Home Appliances Online Store: A Complete Launch Guide

Q: What filters are needed for refrigerators?

Refrigerator type, freezing type (No Frost / Full No Frost / drip), total usable capacity, width for a niche, energy efficiency class, compressor, installation and color.

Q: What filters are needed for washing machines?

Load type (front-load/top-load/narrow), load in kg, spin speed, energy efficiency and wash classes, drying availability, installation and color.

Q: What is automatic import and how often should prices be updated?

A scheduled upload of the supplier price list — from 4 hours to 28 days. New models are added, prices and stock update themselves. For appliances every 6–12 hours is recommended.

Potential profit and real benefits: why open a home appliances store Business

Home appliances is one of the most "mature" e-commerce niches: a high average order value, predictable demand and a huge choice of cross-sell products. Unlike impulse purchases, appliances are chosen deliberately — so the store where it is convenient to filter, compare and trust wins. That is where a good catalog wins: smart filters, specifications, configurations and honest information about delivery and warranty.

Situation 1: you already have an offline store or a sales point

You have a showroom, a warehouse and suppliers. A website on BooStore turns them into 24/7 sales: the catalog syncs with stock, orders arrive in Telegram and CRM, and marketplace exports bring in buyers who are looking for a specific model on Hotline or Rozetka. Even if half of the purchases continue in-store, the website becomes a showcase and a self-service sales tool.

Situation 2: dropshipping and made-to-order sales

The fast-moving range (microwaves, vacuum cleaners, kettles, small appliances) can be kept made-to-order with suppliers: connect up to 30 import sources with different markups and automatic stock updates — a warehouse is optional. Keep large appliances (refrigerators, washing machines) selectively: 2–3 brands, the hottest models, the rest on request from the supplier's price list.

Situation 3: starting from scratch in the niche

Start with 50–150 SKUs: microwaves, kettles, vacuum cleaners, small appliances — a low entry barrier for delivery and returns. Then add large appliances once you understand the audience. The website launches free of charge in a day: the Free plan is unlimited, up to 1000 products, no sales commissions.

💡 The essence of the niche: one refrigerator sale worth 25,000–60,000 UAH is equivalent to dozens of small-item sales. Plus a constant tail: water and vacuum filters, hoses, covers, dishwasher tablets, spare parts and "frequently bought together". Smart filters and model comparison turn a catalog into a consultant that sells for you.

The technical foundation is provided by the BooStore platform: variants (color and configuration), specifications and search filter, wholesale prices, cashback, TTN, Telegram store, API and exports. The full list of features is in the article "Full BooStore SaaS functionality", and how to build a store that runs without your constant involvement is covered in the guide "The automated store that works for you".

Step-by-step plan: how to create an appliance store from scratch Step-by-step guide

A 10-step scheme will take you from registration to the first order and the first exports to platforms. It is based on the BooStore step-by-step guide and adapted for the specifics of appliances: dimensions, warranty, configurations and model comparison.

1

Registration and template

Create the website and choose a template focused on large product cards and a clear catalog. The template can be changed at any time — products, settings and SEO are preserved.

2

Categories and product types

Build the catalog structure (large appliances, kitchen, home care, climate, accessories). Create product types and specifications — the filter, info tables and comparison are built from them.

3

Specifications and filters

Define your own parameters for each group: for refrigerators — capacity and freezing type, for washing machines — load and spin speed, for microwaves — power and grill. Details are in the filters section.

4

Products, colors and configurations

Fill in the cards manually or via import. Each variant (color, configuration) has its own SKU, price, stock and photo (see the variants section).

5

Wholesale prices and cashback

Set a wholesale scale by quantity, customer groups (retail/wholesale/dealers) and a cashback rate — appliances are often bought for resale and for furnishing apartments.

6

Payment and fees

Connect online payment (a domain is required), configure fees and, if necessary, add a percentage to the payment to cover the gateway costs. See the payment section.

7

Delivery, lifting and TTN

Connect carriers via API, add self-pickup and a courier with lifting (with/without an elevator), set up calculation by dimensions and weight. See the delivery section.

8

Orders, CRM and Telegram

Enable Telegram notifications, the built-in CRM and, if you wish, a store right in the Telegram channel — a showcase for subscribers with ordering inside the bot.

9

SEO, blog and exports

Fill in meta tags and clean URLs, enable Schema.org, start a blog ("How to choose a refrigerator", "What washing machine capacity do you need"). At the same time, export the catalog to Hotline, Rozetka, Prom, Epicentr and ek.ua.

10

Analytics and growth

Watch statistics by models and brands, launch seasonal promotions (air conditioners in summer, heaters in autumn), keep an eye on stock of popular configurations. See the analytics section.

🌟 Checklist: an extended 29-point list for launch is in the article "Online store launch checklist", and the legal nuances of selling in Ukraine are covered in "How to open a store in Ukraine".

