards, offer a smooth customer experience, and be ready for launch.
Now, focus on marketing and customer engagement to grow your brand!