Build the shop essentials, check what customers actually see and open when the ordering flow is ready.
This guide is for setting up an Abicart shop on Go, Plus or Pro, including during the trial. You need access to the shop administration. Payment services, carrier agreements and domain providers are handled separately where required. Customer groups and customer login require Plus or Pro.
Onboarding help is included during the trial as well. Contact Abicart for help getting started; agree the scope before ordering custom design or other additional services. Some illustrations below show older screens. Follow the described tasks if the current screen has different buttons.
1. Create product groups
Open Assortment → Product groups. Create a clear structure for the products you sell. Product groups can be used in shop navigation; also check the active theme’s menu.
Enter the name, any parent group and relevant language text. Add introductory text and an image where helpful. Save and check the group’s placement.
2. Add products
Open Assortment → Products. Add products manually or import a file. Check product number, name, description, price, VAT, stock and group assignment. For imports, check fields and results before importing the full range. An uploaded image or product group does not automatically make a product available for sale.
3. Choose and edit the correct theme
Open Appearance → Themes. Add a theme from the templates and edit it under your themes. Check which theme is active; adding or editing another theme does not automatically activate it. The number of available themes can change.
The newer theme editor uses Content, Style and Addons. TPL themes have a separate editor. Keep the instructions for the variants separate. Preview the start page, product page, mobile layout and correct language before switching the active theme.
4. Add payment methods
Open Settings → Payment methods and choose a new method. An external payment service requires the appropriate provider agreement and activation details. Manual methods have different prerequisites. Follow the selected method’s guide and check countries, currencies, fees and active status.
5. Add shipping methods
Open Settings → Shipping → New shipping method. Enter a clear name, fees, conditions and applicable countries or customer groups. Activate the completed method and save. Check weight and price ranges so intended orders have a valid delivery option.
A checkout shipping method does not by itself book transport. External freight requires an appropriate agreement or booking service. Own delivery or customer pickup need not require an external carrier agreement.
6. Replace template text in Terms & info
Open My pages → Terms & info and select Edit content for the page’s content block. Changing the page name does not change the block’s text.
Choose the correct language tab. Click inside the text editor, select the text to replace, and type or paste the new text. Remove unused template text and check headings, links and lists.
Close the editing dialog when finished, then select the page’s Save. Reopen the page to check that the change was retained.
Check the page as a visitor in the correct language and ensure the terms link appears where customers need it.
Adapt the terms to what you actually sell, delivery times, payment, complaints and whether you sell to businesses or consumers. The template is a starting point and does not automatically fit your business. Do not leave example details or promises the shop cannot meet.
7. Handle any pending agreement on Dashboard
Open Dashboard. If a data processing agreement is pending, a signing option is shown. An authorised representative must read the agreement and complete signing as instructed. An agreement already handled need not display the same button as the older illustration.
The agreement does not replace the shop’s own work on personal data, privacy information and access rights. Do not share signing links or identification details with unauthorised people.
8. Connect a domain and check HTTPS
To use your own domain, you need access to it and its DNS settings at the domain provider. Open Settings → Domains and SEO → Domains and add the address. Follow the domain guide’s current DNS instructions. Adding the name in Abicart does not update the provider’s DNS.
When the domain works, choose it under URL settings, save and check the public HTTPS address. Avoid accidentally changing existing email records when directing web traffic. DNS and certificates may need time to become ready.
9. Check and open the shop
As a visitor, check products, prices, VAT, shipping, payment, languages and terms for your intended customers. Check order-confirmation sender and content. Follow the payment provider’s test instructions; do not assume a real order is free or automatically refundable.
When ready, open Settings → General, clear Hide shop and save. Open the public address in a separate signed-out window. An admin preview does not prove the shop is open to visitors. Opening the shop does not make search engines list it immediately.
Quick start
Add groups, products and the correct active theme.
Configure payment, shipping, terms and any pending agreement.
Connect the domain and check the complete customer journey.
Open the shop and check its public address.
The core setup features in this guide are available in Go, Plus and Pro. Customer login/groups require Plus or Pro; external services and additional features may have separate terms and charges.