Template and design of a home appliances store

The design of an appliance store should help people compare and trust: large photos of models, neat specification tables, visible warranty and delivery terms. Without "loud" banners — attention should go to the product and the filters.

Large images: appliances are examined in detail — angles, the inner compartments of a refrigerator, the washing machine control panel. Add a video review to the card;
Specification tables: show the key parameters right in the card (capacity, energy efficiency class, dimensions for a niche);
Trust block: warranty, service centers, return and lifting terms — in a prominent place;
Mobile version: most of the traffic is smartphones; the filter should open as a convenient panel, not a long list;
Model comparison: enable the comparison module — for appliances it is the main selection tool.

Colors, fonts and background are configured in the design editor, ready-made sections are in the visual blocks library. Changing the template does not break the catalog or SEO.

BooStore offers full design customization: you can use a ready-made template or ready visual blocks, or assemble your own unique elements — from individual sections to a custom page structure. Any front-end developer will quickly get the hang of the platform: the markup and styles are clear, and edits do not touch the catalog or order logic. Read more in the article "Full design customization".

Catalog structure: categories, brands, collections

A clear structure is critical for appliances: the buyer arrives with a model or a task in mind ("I need a refrigerator up to 70 cm"). Split the catalog by the purpose and size of the appliance:

Large home appliances: refrigerators, washing and dishwashing machines, hobs, ovens, hoods;
For the kitchen: microwaves, kettles, coffee machines, blenders, multicookers, juicers;
Home care: vacuum cleaners (robot vacuums separately), irons, steam cleaners, ironing systems;
Climate: air conditioners, heaters, humidifiers, fans (high seasonality — an SEO win);
Small appliances and accessories: filters, hoses, covers, dishwasher tablets, connection kits — a source of repeat purchases;
Brands and collections: manufacturer filters give extra search entry points ("LG No Frost refrigerator").

Create a dedicated set of specifications for each category — then the filter in "Refrigerators" will not show washing machine spin speeds, and "Microwaves" will not show refrigerator capacity.

Search filters: how the buyer chooses a model Critical

Home appliances are sold on specifications. A person does not "try on" a refrigerator — they filter: freezing type, capacity, width for a niche, energy class. Without a smart filter the catalog turns into a wall of cards, and the buyer leaves for a place with more convenient selection. BooStore provides a built-in search filter that is built from product specifications and configured without third-party services and without a programmer.

📐 Specifications = filter + table

The same specifications work in three places: the search filter, the info table in the card and product comparison. Fill them in once — they work everywhere.

🔍 Its own parameters for each category

A product type is a container of specifications. In "Refrigerators" the buyer sees capacity and No Frost, in "Washing Machines" — load and spin speed. Extra parameters are hidden automatically.

✅ Counters and "out of stock"

Next to each value is the number of matching models. Empty values can be struck through or hidden so the buyer does not end up on empty result pages.

📈 Comparison of up to 4 models

Enabled in the filter settings. The buyer puts 2–3 refrigerators side by side and sees the difference in capacity, class and price — this closes the "what's the difference?" objection.

❄ Example 1: filter for refrigerators Demo

For refrigerators, dimensions for a niche, compartment type and capacity and freezing type are critical. Buyers usually start with size and No Frost — make these parameters first.

🧺 Example 2: filter for washing machines Demo

Washing machines have a different set of criteria: load type, kg of laundry, classes and spin speed. Plus a separate branch — washer-dryers (condensation drying). Compare: the parameters are completely different from refrigerators — which is why product types are created separately.

🍳 Example 3: filter for microwave ovens Demo

Microwaves are the most "impulsive" appliance category: people often buy a cheap model right away, and choose by capacity, power, grill type and controls. Minimalism fits here: a short filter and quick selection.

How to create a filter on BooStore (step by step)

Create a product type — in the "Store" → "Product types and specifications" section. One type per direction (for example, "Large appliances", "Small appliances", "Climate") or a separate one for each category.
Add specifications and values — "Freezing type", "Load", "Power", etc. Values are easy to create in bulk: there is a quick import as a text list and JSON paste from the clipboard — dozens of values are created in a minute.
Auto-hiding of irrelevant data. In the filter settings enable the option "do not display specifications that are not in the open category": "Microwaves" will not show refrigerator capacity, and "Refrigerators" will not show spin speeds.
Place the filter in the category. Create a functional menu called "Search filter" and specify the product type ID (selected from a list). A functional menu is a block with predefined functions (in this case, a search filter); it can be styled individually because the platform allows full style customization. The setup happens in regular popup windows.
Fill in specifications for products — in the card or via import. The filter, specification table and comparison are built from the values automatically.

💡 Lifehack for appliances: create short cheat sheets in the blog — "How to choose a refrigerator for your kitchen size", "How many kg of laundry a family needs", "Microwave power: what to choose" — and insert links right into the filter or the card. This reduces returns and builds trust.

Detailed instructions on specifications and the filter are in the BooStore knowledge base.

