Install and configure WooCommerce

WooCommerce · 5 min readChecked 8 October 2026

Before you start

WordPress configured over HTTPS and a compatible theme.
Planned products, destinations, currency and merchant accounts.

Catalogue

Shipping and tax

Payments

Test order

Prepare WordPress before the store

WooCommerce runs inside WordPress. Start with HTTPS, a suitable theme and a backup. For an existing website, work on a protected copy. Prepare the business address, currency and countries where you intend to sell and ship.

Review current WooCommerce technical recommendations and software versions.
Gather the information needed for payment accounts.
For a new WordPress installation, follow our Installatron guide and complete basic settings first.

Install the official plugin

In Plugins → Add New Plugin, find the official WooCommerce plugin. Install and activate it. The wizard offers settings and optional services; choose only services your store needs and review their terms.

Enter the store's actual country and address.
Choose the intended currency; for a CAD store, also check display on products and checkout.
Keep a record of additional plugins installed during setup.

Check store pages and access

Check Shop, Cart, Checkout and My Account. Depending on version and theme, cart and checkout may use blocks. Under WooCommerce → Settings → Advanced, review assigned pages and existing endpoints.

Open pages in a private window and add a product to the cart.
Confirm gateway and extension support for your chosen checkout type.
Keep a store under preparation in its intended visibility mode until testing is complete.

Create a product and configure shipping

Start with a representative product instead of a bulk import. Define price, stock and dimensions where shipping depends on them. Prepare shipping zones and methods, using test addresses for intended destinations.

A virtual product without shipping needs different settings from a physical product.
Test both a served destination and an excluded address.
Tax rules depend on your business circumstances: have them validated, then configure the store accordingly.

Connect payments and emails

Configure a gateway with its merchant account and test environment. Check customer and merchant notifications. Successful payment should produce consistent results in WooCommerce and the provider account; a confirmation screen alone is insufficient.

Test success, decline and cancellation scenarios using the provider's tools.
Review order notes and notification delivery.
Confirm the refund procedure and authenticated email delivery.

Rehearse the entire launch

Place an end-to-end test order on desktop and mobile using your chosen test products, addresses and accounts. Check totals, shipping, taxes and messages. Correct failures before opening the store publicly.