Setting up an online store has never been easier. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce can have a shop running in days. But a working checkout is only one part of selling online. Payments, shipping, returns, tax and customer information all need to be sorted before your first order arrives.
This guide is a practical checklist for Australian small businesses planning to sell online. It is general information, so check anything specific with your accountant or adviser.
1. Your platform
Choose a platform that suits the size of your range, your budget and who will run it day to day. Hosted platforms like Shopify handle security and updates for you. WooCommerce runs on WordPress and offers more flexibility, with more responsibility for maintenance. Our guide to choosing a platform compares the options.
2. Payments
- Offer the payment methods your customers expect, usually card payments, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and sometimes PayPal.
- Understand the fees for each method and how long payouts take to reach your bank account.
- If you offer buy now, pay later options, factor in the higher fees.
3. GST and pricing
You must register for GST once your business’s GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year. If you are registered, your online prices should include GST, and your invoices and receipts need to meet tax invoice requirements. Talk to your accountant about how your platform should be set up.
4. Shipping and delivery
- Decide which carriers you will use and how you will calculate shipping: flat rate, free over a threshold or calculated at checkout.
- Be clear about delivery timeframes and where you deliver.
- Consider local pickup if many customers are nearby.
- Budget for packaging, and test how your products survive transit.
5. Refunds and returns
Under the Australian Consumer Law, customers have rights to a repair, replacement or refund when products have a problem, whether they buy in store or online. You can’t rely on “no refunds” policies or terms that deny those rights. You don’t have to offer refunds for a simple change of mind, but if you choose to offer a change-of-mind policy, you must honour it.
Write a clear returns page that explains how customers can return products and what happens next. Our guide to misleading claims also covers pricing and product descriptions.
6. Product information
- Clear photos from several angles, ideally your own. See why real photos beat stock images.
- Accurate descriptions, sizes, materials and care instructions.
- Stock levels that stay up to date, so customers don’t buy items you don’t have.
7. Customer information and privacy
An online store collects names, addresses, emails and order histories. Have a privacy policy that explains what you collect and why. Some small businesses are exempt from the Privacy Act, but many online stores still choose to follow good privacy practice, and customers expect it. If you want to send marketing emails, get consent and follow the Spam Act. Our email marketing guide explains the rules.
8. Security
- Use a reputable payment provider so card details are handled securely.
- Make sure the store runs on HTTPS.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for admin accounts.
- Keep the platform, themes and plugins up to date. See what website maintenance involves.
9. Essential pages
Before launch, make sure you have: shipping information, returns and refunds, privacy policy, terms and conditions, contact details and an FAQ. These answer questions before customers need to ask, and build trust with first-time buyers.
10. Test everything
Place real test orders on desktop and mobile. Check payment, confirmation emails, shipping calculations, stock updates and refunds. Ask a friend to try it too, since they will spot things you miss.
Ready to sell online?
Madexify builds online stores for small businesses across Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, Berwick, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Clyde and Bunyip, including payments, shipping setup and the essential policy pages. See our services, or contact us to plan your online store.
Sources: ATO: registering for GST; ACCC: repair, replace, refund, cancel. Accessed 26 September 2026. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
This article is part of our Small Business Website Guide. Browse all our guides on the guides page.