⚙️ What else you can configure in the filter

Automatic path detection (autopath): the filter figures out where to search by itself — by category, collection or manufacturer; the path can be forced (pathurl) or set to a site-wide search (all);
Auto-hiding empty values (hideempty, hideempty_all): the buyer does not see parameters without models;
Auto page refresh (autosubmit): tick a checkbox — the results are recalculated immediately, without a button;
Counters (count, count_all): the number of models for each value;
Search across subcategories (child_cat): one filter serves the whole catalog branch.

You switch it on with checkboxes in the functional menu popup — no code editing needed.

Variants: color and configuration Demo

One refrigerator model is often sold in several colors and configurations (with an ice maker, without one, with an inverter compressor in the "top" version). In BooStore this is solved with variants: each version has its own SKU, price, stock and photo — the buyer switches color or configuration right in the card, while the filter and marketplaces receive correct data for every position.

🎨 How the buyer chooses color and configuration — a live example

Samsung RB34 Twin Cooling Plus Refrigerator

SKU: RB34-WH · In stock · Warranty 24 months

📦

Color: ⬜ White

⬜ White 🩶 Silver ⬛ Black

Configuration: No Frost

Standard No Frost No Frost + ice maker

27 999 грн 30 999 грн −10% ⬜ White · No Frost · in stock

Color and configuration switch independently: price, SKU and photo update on the fly. Each combination has its own stock. This is an interactive example: in a real store you define the set of options yourself.

What variants give your business

One card instead of duplicates: no need to create 3 cards for colors — SEO weight and reviews accumulate on a single model;
Correct data feeds: marketplaces receive each variant as a separate offer with its own SKU and stock;
Filter by color and configuration: the buyer filters out "black is out of stock" before even opening the card;
Wholesale prices per variant: the "top" configuration can have its own wholesale scale.

💡 Configuration as upsell: the difference between "Standard" and "No Frost + ice maker" is 7 000 грн added to the order value on a single model. It is often more profitable to sell one model in a top configuration than two cheap ones. More about variant mechanics and their export to feeds — in the article "Export to marketplaces".

How to add products: manually or bulk import Content

Two ways to fill the store — the choice depends on the volume and update frequency.

Manual addition — for 50–150 items

Suitable for a start and precise control. In the card you fill in: name, price, category, manufacturer, photos and video, description, specifications, variants (color, configuration), weight and dimensions (important for delivery calculation!), warranty period.

Bulk import — for hundreds and thousands of SKUs

A supplier catalog with thousands of models is loaded in a single operation. BooStore supports import from:

Excel (CSV / XLS): the structure can be downloaded via export and used as a template;
Google Sheets: a live connection by URL — edits in the sheet sync with the store;
XML / YML: the standard price-list format of home appliance distributors;
ZIP archives: price list + photos in one archive;
1C / BAS and other accounting systems — via export to CSV/XML.

What you can import in one upload

📦 Variants

Colors and configurations with unique SKUs, individual prices, stock levels and images.

📈 Prices and stock

Retail, old, wholesale and purchase price; quantity with increments.

📐 Specifications and dimensions

Values for the filter, weight (kg) and dimensions (mm) — delivery and lifting are calculated from them.

📄 SEO data

Meta Title, Meta Description and a clean URL for each model.

📷 Images

Main and additional photos: specify the URL — the system downloads and converts them to WebP.

⚖ Formula-based markup

The markup is set as a mathematical expression (for example, ×1.25 + 200) and applied to the supplier price list.

Details are in the instructions "Adding products" and the article "Bulk price and catalog updates".

Automatic import and stock updates Auto

Home appliance distributor prices change often, and a model stuck in the warehouse is a common story. Manual price-list reconciliation for thousands of SKUs is unrealistic. BooStore updates the catalog on a schedule from dozens of sources (CSV/XLS/XML/YML, Google Sheets, FTP/HTTP/HTTPS), supporting up to 30 sources with different markup and filtering rules.

Schedule — from 4 hours to 28 days; new models are added, prices and stock are updated automatically;
Different markups for different sources: your own warehouse has a higher margin, a dropshipping price list — lower;
Filtering on import: keep only the brands or categories you need, cut obsolete models;
Group editor: change prices, categories and availability for thousands of SKUs at once (see bulk price updates);
Auto-inserting descriptions from specifications: a template generates text for each model — unique and SEO-friendly.

🌟 Scenario: 8 000 models from 3 distributors. You set up 3 import sources with different markup formulas and a "every 6 hours" schedule — prices and stock are always up to date, and you only control the margin. How to build a fully autonomous store — in the article "The automated store that works 24/7".

Wholesale prices by quantity and B2B Bonus

Home appliances are often bought wholesale: contractors and installers (microwaves, water heaters for sites), small shops, apartment and office furnishers. BooStore supports wholesale prices by quantity right in the product card and its variants: you set a scale — and the price automatically drops when the buyer takes more units.

