From Idea to a Professional Online Store in 20 Days

Launching a professional online store is often presented as a simple process: create an account, upload a few products and start selling. In reality, successful online sales require much more. The brand needs to be presented properly, the catalogue needs to be organised, high-quality photographs and descriptions need to be prepared, payment methods need to be connected, shipping rules defined, the entire purchase process tested and the channels through which the products will be promoted carefully selected.

For this reason, Connect Marketplace was not designed simply as a platform where sellers upload products on their own. Our onboarding process includes technical preparation, design, content entry, consulting, marketing positioning and activation of multichannel sales.

Once all required materials have been collected, we can begin building the store, with a standard timeframe of up to 20 days. The exact duration still depends on the selected plan, the number of products, the availability and quality of the materials provided, the readiness of product photographs and descriptions and the speed at which the seller supplies all required information. The project officially begins once the cooperation has been confirmed, payment has been received and all essential materials required to build the store have been submitted.

1. Applying to Connect Marketplace and selecting a plan

The first step is to apply to Connect Marketplace and select the plan that best matches the seller’s needs. The plans are structured around different levels of support, the number of products, the amount of content prepared by our team, the level of marketing services and the revenue-sharing model. Because our revenue depends on successful sales, we aim to achieve the highest possible level of quality and presentation in every plan, while the main differences between packages relate to the scope of cooperation and the percentage participation in generated sales revenue.

When selecting a plan, the current number of products is not the only important factor. It is also necessary to consider planned catalogue growth, the number of markets the seller wants to enter, the availability of an in-house marketing team, translation requirements and how much work the seller wants to delegate to the Connect Marketplace team.

During the application process, we collect basic information about the business:

• company name and registered office,
• contact details of the responsible person,
• countries and markets in which the company operates,
• product categories and product types,
• the number of products available at launch,
• an existing website or online store,
• available photographs, descriptions, price lists and catalogues,
• existing logistics and shipping capabilities,
• planned payment methods and preferred currencies,
• target customer groups,
• plans for expansion into new markets.

Based on this information, we can recommend the most suitable plan and estimate how much preparation will be required before the store is ready to launch.

2. Seller evaluation and opening the administration account

After the application, we carry out a seller evaluation. This is not merely a formal check of business information. Its main purpose is to determine how the seller, the brand and the products can be positioned most effectively within the Connect Marketplace network.

Connect Marketplace is particularly focused on small and medium-sized businesses that have quality products and ambitions for growth but do not have an advanced in-house marketing, design or eCommerce team. We allow these companies to use professional sales and marketing infrastructure without having to build a large internal department.

During the evaluation, we analyse product quality and market potential as well as the brand’s existing position in the market. Particular attention is given to how well the catalogue is prepared and how closely the products match the categories available on the platform. We also assess the target audiences to which the products can be presented, their price range and the overall competitiveness of the offer. The process also considers distribution and shipping options, the seller’s capacity to process orders and the potential for expansion to additional storefronts and new markets. Finally, we define the level of marketing and technical support needed to support a successful launch and continued growth on the platform.

This step is important for accurate targeting. Connect Marketplace is not simply a large catalogue of unrelated products. Each seller needs to be presented to an audience that shows genuine interest in the seller’s category, price range, market and purchasing model.

A sports equipment seller, for example, will not be promoted in the same way as an industrial equipment manufacturer, a HoReCa supplier or a premium fashion brand. The store structure, key messages, visual presentation, advertising content, relevant storefronts and customer communication all need to be adapted accordingly.

Once the evaluation is complete, we create the administration account and assign access to the responsible users. Permissions are granted according to actual operational needs. This means employees can have different levels of access for managing products, orders, prices, stock levels, reports or other areas of the system.

The seller then gains access to a central administration interface from which the store can be managed and sales activity monitored.

Specific evaluation requirements for sellers from the European Union

For sellers based in the European Union, we review basic company information, tax status, invoicing capabilities, applicable tax rules and readiness to deliver to customers both domestically and in other European markets.

We also analyse whether the seller can properly support cross-border sales. This includes delivery times, return costs, availability of customer support, the languages in which the seller can communicate with customers and whether product declarations and product data comply with the requirements of the markets the seller wants to enter.

For sellers planning to operate in several countries, it is necessary to define in advance which markets the products will be available in, which currencies will be used and from which country or warehouse the products will be shipped. Delivery times for each zone, responsibility for return costs and the languages required in the store also need to be defined clearly so that customers can understand all relevant information. Any restrictions related to specific products or countries must also be checked in advance to avoid problems with sales and delivery.

Our objective is not simply to make sales within the European Union technically possible, but to remove as many obstacles as possible before they can negatively affect the customer experience.

Specific evaluation requirements for sellers outside the European Union

Sellers located outside the European Union can gain access to the large European market, but the logistics, customs and business model needs to be defined in greater detail before activation.

