In this guide+
You can open a real online store in India without spending anything upfront. The trick is knowing which parts are genuinely free, which cost money per order, and which you only pay for once you're growing. This guide separates the three and walks through a ₹0 setup.
What you can get for ₹0
| Part of your store | Free option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Store and website | A free store builder plan | On Shopersite Free: up to 75 products, your own shopersite.in address |
| Hosting and SSL | Included | No separate hosting bill |
| Taking orders | Cash on delivery | No payment gateway needed |
| Order updates | WhatsApp from your own number | Free on every Shopersite plan |
| Photos | Your phone + daylight | See phone photography |
| Policies | Templates | Edit them to match how you work |
What costs money (and when)
- Per order: delivery charges from couriers, and payment fees (about 2%) if you take online payments.
- Optional upgrades: online payments, coupons, more products and your own domain come with paid plans when you need them.
- Your stock and packaging — the only cost you can't avoid. Start small or make-to-order.
Tip: Start on cash on delivery and add online payments once orders are coming in regularly. You'll know by then whether the upgrade pays for itself.
A ₹0 setup you can finish today
- 1
Create your store
Sign up free — no card. Name the shop after your Instagram or brand name.
- 2
Add 5–10 products
Your best sellers first, with clear names and real photos.
- 3
Choose a delivery rule
A flat fee is simplest; free above a value raises order size.
- 4
Add a returns policy
Start from the template and set your return window.
- 5
Share your link
Instagram bio, WhatsApp status, and every reply to “price?”.
When upgrading makes sense
- You're losing orders because buyers want to pay by UPI or card.
- Refused COD parcels (RTO) are costing more than payment fees would.
- You need more than 75 products, coupons or abandoned-cart reminders.
- You want your own domain and no platform branding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really create an online store for free in India?
Yes. With a free store builder plan and cash on delivery you can take real orders without paying a platform fee. Your costs are your stock, packaging and delivery.
Is a free store good enough to look professional?
A clean theme, consistent photos and clear policies matter far more than the price of the plan. Many first-time buyers can't tell a free store from a paid one.
Ready to try it?
Create your shop free and put this guide to work today.