💰 Wholesale price scale: the buyer sees the benefit right away

1–2 pcs

24 999 грн

Retail price

3–5 pcs

23 749 грн

−5% off retail

6–10 pcs

22 999 грн

−8% off retail

Best value

11+ pcs

21 999 грн

−12% · wholesale request

Selected: 1 pcs × 24 999 грн Total: 24 999 грн

The scale is configured in the product card (including variants). This is an interactive example.

What else B2B gives you on BooStore

Customer groups: retail, wholesale, dealers, group discounts — the customer sees their own price after logging in;
Hidden prices: "Price on request" for unregistered visitors — standard practice in B2B appliance sales;
Minimum order amount/quantity: protection against "1 pc at the wholesale price" orders;
Invoice for legal entities: generating a payment link for non-cash payment (sole proprietor / LLC), a CRM notification on payment;
Export to 1C: orders go to the accounting system via Commerce API or Webhook.

More about B2B mechanics — in the "Wholesale prices and B2B" section of the article "Full BooStore functionality".

Cashback, bonuses, promotions and newsletters Retention

A repeat sale of an appliance is cheaper than the first: accessories, consumables, components and a "second" appliance for a country house. The BooStore cashback system credits the buyer with bonuses on every order — the rate can be set as a percentage of the order amount or as a fixed number (for example, 200 грн per order). The accrual is calculated by a formula with a limit: cashback cannot exceed the configured cap based on the order amount — even on a large check you do not "drain" your margin. Bonuses can be used either right after accrual (spending "fresh" bonuses on the next purchase) or accumulated from previous purchases, spending the balance on big buys — while redemption per order is limited to a percentage of its amount (for example, no more than 3%). Cashback is stored on the customer's bonus account, and registering in the store also earns cashback — it is a built-in platform feature that attracts the customer before the first purchase. For an appliance store this works as retention and as a tool of "careful" choice: the buyer comes back to you rather than to an aggregator.

🏆 How the buyer sees cashback

Cashback under your program

Order amount27 999 грн

Balance from previous purchases3 090 bonuses

Redemption limit: 3% of the order amount840 bonuses

Redemption for this order−840 bonuses

We will credit after the order (3%)+840 bonuses

Available to redeem: 840 bonuses
balance after redemption: 2 250 · new cashback: +840

Cashback can be used either right after accrual — spending "fresh" bonuses — or accumulated from previous purchases, spending the balance on big buys. The example shows exactly the accumulated balance of 3 090 bonuses: only 840 can be redeemed for this order — no more than 3% of the order amount. You set the accrual rate as a percentage or a fixed number — globally or for customer groups, with a limit. This is an example.

Sales growth tools on one base

📝 Promotions and discounts

Discounts on models, old prices, "Hit" and "−%" labels, seasonal promotions (air conditioners in summer, heaters in winter).

📧 E-mail newsletters

The base is collected automatically on orders: new arrivals, warehouse sales, abandoned cart reminders, "back in stock" emails.

💬 Telegram newsletters

Announcements of new arrivals and promotions to channel subscribers — right where the buyer already lives.

🔔 Reactivation

Automatic emails about an unfinished purchase and "come back for your bonuses" bring back part of the lost carts.

Ready-made newsletter scenarios are described in the automation section, and about the Telegram channel as a sales channel — below, in the section about the Telegram store (how to create an online store in Telegram).

Online payment, fees and formula-based calculation Money

For appliances, online payment is critical: the buyer does not want to carry cash for a refrigerator and is ready to pay by card right away. On BooStore all payments happen after the order is placed: the system generates a number, the buyer chooses a method and pays. Each payment gateway is configured to your rules (behavior on cancellation, compensation percentage, receipt fields). For most gateways, payment cancellation is available from sales statistics, and the payment method can be changed with a new link sent.

🔄 Payment refunds

A refund to the buyer is issued right from sales statistics — full or partial: return the whole amount or, for example, only the difference for a canceled order item.

🔒 Hold until the order is checked

The hold scheme: money is charged from the buyer's card but confirmed only after you check the order — product availability and configuration. For expensive appliances it works well.

Payment systems

Payment system	Why it is useful for appliances
Monobank / MonoPay	Instant crediting, Apple Pay / Google Pay
LiqPay	Installments, part payments for expensive models
PrivatBank	A wide audience, including corporate cards
Hutko	Popular among Ukrainian sellers
iPay	Ukrainian acquiring: fiscal receipt (order composition passed), refunds, Apple Pay / Google Pay
WayForPay	Installments, invoices for legal entities
Fondy	International cards, multi-currency
Stripe / PayPal	Sales abroad (multilingual website)
Square	Subscriptions and buy now pay later (BNPL), Apple Pay / Google Pay / Cash App Pay, multi-currency (USD, EUR, GBP etc.)

The full list of supported payment systems and their capabilities is on the payment connection page.

