Do you want to start an online store? The biggest mistake beginners make is thinking they need to pay expensive monthly fees to platforms like Shopify or Wix just to exist.
There is a better way. WooCommerce is an open-source platform that runs on WordPress. It powers 30% of all online stores, and it gives you complete ownership of your data and profits.
The "Hidden Costs" of Shopify
Let's be brutally honest about the costs. Most gurus won't tell you this.
Shopify Basic
- Subscription $39.00 / mo
- Transaction Fee 2.0% per sale
- Premium Theme ~$200 (One time)
- Apps (Wishlist etc.) ~$20 / mo
Hostinger + Woo
- Subscription $9.95 / mo (Initial)
- Transaction Fee 0% (Keep it all)
- Premium Theme Free (Included)
- Premium Plugins Free ($450 Value)
You Save ~$400 in Year One
Plus, you never pay transaction fees on your own sales.
Claim Up To 80% Off Hostinger1 Getting the "Online Store" Plan
To run a store, you can't use basic blog hosting. You need security and power.
**Hostinger** offers an optimized "E-Commerce" plan. This is not just hosting; it's a complete e-commerce toolbox.
Why Choose This Plan? (The Secret Sauce)
The "E-Commerce" plan includes $450 worth of YITH Premium Plugins for free. If you bought these separately, you would pay hundreds. This is bundled with fast LiteSpeed servers for maximum speed.
- Gift Cards: Create digital gift cards.
- Wishlist: Let users save products.
- Product Search: Advanced filtering.
- Bookings: For appointments.
Setup Instructions:
- Hostinger'a %80 İndirimle Gitmek için Buraya Tıklayın.
- Select the specialized "E-Commerce" plan.
- Choose the longest term for the best discount (Recommended).
- Claim your Free Domain Name.
- Complete the checkout.
**Hostinger** will automatically install WordPress and WooCommerce. When you log in, you will see a "Store Setup" wizard. Follow it!
2 Adding Products (The Right Way)
WooCommerce lets you sell anything. Let's look at the two main types of products you will create.
A. Simple Product (e.g., A Book)
This has no options. One price, one item.
- Go to Products > Add New.
- Enter Title and Description.
- Scroll down to "Product Data" and keep it as "Simple Product".
- Enter Regular Price ($20) and Sale Price ($15).
- Upload the main image on the right sidebar.
B. Variable Product (e.g., A T-Shirt)
This has options like Size (S/M/L) or Color (Red/Blue).
- Change "Simple Product" to "Variable Product".
- Go to the Attributes tab. Add "Size" and enter values "S | M | L". Save attributes.
- Go to the Variations tab. Select "Create variations from all attributes".
- Now you can set a different price or stock level for each size!
3 Getting Paid (Stripe & PayPal)
You want money in your bank account, right? Let's connect the pipes.
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
Option 1: Stripe (Recommended)
This allows customers to pay directly on your site using Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard) or Apple Pay. It looks professional. Fees are standard (2.9% + 30¢).
Option 2: PayPal
Good for trust, but sometimes takes customers away from your site to pay. We recommend enabling both Stripe and PayPal for maximum sales.
4 Configuring Shipping Zones
You don't want to lose money on shipping. WooCommerce uses "Zones" to determine the cost.
Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.
-
Zone 1: Local (e.g., USA)
Add a shipping method: "Free Shipping" (Requires min order $50) OR "Flat Rate" ($5.00). -
Zone 2: International (e.g., Europe)
Add a shipping method: "Flat Rate" ($20.00). This protects you from expensive overseas shipping costs.
Conclusion: Launch Day
You now have a fully functional online store. You own the data. You own the customer list. You pay zero transaction fees.
The only thing left is to bring traffic. But first, secure your "land" on the internet.
Start Your Empire Today
Don't let the $450 in free plugins slip away. Claim your **80% off Hostinger** deal now.
Build My Store with Hostinger