WooCommerce Store Build & Setup

The goal is to launch a fully–functional WooCommerce store that can handle a catalog of physical products from day one. I need the complete WordPress + WooCommerce environment installed, configured, and ready for customers, with particular attention to two operational areas: reliable inventory management and flexible shipping options.

Product handling
• Inventory must update automatically as orders are placed, with low-stock alerts configured.
• Shipping methods should cover real-time carrier rates as well as flat-rate and free-shipping rules I can toggle per product or cart value.

Design & theme
I’m open-minded about the visual direction—whether a polished premium theme or a fully custom design makes more sense, I’ll rely on your guidance. What matters is mobile responsiveness, fast load times, and an easy checkout flow.

Deliverables
1. WordPress + WooCommerce installed on my hosting, SSL enabled.
2. Theme selected, installed, and tailored to match my branding (logo, colors, fonts).
3. Sample product catalog (5–10 items) entered to demonstrate variable sizes or colors if needed.
4. Inventory management rules and dashboard widgets set up and tested.
5. Shipping zones, real-time rates (e.g., USPS/UPS/FedEx), and flat-rate/free-shipping logic configured.
6. At least one payment gateway fully operational (PayPal or Stripe preferred).
7. Basic on-page SEO, caching, and security plugins in place.
8. Final walkthrough and short hand-over guide so I can add products and run promotions myself.

Acceptance criteria
• A test order can be placed from product page to completed checkout without errors.
• Stock quantity decreases correctly and triggers alerts at the set threshold.
• Shipping and tax totals reflect the chosen destination every time.
• Site passes Google mobile-friendly test and loads in under three seconds on GTmetrix.

Please outline the milestones you’d propose and any plugins or premium themes you plan to use when you reply.