We pay particular attention to where the products are shipped from, whether there is a warehouse or distributor within the European Union and who is responsible for importing the goods. We also analyse how customs duties, taxes and other charges are calculated and whether the customer may incur additional costs upon delivery. Another important part of the evaluation is whether a European return address is available, whether the products are properly declared and certified where required and whether the seller can provide support, spare parts or service. Finally, we assess expected delivery times both within and from outside the European Union.

If the seller already has a European distributor or warehouse, the process is considerably simpler. If the products are shipped directly from a third country, expected delivery times and possible additional charges must be communicated clearly to the customer. In certain cases, we can also offer warehousing through the Connect Marketplace logistics network, which can further speed up delivery, simplify order processing and reduce shipping costs within the European Union.

Connect Marketplace can help define the sales and presentation model, but the seller remains responsible for the accuracy of all legal, tax, customs and regulatory information provided.

3. Creating the store concept and visual proposal

Once the seller is approved, we begin developing the store concept. At this stage, we do not focus only on colours and the appearance of the website. We define how customers will discover the brand, find products, understand their advantages and complete a purchase.

We analyse the existing visual identity, logo, colours, typography, photographs, catalogues, packaging, communication style and sales materials. If the brand already has clearly defined guidelines, the store is adapted accordingly. If the visual identity is not yet fully developed, we propose a direction that will look professional and appropriate for the market.

The store concept on the Connect Marketplace platform is designed so that every element contributes to a clear and convincing brand presentation. The main header area creates the first impression, while the logo and primary message immediately communicate the seller’s identity. The visual experience is further strengthened by carefully selected banner images that follow the tone and style of the brand, while the structure of categories and subcategories helps customers navigate the product range easily. Featured products and collections highlight the most important items, while dedicated sections can present seller advantages such as manufacturing quality or reliable distribution. The store also includes clear calls to purchase and contact, as well as promotional offers designed to support conversion. Specific content can be added for B2B and partner customers to facilitate business cooperation, while reviews, certificates and other trust elements further strengthen credibility and purchasing confidence.

Before final implementation, we prepare a visual direction proposal. This allows the seller to see how the store will look and confirm the overall concept before final development.

It is important for the store to remain clearly recognisable as part of the seller’s brand while also following the standards of the Connect Marketplace system. Customers should enjoy a simple and familiar user experience regardless of which store or storefront they are visiting.

4. Activating the store on the appropriate storefront

Connect Marketplace uses a system of specialised storefronts. This means products do not have to appear only in the seller’s main store, but can also be displayed through additional thematic sales channels that match their category and target audience.

At this stage, we determine which storefront should serve as the primary sales environment and whether there are additional storefronts where the products could achieve better results.

When making this decision, we consider the type of product being sold, the target audience, the country and language of the intended customers. We also analyse whether the offer follows a B2C or B2B model, the price range of the product and the level of seasonality. Delivery availability in individual markets and the extent to which the brand fits the theme and visual identity of the storefront are also important factors.

The objective is not to automatically place every product on every sales channel. Effective multichannel positioning means displaying the product where there is the highest probability that it will be seen by a relevant customer.

5. Preparing and entering products

Product entry is one of the most important stages of onboarding. Even an excellent product will not reach its full potential if the name, photographs, description, price, variations or technical information are incomplete.

The number of products initially entered by the Connect Marketplace team depends on the selected plan. Once the included number of products has been uploaded, the seller can choose between several options for continuing the work.

• The seller can complete training and add new products independently.
• Connect Marketplace can continue entering products for an additional fee.
• A combined model can be arranged in which our team prepares more complex products while the seller enters simpler items.
• For larger catalogues, a structured or automated data transfer can be organised where the technical conditions allow it.

Before product entry begins, we define catalogue standards so that all products are presented consistently. For each item, information may include:

• exact product name,
• product code or SKU,
• EAN or another identification number, where available,
• category and subcategory,
• brand and manufacturer,
• short and detailed description,
• technical specifications,
• materials and composition,
• colours, sizes and other variations,
• photographs and videos,
• price and optional recommended retail price,
• tax rate,
• current inventory,
• package weight and dimensions,
• delivery time,
• warranty and service information,
• instructions, declarations and certificates where required,
• SEO title, meta description and keywords.

The seller is responsible for providing accurate product information. In particular, the seller remains responsible for prices, tax information, stock levels, technical specifications, safety information, warranties and all claims made in product descriptions.

Existing product photographs

If the seller already has high-quality photographs, we review their resolution, format, background, lighting, aspect ratios and visual consistency.

The photographs should clearly show the actual product, its key details, packaging and included accessories. If images of significantly different styles, quality or dimensions are used, the catalogue may appear inconsistent and less trustworthy.

