Starting an online brand is mostly a list of small, clear decisions. Here is the order that works for most first-time sellers.
1. Decide What You Sell, and to Whom
Pick a narrow range you can describe in one sentence. A clear range makes every later step easier: photos, prices, delivery charges and the words on your home page.
2. Set Up the Business
- Choose how the business is run (for example a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a company). A chartered accountant can tell you what suits your size.
- Open a current account in the business's name. Payment gateways pay out to it.
- Ask your CA whether you must register for GST before you sell. Many online sellers need to, and your invoices depend on it.
3. Work Out Your Prices
Add up the product cost, packaging, delivery, payment gateway fees and returns. Price so that one returned parcel does not wipe out the profit of three good orders. Decide whether your prices include GST (shoppers in India expect them to).
4. Plan Delivery and Payments
- Choose a courier service or aggregator, and where parcels are picked up.
- Decide if you offer cash on delivery, and up to what order value.
- Open a payment gateway account for UPI and cards.
5. Write Your Policies
Shoppers and the law expect clear terms, a privacy policy, shipping, returns and cancellation policies, and a contact page with a grievance officer. Mercayo writes all six from your store details; read them and adjust.
6. Build the Store and Test It
Add your products with good photos, set delivery charges, place a test order yourself, then launch.
On Mercayo, the setup checklist on your admin's home walks you through these steps. Start a free trial when you are ready.