In this guide+
Starting an online store in India has never been cheaper or faster. You don't need a warehouse, a developer or a big budget — you need a product people want, clear photos, a simple way to take payment and a reliable way to deliver. This guide walks through each step in the order that actually matters.
1. Decide what to sell
The best first products sit where three things overlap: something you understand, something people already buy online, and something you can source or make reliably.
- Start narrow. “Handloom cotton sarees from Bengal” is easier to sell than “women's clothing”.
- Check demand. Search the product on Instagram, Google and marketplaces. Lots of sellers is a good sign — it means buyers exist.
- Check margin. After product cost, packaging, delivery and payment fees, you want a healthy margin left. Our profit calculator helps.
- Check shipping. Light, unbreakable products are far easier to start with than glass, liquids or furniture.
2. Registrations you may need
Many small sellers start as individuals. As you grow, these become relevant:
| What | When you need it |
|---|---|
| Bank account | From day one, to receive payouts. A current account in your business name looks more professional. |
| PAN | Needed for payment gateway KYC. |
| GST registration | Once turnover crosses the threshold for your state and category, or if a marketplace or buyer requires it. Read GST for online sellers. |
| Udyam (MSME) | Optional, free, and useful for some schemes and loans. |
| FSSAI licence | Required if you sell food items. |
Good to know: Rules change and depend on your state and products. Confirm with a CA before you register — a short consultation is cheap insurance.
3. Build your store
You have three options: sell only on Instagram or WhatsApp, list on marketplaces, or run your own website. Most successful small brands do the last one and use social media to bring people to it, because your own site gives you your customer list, your prices and your brand. Compare them in Instagram shop vs your own website.
With Shopersite you can create a store in a couple of minutes: choose a name, add products and you get a live address at yourbrand.shopersite.in.
4. Set up payments
- Cash on delivery builds trust with first-time buyers, but brings returns-to-origin (RTO). Most new stores keep it with a small fee or a limit.
- Online payments (UPI, cards, net banking) through a gateway like Razorpay reduce RTO and get you paid faster.
- Read COD vs prepaid for how to balance the two.
5. Plan delivery
Use a shipping aggregator (such as Shiprocket) to compare couriers, print labels and book pickups instead of signing contracts with each courier. Decide your delivery fee rule — free, flat or free above a value — before launch. See Shipping for small sellers.
6. Write your policies
India's consumer protection rules for e-commerce expect clear terms, returns and refunds, shipping and privacy information. They also save you arguments later. Shopersite includes templates you can edit.
7. Your first 30 days
- 1
Week 1: launch to warm audiences
Share your link with friends, family, WhatsApp groups and your Instagram followers. Ask the first buyers for honest feedback and photos.
- 2
Week 2: fix what you learn
Improve photos and descriptions for products that get views but no orders. Answer every question publicly — it becomes content.
- 3
Week 3: start a simple content rhythm
Three reels a week: the product in use, behind the scenes, and a customer story.
- 4
Week 4: try a small offer
A first-order coupon or free delivery above a value. Track what changes.
“Your first 100 orders teach you more than any course. Launch small, learn fast, then spend on growth.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an online store in India?
You can start for almost nothing: Shopersite's Free plan is ₹0, cash on delivery needs no gateway, and you can ship through an aggregator per order. Your main costs are stock, packaging and delivery.
Do I need GST to sell online?
Not always. It depends on your turnover, state, products and where you sell. Marketplaces often require it; your own website may not at the start. Check with a CA.
Can I run an online store from home?
Yes. Many Indian brands start from home. Keep a clean packing area, track stock carefully and use a pickup-based courier service.
Ready to try it?
Create your shop free and put this guide to work today.