Business Name: [Your Business Name] Business Type: E-commerce (Non-Store Retailer) SOP Title: Core Business Operations Version: 1.2 Date Created: April 1, 2025 Prepared By: Joseph Provence/Salt Creative] Next Review Date: April 6, 2026

1. Purpose: To establish consistent and efficient procedures for the day-to-day operations of [Your Business Name], ensuring product quality, timely order fulfillment, excellent customer service, and accurate record-keeping, all managed from a home-based setting.

2. Scope: This SOP covers all primary operational activities including inventory management, product listing, marketing, order processing, shipping & fulfillment, customer service, and basic financial tracking for [Your Business Name]'s e-commerce activities conducted via [mention your primary sales channels, e.g., Shopify store, Etsy shop, eBay account, social media].

3. Responsibility: The Business Owner [or specify roles if more than one person] is responsible for implementing, adhering to, and updating these procedures.

4. Procedures:

4.1 Inventory Management

• 4.1.1 Sourcing/Receiving:
  • Identify and vet suppliers/sources for products [Specify your method: wholesale purchase, handmade, dropshipping, etc.].
  • Upon receiving new inventory:
    • Immediately inspect items for damage, defects, and quantity discrepancies against the packing slip or purchase order.
    • Document any issues (photos, notes) and contact the supplier within [e.g., 24 hours] if problems exist.
    • Record received inventory accurately in the inventory tracking system [Specify: e.g., Google Sheet, Inventory Management Software, E-commerce Platform Backend].
• 4.1.2 Storage:
  • Store inventory in designated, organized areas within the home [Specify location: e.g., dedicated closet, shelving unit in office].
  • Organize using a clear system [Specify: e.g., by SKU, product type, size] for easy retrieval.
  • Protect inventory from damage (dust, moisture, pests, sunlight, pets, etc.).
• 4.1.3 Tracking & Reordering:
  • Update inventory levels in the tracking system [Specify frequency: e.g., daily after shipping, immediately upon sale if not automated].
  • Conduct a physical inventory count [Specify frequency: e.g., monthly, quarterly] to reconcile with records.
  • Establish reorder points/levels for key products based on sales velocity and supplier lead times.
  • Place reorders proactively to avoid stockouts.

4.2 Product Listing & Website Management

• 4.2.1 Product Photography & Description:
  • Take clear, well-lit product photos from multiple angles using [Specify equipment: e.g., smartphone, DSLR, lightbox]. Maintain a consistent style/background.
  • Write detailed, accurate, and keyword-rich product descriptions, including dimensions, materials, care instructions, etc.
  • Optimize titles and descriptions for search engines (SEO) relevant to your platform(s).
• 4.2.2 Pricing:
  • Determine pricing based on [Specify strategy: e.g., cost-plus markup, competitor analysis, value-based pricing]. Ensure pricing covers costs (product, shipping materials, platform fees, time) and desired profit margin.
• 4.2.3 Listing Creation:
  • Log in to [Specify platform: e.g., Shopify Admin, Etsy Seller Dashboard].
  • Create new listings following platform guidelines, uploading photos, descriptions, pricing, inventory levels, and shipping options.
  • Categorize and tag products appropriately.
  • Proofread all listing information before publishing.
• 4.2.4 Platform Maintenance:
  • Regularly check the storefront for broken links, outdated information, or display errors [Specify frequency: e.g., weekly].
  • Update plugins, themes, or apps as needed (if applicable, e.g., Shopify).
  • Ensure policies (Shipping, Returns, Privacy) are up-to-date and clearly visible.

4.3 Marketing & Sales

• 4.3.1 Promotion Channels:
  • Execute marketing activities on chosen channels [Specify: e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Email Marketing via Mailchimp, SEO efforts].
  • Follow a content schedule [Specify if applicable: e.g., post 3x weekly on Instagram].
• 4.3.2 Promotions & Discounts:
  • Plan and execute sales or promotional campaigns using platform tools.
  • Clearly define terms and duration for any discounts or offers.
• 4.3.3 Performance Monitoring:
  • Review platform analytics [Specify frequency: e.g., weekly, monthly] to track traffic, conversion rates, and popular products. Adjust strategy based on data.

4.4 Order Processing

• 4.4.1 Order Notification & Review:
  • Check for new orders via [Specify method: e.g., email notifications, platform dashboard] at least [Specify frequency: e.g., twice daily - morning and afternoon].
  • Review order details: customer information (address verification if possible), items ordered, payment status (ensure payment is confirmed/cleared).
  • Check stock availability against the order.