Starter Stack
The E-commerce Launch Stack
The core tools for opening an online store and running it day to day.
By the OneStopShop Editors · Updated October 2026
1. Build the store
Pick a hosted platform for speed or a WordPress plugin for control.
Shopify
Storefronts · E-commerce
The leading all-in-one platform for building an online store.
Our take: The most complete starting point for selling physical products online.
WooCommerce
Storefronts · E-commerce
Open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress sites.
Our take: Full control and ownership if you already run WordPress.
2. Keep the books
Connect sales to accounting from day one.
QuickBooks Online
Accounting · Accounting & Payroll
Intuit's widely used small-business accounting software.
Our take: The industry standard — most accountants already know it.
Xero
Accounting · Accounting & Payroll
Cloud accounting software popular with small businesses worldwide.
Our take: A strong QuickBooks alternative, especially outside the US.
3. Bring customers back
An email list is the most reliable channel a store owns.
Mailchimp
Email & newsletters · Marketing & Email
Long-established email marketing for small businesses.
Our take: Familiar, with integrations for nearly every store and site builder.
Kit (ConvertKit)
Email & newsletters · Marketing & Email
Email marketing and automations for creators.
Our take: Strong automations for creators selling courses and products.
4. Make it look great
Product shots and social posts sell the brand.
Canva
Design tools · Design & Creative
Easy design for social posts, decks, flyers and logos.
Our take: Lets non-designers produce professional-looking marketing quickly.
Unsplash
Free assets · Design & Creative
High-quality photos free to use under the Unsplash License.
Our take: Beautiful imagery for your website without a stock-photo bill.
Editorial picks are chosen independently. How we make money.