When we hear the word eCommerce, companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, eBay, Meesho etc. come to our mind but these are eCommerce marketplace. And eCommerce business is not limited to this, there are different ways you can sell your products or services online.
To understand the difference between these eCommerce platforms, read how many types of eCommerce websites exist in the market. Now you know the difference, it will be easy for you to decide how you want to get started. Again, I want to remind you that to start an eCommerce business you need not to own a website, you can sell products through marketplace or social media. So, Without further ado let’s get started. I will guide you how to start a online eCommerce business and what all is required to take your business online.
1. Decide what you want to sell online
Skip this part and move to 7th point if you already have a business and you want to sell online. Considering you are new to business, there are a lot of things you can sell online. Here are a few trending product ideas to sell online. If you want to offer service through your website then better know it. But still here are some of the service ideas for your business.
2. Do market research about the product
Once you have decided the product or service it is important to do market research to understand the sales scalability. What problem you are solving, who is your buyer, etc.
3. Decide business name
Deciding a business name is the least important thing when you are starting up. Read this post if you need help in deciding a good name for your business or website. Mostly focus on the product or service that you are going to offer because that is what that matters the most. Also you can have a different business name and different website name. The only thing you will have to do is mention these details on your website.
4. Register your business
Depends on the country you live in. Every country has different rules and regulations. But in India if you are starting as a beginner this 1 certificate is enough- it takes around 7 working days to get a notification on your GST application for approval but if you get rejected don’t worry try again or contact GST support they will guide you and watch YouTube videos for further guidance.
5. Get a current account
How to choose which bank is best for your business? All the banks today offer services required for online business. Go to the nearest bank branch and Subscribe to their service, Submit your form online or go to the bank and submit all the documents required for opening a bank account.
- How to create account on sbi
- How to create account on hdfc
- How to create account on icici
- How to create account on axis bank
6. Sign up on marketplaces
JioMart, Snapdeal, Meesho, Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm these are marketplace eCommerce platforms you can sell on these platforms but they charge commission on each sale and have different policies. Marketplace eCommerce are the best choice and best platform to get started if you don’t want to invest initially. To get help in creating an account on these platforms go to links below to learn how to sign up for a business seller account.
- Signup on amazon seller
- Signup on meesho
- Signup on flipkart
- Signup on paytm mall
7. Create an ecom website
You don’t want to give commission to anyone. If you want to sell products from your own platform, then click on the link below to learn how to create your own eCommerce website.
- Create eCommerce website on wordpress woocommerce
- Create eCommerce on wix
- Create eCommerce on shopify
8. Create social media business pages
To promote your business, don’t wait for documents, create videos, creative pictures and share on social media, promotion is the key. If you get orders on social media and your gst application is still in process don’t panic, contact delivery partner for help or go to local courier service provider and ship your product. For any help just google or watch youtube videos, you don’t need any paid courses.
9. Signup for delivery partner
If you are selling on the marketplace, companies offer pickup and delivery options so you need not worry about delivery once you receive an order, pack it and for shipping just schedule pickup their delivery partner will come and pickup the order and ship it to the customer for you. but if you are selling it on your own platform or through social media then signup with shiprocket, delhivery and integrate with your platform. If you need any help in this regard contact their customer support they are there 24/7 to help you.
10. Payment gateway
The best platform in India is paytm for indian customers to receive payments but for international customers signup paypal. There are other payment gateway as well like razorpay and payu etc. Contact company customer support for help, they will help you create an account for your business, also help you in integration. Payment gateway is not required if you are selling through a marketplace eCommerce platform.
11. Setup your inventory
Unless you are a service provider, you need products in your inventory so if you get an order you can ship it to your customer. Also, there is an option to outsource your inventory and focus more on core operations, it will save your time and money.
12. Purchase packaging items
check out our blog to get an idea how after order system works. We have listed all important items that are required to ship the product to customers.
Go wild, once you get your business registration certificate in your hand.