Titles and descriptions
A product title should say what it is in words a buyer would use, like 'Vintage 1960s Fashion Doll, Red Dress.' The description should cover size, materials, maker if verified, condition, what is included, and care. Be honest about flaws. Short paragraphs or bullet points are easier to read on a phone.
Photos that show the real item
Use natural light, a plain background, and several angles, including close-ups of labels and flaws. Keep photos the same shape and style across your store. Do not use filters that change colors or hide damage. Shopify lets you add alt text, a short written description of the photo for people who use screen readers; fill it in.
Price, cost, and variants
Enter your price and, optionally, your cost per item so Shopify can show profit. Variants are versions of one product, like candle sizes or scents, each with its own price and stock. One-of-a-kind items, like a single doll, usually do not need variants. The Finances Pricing lesson shows how to include fees and shipping in your price.
Inventory basics
Inventory is the stock you have. Turn on quantity tracking so Shopify marks an item sold out when it hits zero. For one-of-a-kind items, set quantity to 1. If you also sell in person, update counts or use Shopify's point of sale so you do not sell the same item twice.
A real-world example
Dana lists a doll as 'Vintage 1970s Doll with Original Outfit, Missing One Shoe.' She adds six photos including a close-up of a scuff, sets quantity to 1, enters her cost, and writes alt text for each photo.
Steps to take
- Write a clear title in buyer words.
- Describe size, materials, condition, and what is included.
- Add several honest photos with alt text.
- Set price and cost per item.
- Add variants only if the product has real versions.
- Turn on inventory tracking.
Product listing check
This checklist is optional and not saved. Copy it to keep a personal note. Do not enter sensitive information.
Go deeper in related modules
Not sure what a word means? Check Business Words Made Simple.
Official guidance
Use these official sources for current rules and details. They do not replace advice for your particular business.
- Shopify Help: Products (opens in a new tab)
Official guide to adding products, variants, and inventory.
- Shopify Academy (opens in a new tab)
Free official Shopify courses for store owners.