How to Start an Online Store in India (2026 Playbook)

What do you need before you start?

Before touching a platform, get the fundamentals in place. You need a product or range to sell, clarity on who buys it, and the legal basics: a business name, a bank account, and GST registration if you sell across states or on marketplaces. You also need product photos, descriptions, and pricing that accounts for fees and shipping.

Many first-time sellers rush to build the store and stall on these basics later. Sorting registration, a payment account, and a shipping plan upfront makes the build smooth. Think of the store as the front door; the operations behind it are what actually deliver the sale.

• A product range with photos, descriptions, and pricing
• A business bank account
• GST registration (for inter-state or marketplace selling)
• A payment gateway account
• A shipping and returns plan

Which platform should you sell on?

Your platform choice shapes cost, control, and how much you maintain. Shopify is a hosted, all-in-one tool with a monthly fee that handles hosting, security, and updates, ideal for sellers who want speed and simplicity. WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin giving full control and lower platform cost, but you manage hosting and maintenance. Magento (Adobe Commerce) suits large catalogs and complex needs.

For most Indian SMBs the real choice is Shopify versus WooCommerce. Pick Shopify if you value convenience and predictable monthly cost. Pick WooCommerce if you want flexibility, own your stack, and have or can hire WordPress help. Marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart are a separate, complementary channel.

How much does it cost to start?

Costs split into the build and ongoing operations. A simple store on a theme costs ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 to build; a custom-designed store with many products and integrations runs ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,50,000+. On Shopify, add the monthly subscription; on WooCommerce, add hosting and any paid plugins.

Then come running costs that scale with sales: payment gateway fees of around 2% per transaction, shipping costs, marketplace commissions if you list there, and marketing. Build a simple unit-economics sheet so every sale stays profitable after all fees. The chart below shows typical build ranges by store size.

How do GST, payments, and shipping work?

These three operational pieces are where Indian stores differ most from generic advice. GST registration is mandatory if you sell across states or on marketplaces; it lets you collect tax and claim input credits. Payment gateways like Razorpay, PayU, or Cashfree charge roughly 2% per transaction and support UPI, cards, netbanking, and wallets.

Shipping needs a courier aggregator (such as Shiprocket or Delhivery) to compare rates and print labels. Decide your stance on cash on delivery, which many Indian buyers still expect, and a clear returns policy. Getting fulfilment and refunds right builds the trust that turns first-time buyers into repeat customers.

• GST: required for inter-state and marketplace selling
• Payment gateway: ~2% per transaction, supports UPI and cards
• Shipping: use an aggregator for rates and labels
• COD: still expected by many Indian buyers
• Returns: a clear, visible policy builds trust

What comes after launch?

Launching is the start, not the finish. Early focus should be on getting the first sales, gathering reviews, and fixing friction in checkout and shipping. Track which products sell, where buyers drop off, and what marketing brings real orders versus just traffic. Small improvements to product pages and checkout often lift sales more than new features.

Costs and scope vary widely by catalog size, integrations, and customization, so honest store pricing is quote-only. The ranges here help you plan; a scoped quote fits your exact needs. If you want a tailored estimate, share your product count, platform preference, and required integrations with a developer.