Step-by-Step Guide to Start Selling on BigCartel

BigCartel is a popular eCommerce platform designed for independent artists and small businesses. It’s known for its simplicity and artist-friendly features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with your BigCartel store.

Step 1: Create Your Account

• Visit BigCartel: 

• Go to bigcartel.com

• Sign Up: 

• Click on Sign Up. Choose a free plan or a paid plan depending on your needs.

• Fill Out the Form: 

• Provide your email, store name, and create a password.

• Confirm Your Email: 

• You might need to verify your email address to complete the registration.

Step 2. Set Up Your Store

• Access Your Dashboard: 

• Log in to your BigCartel account and go to the dashboard.

1. Store Settings: 

Click on Account and then Settings.

• Store Info: Enter your store name, description, and contact email.
• Business Info: Provide necessary business information.
• Currency: Choose your store’s currency.
• Time Zone: Set your store’s time zone.

Step 3. Choose a Theme

• Navigate to Themes: 

• Go to Customize Design from the dashboard.

• Select a Theme:

• Browse and choose a theme that suits your brand.

• Customize Your Theme:

• Logo: Upload your store logo.
• Colors and Fonts: Adjust colors and fonts to match your brand.
• Layout: Arrange your homepage layout and other elements.

Step 4. Add Products

1. Go to Products: 

• Click on Products in the dashboard.

1. Add a New Product:

• Product Name: Enter the name of your product.
• Description: Write a detailed description of the product.
• Images: Upload high-quality images.
• Price: Set the price for your product.
• Options: Add variations (e.g., sizes, colors).
• Inventory: Manage stock levels by using inventory Bigcartel apps if necessary.

1. Save: 

• Click Save to add the product to your store.

Step 5. Set Up Payments

1. Payment Settings: 

• Navigate to Account > Settings > Payment.

1. Select Payment Methods: 

• Choose from available payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe).

1. Configure Payment Gateway:

• PayPal: Connect your PayPal account.
• Stripe: Enter Stripe account details if using Stripe.

Step 6. Configure Shipping

1. Shipping Settings: 

• Go to Account > Settings > Shipping.

1. Add Shipping Options:

• Regions: Define the regions you ship to.
• Rates: Set shipping rates for different regions.
• Delivery Times: Estimate delivery times.

1. Save: 

• Save your shipping settings.

Step 7. Set Up a Custom Domain (Optional)

1. Custom Domain: 

• Go to Account > Settings > Domain.

1. Enter Your Domain: 

• Enter your custom domain name.

1. Update DNS Settings: 

• Follow instructions to update DNS settings with your domain registrar.

Step 8. Launch Your Store

1. Preview: 

• Review your store by clicking on Preview Store.

1. Launch: 

• Once satisfied, make your store live by clicking Launch Store.

Step 9. Promote Your Store

1. Social Media: 

• Share your store on social media platforms.

1. Email Marketing: 

• Use email marketing to reach out to potential customers.

1. SEO: 

• Optimize your store for search engines by using relevant keywords.

Step 10. Manage Orders

1. Order Notifications: 

• Set up order notifications under Account > Settings > Notifications.

1. Process Orders: 

• Manage and fulfill orders from the Orders tab in your dashboard.

1. Shipping: 

• Print shipping labels and update order statuses.

By following these steps, you’ll have your BigCartel store up and running in no time!