WooCommerce Setup Checklist for Lagos Fashion Boutiques
By the ZeDaq.ai team · · 4 min read
On this page
A WooCommerce setup for a Lagos fashion boutique comes down to five jobs: reliable hosting with SSL, a Nigerian payment plugin, products with sizes as variations, clear Lagos and nationwide delivery rates, and help with fit. Work through them in that order and your store can take its first real order the same week.
This checklist is for boutique owners who already sell on Instagram and WhatsApp and want a proper website they own. For the bigger picture on fit, photos and diaspora buyers, see our guide to virtual try-on for African fashion brands.
What do you need before you install WooCommerce?
Get these ready first, so setup does not stall halfway:
- A domain name that matches your Instagram handle as closely as possible
- WordPress hosting with a free or paid SSL certificate, so your site loads on
https:// - Your product photos, shot on a plain background, front, back and one close-up of the fabric
- Your size chart, written as body measurements, not garment flat widths
- A business bank account linked to your payment provider
If you are still choosing between platforms, compare this route with a hosted store. Our guide to showing naira and dollar prices on Shopify shows how the other side handles currencies.
Which payment plugin should a Lagos boutique use?
Most Nigerian boutiques start with Paystack or Flutterwave. Paystack publishes its own Paystack WooCommerce plugin on WordPress.org. The listing says you need a Paystack merchant account, an active WooCommerce install and a valid SSL certificate (checked November 2026).
Your checklist for payments:
- Install the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
- Paste your Paystack test keys and place a test order.
- Switch to live keys only after a test order goes through end to end.
- Turn on bank transfer as an option if your plugin supports it, because many local buyers prefer it.
- Check the plugin listing for the currencies it accepts before you show dollar prices.
How should you set up fashion products?
Use variable products, not one product per size. A single Ankara jumpsuit should have one product page with sizes and colors as variations.
| Setting | What to do |
|---|---|
| Attributes | Create global attributes for Size and Color, so filters work |
| Variations | One per size and color pair, each with its own stock count |
| SKUs | A short code like ANK-JMP-RED-M, so you can find stock fast |
| Images | Attach the right photo to each color variation |
| Fit note | One line under the price, such as "fitted at the waist, size up if between sizes" |
Keep made-to-order items separate from ready-to-wear. If a gown is sewn after payment, say how many working days it takes, right on the product page.
How do you set up delivery for Lagos and the rest of Nigeria?
Create shipping zones that match how you really deliver. A common pattern:
- Lagos Island and Lekki
- Lagos Mainland
- Abuja, Port Harcourt and other cities
- International, if you ship to diaspora customers
Give each zone a flat rate you already know from your dispatch rider or courier. Add a pickup option if customers collect from your studio. Write the delivery days next to each rate so buyers do not message you to ask.
How do you keep WhatsApp in the loop?
Your customers already trust your WhatsApp line. Do not hide it.
- Add a WhatsApp button to the product page and the order confirmation page.
- Put your number in the order email, with the hours you reply.
- Send a short WhatsApp message when an order ships, with the rider or tracking details.
The website takes the payment and the order details. WhatsApp handles the reassurance. Together they cut down on "is this still available?" messages.
How do you help buyers choose the right size?
Fit questions are the most common reason boutique buyers hesitate. A clear size chart helps, and so does a way to see the garment on their own body.
ZeDaq.ai works on WooCommerce through a script-tag widget. You paste one script into your product template, lock the API key to your domain in the dashboard, and the page gets "Try it on" and "Find my size" buttons. The scan recommends a size from your own chart. The full steps are in our guide to virtual try-on for WooCommerce.
Not sure WooCommerce is the right builder for you? Our comparison of Bumpa, Selar and Shopify looks at the other options Nigerian brands consider.
Try ZeDaq.ai free for 3 days
FAQs
What does a WooCommerce boutique cost to run?
Your main running costs are your domain, hosting and any paid themes or plugins you choose. Check the price of each extension on its own listing before you install it.
Can I accept dollar payments on WooCommerce from Lagos?
It depends on your payment provider and plugin settings. Check the currencies your Paystack or Flutterwave account and plugin accept before you show dollar prices.
Should I still sell on Instagram once the website is live?
Yes. Use Instagram to show new pieces and send buyers to the product link. The website gives them a clear price, size chart and checkout.
How many photos does each product need?
Aim for front, back, a side view and a fabric close-up. If you can, add one photo on a model with their height and size written in the caption.
Try ZeDaq.ai free
Virtual try-on and Find my size for your store, plus client, order and invoicing tools for tailors, in one subscription.
