If you’ve ever dreamt of selling your products to a massive online audience, IndiaMART should be on your radar. This B2B eCommerce giant connects businesses with millions of buyers across India. But maybe you’re thinking, “Online selling sounds complicated. Is it worth the effort?”
We get it! Starting on any new platform has a learning curve. That’s why we’ve put together this guide – to walk you through the steps of becoming an IndiaMART seller and give you the inside scoop on making it work for you.
Becoming an IndiaMART Seller: Step-by-Step Registration
Your GST number is your business’ ticket to selling on IndiaMART. It stands for Goods and Services Tax, and it’s the government’s way of keeping track of business transactions. IndiaMART takes compliance seriously; so, to sell on their platform, you need this number.
Here’s the Step-by-Step Registration Process of IndiaMART
Step 1: Go to the IndiaMART website and look for a link to register as a seller. It’s usually pretty easy to spot, with labels like “Sell on IndiaMART” or “Start Selling”.
Step 2: You’ll be asked to create an account with your email, a secure password, and some essential business details. Double-check that email address—it’s how IndiaMART will contact you throughout the process!
Step 3: Gather your papers. This is where it can feel a little like tax season, but IndiaMART wants to be sure you’re a legitimate business, so you’ll need to provide the following:
- Your GST Certificate: Proof that you’re all squared away with the government.
- Business Registration: This could be anything from a sole proprietorship license to partnership documents, depending on how your business is structured.
- Address Proof: A utility bill, lease agreement, or something similar that shows where your business operates.
- Bank Account Details: Hey, you’re going to be making sales, so IndiaMART needs to know where to deposit your earnings!
- Heads Up: IndiaMART may ask for other documents depending on the specific products you plan to sell. Better to have everything ready to avoid delays!
IndiaMART has a system for uploading your documents. Usually, it involves scanning or taking clear photos of them and following their instructions.
Step 4: Now’s the time for a little patience. IndiaMART takes time to carefully review all the information you’ve submitted. Be sure to keep an eye on your email in case they have questions or need additional documents.
IndiaMART Fees: The Good News
How much of your hard-earned money IndiaMART is going to take? Zero! IndiaMART has a completely different fee structure than some of the other big eCommerce platforms out there.
Seriously! You can create listings for all your products without paying a single rupee upfront. No sneaky per-item fees eating into your profits, and no monthly subscription to list a limited number of things. This is especially amazing if you’re starting small, with just a handful of products to test the waters.
They do offer premium subscriptions with extra perks like better visibility, more detailed analytics, and some marketing tools. These are helpful if you’re ready to scale your business but are completely optional for new sellers.
With IndiaMART’s fee structure, you have way more control over your profit margins. Of course, setting your prices is still a delicate thing. You need to be competitive with other sellers offering similar products while ensuring you’re making enough to cover your costs and turn a profit. But not having to automatically factor in listing fees gives you flexibility, which is a great advantage.
Keep an eye out for other online resources on pricing strategies for eCommerce businesses. Striking the right balance at the start will fuel your future success.
Listing Products & Attracting Buyers
Think of your product listings as your online storefront window. You want to catch the eye of potential buyers and convince them to step inside (click on your listing!).
Great Photos
You wouldn’t open a store with dusty, blurry window displays, and the same goes for your online shop! Clear, well-lit photos are crucial. Show off your product from all sides. If appropriate, show how the item is used – this helps customers imagine themselves owning it. No one wants to zoom in and see pixels but IndiaMART sometimes lets customers zoom in on product photos, so ensure yours are detailed enough!
Descriptions & Keywords
Think like a buyer – what would you search for to find this product? Your keywords should be exactly those terms. Use simple language with accurate measurements, material details, or any specific features a buyer should know about. Anticipate what buyers might be curious about and offer answers upfront. This saves you time answering individual inquiries later!
Your Product Category Matters
Help IndiaMART’s system place your listing in the right spot. Don’t just select the broadest category, drill down to the most specific one that fits your product. Otherwise, it’s like hiding a needle in a giant haystack – buyers interested in what you’re selling will never find you!
A Little Boost Through Promotion
IndiaMART has built-in tools to help promote your listings. We’ll get into those more in the future but don’t assume buyers will magically stumble across your stuff. Be ready to do some of your own marketing on social media, through email blasts (if you have a list), or even good old-fashioned word-of-mouth if you’re selling locally.
Success Tips for New Sellers
Starting out as an online seller can feel exhilarating and overwhelming all at the same time. Once you’ve mastered the basics of creating listings, the real work begins to keep your buyers happy. Here are some non-negotiables when it comes to building a solid reputation with your customers on IndiaMART:
Super-Fast Seller: Respond with Lightning Speed
Think about how you feel when you ask a business a question online and hear nothing. Not great, right? Don’t be that seller! Make it a priority to respond to customer inquiries quickly, even if it’s just to acknowledge that you’ve received their message and will get back to them soon. This builds trust from the get-go.
Online shopping happens 24/7, so try to keep an eye on your inbox even on days off. Setting up automated responses outside of your usual business hours is a good idea – letting customers know when to expect a detailed reply goes a long way.
Customer Service is Queen (or King!)
Imagine your IndiaMART store as a brick-and-mortar shop. You wouldn’t be rude to someone who approached you with a question. The same holds true online! Always try to be friendly and helpful, even if a customer has a complaint or has misunderstood something.
Going the extra mile in service often leads to glowing reviews on your listings. These are like digital gold, showing potential buyers that you’re trustworthy!
Inventory Promises is Key
There’s nothing worse than a customer getting excited to purchase an item only to find out it’s out of stock! Diligently updating your inventory as soon as items sell and maintaining clear records prevent these frustrating situations. Even with the best systems, sometimes things go wrong. If a popular item suddenly becomes unavailable, be proactive. It’s a balancing act – you don’t want to overstock and have cash tied up in slow-moving products, but you also don’t want to miss out on sales.
Shipping: The Final Stretch
A package safely delivered on time is the ultimate win of your marketplace shipping strategy. The process of getting a product from your warehouse to a buyer’s doorstep is called “order fulfillment.” IndiaMART has tools to help with this, but it’s also a good idea to research other delivery options. You can head to the NimbusPost courier recommendation engine to find the best shipping service. The faster and more reliable your shipping, the happier your customers will be. To win the shipping game, read this comprehensive eCommerce shipping guide.
Conclusion
IndiaMART is a fantastic opportunity to launch or expand your eCommerce journey. With the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re equipped to set up your account, create eye-catching listings, and provide the kind of customer service that keeps buyers coming back. So, what are you waiting for? Start your IndiaMART adventure today!
FAQs
Is IndiaMART registration free?
Yes, registration on IndiaMART is free. Indiamart charges no fee or commission.
Is GST required for IndiaMART?
Yes, you need a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration to sell on IndiaMART. GST is required to create invoices and to become a Verified Seller on the IndiaMART portal. You also need to provide accurate invoice details, including GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), to maintain compliance.
What are the four steps to start selling on IndiaMART?
To start selling on IndiaMART, you can follow these four steps:
- Create an account on the IndiaMART seller portal.
- Fill in your contact number and name.
- Enter the required documents.
- Create your product listing and start selling.
How many free sellers are registered on IndiaMART?
IndiaMART had around 7.5 million registered suppliers.