Quick answer: To start an online store in India: (1) choose your products, (2) get your business registered and GST ready if needed, (3) open a current bank account, (4) build an online store with WooCommerce or Shopify, (5) connect a payment gateway like Razorpay, PayU or Cashfree, (6) set up shipping with a courier partner, and (7) start getting visitors with SEO, Instagram and Google.
Selling online is not just for big brands. Small shops, home businesses and manufacturers all sell online today. Here is how to start, step by step.
Step 1: Choose what you will sell
Start small. Pick products you know well. Ask:
- Who will buy this?
- Can it be shipped safely?
- Is the profit enough after shipping and payment fees?
Step 2: Get your paperwork ready
Most online sellers need:
- Business registration (sole proprietor, partnership, LLP or company)
- GST registration — usually needed for selling online across states. Ask your CA what applies to you.
- Current bank account in the business name
- PAN and address proof
Step 3: Pick your store platform
There are two popular choices:
- WooCommerce (WordPress) — you own everything, no monthly platform fee, very flexible, great for SEO
- Shopify — easy to start, monthly fee, apps cost extra
Read our full comparison: WooCommerce vs Shopify for Indian businesses.
Step 4: Design your store
A good online store has:
- Clear product photos (white background + real-life photos)
- Simple product names and prices
- Size charts and product details
- Easy checkout with few steps
- Trust signals: return policy, contact number, WhatsApp, secure payment badges
See how we built stores for Notsil Activeware, Shiyoma and SK e-Bikes.
Step 5: Add a payment gateway
Popular Indian payment gateways include Razorpay, PayU, Cashfree and PhonePe. They let customers pay by UPI, cards, net banking and wallets. Each charges a small fee per payment — check their current rates. You can also offer Cash on Delivery, but it brings more returns.
Step 6: Set up shipping
Use a shipping partner like Shiprocket, Delhivery or India Post. Decide:
- Free shipping above a certain amount?
- Flat rate or weight-based charges?
- Which pin codes you deliver to?
Step 7: Add important pages
Every online store in India should have:
- About Us
- Contact Us (with address and phone)
- Shipping Policy
- Return and Refund Policy
- Privacy Policy (India’s DPDP Act asks businesses to handle personal data carefully)
- Terms and Conditions
Payment gateways often ask for these pages before approving your account.
Step 8: Get your first visitors
A new store gets no visitors by magic. Use:
- SEO — product and category pages that answer what people search. See our SEO services.
- Google Business Profile — if you also have a shop
- Instagram and WhatsApp — share new products
- Google Shopping ads — show products with price in Google
Step 9: Make it fast
Shoppers leave if pages are slow. Compress images, use good hosting and a caching plugin. Read 10 ways to speed up your website.
Common beginner mistakes
- Too many products on day one
- Poor photos
- No return policy
- Slow website
- Not tracking orders and stock
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online store in India?
A professionally built WooCommerce store usually costs from about ₹50,000, plus yearly hosting and domain. Costs grow with the number of products and features.
Do I need GST to sell online in India?
In most cases, yes, especially when selling across states or through marketplaces. Rules can change, so confirm with your CA.
Can I sell online without a website?
Yes, on marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart, or on Instagram. But your own website means no commission, your own customer list, and your own brand.
Which is the best payment gateway in India?
Razorpay, PayU and Cashfree are all popular. Compare fees, settlement time and support before choosing.
Start selling online with Craftycode
We build fast, easy-to-manage online stores with Indian payment gateways, GST settings and shipping set up for you. See our e-commerce website development service or get a free quote.