💰 Fee compensation (formula): the payment settings contain a field "Add a percentage to the payment" — for example, +2% to the order amount to cover the gateway fee. Combine it with formula-based markup on import (see below) — and your margin stays flat in any scenario. Payment systems are available for websites with their own domain. The full guide and the list of available payment gateways — "Online payment".

Formula-based calculation of markups and fees

BooStore can calculate prices with mathematical expressions — the markup is set as a formula and applied automatically on import and price updates:

Simplest formula: purchase price 20 000 грн → ×1.25 + 500 = 25 500 грн on the website;
Operation chain: sequential steps (percent, fixed, percent) — for example, "+15% for bulky delivery + 300 грн";
Different formulas for different sources: distributor #1 has a ×1.22 markup, #2 — ×1.28 (logistics is more expensive there);
Markup in exports too: for marketplaces you can set a separate markup/discount so platform fees do not "eat" your margin.

Details are in the article "Bulk price updates from Google Sheets". About fiscalization and taxes for sole proprietors/LLCs, read the separate blog materials on accepting payments and fiscal cash registers.

Delivery of large appliances, lifting and TTN Important

Delivery is half of the trust in the appliances niche. A refrigerator or a washing machine cannot just be "shipped": dimensions, weight, floor lifting and clear deadlines are required. BooStore calculates the cost by the rules you set, and carrier integrations give automatic hints and TTN creation right in the dashboard.

🧾 What carrier integration gives you

Automatic hints: city, branch or locker is filled into the order form from the carrier's database;
Calculation by dimensions and weight: weight (kg) and size (mm) from the product card → real delivery cost;
TTN in the dashboard: waybill creation, printing, automatic statuses by TTN number — no manual entry;
Carriers: Nova Poshta, Ukrposhta, Meest (Ukraine and abroad), international shipping via Goshippo (DHL, UPS, FedEx, USPS);
Full guide: "Delivery".

🏢 Specifics of large appliances

Self-pickup from a pickup point / showroom: free or for a fixed fee — add your own locations in the settings;
Courier with lifting: create separate delivery methods "Courier + lifting (elevator)" and "Courier + lifting (no elevator)" with different prices;
Your own math: fixed price, % of the amount, calculation by volume (m³) or weight (kg), combinations;
Cash on delivery: payment on receipt — important for the first order from a new store;
Acceptance warning: ask the buyer to inspect the box on receipt — this protects against disputes over damage.

🚚 Order example: the delivery method changes the fields and the cost

Choose a delivery method:

🏪 Self-pickup from the showroomFree · configuration check at pickup 📦 Nova Poshta, branchCalculated by dimensions and weight · TTN created in the dashboard 🚚 Courier + lifting (elevator)Door delivery · carry-in to the apartment 💪 Courier + lifting (no elevator)Two-person crew · floor to be confirmed

Self-pickup

🏪 Pickup point: Kyiv, Prykladna St, 10

🕔 Hours: 10:00–19:00, seven days a week

💰 Delivery cost: 0 грн

Refrigerator 27 999 грн + delivery 0 грн = 27 999 грн

The set of form fields is configured for each delivery method, and the cost is filled in automatically. This is an interactive example.

🔄 Returns and warranty for appliances

Appliances can be returned within 14 days provided they keep their original look and complete set — the terms should be described on a dedicated store page. Specify the warranty period in the card, describe the warranty repair procedure and service centers. Return statuses, refund amounts and return TTNs are processed in sales statistics and the dashboard. Describe the return terms on a dedicated store page — it protects both you and the buyer.

Orders, built-in CRM and Telegram store Sales

Appliance orders are not processed "the same minute" — a confirmation call is needed: check the configuration, agree on lifting and the date. BooStore speeds this up: orders instantly arrive in Telegram and the dashboard, statuses are managed by the built-in CRM, and sales can be opened right in the Telegram channel.

📲 Built-in CRM

Customer base with order and purchase history;
Status funnel: "New" → "Confirmed" → "Paid" → "Shipped" → "Completed" (+ returns);
Order snapshots on every change — a history of who changed what;
Manager assignment and rights separation: one sees only their orders, another — the catalog;
Export to XLS/CSV and e-mail newsletters over the customer base.

📢 Store in a Telegram channel

The BooStore platform can turn a Telegram channel into a showcase: the subscriber opens the catalog bot, browses the catalog, picks a model and places an order right in Telegram — without going to the website. This is a separate sales channel with a minimal threshold: the client is already in the messenger and does not need to "install" anything.

📢 How the buyer orders appliances right in Telegram

👋 Welcome! Open the catalog or find a model by name.

🔎 Samsung No Frost refrigerator

📦Samsung RB34 Twin Cooling27 999 грн · in stock

📦Samsung RB50 Side-by-Side42 499 грн · in stock

📦 Choose a configuration and a pickup method:

🚚 Courier with lifting (elevator)

✅ Order #1042 created. The manager will confirm the configuration and the time. The payment link is below.

