How to Start Selling Online in India: A Beginner's Roadmap

Step 1: Get registered

• Choose a business structure: proprietorship, LLP or private limited
• Get GST registration, required for almost every marketplace
• Get FSSAI if you sell food, beverages or supplements
• File a trademark application for your brand name
• Buy GS1 barcodes if you plan to sell on quick commerce or large retail

Step 2: Choose where to sell

Marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho bring ready traffic. Quick commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart suit daily-use and impulse products in cities. Your own website gives you customer data and better margins but needs you to bring traffic.

Most brands start with one or two marketplaces and a simple website, then expand.

Step 3: Price for profit

Account for commission, shipping, returns, packaging, GST and ad spend before setting a price. A product that looks profitable before fees often is not after them.

Step 4: Build strong listings

Clear photos, keyword-rich titles, honest descriptions and A+ content convert far better than basic listings.

Step 5: Drive your first sales

Use marketplace ads to get initial visibility and reviews, then add Meta and Google ads to build demand. Track every rupee against orders.