New to Big Cartel and ready to get started? Awesome! We're glad to have you with us. Once you've created your account, here's how to get ready to sell your work.

## 🎉 Shop essentials

[Add your first product](/resources/help/article/add-a-product). Name it, upload images, give it a price, set shipping costs, and add variants like size or color. It's easy, we promise.

[Pick a theme and customize it](/resources/help/article/how-to-customize-your-theme). Change up the color scheme, set fonts, and upload a header image or logo to give your store the vibe of your brand.

[Set up your checkout](/resources/help/article/set-up-checkout). For real, don't skip this! It's how you get paid for what you sell in your shop. Use [PayPal](/resources/help/article/paypal), [Stripe](/resources/help/article/stripe), or both for online payments.

## 🏆 Premium features

If you're using a paid plan, make sure to take full advantage of all the upgraded features Big Cartel has to offer. Remember, you can upgrade anytime.

[Enable inventory tracking](/resources/help/article/track-product-inventory) to keep track of what you have in stock and have products sell out automatically once the quantity hits zero.

[Use a custom domain](/resources/help/article/use-a-custom-domain) to give your shop its own home on the internet. Use a URL you've already registered, or create one through Google Domains.

## ✨ Finishing touches

Use a [custom page](/resources/help/article/how-to-add-custom-pages) to add a returns or store policy page to your shop. Giving your customers a heads up that you only accept returns within 60 days of the purchase date, for example, will help keep your customers aware of your policies. And since you write your own policies you get to choose the terms of your exchanges, returns, and even whether or not you want to accept returns.

[Add a profile image](/resources/help/article/edit-your-profile) (like your logo) to the Account page of your admin to easily identify your shop. It's also the image your customers will see when you [share your shop on social media](/resources/blog/article/your-shop-now-looks-better-on-pinterest-twitter-and-facebook/). 

Enter a shop description for search engines to track and rank your shop - no SEO wizardry required. Keep it simple and unique, and you're golden.

Create [discount codes](/resources/help/article/add-a-discount "Discounts") to give your shop visitors incentive to place orders, and to reward existing customers.

[Browse apps and integrations](/resources/help/topic/apps-and-integrations) to take managing your shop to the next level. From printing and fulfillment integrations to shipping and promotion apps, we've got you covered.

Set up your store

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Have questions?