🛒 Catalog📋 My orders💰 Bonuses

Catalog, search, checkout and payment — inside Telegram. This is an interface example.

📡 Newsletters to subscribers

Arrival announcements: "Samsung RB34 is back in stock" — a notification to those who viewed the model;
Promotions and warehouse sales: seasonal clearances (air conditioners at the end of the season, heaters);
Bonus pushes: "We credited 500 bonuses — use them by the end of the month";
E-mail + Telegram together: the same database segments in two channels.

More: "Sales and subscriber automation in Telegram", "A catalog store in Telegram" and "Order management in Telegram / CRM".

SEO and free promotion of an appliance store

Model queries ("LG GA-B509 refrigerator") and review queries ("how to choose a washing machine up to 70 cm") are free traffic that is especially valuable in an expensive niche. BooStore provides SEO tools out of the box:

Clean URLs, meta tags, automatic sitemap.xml, robots.txt, canonical, 301 redirects;
Schema.org markup (Product, Offer, FAQPage) — rich snippets with price and availability in search;
PageSpeed 99–100 and responsive layout;
Blog: "How to choose a refrigerator", "How many kg of laundry a family needs", "Microwave power" — targeted articles for queries;
Export to Google Merchant Center for product ads (see free Google Shopping listings).

More in the articles "Website SEO", "Why an online store needs a blog" and "Schema.org markup". For an appliance store, model comparisons and review articles work especially well — they bring in "warm" buyers who already have an appliance class in mind.

Catalog export: Hotline, Rozetka, Prom, Epicentr, ek.ua Sales channels

In the home appliances niche the buyer almost always starts not from your website but from aggregators and marketplaces: searching for a model, comparing prices, reading specs. So the catalog should be "spread" across the platforms right after launch — and keep prices/stock synchronized. BooStore has ready-made exports out of the box, no outbound links are needed — the setup lives in the admin panel.

📢 Where to export the catalog and why

Platform	Export format on BooStore	Why appliances need it
Hotline	Ready CSV price list	Ukraine's largest price comparison aggregator: people go here for the model "Samsung RB34 refrigerator" and its price. For appliances it is the #1 source of "hot" traffic after search.
Rozetka	XML (YML)	Ukraine's largest marketplace with huge traffic in appliance categories. Sales go through their cart; your job is a competitive price and up-to-date stock.
Prom.ua	XML	A B2B and B2C platform: works well for wholesale offers furnishing apartments/offices and for "model" traffic.
Epicentr	XML	A construction-and-home giant: kitchen and small appliances, appliances "for the renovation" — overlaps with the renovation and furnishing audience.
ek.ua	Flexible CSV/XML export to the catalog's requirements	A catalog aggregator focused on specs and comparison — a perfect environment for appliances. Build a feed from the BooStore CSV/XML module with the fields you need and upload it in the platform's dashboard.
Google Merchant / Facebook	XML / CSV	Product ads and remarketing — they extend reach beyond the platforms.

⚙️ What you can configure in BooStore feeds

Segmentation: export only the categories, brands or "hits" you need — not necessarily the whole catalog;
Excluding "out of stock": so you do not pay for clicks on unavailable models;
Markup/discount and currency: a separate price per platform (mind the platform commission);
Language and sorting, Gzip compression, scheduled auto-update;
Variants: every configuration and color is exported as a separate offer with its own SKU.

🌟 Launch rule: in the first week after opening, export the catalog to at least 3 platforms (Hotline + Rozetka + ek.ua or Prom) plus Google Merchant. Platforms bring the first orders and reviews — before SEO traffic picks up. The detailed feed mechanics are in the article "Export to marketplaces: Rozetka, Prom, Epicentr".

⚠ Important: keep prices synchronized. If a model became cheaper on the website but the platform still shows the old price, the platform may reject the feed or show an uncompetitive offer. Automatic price import plus formula-based markup solve this automatically: the price updates in the store — and in all feeds.

API, Commerce API and integrations For pros

If you need two-way integrations — with a warehouse, 1C, an external CRM or your own service — BooStore provides the Commerce API (REST, JSON, Bearer token):

Products: creation, updates, variants, specifications, stock;
Orders: receiving new orders, status changes, returns;
Categories, brands and collections, blog and pages;
Booking — if you also sell services in parallel (installation, maintenance);
Webhooks: order data goes to your server/CRM at checkout (JSON);
Sales statistics in JSON — for dashboards and BI.

If you do not want to develop an integration — a full order export can simply be downloaded from the website by a key in JSON format (a small thing, but it saves you when the API is not needed). The full method description is in the BooStore API documentation. Scenario examples: stock synchronization with a warehouse program, automatic order sending to 1C, exporting calls to external telephony. A ready open-source solution is in the article "API-commerce and integrations" (GitHub); more in the API section of the functionality specification.

