One of the most common questions from entrepreneurs is, "How much capital do I need to start an online store?" The answer varies wildly depending on your technical approach. Let's break down the core expenses of launching an ecommerce business in India.
1. The Domain Name
Cost: ₹500 - ₹1,500 per year
Your domain name (e.g., yourbrand.in or yourbrand.com) is your digital real estate. A `.in` domain is typically cheaper and signals to customers that you are a local Indian business.
2. The Platform / Hosting
Cost: ₹10,000 - ₹30,000+ per year
You have three main paths here:
- Open Source (WooCommerce): The software is free, but you must buy hosting (₹3,000 - ₹10,000/yr), an SSL certificate, and pay for technical maintenance.
- Global SaaS (Shopify): Monthly fees range from ₹18,000 to ₹250,000+ per year, plus transaction fees and expensive app subscriptions.
- Local SaaS (Comez): A flat fee (e.g., ₹20,000/year for Growth). Hosting, SSL, and essential apps are included, and there are no transaction fees.
3. Payment Gateway Fees
Cost: ~2% per transaction
To accept UPI, credit cards, and net banking, you need a payment gateway like Razorpay or PhonePe. They typically charge around 2% per successful transaction. Warning: Ensure your ecommerce platform does not charge an additional percentage fee on top of this.
4. Design and Customization
Cost: ₹0 - ₹50,000+
If you use a platform with a good drag-and-drop builder and premium templates (like Comez), you can design the store yourself for free. If you hire an agency to build a custom WordPress or Shopify theme, expect to pay ₹30,000 to ₹100,000+.
Total Estimated Launch Cost
If you choose a smart, all-inclusive platform, you can launch a highly professional online store for under ₹25,000 a year. Avoid platforms that lure you in with low monthly fees but nickel-and-dime you with transaction penalties and app subscriptions as you grow.