A store is ready when the business can operate the order journey, not simply when the homepage looks finished. Plan the launch review around a customer selecting a product and the team handling the resulting order.

Test the order journey beyond the homepage
  1. Choose a productCheck price and variants
  2. Test the checkoutUse the agreed payment test
  3. Review fulfilmentCheck the staff-side record
Use the platform’s appropriate test flow, then review how the business handles the resulting order.

Start with a representative basket

Choose a normal order and one that introduces a complication: multiple variants, an unavailable item or a different fulfilment destination. Check the product information and selection controls before entering checkout.

Ask staff to confirm that the names, prices, options and availability are correct. A developer can verify the interface, but the business needs to approve the selling information and operating rules.

Check the platform's launch requirements

Shopify's preparation guide covers store setup and launch checks, including reviewing the store and testing the order experience. Follow its current testing instructions for the payment configuration you use. Do not place uncontrolled real payments simply to demonstrate that a button works.

Confirm the custom domain, published theme and access settings are ready for customers. Record who owns the store and who can manage billing, products and orders.

Walk the staff side of an order

After an appropriate test order, ask the intended operator to find the order information, identify the chosen options and explain the next fulfilment step. Review customer notifications and the internal messages the team relies on.

List the situations that require human action: an incorrect address, stock discrepancy, cancellation request or failed payment. Define who handles each situation and where the decision is recorded. These decisions belong in the store operating plan.

Make the next staff action clear
  1. Find the orderLocate the correct record
  2. Verify the optionsCheck what the customer chose
  3. Plan the next stepAssign fulfilment or review
A test order should carry the customer’s selected options into the operator’s next fulfilment step.

Review the pages outside checkout

Check contact information, delivery details, returns information and any published policies with the business owner. Make sure a customer can find help without navigating away from every product page.

Keep the wording consistent with the service actually provided. Confirm legal and tax questions with the appropriate professional rather than treating a website template as the business's final policy.

Run a mobile release review

Open the live product link on a phone. Select the intended variant, inspect images, review the basket and follow the appropriate test flow. Check that overlays and sticky buttons do not cover necessary controls.

Use a launch sheet with the task, expected result, observed result and reviewer. Resolve order-blocking problems before inviting customers. Save the approved product data and operating instructions with the handover.