Sales statistics and analytics

Analytics tells you what to buy and promote. Look at sales by products, brands, categories and managers, average order value and repeat purchases. Sales statistics is also the working center for order processing:

What sells best: which models and configurations took off and which "hang" — restock the bestsellers;
Event funnel: product selection → cart → checkout → order — you can see where clients are lost;
Stock by variants: restock popular colors/configurations in time;
Statuses for the seller and the buyer are different: the manager sees the working processing status, while the buyer sees a clear delivery status in their own terms;
TTN tracking: the delivery status is pulled automatically by waybill number, and every status change triggers a notification — no need to dig into the carrier's dashboard;
Order snapshot: fixed at checkout and on every change — you can see what it was "at the moment of order" and what changed later (configuration disputes are closed with evidence);
Automatic delivery cost calculation right in the order by your rules — the "+250 грн or +450 грн" dilemma disappears;
Customer correspondence from the dashboard: the whole communication history per order in one place, without switching to email and messengers;
Separate manager access: each sees only their own orders and sections; an order gets an assigned manager, and others cannot edit an already taken foreign order — flexible access rights;
Report export to XLS/CSV, analytics by source (which platform brings orders);
GA4 + Telegram CRM analytics — a complete event chain: GA4 and analytics setup.

⚠ Don't miss: watch the stock of popular configurations. If "No Frost in silver" sold out while "Standard in white" is still sitting — run a promotion on the leftovers or raise the cashback so you do not lose revenue.

How to start for free Start

Launching costs nothing: create a store and fill a catalog of up to 1000 products for free and without a time limit — 300 are available right away, and the free limit is expanded to 1000 for reposting about the platform. A custom domain connects for free, there are no sales commissions — the store and data belong to you. Paid hosting from 3 $/mo removes the limits, platform advertising and unlocks exports to platforms. There are no scaling limits: the platform grows with your catalog — from hundreds to millions of products (see "The premium platform without limits" and "SaaS without limits").

🚀 Create a home appliances online store for free

❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ

Where should a beginner start with no experience in appliances?

Start with small appliances (microwaves, kettles, vacuum cleaners): a low check means low risk and simple delivery. Create a store for free, upload 50–100 items manually, connect payment and Nova Poshta. Descriptions can be generated from specifications with a template — you will not need to study each model in depth.

How much does it cost to open a home appliances online store?

On BooStore — 0 грн at the start: the Free plan is unlimited, up to 1000 products, filter, blog, SEO and comparison are included. Connecting payments and exports to platforms requires hosting from 3 $/mo. There are no extra sales commissions. A cost calculator is in the article "Launch cost".

Do I need a warehouse to start?

No. Dropshipping and made-to-order sales run on supplier price-list imports: up to 30 sources, different markups, automatic stock updates. It is better to keep large appliances selectively — 20–30 of the best-selling models — for fast delivery and configuration control.

What filters are needed for refrigerators?

The basic set: refrigerator type, freezing type (No Frost / Full No Frost / drip), total usable capacity, width (for a niche), energy efficiency class, compressor, installation and color. Everything is built from product specifications — see the demo above.

What filters are needed for washing machines?

Load type (front-load/top-load/narrow), load in kg, maximum spin speed, energy efficiency and wash classes, drying availability (for washer-dryers), installation and color. Note: the parameter set is completely different from refrigerators — which is why product types are created separately.

What filters are needed for microwave ovens?

Type (microwave / with grill / combination / built-in), chamber capacity, power, grill type (quartz, heating element, combination), controls (mechanical/electronic/touch) and brand. For this category the filter is kept short — purchases are usually impulse.

How to properly set up color and configuration?

Via variants: each combination has its own SKU, price, stock and photo. This way one card accumulates reviews and SEO weight, while marketplaces get separate offers for each version. More — in the variants section.

Can I upload a supplier catalog of thousands of models?

Yes. Import from Excel, CSV, XML, YML, Google Sheets and ZIP archives — together with variants, specifications, dimensions, SEO and images (URLs are downloaded and converted to WebP). Formula-based markup is available on upload.

What is automatic import and how often should prices be updated?

It is a scheduled upload of the supplier price list — from 4 hours to 28 days. New models are added, prices and stock update themselves. For appliances I recommend every 6–12 hours: distributor prices change often.

How to calculate delivery and lifting for large appliances?

The card holds weight and dimensions — the cost is calculated from them by your rules (fixed, % of amount, m³, kg or a combination). Lifting is set up as separate delivery methods: "Courier + lifting (elevator)" and "Courier + lifting (no elevator)" at different prices.

Which carriers and TTN should I connect?

Nova Poshta, Ukrposhta, Meest (Ukraine and abroad) and international shipping via Goshippo (DHL, UPS, FedEx, USPS). Automatic city and branch hints, TTN creation in the dashboard, waybill printing and auto statuses — out of the box.

How to accept online payments and what are the fees?

Monobank, LiqPay, PrivatBank, Hutko, WayForPay, Fondy, Stripe, PayPal, Square, iPay and others — for cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and installments. Payment happens after the order is placed; most gateways support cancellation from statistics. Connection is available for websites with a domain.

