Pre-Launch Checklist for Apparel Brands

Launch day chaos is optional. Most of it comes from things you forgot to set up. Here's the complete checklist—everything you need in place before you go live.

4 Weeks Before Launch

Product & Inventory

Production complete and shipped to you/fulfillment center
QC inspection done (check every SKU)
Inventory counted and logged in your system
Product photos shot and edited
Size guide created and tested

Website & E-commerce

Store platform set up (Shopify recommended)
Products created with photos, descriptions, prices
Payment gateway connected and tested
Shipping rates configured
Tax settings correct
Privacy policy and Terms of Service pages live

2 Weeks Before Launch

Fulfillment & Operations

Shipping supplies ordered (boxes, mailers, tape, tissue)
Packing station set up (or 3PL confirmed)
Carrier accounts created (USPS, UPS, etc.)
Shipping labels tested
Returns process documented

Marketing & Launch Plan

Email list warmed up
Launch announcement drafted
Social media content scheduled
Influencer seeding sent (if doing)
Launch day email sequence ready

1 Week Before Launch

Final Testing

Place test orders (every SKU)
Test checkout on mobile and desktop
Verify email flows trigger correctly
Test shipping label generation
Have friends/family place test orders

Pro Tip: Order something from yourself and have it shipped to a friend. Walk through the entire customer experience.

Launch Day

Send launch email to list
Post launch content to social
Monitor orders and inventory
Respond to DMs/emails quickly
Watch for checkout issues
Celebrate (briefly), then start shipping

Commonly Forgotten Items

Thank you cards: Simple touch that drives reviews
Backup inventory: What if you sell out day one?
Customer service email: Not your personal Gmail
Analytics: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel installed
Exchange/refund policy: Written and visible
FAQs page: Reduces customer service volume

The Bottom Line

Launches aren't about perfection—they're about preparation. You'll still have fires to put out. But this checklist eliminates the preventable ones.

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