Quick answer
To launch an online store in India: validate margins, register the business, choose a platform, set up payment gateway and shipping, prepare content and launch with SEO and analytics. A standard custom D2C store typically costs ₹40,000 to ₹1,20,000 and takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Selling online in India is easier than ever — UPI is universal and courier networks reach most pin codes. But a store that merely exists does not sell. Here is the sequence that works, from picking a platform to your first hundred orders.
8 steps to launch an online store
- Validate your product and margins — confirm demand and calculate profit after shipping, returns and payment fees.
- Register the business — proprietorship, LLP or Pvt. Ltd., plus GST registration where required and a current bank account.
- Choose a domain and brand — short, memorable and consistent with your social handles.
- Pick the platform — see the comparison below.
- Set up payments — UPI, cards, net banking and wallets through a gateway such as Razorpay or PayU; add COD if your category needs it.
- Set up shipping — integrate courier aggregators for rates, tracking and returns.
- Prepare content — clear product photos, honest descriptions, size/spec guides and policies pages.
- Launch with SEO and tracking — fast pages, product schema, Google Analytics and Search Console from day one.
Hosted platform or custom e-commerce site?
| Hosted platform (Shopify etc.) | Custom-built store | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to launch | Days to weeks | 4–8 weeks typically |
| Monthly cost | Subscription plus app and transaction fees | Hosting and maintenance only |
| Flexibility | Limited to platform features | Fully tailored (B2B pricing, custom checkout, integrations) |
| Ownership | Rented | You own code and data |
| Best for | Testing a product quickly | Growing brands needing control and lower long-term fees |
How much does an e-commerce website cost?
Standard D2C stores with payment gateway, logistics integration and an admin dashboard typically cost ₹40,000 to ₹1,20,000 with BrainTech. Marketplaces with multiple vendors and large catalogues cost more. For a full breakdown of what changes the quote, see website development cost in Lucknow.
E-commerce SEO basics that pay off
- Unique titles and descriptions for every category and product.
- Product schema (price, availability, reviews) for rich results.
- Fast mobile pages — compressed images and lean code.
- Helpful buying guides and blog posts that answer pre-purchase questions.
- Clean category structure with internal links and a sitemap.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an e-commerce website in India?
A standard D2C store with payments, shipping integration and an admin dashboard usually costs ₹40,000 to ₹1,20,000 to build, plus hosting, payment gateway fees and product photography.
Do I need GST registration to sell online in India?
It depends on your turnover, product category and whether you sell through marketplaces or interstate. Consult a chartered accountant to confirm what applies to you.
Should I choose Shopify or a custom store?
Hosted platforms are great for testing quickly. Custom stores suit growing brands that need unique workflows, lower recurring fees and full ownership of code and data.
How long does it take to build an online store?
Standard stores take 4 to 8 weeks depending on catalogue size, integrations and content readiness.