How to configure your PrestaShop e-commerce ?

PrestaShop is a free e-commerce solution that allows you to quickly create an online store. With the self-hosted version, however, you must make a few settings before launching your platform. This operation remains nevertheless rather simple.

It is essentially a question of configuring the display and the various options of the site according to your field or your audience.

Configure the theme of your site

The choice of the theme is the first step for configure your PrestaShop e-commerce. Favour customizable and responsive templates (optimized for all screen sizes). Thus, you can adjust the appearance of the site to your image and improve the user experience.

There is also a wide variety of themes for all departments (clothing, cosmetics, high-tech, sports, tools …).

Specifically, you can buy a PrestaShop theme in the dedicated store. In addition to adding images and text, customization extends to the integration of additional modules. With the self-hosted software, you can also use a custom theme or a theme from a third party marketplace.

You must however make sure that it is responsive and compatible with the CMS.

In any case, you will have to install the chosen theme. To do this, open the Preferences tab and then Themes on the main interface of the newly created site. Then click on Add a theme, Import from computer, then on Add a file. Select the theme file in the displayed window.

Finally press Open and then Save.

Configuring payment methods on the site

The payment options must be chosen wisely to ensure that you get the most out of your shop configure your PrestaShop e-commerce. Indeed, this factor is often decisive for Internet users. It is therefore important to anticipate customer expectations.

PayPal is one of the easiest payment methods to configure, even on multi-store PrestaShop. Nevertheless, you can also add other options like :

• Debit or credit cards;
• E-wallets;
• Bank transfers ;
• Mobile banking services;
• Cash on delivery..

For this operation, go to the Modules and services section. Click on Payment, then choose the payment modules you want for your store. It is also possible to use several currencies on the site. However, you must set up the corresponding payment gateways.

Moreover, it is imperative to secure all transactions with an SSL certificate.

Configure your product catalog

The construction of the product catalog is essential at the time of configure your PrestaShop e-commerce. This is indeed the very foundation of your business. Moreover, this part of the site tends to concentrate most of the features of PrestaShop.

You will then have to organize the catalog in order to optimize the store’s operation and the buying process.

If you are migrating, do not hesitate to use .csv” to quickly import your products. This operation is authorized by the CMS in order to facilitate the cataloguing process as much as possible. However, you must check the product IDs to avoid ID conflicts.

This problem will lead to the replacement of the references saved first by default.

On a new project, you will have to create categories in the Catalog section of the Dashboard. Then press the New Product button to create a complete product file. Also configure attributes if your products are declined according to characteristics such as size, color, weight … So you will not have to create a product sheet for each reference.

Configure the means of delivery of your products

The means of delivery plays a determining role in the process of an e-commerce and customer satisfaction. So, this parameter is crucial for any entrepreneur who wants to create an online store with PrestaShop. You have by default two carriers after the creation of your site.

That said, you can also add, delete, modify these elements at will.

This configuration often occupies a negligible place in a PrestaShop tutorial because of its simplicity. However, the operation can be time consuming, if you add several customization options. Nevertheless, you will be able to meet the needs of your customers by providing several delivery options.

To configure this part, open the Dashboard and click on Deliveries in the Customize section. Then go to the Carriers section. Finally, proceed to the desired modifications for your e-commerce site.

The options are quite clear and detailed. Therefore, you will have no problem finding the most suitable solutions for your store.