A startup list works when every item has a verifiable outcome. 'Arrange payment' is not the same as completing an order and refund. This guide helps a Netherlands-based business distinguish essential foundations from optional tools. Product type, inventory and expertise determine actual startup costs.
Three categories of requirements
Essential before sales: a saleable safe product, correct business and customer information, records, payment, delivery and returns. Useful at launch: a simple photography workflow, organised files and a service schedule. Later tests: extra channels, extensive automation and complex personalisation. Put product-specific legal requirements in the first group even when demanding.
An offer a customer can assess
Ask an outsider to read the page and explain four things: what arrives, which variant fits, the total cost and when it comes. Record uncertainty without supplying the answer. Missing measurements or unclear included parts become concrete tasks before you open for sales.
A checked product and delivery route
Order or make a sample and record characteristics, safety information and supplier details. Check rules applicable to your role. Acceptance check: you can deliver, trace and remedy a faulty unit correctly. One product can be enough to start, but quantity does not reduce safety duties or responsibility.
A clear shop with accurate information
Provide readable product pages, accessible contact and business details, prices, shipping charges and complaints/withdrawal information. Check mobile and desktop. Assess KVK registration and tax status separately; preparation may count. Acceptance check: required information appears where the customer needs it, not only in a later document.
A tested payment and refund
Verify the provider account and available methods. Test paid, failed, cancelled and refunded states, confirmations and bookkeeping reconciliation. Acceptance check: order status, stock, invoice or correction and actual receipts can be explained. A '0% own platform fee' does not make payment processing free.
A time and cash budget
Fictional example excluding VAT: one month of MicroCart €39.95, domain allowance €15, samples €80 and packaging €30 totals €164.95 cash. Only the platform price is a product tariff; other amounts are assumptions. Twelve preparation hours at €25 represent €300 labour. Inventory, registration, advice, payments, acquisition and refunds depend on circumstances and are additional. This is not a universal minimum budget.
What can often wait?
Extensive branding, several channels and custom automation can wait if they solve no essential problem. MicroCart includes all MicroCart apps and B2B at €39.95 per shop per month or €399.50 annually excluding VAT. Even included features need configuration only when relevant to your workflow. External services may charge separately.
Prove readiness with a rehearsal
Run one ordinary order and one exception, such as a wrong variant before dispatch. Check which staff member needs which information to correct it. Record confirmation, stock and accounting outcomes. Test contact and privacy choices too; a platform trial supports operations but does not replace business and product checks.
Use a clear go/no-go decision
Publish when essential outcomes work and aftercare is feasible. Resolve material gaps first. Use the launch checklist for the final review, then schedule one improvement at a time.
Sources and checks
Primary sources checked on 26 October 2026: KVK: ondernemerscriteria; ACM: informatie vóór en na de koop; European Commission: product safety.
