Launch checklist: An overview

Opening a shop on Tradeit is an exciting step toward growing your business online. But before your products start selling, there are a few key things you need to set up to ensure a smooth and successful launch.

This Launch Checklist is your go-to guide to help you cover everything — from profile setup to payment readiness — so you can open your digital shop doors with confidence.

🧾 Why a Launch Checklist?

Many vendors upload products but miss critical setup steps, resulting in lost orders, poor visibility, or buyer confusion. This checklist ensures your Tradeit shop looks professional, builds trust, and is ready to take orders right away.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Launch Checklist

✅ 1. Register as a Vendor

• Go to https://tradeit.co.zw/vendor-register
• Fill in your name, phone number, email, business name, and create a password.
• Confirm your registration via email or SMS.

✅ 2. Set Up Your Store Profile

• Go to your Vendor Dashboard → Settings → Store
• Upload:
  • 🖼️ Shop banner (625×300px recommended)
  • 👤 Profile picture/logo (square, 300×300px)
• Add:
  • 🏪 Store name
  • 📍 Store location
  • 📞 Contact number
  • 🕰️ Store opening hours
  • ✉️ Return policy / store bio

✅ This helps build trust with buyers and improves search visibility.

✅ 3. Add Your Payment Method

• Navigate to Dashboard → Settings → Payment
• Choose how you want to receive payments:
  • EcoCash number
  • ZIPIT bank details
  • USD Nostro account
  • Mukuru wallet (where available)

🛡️ This is how Tradeit pays you after each sale.

✅ 4. List at Least 5 Products

• Go to Dashboard → Products → Add New
• Add:
  • Clear product name
  • Price (ZWL, USD, or both)
  • Description with key features
  • Photos (clean, clear, and at least 600×600px)
  • Stock quantity
  • Variations (if any – like size, color, weight)

💡 Start with your most popular or best-selling products first.

✅ 5. Enable Your Shipping Method

• Go to Settings → Shipping
• Select your delivery areas:
  • Local pickup
  • Courier (e.g. ZimPost, Swyft, In-city delivery, etc.)
  • Flat rate by region
• Add costs for each zone or area

🚚 This ensures buyers can check out with the correct delivery fee.

✅ 6. Set Your Store Location on Map

• In the Store Settings, scroll to the map section
• Pin your exact location (or pickup point)
• This helps buyers estimate delivery and find your shop (if you allow pickups)

✅ 7. Test the Customer Journey

Try to:

1. View your store as a customer
2. Search for your products using keywords
3. Test checkout (create a buyer account separately if needed)

✅ Fix any missing images, prices, or confusing product names before launch.

✅ 8. Write a Welcome Message or Store Bio

This appears on your store homepage and builds trust.

Example:

“Welcome to Feli’s Fabrics — your go-to source for affordable African print dresses and accessories. We deliver across Zimbabwe and accept EcoCash & USD payments.”

✅ 9. Double-Check Mobile Layout

Most buyers on Tradeit shop using their phones. Open your store link on mobile and ensure:

• Images are visible
• Buttons are not cut off
• Text is readable

📱 A mobile-optimized store means more sales.

✅ 10. Turn on Notifications

Enable email or SMS alerts under Settings → Notifications so you never miss a new order or message from a buyer.

🟢 Final Step: Go Live

Once all of the above is done:

• Promote your store link on WhatsApp, Facebook, and with your existing customers
• Ask happy customers to leave reviews
• Keep adding new stock and updating pricing regularly

🎯 Quick Summary Checklist

📣 You’re Ready to Sell!

Congratulations! Once this checklist is complete, your Tradeit store is fully ready to go live and start taking orders.

Next up:
👉 How to Process Orders on Tradeit
👉 How to Promote Your Shop with Advertising Tools

Need help with any step? Contact Tradeit Support through your dashboard chat.