E-Commerce Setup Guide for Local Retail Businesses

Why E-Commerce Now?

India's e-commerce market will hit $350 billion by 2030. Post-COVID, 67% of Indian consumers shop online regularly. If you're retail-only, you're missing 2/3 of potential customers. The good news? Starting is easier than ever.

Platform Selection

Shopify (₹1,800-21,000/month): Best all-around, beautiful themes, easy to use, 100+ payment gateways. WooCommerce (Free + hosting ₹3,000-10,000/year): Best for WordPress users, highly customizable, full control. Wix eCommerce (₹1,000-3,000/month): Easiest for beginners, drag-and-drop, limited customization. InstaMojo (Free + 2% transaction fee): Best for digital products, quick setup, limited features. Custom Development (₹50,000-500,000): Full control, unique features, requires technical team.

Payment Gateway Integration

Top choices: Razorpay (1.95-2.35% + tax), Paytm (1.99-2.75% + tax), Instamojo (2% + ₹3 per transaction), CCAvenue (varies by industry), PayU (varies). Must-haves: UPI support (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), credit/debit cards, net banking, wallets, EMI options for high-ticket items, buy now pay later (BNPL), COD where feasible.

Logistics & Fulfillment

Options: Self-fulfillment (you pack and ship - low volume only), 3PL providers (Amazon FBA, Shiprocket, Delhivery), hybrid (self-fulfill local, 3PL for distant). Shipping strategy: Free shipping above ₹500-1000, flat rate for simplicity, real-time carrier rates, same-day delivery in metro cities, 2-5 day standard delivery. Returns: Clear 7-14 day return policy, easy return process, prepaid return labels where possible.

Product Listings That Sell

Photos: 5-7 high-quality images per product, white background for main image, lifestyle shots showing use, all angles and details, zoom functionality. Descriptions: Benefits over features, specific measurements, materials and care instructions, who it's for, SEO-optimized with keywords, bullet points for scannability. Pricing: Research competitor prices, factor in all costs (product, shipping, platform fees, payment gateway, returns), psychological pricing (₹999 vs ₹1000), test different price points.

Launch Marketing Strategy

Pre-launch (2 weeks before): Build email list with lead magnet, tease on social media, offer early bird discount. Launch day: Email your list, social media blitz, run paid ads (Google + Facebook), PR to local media, influencer partnerships. Post-launch: Retargeting ads for cart abandoners, email abandoned cart sequence, customer reviews and UGC, SEO content marketing, WhatsApp broadcast for offers. Budget: ₹20,000-50,000/month initially.