How long does setting up an online shop take?

This is a question we are often asked. The client is eager to get their online shop up and running as soon as possible, and they want to get some plans in order for marketing, stock, etc.

So how long can it take, and how long should it take?

Well, you've probably guessed that there is no simple answer to this question. There are just so many variable factors.

Time considerations

Let's assume that we're just talking about a simple shop, with a few standard pages and, say 50 - 500 products. No custom functionality is required.

Frequently, a client will want to minimise their set up costs by supplying us with all of the wording and images for the products and other pages themselves. If they can do this in a timely manner, it is perfectly feasible to have an online store up and running in 3-4 weeks.

However, the biggest delaying factor here is usually the client themselves. These sorts of projects frequently overrun because it takes the client much longer than expected to get the content (a) written, and (b) into the correct format. Other things get in the way, like running their business. It is not unexpected to have a simple project like this actually take 3-4 months because of these sorts of delays.

If, instead, we are developing the content for the client, our initial estimates will usually be longer than 3-4 weeks. It depends on the number of products, categories and other pages. You may be looking at 2 months for the online store to be completed. With these sorts of projects, the delaying factor is usually getting sign-off for all of the content. The client will obviously want to check all of the wording and images thoroughly. So, again, it is not unexpected for a project like this to run over to 3-4 months.

What happens next?

At his point, I should point out that just because your new online shop is up and running, that doesn't mean that it's going to start selling straight away. If it's a brand new website, it will take time for the search engines to start putting it in their search results. And the marketing campaigns which are planned for the website will take time implement and time to take effect. For example, affiliate marketing can take several months before significant income is generated from it.

At OpenGlobal, we don't believe in giving you unrealistic completion dates. And we're clear from the start what the possible delaying factors are likely to be. If you want an honest approach to creating an online store, not false promises which are never achieved, then call us now on 0845 269 9624.