In 2025, the online marketplace isn’t just an option—it’s a thriving ecosystem of innovation, opportunity, and untapped potential. The rapid evolution of eCommerce, fueled by shifting consumer habits and emerging technologies, has reshaped the way we do business. This development has further triggered the rise of eCommerce.
The Indian eCommerce market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7%, from US$ 123 billion in 2024 to US$ 292.3 billion in 2028.
While this staggering growth figure signifies the rising influence of online businesses in India, there are many particular segments in eCommerce which are booming at all-time highs.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, understanding how to navigate this dynamic landscape is key to staying ahead. If you’re wondering how to sell online for beginners, this guide is here to help. We’ll break down the essential steps to get you started, providing you with the strategies and tools needed to succeed in today’s digital-first economy. So, stay tuned!
How Do I Start an Online Business in India?
Here is your step-by-step guide to selling online in India:
Step 1: Identify Your Business Idea
- Choose a profitable niche (e.g., e-commerce, digital services, dropshipping, SaaS, blogging, etc.).
- Research market demand and competition.
- Define your unique selling proposition (USP).
Step 2: Choose a Business Model
- E-commerce: Selling physical products via Shopify, WooCommerce, or Amazon.
- Dropshipping: Selling without holding inventory.
- Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting products.
- Freelancing: Offering services like content writing, graphic design, etc.
- Digital Products: Selling courses, eBooks, or software.
- Subscription-based Business: Offering membership plans.
Step 3: Register Your Business
- Choose a business structure:
- Sole Proprietorship (best for freelancers & small businesses)
- LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
- Private Limited Company (ideal for startups)
- Register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if annual turnover is ₹20 lakh or more (₹10 lakh for special category states).
- Obtain necessary licenses (FSSAI for food, IEC for export, etc.).
- Open a current bank account for business transactions.
Step 4: Build an Online Presence
- Buy a domain name (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
- Create a website using:
- Shopify (for e-commerce)
- WordPress + WooCommerce
- Custom website (HTML/CSS)
- Set up social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
Step 5: Payment & Logistics Setup
- Integrate payment gateways (Razorpay, Paytm, Instamojo).
- Choose a shipping partner for order fulfilment, such as NimbusPost, Delhivery, etc.
- Set up an inventory management system if selling products.
Step 6: Digital Marketing & Customer Acquisition
- SEO & Content Marketing (Blogging, YouTube, etc.)
- Social Media Marketing (Instagram, Facebook Ads)
- Email Marketing (Mailchimp, ConvertKit)
- Influencer & Affiliate Marketing
- Paid Ads (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
Step 7: Manage Operations & Scale
- Track business finances using tools like Zoho Books or QuickBooks.
- Automate customer support with chatbots.
- Expand via B2B partnerships, collaborations, and international markets.
Once you get done with these steps, it’s time to move ahead with what top items you should be considering to sell online in India. So, let’s dive in!
Top Online Selling Products in India For the Year 2025
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Apparel
The majority of all things sold online in India are dresses. The materials used to make clothing and dresses account for over 35% of the entire revenue from online sales. To draw in more clients, fashion brands are flooding the internet with their catalogues and offering year-round discounts. There is something for everyone on the internet, whether it’s haute couture, a craze, or a niche. So, why not show the world your hidden fashionista and grow big!
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Mobile Phones
Online marketplaces sell trendy products like mobile phones. Every model and brand that is offered for sale in the open market is easily available online. Before purchasing their preferred phone, consumers can easily compare trending smartphones online. One of the most sought-after products in India, 600 million smartphones had been sold nationwide as of July 2022. India’s smartphone market has been driven by factors such as rising disposable income, cheaper internet, and the demand to always be connected.
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Books
Purchasing a book from an offline retailer may require a lot of time. A buyer can find a seller of the titles they have chosen on the online market easily and at a lower cost. eCommerce sites offer reference, fiction, and educational books from Indian and international publishers, and that too at better price points.