Existing photographs can also be adapted for use on the platform. This may include resizing, file optimisation, background adjustments, cropping and preparation of different formats for the catalogue, banners or social media.

Professional product photography

If the seller does not have suitable product images, we can organise professional photography. Depending on the product, this can include classic studio photography on a neutral background, close-up details, packaging photography, lifestyle scenes or photography in a real-world environment.

Professional photography requires a greater investment because it includes equipment, lighting, studio or location, a photographer, product preparation, post-production and transportation of samples. However, the result is original photography that accurately represents the product and can be used over the long term in the store, advertising, catalogues, presentations and social media.

For products where customers need to clearly see the material, shape, finish, colour, proportions or usage, real photography is generally the best choice.

Preparing visual content with artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can assist with visual content preparation when the seller has basic product photographs but does not have enough lifestyle scenes, banner material or images adapted to different markets.

AI can be used to change or clean product backgrounds, place products into suitable and realistic environments, create visuals for banners and marketing campaigns, adapt content formats for different social networks, produce seasonal and promotional graphics and create conceptual lifestyle presentations that help customers better understand the product.

This type of preparation is generally faster and more affordable than organising a complete professional photoshoot, but it also has limitations. AI-generated visuals must not show characteristics the real product does not have or create a misleading impression of its size, shape, material, included accessories or intended use.

The best results are often achieved by combining real product photography with AI-generated or AI-enhanced environments. The real photograph remains the source of accurate information about the product, while artificial intelligence helps create additional marketing scenes.

Product descriptions and content preparation

Ideally, the seller should provide any existing descriptions, technical data, catalogues, brochures and other materials. Nobody knows the product better than the manufacturer, distributor or specialist sales team that works with it every day.

If suitable descriptions are not available or have not been prepared for online sales, Connect Marketplace can create new content with the support of artificial intelligence and editorial review.

In that case, the seller must still provide the original source information. AI can structure the content, improve the style, highlight benefits, prepare SEO elements and adapt text into different languages, but it cannot responsibly invent technical specifications that have not been provided.

Content preparation can include:

• commercial product name,
• short introductory description,
• detailed product description,
• list of key benefits,
• technical specifications,
• usage and maintenance instructions,
• SEO title and meta description,
• keywords,
• translations into selected languages,
• copy for promotional campaigns.

The seller must perform the final technical accuracy check before the product is published.

Responsibility for prices and inventory

The seller is responsible for entering and maintaining accurate prices. This includes regular selling prices, promotional prices, tax rates, possible minimum order quantities and other commercial conditions.

Connect Marketplace can technically configure the prices provided, but the seller must confirm that they are accurate and applicable in the selected market. The same rule applies to inventory. Incorrect availability can lead to cancelled orders, dissatisfied customers and loss of trust in the brand.

6. Activating payment methods

Once the store is ready from both a visual and content perspective, payment methods are activated. Available options depend on the market, business model, currency, selected plan and the technical capabilities of the chosen payment service provider.

The activation process generally includes entering the basic details of the legal entity, verifying identity and business information and linking the bank account. Payment currencies are then defined and suitable methods configured, including card payments, bank transfers and other locally available options. In the final phase, refund rules are established and successful and unsuccessful transactions are tested to ensure the system functions correctly.

If the payment provider requires additional business documentation, the seller must provide it directly or through the process defined by the provider. Connect Marketplace can assist with the technical integration, but cannot complete external identity verification or account approval procedures on behalf of the seller.

Before the store goes live, we verify that payment methods are displayed correctly, that the order status updates after payment and that both the customer and seller receive the appropriate notifications.

7. Defining delivery methods and shipping charges

Shipping has a major influence on the purchasing decision. For this reason, delivery areas, available carriers, delivery times and prices need to be clearly defined before the store is activated.

Together with the seller, we define all key delivery elements, including the countries to which products can be shipped, domestic and international shipping zones and the shipping pricing model, which may be fixed or variable. We also determine how shipping costs are calculated based on weight, order value or product quantity, the minimum amount required for free shipping and special conditions for large, heavy or non-standard products. The process also covers personal collection where available, order preparation time, estimated transit time and the method used to send tracking information. Finally, the return address and return procedure are aligned so that the entire logistics process remains clear and straightforward for the customer.

The seller must provide accurate package weight and dimensions. Without this information, shipping costs cannot be calculated correctly, especially for larger products.

For international sales, potential customs restrictions and customer obligations are defined as well. Before completing the order, customers should receive the clearest possible information about expected costs and delivery times.

8. Store testing and launch

Before the official launch, we perform final testing. The store is not published simply because it looks complete. The entire customer journey needs to be checked, from the first visit to the website through to order confirmation.

