Starting an online store in India has never been easier. Whether you sell handmade jewellery, clothing, home products, or anything else — you can reach customers all over India (and beyond) without renting a physical shop. This guide walks you through every step in simple language.

Step 1: Decide what you want to sell

Before anything else, be clear on your products. Ask yourself: Do I have a steady supply? What makes my products different from what's already on Amazon or Flipkart? Having a clear niche helps you attract the right customers.

You don't need hundreds of products to start. Many successful Indian online stores began with just 5–10 products.

Step 2: Choose the right platform

For most Indian businesses, Shopify is the best choice. Here's why:

  • It works out of the box — no coding needed
  • Supports all Indian payment methods (Razorpay, PhonePe, Paytm, UPI)
  • Mobile-friendly by default
  • Used by over 1 lakh Indian stores
  • Plans start from ₹1,994/month

Alternatives like WooCommerce (WordPress) are cheaper to start but require more technical work. If you're not technical, Shopify saves you a lot of headaches.

Step 3: Register your business (if you haven't already)

You can start selling online as a sole proprietor — you don't need to register a company right away. However, you will need:

  • A GST registration if your annual turnover is above ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for services)
  • A current bank account for receiving payments
  • A business PAN card (or your personal PAN to start)

Many small sellers start with their personal accounts and formalise later. Don't let paperwork stop you from getting started.

Step 4: Set up your Shopify store

Sign up at shopify.com and follow these steps:

  1. Pick a theme — Shopify has free themes that look professional. Choose one that matches your brand.
  2. Add your products — Upload photos, write descriptions, set prices.
  3. Set up payment — Connect Razorpay or PhonePe to accept UPI, cards, and net banking.
  4. Configure shipping — Set rates for different cities/zones, and optionally connect Shiprocket or Delhivery.
  5. Add your domain — You can buy a domain like yourbrand.com for about ₹800–₹1,200/year.

Step 5: Add your products properly

Good product listings are the difference between a visitor and a buyer. For each product:

  • Use clear, bright photos (at least 3–4 per product)
  • Write honest, detailed descriptions
  • Mention size, weight, material, and any other relevant details
  • Add keywords in the title that people actually search for

Step 6: Set up Indian payment gateways

This is critical for Indian stores. Your customers need to be able to pay via UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, and ideally Cash on Delivery (COD).

Razorpay is the most popular choice — it supports all payment methods, has good documentation, and is trusted by thousands of Indian businesses. The transaction fee is typically 2% per order.

Step 7: Sort out your shipping

For pan-India delivery, you have two main options:

  • Shiprocket — aggregates multiple courier services (Bluedart, Delhivery, DTDC), good for small businesses
  • Direct courier accounts — better rates if you're shipping high volumes

Decide early whether you'll offer free shipping (and include the cost in your price) or charge separately. Free shipping above a certain order value (e.g., ₹499) often increases average order sizes.

Step 8: Launch and tell people

Once your store is live, tell your existing network:

  • Post on your personal Instagram and WhatsApp status
  • Ask friends and family to spread the word
  • Create an Instagram business account and post consistently
  • Join relevant Facebook groups and communities

Your first 10–20 customers will likely come from people who already know you or know someone who knows you. That's perfectly normal.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GST number to start selling online?

Not immediately, if your turnover is below the threshold. However, most payment gateways and marketplaces will eventually require one. It's best to register for GST early.

Can I run an online store without a website?

Yes — many sellers use only Instagram or WhatsApp to start. But a proper website builds trust, lets you run Google Ads, and gives you full control. Most sellers who start on Instagram eventually move to a website.

How much does it cost to start an online store in India?

The minimum costs are: Shopify plan (₹1,994/month), domain (₹1,000/year), and a payment gateway (₹0 to set up, ~2% per transaction). A professional setup by a service like myPeedika starts from ₹15,000 one-time.

Need help setting up your store?

Setting up a Shopify store correctly takes time and some technical knowledge. If you'd rather focus on your products and business, we can set up your entire store in 7 days — including theme, products, payments, and shipping.