How to create an online store in Ukraine: step by step
A short plan from idea to first order: what to prepare, what to set up and in which order. Tobto.shop is the example, but the steps fit any platform.
7 days free, no card
1. Choose where the store runs
There are two ways: a cloud platform, where the server, updates and security are the service’s job, or your own server with a self-hosted install, where all of that is yours. On Tobto.shop Cloud hosting, SSL, updates and daily backups are in every plan, with no commission on sales.
2. Create the store
On Tobto.shop this takes an e-mail, a store name and an address on tobto.shop. The store is usually ready within minutes, and the first 7 days are free with no card.
3. Add products
- By hand: a product card with photos, variants (size, colour), stock and price.
- From a file — if your products are already in a spreadsheet.
- By moving from OpenCart: the wizard moves products, categories, customers, orders, pages and SEO URLs with 301 redirects.
4. Connect card payments
Sign an acquiring contract with a payment service — for example plata by mono from monobank or LiqPay from PrivatBank — and paste the keys into the extension settings. The money goes to your account with the payment service. On Tobto.shop online payments for buyers are switched on after the first plan payment.
5. Set up delivery
Nova Poshta, Ukrposhta and Meest are connected with official extensions: the buyer picks a branch or a parcel locker at checkout and you create the waybill from the order.
6. Take care of fiscal receipts
If your store needs a software cash register, connect Checkbox or Vchasno.Kasa — receipts for online payments and refunds are then issued automatically and e-mailed to the buyer. Check with your accountant whether you need one.
7. Connect your domain
The store works at name.tobto.shop straight away. Your own domain is connected by the guide in the cabinet, and the SSL certificate is issued and renewed automatically.
8. Reach marketplaces and ads
Feeds for Prom, Rozetka, Google Merchant, Facebook and TikTok are built from the store catalogue — no need to keep products in several places.
9. Place a test order
Walk the buyer’s path: cart, checkout, delivery, payment, receipt. Check the buyer e-mails and the waybill — and open the store.
Pre-launch checklist
- Products with photos, prices and stock
- A payment method switched on and tested
- Delivery set up, sender entered
- A software cash register connected, if you need one
- «Delivery and payment», «Returns» and «Contacts» pages
- Your own domain (optional)
- A test order taken from cart to receipt
A cloud store from UAH 499 a month, no commission on sales. Pricing
Frequently asked questions
How much does an online store on Tobto.shop cost?
The first 7 days are free, no card. Then a fixed plan price from UAH 499 a month, no commission on sales. Payment and delivery services charge their own fees.
Do I need a developer?
Not to launch: the store, theme, payments, delivery and feeds are set up in the admin. You need a developer only for a custom theme or a non-standard integration.
How long does the launch take?
The store itself is ready within minutes. The rest depends on how many products you have and how fast the payment and delivery services issue your keys.
Can I move my store from OpenCart?
Yes. The migration wizard moves products, categories, customers, orders, pages and SEO URLs; old addresses lead to the new ones through 301 redirects. Third-party modules and the theme are not moved.