How to start an online store in India in 2026 (step by step)
You do not need a developer, a big budget or months of work to sell online in India. If you already sell on WhatsApp or Instagram, you can have your own online store with a cart, checkout and UPI payments the same day. This guide walks through every step in the order you should do them.
1. Decide what you will sell first
Start with the 10 to 30 products that already sell well for you offline or on WhatsApp. A small store with good photos sells better than a big one with blurry pictures. You can always add more later.
2. Get the basics ready
- Clear photos of each product, taken in daylight on a plain background
- A price for each product, and sizes or colours if you have them
- Your business name and, if you have one, a logo
- A UPI ID or bank account to receive money
- GST number only if your turnover needs one; many small sellers start without it
3. Choose how to build the store
You have three options. Marketplaces like Amazon and Meesho bring buyers but take a commission on every sale and you do not own the customer. Do-it-yourself builders like Shopify charge a monthly fee in dollars and you set everything up yourself. A ready-made store, like the ModakByte online store, is built for you in about 10 minutes for ₹999 a year, and you own the customers and the orders.
4. Set up payments
Indian buyers pay mostly by UPI. Your store should accept UPI, cards and netbanking through a payment gateway such as Razorpay, and offer cash on delivery if your area expects it. Money from online payments usually reaches your bank in 2 to 3 working days.
5. Plan delivery
For a local business, deliver yourself or with a local courier. For all-India orders, use a shipping aggregator like Shiprocket, which picks up from your door and compares courier rates. Put your delivery charges and time clearly on the store.
6. Get your first orders
- Send the store link to your existing WhatsApp customers and put it in your WhatsApp Business catalogue
- Add the link to your Instagram bio and stories
- Create a free Google Business Profile so you show up on Google Maps
- Give first buyers a small coupon to order online instead of on chat
- Ask happy buyers for a Google review
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online store in India?
A ready-made store costs from ₹999 a year with ModakByte. Add a domain name (around ₹899 a year for .in) and payment gateway charges of about 2% per online payment. There is no monthly fee.
Do I need GST to sell online?
Selling through your own website does not by itself require GST if your turnover is under the limit for your state and goods. Marketplaces like Amazon usually require GST. Check with your CA for your case.
Can I start an online store without coding?
Yes. With ModakByte you pick a look, pay and the store is built for you. You add products from a simple admin panel on your phone.