Setting up an eCommerce store in India is easier than you think.
With the right tools in hand, you can turn your dream of setting up a direct-to-consumer (D2C) eCommerce store into reality.
The purpose of this post is to give you an overview of the right tools – to help you get started.
To set up an ecommerce store, you need the following basis service:
A Store Front:
You need a digital store front or website to show-case your products to potential consumers. The digital store-front also acts an interface between you and your customers for various activities/services like managing orders, collecting payments, resolving queries, delivery tracking etc.
A Logistics Partner:
Logistics is an important part of the ecommerce value chain. You need a logistics partner who can help you with quick and efficient pick-up and delivery of your products; as well as collect cash or returns for your customers. You would also want an interface between your logistics service provider and your digital store front so that you can automate your shipping operations – thus saving time and effort.
A Payment Gateway:
To collect online payments from your customers, you need to integrate a payment gateway with your digital storefront. You would want a payment gateway that is secure, has low transaction fees and gives you access to access to a wide range of payment modes like credit card, debit card, netbanking, UPI and popular wallets.
Next, we will introduce you to a few ecommerce service providers – that we believe can help you get started. Note that these are independent recommendations and not affiliated by any of the service providers. You can visit the respective websites to learn more about their services.
Store-Front:
Shopify – Shopify helps you set-up a digital store front for your online business easily. Shopify also provides easy integrations with a large number of third party service providers like payment gateway service providers and logistics service providers.
Logistics:
Shiprocket – Shiprocket is an e-commerce shipping solutions aggregator that can help you manage your end to end shipping needs. Shiprocket has partnerships with multiple courier partners – which helps them service a wide range of delivery locations both in India and world wide. Shiprocket provides integration with your Shopify website – so that you can import orders directly from your Shopify interface and automate your shipping processes to a considerable extent.
Payment Gateway:
Razorpay – Razorpay is one of the easiest ways of integrating a payment service provider to your ecommerce website. Razorpay gives you access to a wide range of payment modes and you can also share payment links via email. SMS, messenger or chatbots. The transaction fees varies, as on the date of this writing, between 2% and 3% and there are no set-up or annual fees. There are also custom plans for large retailers.
Note that the service providers listed above are not the only providers of their respective services nor are these services free. You should do your own research and select a service provider best suited to your needs.
Hope you liked our discussion on setting up an eCommerce store in India. Good luck with your entrepreneurial journey.