What is formula-based markup and fee calculation?

The markup is set as a mathematical expression (for example, ×1.25 + 500 or a chain "+15% + 300 грн") and applied automatically on every import. There is also a separate "Add a percentage to the payment" field — to cover the payment gateway fee in the order price.

How do wholesale prices by quantity work?

A scale is set in the product card (and its variants): for example, 1–2 pcs — retail, 3–5 — −5%, 6–10 — −8%, 11+ — −12%. The cart price recalculates automatically. Customer groups, discounts and "price on request" also work.

How do cashback and bonuses work?

The rate can be set either as a percentage of the order amount or as a fixed number (globally or per customer group) — the calculation is formula-based, with a cap on the maximum accrual based on the order amount. Bonuses can be used right after accrual or accumulated from previous purchases — redemption per order is limited to a percentage of its amount (for example, no more than 3%). Bonuses are visible in the personal account, and registering in the store also earns cashback — it is a built-in platform feature.

How to refund the buyer and what is a hold?

A refund is issued right from sales statistics — full or partial (for example, only for a canceled order item). A hold: money is charged from the buyer's card but confirmed only after you check the order — product availability and configuration. Each gateway can be tuned to your own rules.

What is a Telegram store and why do I need one?

It is a catalog showcase right in a Telegram channel or bot: the subscriber searches for a model, places an order and gets a payment link in the messenger, without going to the website. Plus newsletters to subscribers: arrivals, promotions, bonuses.

Which exports are needed for Hotline and ek.ua?

For Hotline, BooStore has a ready CSV price list. For ek.ua a flexible CSV/XML export to the catalog's requirements is built — right from the admin panel, with segmentation, markup and "out of stock" exclusion. Ready feeds for Rozetka (XML), Prom (XML) and Epicentr (XML) are also available.

Is it obligatory to sell on marketplaces?

Not obligatory, but in appliances they give a noticeable share of the first sales: buyers search for models and compare prices exactly there. At a minimum export the catalog to Hotline and one marketplace platform + Google Merchant. You set your own prices and segmentation.

Do I need my own domain?

For a serious store — yes: the domain is free on BooStore, and without your own domain you cannot connect online payment and exports. Connection takes minutes, SSL is included.

How to set up warranty and returns for appliances?

Specify the warranty period in the cards, describe the return terms (14 days, original look and complete set) and the warranty repair procedure on a dedicated page. Return statuses, amounts and return TTNs are processed in sales statistics and the dashboard.

How to promote an appliance store for free?

A blog with reviews and cheat sheets ("How to choose…"), SEO settings and Schema.org, model comparison on the website, e-mail and Telegram newsletters, Google Shopping (free listings) and, of course, exports to Hotline/ek.ua/Rozetka — free and cheap traffic by model.

Can I scale up to 50 000+ products?

Yes. The platform sets no scaling limits: import, feeds, CRM and API work with large catalogs; the plan grows with the number of items, and for very large projects there is Enterprise. More — the solution for large business.

Is there an API for integration with 1C or my CRM?

Yes, Commerce API (REST/JSON, Bearer): products, orders, categories, statistics, plus Webhooks. If you do not want to develop an integration — a full order export can be downloaded from the website by a key in JSON format. Methods are described in the API documentation; a ready open-source solution is in the article about API-commerce and integrations. Two-way exchange with 1C, ERP and external CRMs is supported.

Can I migrate an existing store to BooStore?

Yes: the catalog is imported from CSV/XML/Google Sheets, and SEO is preserved through clean URLs and 301 redirects. Migration experience is covered in the articles "Migration from OpenCart" and the comparison with WooCommerce.

Do I need a legal entity to sell appliances?

For legal sales and non-cash payment to legal entities — yes (sole proprietor or LLC). The platform supports invoice generation and non-cash payment; about registration and taxes, read the article "How to open a store in Ukraine"; about fiscalization (fiscal cash registers) — separate blog materials.

What if a model is out of stock in the color I need?

The variant is automatically marked "out of stock" (struck through in the card and the filter). Enable the "Notify me when available" subscription — the buyer leaves an email and gets an automatic message when the stock is updated. This brings back part of the "leaked" orders.

How many people does it take to run the store?

At the start — often one person: orders arrive in Telegram/CRM, TTNs are created in the dashboard, prices and stock are updated by auto-import, exports to platforms run on schedule. At 50+ orders a day, add an order-processing manager and, if needed, a warehouse worker.

How to restrict managers' access to orders?

Separate access: each manager sees only their own orders and sections. An order gets an assigned manager, and another manager cannot edit an already taken foreign order — access rights are configured in detail. Plus different statuses for the seller and the buyer, automatic TTN tracking with status-change notifications and order snapshots on every change.

How to Open a Home Appliances Online Store: A Complete Guide from Scratch

How to Open a Home Appliances Online Store: A Complete Guide

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