Sell Everywhere: Your Guide to the Ficos Online Store & Delivery Platform #
Hey there, ambitious shopkeeper! Are you ready to grow your business beyond your physical counter and meet customers wherever they are? Launching an online store and offering local delivery is the ultimate way to expand, and with the new Ficos platform, it’s all seamlessly integrated. This guide will walk you through setting up your unified commerce system, so you can start selling online and delivering to your community. Let’s get started!
About the Author: This article is written by the Ficos Retail team. With years of experience building mobile-first solutions for businesses that operate both online and offline, we have an in-depth understanding of the challenges small retailers face. These new modules were developed based on direct feedback from our user community to solve the critical need for a simple, all-in-one commerce solution. Learn more about our mission at the official Ficos website.
Why Sell Online & Offer Delivery? Key Benefits for Your Business #
Transforming Ficos into your unified commerce hub gives your business a powerful competitive advantage and unlocks incredible benefits:
- Reach More Customers: Break free from the limits of foot traffic. An online store makes your products available to a wider audience, 24/7.
- Increase Your Revenue: By adding new sales channels, you create new opportunities for growth. Offer the convenience of delivery to capture sales you might otherwise miss.
- Never Oversell Again: With a unified inventory, a sale at your counter instantly updates stock on your website, and vice-versa. This eliminates the costly mistake of selling items you don’t have.
- Simplify Your Entire Operation: Stop juggling separate apps. Manage your in-store sales, online orders, and delivery fleet from a single, familiar dashboard, saving you hours of manual work.
- Own the Customer Experience: From browsing your website to the final delivery, you control the entire journey. This builds stronger customer relationships than relying on third-party marketplaces and delivery services.
By activating these features, you’re not just adding a website—you’re building a more resilient and profitable future for your business.
A Closer Look at Your New Commerce Tools #
Once you activate the new modules, Ficos transforms into a complete command center. Here’s a detailed look at the powerful tools now at your fingertips:
- The Online Storefront:
- What it is: A professional, mobile-friendly e-commerce website where you can showcase and sell your products online.
- Key Features: Easy setup with no coding, customizable themes, secure Stripe payments, and a direct sync to your Ficos inventory.
- The Delivery Management System:
- What it is: An end-to-end logistics platform to manage your own team of local delivery drivers.
- Key Features: A central dispatch board to assign jobs, a simplified “Driver Mode” for your drivers, real-time status tracking, and integrated payout management.
Step 1: Navigate to the Online Store Dashboard #
To get started, head to your new command center for all online operations.
- Go to Business Manager:
- From your main Dashboard, find the “Business Manager” section.
- Tap the Online Store button to open your new dashboard.
Step 2: Follow Your Smart To-Do List #
The first thing you’ll see is the Action Required card. This is your intelligent setup guide that tells you exactly what’s needed to get your store ready.
- Clear the Task List:
- This card will show missing items like “Set your public store URL” or “Complete your store’s required content pages.”
- Tap on each task to be taken directly to the right screen to complete it. Your goal is to clear this list!
Step 3: Configure Your Store in the Settings #
In Online Store Settings, you will set up the details of your new channels.
- Set Your Public URL (Slug):
- This is your unique web address (e.g., `ficos.app/@yourstore`). This is the most important step to get your store online.
- Add Your Content:
- Fill out your “About Us” and “Return Policy” pages. Use the “Generate Template” button if you need inspiration!
- Connect Payments:
- Connect your Stripe account to accept card payments online. You can also enable “Cash on Delivery” to allow customers to place orders without upfront payment.
Step 4: Set Up Your Local Delivery Service #
Before you can offer delivery, there are two quick but essential steps.
- Set Your Store Location:
- Pin your physical store’s location on the map. This is the starting point for all delivery calculations.
- Manage Delivery Zones:
- Define your delivery areas and fees (e.g., up to 5km for $5). Ficos will automatically suggest a template for you to start with!
- Once your location and zones are set, you can enable the main “Offer Local Delivery” switch.
Step 5: Go Live! #
Once your essential setup is complete, you’re ready to launch.
- Return to the Online Store Dashboard.
- Find the Live Status Card at the top of the screen.
- Tap the switch to move your store from “Offline” to “LIVE”.
Your Pre-Launch Checklist #
Before you announce your new store to the world, run through this quick checklist.
| Task | Status / Notes |
|---|---|
| Store URL Set | Is your public web address (`slug`) confirmed? |
| Logo Uploaded | Does your store have a professional logo? |
| Content Pages Complete | Are your “About Us” and “Return Policy” pages filled out? |
| Payment Methods Configured | Is Stripe connected and/or Cash on Delivery enabled? |
| Delivery Zones Set | Have you defined your delivery areas and fees? |
| Go Live Switch On | Is your store set to “LIVE” on the dashboard? |
Important: Your online store will not be visible to the public until you have set your URL and turned the “Go Live” switch on.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience #
Make the most of your new capabilities with these tips:
- Promote Your New Store: Share your new store link on social media and with your existing customers to drive your first online sales!
- Train Your Staff: Ensure your team knows how to spot and fulfill new online orders for pickup or delivery.
- Onboard Your Drivers: Show your drivers how to log in and use the simple “Driver Mode” to manage their jobs.
Conclusion #
Activating your Online Store and Delivery service is the most powerful way to grow your business with Ficos. By unifying your operations, you can increase your sales, save time, and provide a better experience for your customers. For more helpful tips, visit the Ficos Documentation. Happy selling!
Frequently Asked Questions #
What does 'Unified Inventory' actually mean? #
It means you have one single list of products for your entire business. When you sell an item in your physical store, the stock count for your online store is automatically reduced. This prevents you from accidentally selling the same item twice and keeps your data perfectly in sync without any manual work.
Do I need to be a web designer to create my online store? #
Not at all! Ficos is designed to be incredibly simple. You can launch your store by flipping a switch, and all your products are pulled from your existing inventory. You can customize the look and feel with professional themes and manage your homepage layout, all without writing a single line of code.
How does the delivery system work for my drivers? #
It’s simple. Your drivers download the same Ficos app. When they log in with their “Driver” role, the app automatically switches to a simplified Driver Mode. It only shows them their assigned jobs, customer details, and a button to get directions. They can update the delivery status with a tap, keeping you informed in real-time.
Can I start with just an online store and add delivery later? #
Absolutely. Ficos is designed to grow with you. You can start by launching your online store for in-store pickup only. When you’re ready to offer local delivery, you can simply set up your location and zones, then enable the delivery switch.
What happens to my online orders if my internet is down? #
While your POS can continue to make sales offline, managing your online store and deliveries requires an internet connection. You will need to be online to receive new online orders, assign them to drivers, and track their status.
