Can I launch my store if I don't have all the legal policies written yet?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The lack of policies creates distrust. It's better to launch with simple but clear texts, even if you refine them later.

Is it mandatory to display a returns and exchanges policy on the website?

There's no mandatory 'button' in Shopify, but in practice it's a good business practice and a way to back up what you offer when handling complaints.

How many payment methods should I offer at minimum?

Ideally at least one that accepts credit/debit cards and, if possible, a local option. It's better to have one well-configured method than several poorly set up ones.

Do I need to test checkout with a real payment?

The safest approach is to make at least one small real purchase to verify the complete flow: charge, notifications, and reflection in your bank.

How often should I review this checklist?

At least at three moments: right before launch, after the first 30 days, and before big campaigns (Cyber Monday, Christmas, etc.).

Checklist Before Launching Your Shopify Store in Chile: 15 Things You Must Review

Setting up your Shopify store can take days or weeks, but the critical moment is just one: The day you click "publish" and real visitors start arriving.

If you launch with important things half-done, you'll pay for it in lost sales, complaints, and hours fixing errors live. This guide summarizes a 15-point checklist to review before launching your Shopify store in Chile.

Why you need a checklist before opening your Shopify store

Checklist summary: Before launching a Shopify store in Chile, review 15 key points: basic data, currency and taxes (19% VAT), payment methods, shipping rates, legal texts, essential pages, mobile navigation, email configuration, and a real purchase test. Doing this prevents costly errors when receiving orders.

The typical mistake: launching with "pending items"

Common errors like activating campaigns with misconfigured payment methods, publishing without a return policy, or having incorrectly calculated shipping rates can be avoided with an organized review.

Block 1 – General setup and business information

1. Store data, language, and currency in CLP

✓ Country: Chile
✓ Currency: CLP
✓ Language: Spanish

2. Primary domain connected with SSL

✓ Custom domain connected
✓ https:// working (padlock)
✓ Correct www redirect

3. Timezone and contact information

✓ Santiago timezone
✓ Visible contact information

Block 2 – Products, pricing, and taxes

4. Complete products

✓ Minimum 2-3 photos per product
✓ Useful and clear descriptions
✓ Stock loaded

5. Reviewed pricing

✓ Prices cover costs and margin
✓ No typos (extra zeros)

6. Taxes (19% VAT)

✓ National tax at 19%
✓ Products marked as "charge taxes"
✓ Defined whether prices include VAT

Block 3 – Payment methods and shipping

7. Payment gateways

✓ Gateway connected (Mercado Pago, Flow, etc.)
✓ Successful test order
✓ Confirmation emails arrive correctly

8. Shipping methods

✓ Zones created (Metro Area, Regions)
✓ Rates aligned with real costs
✓ No "gaps" in zones without shipping

9. Shipping communication

✓ Visible delivery timelines
✓ Transparent costs before checkout

Block 4 – Legal texts and trust

10. Terms and privacy

✓ Terms and conditions page
✓ Privacy policy

11. Returns and exchanges

✓ Policy published and easy to find
✓ Clear text, no confusing fine print

12. About Us

✓ "About Us" page with real information
✓ Consistent contact details

Block 5 – UX and final tests

13. Mobile First

✓ Home and Menu work well on mobile
✓ "Buy" button visible without effort
✓ Checkout usable on small screens

14. Transactional emails

✓ Emails reviewed (confirmation, shipping)
✓ No generic texts in wrong language

15. Final purchase test

✓ Real purchase completed without errors
✓ Order appears correctly in admin

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about launching

Can I launch without all legal policies?

Not recommended. It creates distrust. It's better to have simple but clear texts from day 1.

Is it mandatory to show a return policy?

Not technically, but commercially yes. Customers expect to see it before buying to feel secure.

Do I need to test with a real payment?

Yes, make at least one small real purchase to verify that the money reaches your account and the flow works.

Want to launch risk-free?

If you'd rather have an expert review your store with this checklist before launching and avoid costly errors, contact us.

Review My Store →