A catalogue
Real photos, prices including VAT, stock tracked.
Selling online · 2026 edition
How to start an online shop: the steps and the rules
Opening an online shop is within reach of a small business. But selling at a distance to consumers comes with precise rules, including a new one in the EU since June 2026.
- The 7 steps
- 2026 requirements
- Budget
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
Starting your shop in 30 seconds
In short
To start an online shop, you need a registered business, a catalogue with prices and photos, a website with a basket and secure payment, clear delivery costs and complete legal pages. In the EU, consumers have 14 days to withdraw from a purchase. Since 19 June 2026, they must be able to do it online through a visible withdrawal function. Also check your country's rules on consumer dispute resolution.
A safe basket
Secure payment and a clear summary.
Legal pages
Legal notice, terms of sale, privacy, cookies.
Withdrawal
14 days, with an online function.
Launch your shop in 7 steps
Allow a few weeks between the idea and the first sale.
The rules to follow in 2026
For selling to consumers in the EU.
| Requirement | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Right of withdrawal | 14 days from delivery |
| Withdrawal function | Visible button since 19 June 2026 |
| Consumer dispute resolution | Check your country's rules |
| Information before the order | Prices including VAT, charges, delivery times, guarantees |
| Digital accessibility | Required, except for microenterprises |
| VAT in Europe | Customer's country VAT above €10,000 |
In the EU, microenterprises (fewer than 10 people and annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than €2 million) are exempt from the accessibility requirement. Have your terms of sale checked by a legal professional.
How much to budget to get started
Rough figures for a small shop.
The website
A monthly platform subscription, or a custom website paid for once.
Payment
A commission of a few per cent on each sale.
Stock and packaging
Often the biggest cost for physical products.
Visibility
The most often forgotten budget.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
A shop that runs while you sleep
Our online shop service delivers a website ready to sell, with legal pages for you to have checked, and connects orders to your tools.
Centralised orders
Every sale lands in a spreadsheet.
Automatic invoices
Created and sent with every order.
Tracking emails
Confirmation, shipping, review request.
Stock alert
You are warned before you run out.
Your questions, our answers
How do I start an online shop?
Register the business, prepare a few products, create a website with a basket and secure payment, write the legal pages and test an order.
Do I need to register a business to sell online?
Usually yes, once you sell regularly. Registering as self-employed is often enough to start. Check the rules in your country.
Is a withdrawal button mandatory?
Yes, in the EU, since 19 June 2026, for contracts concluded online with consumers.
Does a small online shop have to be accessible?
In the EU, microenterprises are exempt. Above that size, the requirement has applied since 28 June 2025.
How much does an online shop cost?
From a few tens of euros a month to several thousand euros, depending on the number of products and how much is custom-built.
Sources: Your Europe, returns and the right of withdrawal (europa.eu) · Directive (EU) 2023/2673, Article 11a (withdrawal function) · European Accessibility Act, Directive (EU) 2019/882 · Your Europe, cross-border VAT rules (europa.eu).
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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