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Initial Setup

First steps after creating your BookWish store.

Quick Start Checklist​

After your store is created, complete these essential steps:

  1. Add your first inventory items
  2. Connect payment processing
  3. Configure shipping options
  4. Enable your store website
  5. Place a test order

Adding Inventory​

Manual Entry​

Add books one at a time:

  1. Go to Shop > Inventory
  2. Tap Add Book
  3. Search by ISBN, title, or author
  4. Enter quantity and price
  5. Save

Bulk Import​

Import multiple books at once:

  1. Go to Shop > Inventory > Import
  2. Upload CSV file with:
    • ISBN
    • Quantity
    • Price
    • Condition (new/used)
  3. Review and confirm

Square Sync​

If you use Square POS:

  1. Connect Square in Settings
  2. Enable inventory sync
  3. Books with ISBNs sync automatically

Payment Setup​

Why Stripe Connect?​

BookWish uses Stripe Connect so:

  • Customers pay you directly
  • Funds go to your bank account
  • BookWish fee is deducted automatically

Connect Process​

  1. Go to Shop > Settings > Payments
  2. Click "Connect Stripe"
  3. Create or link Stripe account
  4. Complete identity verification
  5. Add bank account for payouts

Test Mode​

Before accepting real payments:

  1. Enable test mode in settings
  2. Use test card numbers
  3. Verify order flow works
  4. Switch to live mode when ready

Shipping Configuration​

Basic Setup​

  1. Go to Shop > Settings > Shipping
  2. Choose shipping method:
    • Flat rate
    • Calculated by weight
    • Free shipping threshold

EasyPost Integration​

For automated label generation:

  1. Create EasyPost account
  2. Connect in BookWish settings
  3. Configure default package sizes
  4. Set carrier preferences

Website Activation​

Enable Your Website​

  1. Go to Shop > Settings > Website
  2. Review your store URL: bookwish.shop/{slug}
  3. Toggle "Enable Website"
  4. Preview and verify

Customize Appearance​

  • Upload logo and banner
  • Choose accent color
  • Write store description

Test Order​

Why Test?​

A test order verifies:

  • Inventory updates correctly
  • You receive notifications
  • Payment processing works
  • Order appears in dashboard

Place a Test Order​

  1. Enable test mode
  2. Visit your store website
  3. Add a book to cart
  4. Complete checkout with test card
  5. Verify order in Shop dashboard

Test Card Numbers​

Use Stripe test cards:

  • Success: 4242 4242 4242 4242
  • Decline: 4000 0000 0000 0002

Going Live​

Once testing is complete:

  1. Disable test mode
  2. Verify Stripe is in live mode
  3. Announce your store to customers
  4. Monitor first real orders closely

Next Steps​