Many people think selling online needs big money — a warehouse, ads, an app. It doesn't. Thousands of small sellers in India started from one room with a few products. Here is a simple, low-budget path to starting an online store.
Step 1: Start with what you know
Sell something you understand — your family's sweets, sarees from your town, handmade crafts, products from your existing shop. Knowing the product means better photos, better answers and fewer returns.
Begin with 10–20 products, not 200.
Step 2: Basic registrations
- A bank account in your business name.
- GST registration if you need it for your category or turnover — check with an accountant.
- FSSAI registration if you sell food.
- Udyam registration is free and useful for small businesses.
Step 3: Your own website
Marketplaces bring traffic but take commission and control. Your own website lets you keep your customers and your margin. Look for a one-time cost rather than a big monthly bill, with payments, COD and GST invoices built in.
Step 4: Good photos with your phone
Use daylight near a window and a plain background. Take 3–4 photos per product: front, back, close-up and in use. No studio needed.
Step 5: Payments and COD
Accept UPI, cards and net banking through a payment gateway. Offer cash on delivery too — many first-time buyers trust it more. Use partial COD for costly items.
Step 6: Delivery
Deliver yourself within your city. For other cities, use a courier aggregator that picks up from your home or shop. Write delivery charges and times clearly.
Step 7: Your first buyers
- Tell friends, family and existing customers on WhatsApp.
- Post products on Instagram with your website link.
- Set up a free Google Business Profile.
- Ask your first buyers for honest reviews.
Step 8: Keep costs low
- Buy packing material in bulk once you know what sells.
- Don't spend on ads until people who see your products are already buying.
- Reinvest early profit into stock that sells fastest.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many products at the start.
- Copying photos from other sites.
- Hiding delivery charges until checkout.
- Ignoring WhatsApp questions — slow replies lose sales.
Our online store Starter plan is a one-time ₹4,990 with no monthly fee and no commission, with Razorpay payments, COD and GST invoices included. Hosting and domain are paid directly to the provider. See online store plans or read how to get your first 100 orders.
FAQs
How much money do I need to start an online store in India?
Much less than most people think. Start with 10–20 products, a low-cost website, phone photos and courier pickup from home.
Do I need GST to sell online?
It depends on your category, turnover and where you sell. Check with an accountant before you start.
Should I sell on marketplaces or my own website?
Marketplaces bring traffic but take commission and control. Your own website lets you keep customers and margin. Many sellers use both.
How do I get my first buyers?
Start with friends, family and existing customers on WhatsApp, post on Instagram, set up a Google Business Profile and ask early buyers for reviews.
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