In this guide+
Almost every store builder advertises “free”. In practice, free plans differ in four ways that matter a lot more than the headline: whether you can actually take orders, per-order or transaction fees, product limits, and branding. This guide explains each and gives an honest, dated snapshot.
Good to know: Pricing changes often. The notes below summarise publicly available information as of November 2026 — always check each provider's own pricing page before deciding.
Four questions to ask any “free” plan
- 1
Can buyers actually order and pay?
Some free plans let you build a store but require a paid plan to accept payments.
- 2
Is there a fee per order or payment?
A percentage on every sale can cost more than a monthly plan once you grow.
- 3
How many products?
Small limits are fine to start but plan for your catalog.
- 4
Is it free forever, or a trial?
A trial is not a free plan. Check what happens when it ends.
A snapshot of common options
| Platform | Free option (Nov 2026) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shopersite | Free plan, ₹0 forever: up to 75 products, cash on delivery, WhatsApp order messages | Online payments via Razorpay, coupons and Shiprocket from Growth (1 month free, then ₹199/mo) |
| Shopify | Free trial, then paid monthly plans | Large app ecosystem; costs grow with apps and plan |
| Wix | Free plan for building a site | Accepting payments needs a paid premium plan, per Wix's support pages |
| Instamojo | Free plan with a per-transaction fee | Fee on each payment; paid plans lower it |
| Dukaan | Free plan reported, with a per-order fee | Check current paid plan prices on their site |
| Ecwid | Free plan discontinued for new users in 2025 | Paid plans start at a low monthly price |
How to choose
- Just starting, mostly COD and Instagram/WhatsApp buyers: a free plan with no per-order fee keeps more of each sale.
- Already selling daily with online payments: compare total monthly cost including transaction fees at your volume.
- Want your own domain and no branding: budget for a paid plan on any platform.
- Need specific integrations: check they exist before you migrate products.
Want to see what Shopersite's free plan includes in detail? Read Free online store builder or compare free vs paid platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Which free ecommerce website builder is best in India?
It depends on how you sell. If most orders come from Instagram or WhatsApp and many buyers use cash on delivery, choose a free plan without per-order fees that supports COD and WhatsApp updates. Compare total cost at your expected order volume.
Are free store builders safe to use?
Established platforms host your store securely with SSL. Read their terms, check who owns your customer data and make sure you can export it.
Ready to try it?
Create your shop free and put this guide to work today.