Jigoshop is an open source eCommerce plugin for WordPress offered by Jigo LTD. It lets you quickly turn your hosted WordPress site into a fully featured online store. They provide many support packages ranging from basic store setup to full website management including updates and SEO assistance.
Given their long history being used for eCommerce hosting, they make a reliable partner for any small business getting a store up and running. First, we’re going to install the Jigoshop plugin:
Install The Jigoshop e-Commerce Plugin
- In the Admin Panel Click “Plugins” and Then “Add New”
- Search for Jigoshop in the Search Bar
- Click “Install Now” and then “Activate” Next to the Jigoshop eCommerce Plugin
- Click “Jigoshop” On the Left Menu to Open Your Dashboard
The Jigoshop plugin is now installed but there are several things you’re going to need to do before your store is up and running. First, we’re going to go over several localization settings for your store and then go over adding categories and products. Finally, we’ll discuss setting up shipping and payment options.
Store Settings
Click “Settings” Under Jigoshop on the Left Menu.
The “General” tab contains localization settings for your store. Make sure to set your store location, contact settings, currency type, and automated email address settings on this tab. Make sure to click “Save Changes” at the bottom.
Next click “Shopping”.
On this tab you can set a few store options such as the number of items per page, the behavior of the cart after items are placed in it and if guest checkout is allowed. You should review all of the options on this tab and set them as you’d like for your store to behave.
Click on the “Products” tab
On the products tab you’ll need to setup some product specific settings such as what weight systems (pounds vs. kilograms), how to handle product thumbnails, and how to handle out of stock items. You’ll need to review every setting on this page.
Selecting a Theme for Your Store
Now that you have some of the general settings configured, you’ll also need to take a look at the different themes compatible with Jigoshop. Not all themes make great storefronts and not all are compatible with the Jigoshop plugin.
You can see the list on the Jigoshop website under the Themes link at the top of the page. To set a theme for your site select “Appearance” and then “Themes”.
Selecting a Payment Gateway
Selecting a payment gateway is one of the more important choices you are going to make while setting up your store. By default, Jigo will show options for Cheque payments, Bank Drafts, and Worldpay but there are many extensions available to increase the number of supported payment gateways.
Extensions can be found on the Jigoshop website. To configure your payment gateway click “Settings” under Jigoshop and then “Payments” on the menu bar.
Shipping
Finally set up your shipping options. You have the ability to set both flat rate shipping and variable priced rates as well as configure your site to allow in-store pickup.
You also configure options such as setting your store to ship only to a customer’s billing address. To configure your shipping options click “Settings” under Jigoshop and then “Shipping” on the menu bar.
Products and Categories
Finally, you can add products to your site by clicking on “Products” on the left-hand menu.
There is a “Categories” option that will let you set up different product categories. Simple click “Add new” to add a product category.
To add a product simply click “Add New” under “Products” on the left-hand menu.
On this screen, you can define all of the product properties such as product name, price, and description.
After going through this article, you’ll have setup the basics of your new Jigoshop online store. Before you go live, take some time to make sure all the pages of your template are setup correctly. Double check your payment gateway and shipping options as well. Just remember if you have issues you can always get support from Jigoshop LTD. directly and get your store up and running.
Check out these top 3 WordPress hosting services:
- Check out our recommendations for the best wordpress web hosting.
