At Meta Section, we love checklists. We have checklists for everything (well almost). We strive for process optimization. This aids in speed, quality, and thoroughness. Whenever we start on an eCommerce project for a customer, we refer back to this checklist to make sure all of the site basics are covered.
Note: If you want to read more about using Checklists, check out The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
Simplicity and Ease of Use
Mobile friendly?
Can you operate this product, platform, or site?
Is it too complex or sophisticated for your needs?
Will you need to add staff to support it?
Is there an excellent search feature?
Dashboard and Metrics
Can you see where your orders are coming from?
Do you know what your most popular products are?
Payment Processing
Our favorite topic!
Gateway integrations? Your merchant account?
Fee structure?
Split Tender?
Credit?
Paypal?
Gift and Loyalty Cards?
Cash?
Check?
Payment plans or deferred billing?
Donations and Charity?
Catalog Management
Does the catalog management system support all of the product modifiers that you have? Size, Color, multi-dimensional, etc.
Social Integration
Can you publish your content?
Leverage social media within the order processing workflow?
Discounts, Offers, and Coupons
Does the system have built in coupons and offers? Integrations with third party platforms?
Upsell and Free Gifts
Does the system offer promotional items?
Addons to common items?
Free gifts when levels are hit?
Content Management
How To articles?
Stores?
About page?
Testimonials?
SEO Content?
Compliant Privacy and Terms of use statements?
Syndication?
Gift guide?
Recommendations?
Customer Contact
Customer reviews managed onsite or with third party?
Moderation system?
Customer Contact
Does the system allow you to build custom contact forms?
How about adding Live Help?
Loyalty
Integrated and third party loyalty program support?
Special Offers for loyal customers?
Rewards for specific behavior? For example, like us and get 1000 points.
Referral program?
Order Processing and Tracking
How does the system process the orders? How are you notified?
Does the system support automatic re-orders?
Shipping and Handling
Does the system support the shipping API’s and functionality that you need? For example, you want to ship variable weight and size items in multiple boxes via the UPS API.
Handling charges?
Delivery Fees?
Gift and special packaging services?
Pickup and Delivery
Does the system support pickup and delivery?
Hours of Operation?
Perishable items?
Physical, Digital, and Perishable Goods
Is your product type or types supported? Does it work well?
Marketplace Integration
eBay?
Etsy?
Multi-Store Support
Do you operate multiple stores?
Do you ship from the local facility?
Cart Management and Wish Lists
Abandoned cart notifications or reminders?
Can the customer store items for later reference?