To start an online store in India, test that people want your product, set up your business and bank account, choose a store platform, add payments and delivery, write your policies, and launch with a small range. You can begin with a few products and grow from what your first customers tell you.
Sell to ten real customers on WhatsApp before you spend money on a large catalogue.
Step 1: Test the demand
Before building anything, post your product on WhatsApp and Instagram and try to sell a few. You will quickly learn the questions people ask, the sizes they want and the price they will pay. These answers become your product pages.
Step 2: Work out your numbers
For one order, add the product, packaging, delivery, payment fee and likely returns. Subtract this from your selling price. If little is left, fix the pricing before you build the store.
Step 3: Sort the legal and tax side
Decide your business type and open a business bank account. Rules differ by product and by how you sell, so speak to a chartered accountant about registration and tax before you take your first order. Food, cosmetics and some other products may also need specific licences.
Step 4: Register your domain
Use a short name that is easy to spell, and register it in your own name with your own login.
Step 5: Choose a platform
- Shopify: hosted, with a monthly fee and little upkeep.
- WooCommerce: free core and full control, with hosting and upkeep to manage.
- Custom build: the most control, for larger or unusual stores.
Our Shopify and WooCommerce comparison and e-commerce cost guide will help you decide.
Step 6: Prepare products properly
Step 7: Set up payments
Offer UPI, cards and net banking, and decide whether to allow cash on delivery. Our payment gateway guide covers fees, documents and what to compare.
Step 8: Plan delivery and returns
Pick a courier or aggregator, weigh your products, and test real delivery charges. Decide what happens when an item arrives damaged or the wrong size. Write it down, because customers will ask.
Step 9: Publish your policies
You will need privacy, terms, refund and delivery pages. Payment gateways usually check for them, and customers read them before their first order. Have a professional review them if your business is complex.
Step 10: Launch and get your first orders
- Tell your existing customers and contacts first.
- Share product links on WhatsApp and Instagram.
- Ask buyers for honest reviews after delivery.
- Create a Google Business Profile if you have a shop or serve a local area.
- Write useful product and category text so Google understands what you sell.
Launch checklist
Common questions
Can I start with a small budget?
Yes. You can start by selling on WhatsApp or using a low-cost hosted plan. Spend on good photos and clear product details before spending on advanced features.
Should I sell on Amazon or Flipkart instead?
Marketplaces bring ready buyers but charge fees and own the customer relationship. Your own store takes longer to grow, but the customers and the brand stay yours. Many sellers use both.
How many products do I need to start?
There is no fixed number. A focused range you can keep in stock and deliver well is better than many items you cannot.
Next step
When you are ready for a proper store, our e-commerce service starts at ₹29,999. Tell us what you sell and we will send a fixed written quote.