Commerce OS / Answers / Start an online store for free
Answers · India · 2026

How to start an online store in India for free

The steps, in order, and what each one needs from you.

Short answer: Sign up on a free-forever store builder, add your products with photos and prices, connect a payment gateway you own such as Razorpay or Cashfree, switch on cash on delivery, set your shipping method, and share the store link on Instagram and WhatsApp. On D2 Commerce OS this takes under an hour and costs nothing. A domain of your own can come later.

What you need before you start

A mobile number, product photos shot on a phone against a plain wall, prices, and a bank account. A GSTIN is not required to open the store, though you will need one once you ship outside your state or cross the registration threshold. Keep a one-line returns policy ready; buyers look for it.

The five steps

Each step is a few minutes on a free builder.

What to do in the first month

Take the first twenty orders before spending on a domain or ads. Watch which products sell, how many COD orders return, and what buyers ask on WhatsApp. Then buy a domain, add a pixel, and start small ads with that evidence.

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Questions

Common questions.

How do I start an online store in India for free?

Use a free-forever store builder such as D2 Commerce OS: create the store, add products, connect your own Razorpay or Cashfree account and cash on delivery, set shipping, and share the link. No card or developer is needed.

Do I need GST to start an online store?

Not to open the store. You need GST registration once you ship goods to another state or your turnover crosses the threshold for your state.

How long does it take to go live?

Under an hour for a small catalogue on a self-serve builder. Photos and prices take longer than the store itself.

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  • Full setup done free on the Brand plan — catalogue, gateways, couriers
  • ₹1,999/month with 1,000 orders included, then ₹6 per order · 0% commission
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