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Consumer Electronics
Online selling platforms are great places to buy and sell consumer electronics, such as digital cameras, refrigerators, televisions, and home theatre systems. India is predicted to rank as the fifth-largest consumer durable market in the world by 2025. The demand for these items has surged due to the rise in Iot-enabled consumer gadgets and newer models.
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Footwear
Footwear is ranking high in trends among Gen Z. Customers have the option to select from top global brands on online stores, where they can look through the newest footwear collections online and discover a pair that perfectly combines quality, comfort, and style. Men’s footwear options include oxfords and monk straps, while women’s footwear options include smart stilettos, wedges, peep-toes, ballerinas, and more. So why not experiment with footwear?
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Jewellery
When purchasing across counters, choosing upscale jewellery can be difficult. Online shoppers can buy a variety of jewellery designs, including meenakari, lacquer, and handcrafted and antique pieces. Online marketplaces make it easy to choose among desired brands at better rates.
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Fashion Accessories
Following jewellery, fashion accessories are one of the major product categories sold online. Indians frequently purchase belts, purses, wallets, scrunchies, headbands, and watches online. Consumers also enjoy buying trendy fashion accessories online, such as tattoo sleeves, midi rings, chokers, and scrunchies. These goods are also among the most sought-after in India, particularly by the younger consumer base.
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Beauty Products
Online marketplaces are flooded with skincare products, such as lotions, face masks, moisturisers, creams, and scents, which are in high demand these days. Hot-selling haircare items on eCommerce sites include gel, cream, colour, shampoo, dryers, and more. Skin-friendly cosmetics and cruelty-free products are becoming highly popular among consumers.
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Computer Accessories
Computer equipment and accessories that are frequently found at internet retailers include desktop computers, disc drives, printers, scanners, pointing device, and switches. Customers can purchase the top brands on the market at steep discounts. Other popular desktop items on the internet include webcams, laptop covers, data card readers, and portable storage devices.
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Luggage
The value of India’s luggage and bag market was INR 1.22 trillion in 2024. A 6.17% annual growth rate is anticipated by 2028. Premium goods are becoming in demand as more Indians travel and seek superior bags. The best-selling baggage items on the online selling platforms in India right now are:
- Outdoor camp luggage bags
- Waterproof duffle bags
- 360-degree rotation luggage
- Luggage weighing scale
Conclusion
While the hype of eCommerce has made online marketplaces highly preferable, Indian consumers are leaning towards cost-effective buying, which is exactly what these platforms offer. With the booming startup culture in India, people have all the resources available to experiment in the eCommerce industry with their unique vision.
So, if you’re planning to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey soon, don’t underestimate the importance of a reliable and affordable shipping partner. For that purpose, NimbusPost can be your growth partner. Right from handling your logistics to warehouse fulfilment, we’ve got you covered with our value-packed solutions.
Start your free sign-up today!
FAQs
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How can beginners sell online?
- Choose a Product/Niche – Identify a profitable product or niche based on market demand.
- Decide on a Selling Platform – Sell on marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho) or create your website (Shopify, WooCommerce).
- Register Your Business – Get a GSTIN (if applicable), PAN, and business bank account.
- Source Products – Manufacture, source from wholesalers, or use dropshipping.
- List Products – Upload high-quality images, write clear descriptions, and set competitive prices.
- Set Up Payment & Shipping – Integrate online payment gateways and partner with logistics providers.
- Market Your Store – Use social media, SEO, and paid ads to attract customers.
- Manage Orders & Customer Service – Process orders on time and provide good customer support.
- Analyse & Improve – Track sales and customer feedback and optimise accordingly.
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What is the best method to sell products online?
Once you are done deciding which product to sell online, start researching your target audience. Define them based on demography, social status, age group, annual income, preferences, pain points, etc.
After that, consider which platform is preferred most by your target customers; for instance, is it a mega ecommerce marketplace like Amazon or a popular channel like Shopify? If you are starting as a social seller, wisely choose a social media platform to pitch your product or service based on your customers’ preferences and needs.
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How to sell products online?
You can choose to sell your products over popular eCommerce platforms like Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, Alibaba, or social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.
