what i'd suggest is a run down of the files that will require editing/customization. for example, point out the manadtory
included > languages > english > CUSTOM > [list of php documents to edit with content]

and suggest
includes > languages > CUSTOM > english.php (for footer text)
includes > templates > CUSTOM > common > tpl_header.php (etc)
includes > templates > CUSTOM > css > stylesheet.css

also, the files needed to customize for emailings. basically, all the documents required to be edited in take out default text like the infamous "Your sales text goees here."

a visual of what is what (columns, modules, "boxes", etc) in relation to the admin control panel would have been very useful for me. i'd suggest a few screen shots pages with areas circled or highlighted and labled. it took me a while to decifer what the menu items and much more the individual setting items under "Configuration" and "Tools".

zen cart has its own language because of specifying/identifying so many objects. once breaking through that, i got rolling better... even after buying the 390-page manual.

thanks for taking on making a clearer "jump start aid"