Buying a theme is easy. Buying the right theme takes ten extra minutes. This guide gives you the exact checklist our team uses when we review a new theme for the marketplace.

1. Measure real speed, not demo speed

Run the theme demo through a speed tool. Look at the Largest Contentful Paint on mobile. A demo that scores under 2.5s on a mid-range phone is a good sign.

2. Check the update history

A healthy product ships updates every few weeks. Check the changelog on the product page — products with no updates in over a year usually break with the next platform release.

3. Test the accessibility basics

Zoom to 200%, tab through the menu, and try the checkout with the keyboard. If these basics fail, your real customers are failing too.

4. Look at real store demos

Marketing layouts look great with placeholder content. Ask the seller for a store using the theme with real products.

5. Confirm the support policy

Read the support policy before purchase. On DigiWS every listing shows the support window and response time, and tickets go through the marketplace so you always have proof of purchase.