Step-by-step install guide. Follow the Self-Hosted eCommerce Builder Install Guide. Every step has a message you can paste to your AI assistant, so you do not have to do the setup yourself.
Your route from download to live shop
- Pre-installation (Phase 1)Check your server, domain and Stripe account, and create your .env file with your encryption key.
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- Local build and shop preparation (Phase 2)Set up the database, create your admin account and add your content.
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- Deploy to production (Phase 3)Move your finished shop to your server. Use the same encryption key you used locally.
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- Server configuration (Phase 4)Connect your domain, set up Caddy and HTTPS, and test the site.
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- MaintenanceSet up backups, apply updates and keep an eye on uptime.
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This guide provides links to information that will help you get started with your self-hosted eCommerce shop.
Pre-Installation (Phase 1)
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System Requirements - Python version, minimum RAM/storage
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Download & Extract - Where to get the files, how to extract them
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Environment Setup - Creating and configuring the .env file (SECRET_KEY, ENCRYPTION_KEY, DEBUG, ALLOWED_HOSTS, database path)
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Your encryption key - generate it once with python manage.py generate_encryption_key, add it to your .env file and back it up. Stripe, email and AI keys saved in your shop are locked with it. Read why it matters before you go any further.
Self-Hosted Local Build & Shop Preparation Guide (Phase 2)
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Database Setup - Running initial migrations, creating SQLite database
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Static Files - Collecting static files for production
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Creating Your Admin Account - First superuser creation command
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Starting the Application - How to run it ( manage.py runserver for development)
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Check your ENCRYPTION_KEY is in your .env file before you enter any Stripe, email or AI keys
Application Configuration
After starting the application and running it using manage.py runserver you can now add your content. Or you can go through all the phases and then add your content in production. Your choice:
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Account Settings - Change your admin password
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Stripe Settings and Testing Your Shop / Adding Your First Product
Grow Your Shop (Optional)
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Owners Help: AI-Ready Files in Your Admin - hand your AI assistant the right files
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Built-In Sign-Up Forms and Waitlist - build your email list, no embed code needed
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AI Support Desk: Instant Answers for Customers (self-hosted only)
Self-Hosted Deployment to Production Guide (Phase 3)
Phase 3 covers deploying your completed local shop to your production server. At this stage:
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your shop has already been fully built locally
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the SQLite database already exists
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all content, products, and settings are complete
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use the same ENCRYPTION_KEY on the server as you used locally. Do not generate a new one.
Self-Hosted Server Configuration Guide (Phase 4)
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Domain/DNS Setup - Connecting your domain to your server
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Caddy Configuration - Setting up reverse proxy and SSL/HTTPS
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Port Configuration - Ensuring the Django app is accessible
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Testing the Installation - Accessing the site and admin panel
Maintenance Essentials
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Backup Strategy - How to backup SQLite database and media files. Back up your .env file and ENCRYPTION_KEY with it.
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Updating the Application - How to pull updates and run migrations
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Monitoring - Basic health checks they should implement