✅ Full Setup Requirements, Platform Comparison & Tips for Indian Sellers

Whether you're a home-based seller, small manufacturer, fashion brand, or someone planning to resell — selling on India’s major e-commerce platforms is one of the fastest ways to reach customers across the country (and even globally). But every platform has different requirements, rules, and onboarding steps.

This post breaks down:

• Documents you need to register as a seller

• Platform-wise comparison (GST, logistics, brand needs, etc.)

• Tips, mistakes to avoid, and category-specific highlights

📦 Setup Requirements: Platform by Platform

1. Amazon is open to all sellers — from individuals to registered brands. You need a GST number (unless you're selling GST-exempt goods like books), a PAN, a bank account, and product listings with images. Amazon also provides shipping support through its Easy Ship or FBA services.

   
   

2. Flipkart is similar to Amazon but has slightly tighter onboarding. You’ll need a GSTIN, PAN, and bank account. The platform handles shipping, but you must manage inventory and listings carefully.

   
   

3. Meesho is a beginner-friendly platform. You can start selling with just a PAN and bank account. GST is optional for some product categories. Meesho handles logistics and offers zero commission on many products.

   
   

4. Myntra focuses only on fashion and lifestyle brands. It's a curated platform — not everyone can list here. To get started, you’ll need a GSTIN, PAN, bank account, and a trademark certificate (mandatory). Myntra manages logistics and promotes premium branding.

   
   

5. Etsy is ideal for handmade, craft, vintage, or personalized products. Although it’s a global platform, Indian sellers can register with a PAN, GSTIN (for export), a Payoneer or Wise account for payments, and self-manage shipping. International buyers are the main audience here.

Category-Specific Notes

Here’s how platform requirements vary based on what you’re selling:

👗 Fashion & Apparel

• Platforms: Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon Fashion

• Requirements: Trademark mandatory for Myntra; return policies must be generous

• Tip: Use clean, high-quality lifestyle shots + size charts

🪔 Handmade / Craft / Artistic Products

• Platforms: Etsy (best fit), Amazon Handmade

• Requirements: GST + self-managed shipping (for Etsy); storytelling helps boost sales

• Tip: Global buyers love product origin stories and packaging care

🍪 Packaged Food / FMCG

• Platforms: Amazon Pantry, Flipkart Grocery, Meesho Grocery

• Requirements: FSSAI license is mandatory, along with GST

• Tip: Include clear expiry dates and nutritional info; strong packaging needed

🔌 Electronics / Accessories

• Platforms: Amazon, Flipkart

• Requirements: Model numbers, warranty terms, original invoice (especially for refurbished goods)

• Tip: Double-check return & exchange policies — electronics often see higher returns

📊 Pros & Cons of Each Platform (Seller Perspective)

📄 What Documents Do You Need?

• GSTIN Certificate (unless exempt category or Meesho non-GST seller)

• PAN (Individual or Business)

• Bank Account with IFSC code (plus cancelled cheque/passbook)

• Trademark Certificate (Required for Myntra; optional for others)

• Product Images (white background + lifestyle photo)

• Product Descriptions & Pricing

• [Optional] FSSAI License (for packaged food)

• [Optional] Import Export Code + Payoneer/Wise account (for Etsy)

🧠 Which Platform is Right for You?

🚫 Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Uploading poor-quality images or incomplete listings

• ❌ Ignoring platform fee structures and shipping zones

• ❌ Not preparing for customer returns/refund expectations

• ❌ Overloading inventory before understanding demand

• ❌ Trying to list without required licenses (like FSSAI, trademarks)

💰 Cost Breakdown

💡 Onboarding Tips for First-Time Sellers

• ✔️ Start small — test 5–10 SKUs before scaling

• ✔️ Use natural light or white box for product shots

• ✔️ Learn platform basics via free training videos

• ✔️ Track stock across platforms using a shared spreadsheet

• ✔️ Engage in seller groups for support (Telegram/WhatsApp)

• ✔️ Etsy sellers: set up Payoneer or Wise to receive INR payments

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1: Can I sell without GST?

  • Yes, only on Meesho (for some categories) and Amazon (for exempt goods like books).

  
  

• Q2: Do I need a trademark to get started?

  • Not unless you're selling on Myntra. But having one helps build brand credibility.

  
  

• Q3: Can I sell the same product on multiple platforms?

  • Yes. Just make sure inventory and pricing are synced across channels.

  
  

• Q4: How long does registration take?

  • Meesho: 1–2 days

  • Amazon/Flipkart: 2–5 days

  • Myntra: 2–3 weeks

  • Etsy: Account opens fast, but export steps take time

🗣️ Share Your Experience

• Which category are you planning to sell in?

• If you’re already live on any platform, what’s your biggest learning?

Drop your questions or insights in the comments. Let’s help each other navigate India’s growing online selling space. Post curated by the Sumvaad team to support micro & small Indian businesses going digital. To ask specific questions share them on Manthan (your new forum space).

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide covers basic and general setup requirements common across most product categories. Some categories — like food, electronics, and fashion — may require additional licenses, quality checks, or documents. Always check platform-specific terms for your category before listing.