New Store - Best way to set up ?

[bob1982728]

I'm setting up a new store for a customer. I will only have the core Miva product as this is hosted at Earthlink (I know... but the customer is already hosting there and they don't want to change - maybe after they have issues they will). I've done a lot of detailed maint of products, headers, footers, even mmui code for another store with another host - but I've never set one up from scratch. (I'm a programmer/techie and web/database developer).

What's the best way to go about this? There are only about 25 products to be set up. Headers & footers (web page code) are ready. Is there a hardcopy checklist I can use ? Are there paper forms that I can have the customer fill out for things like "shipping notes" etc so I can have all that stuff ready before I start? (I have seen a lot of that set up in the existing store, but I have no idea what we really need and when I will be prompted for it). Is the "create store" wizard the way to go?

Advice appreciated-

[Vic - WolfPaw Computers]

I would say avoid the wizards completely. While good in theory, they lack the specifics many stores will need.

You need a good over all understanding of what the client wants from the store. Look at their requirements vs. what Merchant does out of the box. Weigh in what can be accomplished with adding modules, figure out any coupon/discount/shipping needs.

There isnt a checklist per se, you may way to checkout Pamela Hazelton's E-books at Designextend.com for pointers.