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I’ve been building ecommerce stores since 2019. Since then, I’ve spent hours selecting products, working out storage systems, executing marketing campaigns, and repetitively packing and shipping orders. I’m always looking for smarter ways to do things and now rely on some helpful products and software to help me run the show.

Ecommerce platforms reduce the time and costs associated with building, launching, and managing an online store.

These platforms offer ecommerce essentials like an AI website builder, product listings, and seamless integration with payment processors such as PayPal and Stripe.

Wix offers a highly flexible platform for ecommerce with a top-of-class AI website builder, access to a huge app market, and unbeatable ease-of-use. It tops our list of the best website builders in 2026.

Shopify is purpose-built for online stores and is a powerhouse of features and tools. It is a little more complex than Wix, so it is better suited to more advanced users.

Hostinger doesn’t quite offer the same ecommerce power as Wix or Shopify, but with plans starting at $2.99/mo (intro rate), all the essential ecommerce tools, and integration with print-on-demand provider Printful, it is a great choice for those just getting started.

Store owners use their laptops to design stunning online experiences, manage inventory, collaborate with employees, edit product images/videos, undertake marketing activities, and much more.

So, picking the right ‘portable HQ’ is essential.

It will need plenty of RAM (memory) to handle your heavy workload. 16GB should be a minimum, but I’ve found 32GB and up is essential if you plan on doing a lot of video/image editing.

Display quality is also essential, especially when it comes to ‘color accuracy’ – you don’t want to be describing something as ‘lime green’ when it is actually forest green. 100% sRGB or DCI-P3 coverage, and 400+ nits is what to look for here.

The Dell 14 Premium is TechRadar’s top pick on our list of the best business laptops and a great pick for ecommerce stores. With an OLED 3.2K display, its color accuracy is fantastic.

At just $299.99, those looking to set up an online store on a shoestring budget should seriously consider the affordable, but functional Acer Aspire 5.

Great photos and videos help give potential customers the information they need to make a purchase. Plus, with so much competition online, engaging visual content offers businesses a way to stand out from the crowd.

Below you will find everything you need to create great product videos and images.

Packing orders is dull, but essential.

Finding ways to speed up the packing and shipping process not only makes your job more interesting but also frees up time to focus on growth activities such as social media and email marketing.

Note: If the idea of packing orders sends shivers down your spine, you could consider a print-on-demand service. This allows you to focus on brand building and marketing, whilst someone else deals with buying, storing, packing, and shipping your orders. Just bear in mind that with greater convenience usually comes smaller profit margins.

Take it from someone who has spent hundreds of hours cutting out and taping on postage labels, a thermal label printer is one of the best time-saving investments you can make for your ecommerce business. Print, peel, stick, send – life changing.

Shipping scales help limit over- or underpaying shipping costs. You can also save time and limit the mess with a packing tape dispenser. Both are simple, but essential to online store success.