📦 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