Setting Up Your Store

Quickly launch your eCommerce business using the UltraCart platform — whether you need a full-featured storefront or just a checkout system.

Introduction

UltraCart offers flexible options for setting up your store so you can sell your products in the way that best matches your business model and technical setup. Whether you're launching a full website or simply need a robust checkout solution, UltraCart supports a variety of store configurations — all powered by a powerful backend system for order management, marketing, and analytics.

Key Store Configuration Paths:

• Full StoreFront

• Partial StoreFront

• Checkout-Only StoreFront

• API/Headless eCommerce

Quickstart

Decide how you want to integrate UltraCart into your current business:

1. Need a full website? Choose Full StoreFront.

2. Want to add a catalog + checkout to an existing site? Go with Partial StoreFront.

3. Just need a powerful checkout? Use Checkout-Only StoreFront.

4. Building a headless or custom app? Go with UltraCart API.

5. Create or customize your StoreFront in the UltraCart dashboard.

6. Add products, set up payment/shipping, and test the flow.

7. Launch your store and start selling.

Store Configuration Options

1. Full StoreFront

Use UltraCart to host your entire website, including product catalog, landing pages, and content.

This is the most comprehensive and feature-rich setup. You'll use UltraCart StoreFronts to build and manage your full site — from homepage to checkout — with drag-and-drop visual editing tools and integrated marketing features.

Key Benefits:

• Unified hosting for all pages and products

• Access to premium features like:

  • Live Chat

  • Screen Recordings

  • A/B Testing

  • Personalization

• No need to manage a separate CMS or website host

See Also: StoreFront Editor Basics

2. Partial StoreFront

Integrate StoreFronts with your existing marketing site or CMS by hosting only your store pages with UltraCart.

In this setup, you maintain your current site but use UltraCart to manage your product catalog, item detail pages, and checkout. You can visually match UltraCart-hosted pages to your existing site design using the StoreFront Visual Builder for a seamless customer experience.

Use Case Example:

• You have a WordPress site with a separate /shop/ section powered by UltraCart.

• You keep your blog, homepage, and brand content on your current host.

3. Checkout-Only StoreFront

Keep your existing site as-is and only use UltraCart to handle checkout and order processing.

This configuration is best for merchants who want to host all their product marketing externally (e.g., on a CMS, blog, or landing page builder) but rely on UltraCart for a professional, secure checkout experience.

You can:

• Display products using the UltraCart Buy Buttons.

• Use the WordPress Plugin for deeper integration.

• Send users to an UltraCart-hosted checkout flow and then back to your site post-purchase.

4. API / Headless Commerce

Use UltraCart as a headless eCommerce platform and connect via API to power a custom frontend.

This is the most flexible and developer-driven setup. All core commerce functions (items, carts, orders, customers, etc.) are accessible via the UltraCart REST API. Build your own frontend using any technology — React, Vue, mobile apps, etc. — while UltraCart handles the backend.

Developer Resource: UltraCart API Documentation

Conclusion & Next Steps

No matter how you want to sell — full website, integrated checkout, or a custom solution — UltraCart has a path to support you. Begin by choosing the store configuration that best fits your business goals and technical setup.

Next Steps:

• Explore StoreFront Templates

• Set Up Your First Item

• Customize Checkout Settings

Need help deciding? Reach out to UltraCart Support for personalized guidance.