diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
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+# ── Database ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/notshop
+
+# ── Session ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+SESSION_SECRET=change-me-to-a-long-random-string
+
+# ── Authorize.net (primary payment gateway) ─────────────────────────────────────
+# Get credentials at https://developer.authorize.net
+AUTHORIZE_NET_API_LOGIN_ID=
+AUTHORIZE_NET_TRANSACTION_KEY=
+AUTHORIZE_NET_PUBLIC_CLIENT_KEY=
+AUTHORIZE_NET_SANDBOX=true   # set to false for live production charges
+
+# ── Stripe (optional secondary gateway) ──────────────────────────────────────────
+# Leave blank to disable Stripe. When set, enables Stripe payment option at checkout.
+STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=
+STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY=
+
+# ── Email (Resend) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Get a free API key at https://resend.com
+RESEND_API_KEY=
+
+# ── Store identity ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+STORE_NAME=My Store
+STORE_EMAIL_FROM=orders@example.com
+
+# ── Replit-only ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# PORT is set automatically by Replit; leave blank locally (defaults to 5000)
+PORT=5000
+NODE_ENV=development