Testing includes checking the store across all devices, including desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones, as well as the functionality of navigation, categories and filters. We also verify all information such as product names, descriptions, prices and photographs, the ability to select product variations and the correct display of stock levels. The process includes testing product additions to the cart, discount and promotional code calculations, shipping cost calculations and tax display. Particular attention is given to different payment methods, email notifications, order status changes and the display of all legal and contact information. Finally, administration permissions and the basic analytics and marketing integrations are also checked.

At least one test order is placed to verify what the customer sees, what the seller receives and how the order is processed within the administration system.

Once any identified issues have been resolved and final approval has been given, the store is launched. Where appropriate, a gradual launch can be used, with the store initially available to a limited number of users or only through the primary storefront before expanding to additional channels.

9. Analysing multichannel sales opportunities

Launching the store is not the end of the process. Once the store is published, the analysis of multichannel sales opportunities begins.

Depending on the category and market potential, products can be displayed through the seller’s own branded store, the main Connect Marketplace, relevant thematic marketplace storefronts, the Connect Marketplace mobile app, promotional banners and category campaigns, newsletter campaigns, social media and paid advertising, as well as B2B channels and partner campaigns.

The centralised catalogue allows the same product to appear across several relevant channels without requiring separate manual entry on each one. Changes to core information can be managed through the central administration account, depending on the configured structure and user permissions.

However, multichannel sales do not mean that every product should appear everywhere. We analyse where a product is most relevant, what type of customer uses each channel, which marketing capabilities are available and whether the seller can logistically support additional demand.

Based on the first results, it is possible to adjust the selection of featured products, category order, prices and promotions, photographs and key sales messages, target markets, advertising campaigns, storefronts on which products are displayed and inventory quantities reserved for individual channels.

What does the overall store-launch process look like?

Every project has its own specific requirements, but onboarding on the Connect Marketplace platform follows a clearly structured process designed to ensure the store is fully prepared for sales, technically reliable and optimised for users.

During the initial stage, all required information is collected, the business model is defined and the key objectives and target markets are established. The store concept is then developed, including the category structure, visual identity and product presentation so that everything is aligned with the seller’s brand.

In the next stage, the store itself is developed, products are entered, photographs are processed and descriptions are prepared with search visibility and conversion in mind. At the same time, payment and shipping systems are configured to ensure the complete purchase process is fully functional and automated wherever possible.

Once the technical setup is complete, the entire system undergoes detailed testing, including simulated orders, user-experience checks and the correction of any identified issues. When everything is ready, the store goes through final review and approval.

Finally, the store is activated and becomes available to customers, with the option to connect it to additional sales channels and begin multichannel sales, increasing visibility and growth potential.

The 20-day timeframe can be achieved when all required data, photographs, prices, descriptions and documents are provided on time. If professional photography needs to be organised, a large number of products need to be prepared, translations need to be produced or external approval from a payment provider is required, the project may take longer.

What should the seller prepare before the project begins?

The fastest onboarding is achieved when sellers prepare the following in advance:

• a high-quality logo file,
• basic brand guidelines,
• company and contact information,
• a product list,
• product codes and EAN numbers,
• prices and tax information,
• stock levels,
• product photographs,
• technical specifications,
• descriptions or catalogues,
• package weight and dimensions,
• shipping and return rules,
• information required for payment activation.

If some of these materials are not available, this does not mean the project cannot begin. During the initial evaluation, we define what the Connect Marketplace team can prepare, what needs to be produced separately and which information must be supplied by the seller.

More than just the technical setup of an online store

Connect Marketplace onboarding is not simply about creating a few pages and uploading products. It is a structured process that connects the product, brand, logistics and sales strategy into one functional system.

The seller receives a professionally prepared store, a central administration interface, training options, support with content entry, activation of sales functions and access to additional thematic and mobile sales channels.

This approach is especially valuable for small and medium-sized businesses that want to present themselves professionally but do not want, or are not yet ready, to build a large internal team of designers, developers, photographers, copywriters, marketing specialists and eCommerce administrators.

From the first application to the first order

Within a period of up to 20 days, an initial idea can become a real, professionally presented and fully functional online store. Clearly defined steps allow the seller to know at every stage what has been completed, which materials are still required and what remains to be done before the official launch.

After publication, the store continues to develop. New products are added, results are analysed, promotional activities are tested and additional sales channels are opened. Most importantly, we do not leave sellers on their own after launch. We continue to support them, monitor the development of the store and provide marketing support and guidance for further growth. In addition to our standard marketing activities included in the sales commission, additional boost packages are also available to accelerate visibility and increase sales. Connect Marketplace is therefore not simply a place where a store is launched, but a system through which it can continue to grow over the long term.

Do you have a quality product but no advanced in-house eCommerce and marketing team? Apply to Connect Marketplace, choose the right plan and turn your idea into a professional online store.