Step-by-Step Guide: How to Test Your Owode Store Before Launching
Before officially launching your Owode store, it’s important to test everything to ensure a smooth customer experience. A well-tested store helps you avoid technical issues, build buyer trust, and increase sales from day one.
This guide walks you through a step-by-step store testing checklist, covering product uploads, pricing, checkout process, mobile responsiveness, and other critical areas.
1. Check Your Store’s Appearance & Branding
Your store’s design is the first thing buyers see. Ensure it looks professional and appealing.
Store Banner & Logo: Upload a high-quality store banner (1200x300px) and logo (300x300px).
Store Name & Description: Clearly describe what you sell and why buyers should trust you.
Contact Information: Ensure your phone number and social links are visible.
How to Check:
- Open your store on both desktop and mobile.
- Ask a friend or family member to review your store’s first impression.
2. Verify Your Product Listings
Your product listings should be clear, complete, and persuasive. Check the following:
Product Titles: Use specific and descriptive titles. Example: “Handmade Leather Wallet for Men – Brown, Durable, and Stylish.”
Product Descriptions: Highlight benefits, features, and usage (e.g., “perfect for gifting, durable for everyday use”).
Product Images: Use high-quality images from different angles.
Pricing & Stock: Make sure prices are competitive, and stock levels are updated.
How to Check:
- Open each product page and read the description as if you’re a buyer.
- Ask a friend to compare your products with competitors.
3. Test the Checkout Process
A broken checkout process means lost sales. Run a test order to ensure everything works smoothly.
Cart & Checkout Flow: Add products to your cart and go through the checkout process.
Payment Methods: Test Bank Transfer, Card Payment, and other payment methods to confirm they work.
Order Confirmation: Ensure you receive an order confirmation email.
How to Check:
- Place a small order (you can refund yourself later).
- Try different payment methods to ensure smooth processing.
Tips: if you experience any issue regarding payment, contact Owode Support
4. Test Mobile Responsiveness
Most Nigerian buyers shop using their phones. Make sure your store looks good on mobile.
Check Button Clickability: Are buttons easy to click?
Check Image Loading Speed: Do images load properly?
Test Scrolling & Navigation: Is the store easy to browse?
How to Check:
- Open your store on different phones and tablets.
- Use Google Mobile-Friendly Test (link) to analyze responsiveness.
5. Test Order Notifications & Customer Support
Communication builds trust. Ensure you’re notified of new orders and inquiries.
Email Notifications: Check if you receive order confirmation emails.
Live Chat & Contact Form: Test if buyers can contact you easily.
Response Time: Aim to reply to inquiries within 24 hours.
How to Check:
- Use a different email or ask a friend to place a test inquiry.
Tips: if you experience any issue regarding order notifications, contact Owode Support
Conclusion
Testing your Owode store before launch ensures a smooth, professional, and hassle-free experience for buyers. Run through this checklist to identify and fix issues before going live.
You’re now ready to start selling on Owode Marketplace!
Next Steps:
Ready to launch? Learn how to market your Owode store here.
Boost your sales with Owode’s Affiliate Program.
If you need further assistance, contact Owode Support or apply to grow your business with our exclusive “Sell Better” Seller’s Learning Programme