Let’s get started. You need to understand the major factors that impact your ecommerce website cost.
In India:
• A basic eCommerce website can start from around INR 35,000 to INR 75,000. (Within USD 500 – USD 1000)
• A mid-range site might cost between INR 1,00,000 and INR 4,00,000. (Within USD 1,500 -1 USD 5,000)
• A high-end, custom-built site could start from ₹5,00,000 and go up significantly higher.(Approx USD 10,000 + above).
Having a vague idea won’t help so I have come up with an estimate that suits your business needs. This estimate is close to the accurate prices in the market now so that it doesn’t go beyond your budget.
Let me break down each component one by one.
So you are an entrepreneur looking to debut online? Do you have a business and want to sell your products online? Then, my friend, you need to have a clear picture of how much it will cost.
A common question we hear from small business owners is, “How much does an eCommerce website cost?“. I get it. There are so many factors and too much confusion. But there’s no need to panic.
This article will clear all your doubts and give an estimated cost of your eCommerce website in India.
Let’s get started.
Major Factors That Impact Your E-commerce Website Cost
Everybody shops online and you now have options to sell online too. So e-commerce isn’t a riddle that only a few can solve.
You could have Googled “how much does an eCommerce website cost?” and you would have probably seen a wide range of answers. Most might have left you more confused than before.
Your peers might have told you that eCommerce is tough, getting customers will be a pain, the logistics are a headache and much more.
On one hand, they might be right.
Building an eCommerce website is no child’s play and that’s why 22% of eCommerce businesses fail every year. There are a ton of things to consider and you need to have an idea of how much you can spend.
As an SMB, you might be wondering: How much does an e-commerce website cost?
Having a vague idea won’t help so I have come up with an estimate that suits your business needs. This estimate is close to the accurate prices in the market now so it doesn’t go beyond your budget.
Let me break down each component of the e-commerce website cost one by one.
Ecommerce Website Cost Breakdown
Millions of eCommerce websites are made every year. Some fail. Others make a decent profit while a handful makes hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every day.
The nine components here sums up the entire eCommerce website cost calculation in India. All the factors are essential for every eCommerce website and their costs are close to recent estimates. Let’s go through one by one:
- Business Logo
- Domain Name
- Hosting Service
- Professional Photography
- Web Design
- Payment gateway integration
- Logistics service
- Messaging service
- Maintaining cost
1. Business Logo
Your logo is the face of your brand. It sets the tone for your eCommerce site.
Did you know that Twitter’s logo cost only $15? Can you get your logo designed for that price now? Of course, you can!
But don’t even think about DIY-ing your logo! It might seem like a cost-effective option, but trust me, it is not worth it. There is nothing wrong with DIY logos, but they can look unprofessional, lack originality, and take up way too much time. Plus, you might end up with a logo that’s not scalable, versatile, or memorable.
A few thousand rupees is a small portion of your eCommerce website cost. Hire a logo designer, and they can craft the right logo for your business.The right bandwidth to spend would be around ₹2000 to ₹10,000 for your brand’s logo. A good deal would be to negotiate for a logo package where you get the logo in different dimensions.
2. Domain Name
When starting a business, your domain name is like your online address—it is where people will find you. A great domain name makes your brand memorable by building credibility. You even boost your SEO ranking by choosing a name with a keyword.
The domain name comes with a wide range of options. The most suited extensions for eCommerce websites in India are .com, .store, and .shop.The price band could be between ₹1000 and ₹1500 a year. You can buy the domain name at affordable prices. I searched for a domain name for a coffee shop, and here are suggestions from Hostinger:
Namecheap is a good choice to buy your domain name. The best part is that they offer an SSL certificate which is essential for any e-commerce website.
Pro-tip: Keep it short, easy to spell, and relevant to your brand. Try to add a keyword and avoid hyphens or complicated words. The name should be self-explanatory and people should identify what kind of business you are.
3. Hosting Service
A study shows that websites that take more than 3 seconds to load will lose 53% of visitors! This is where a good hosting service comes in. Think of it like the foundation of your online presence. If it is solid, everything else runs smoothly.
Here are the different hosting plans that HostGator offers:
On average, the cost to host your eCommerce website in India will be around ₹2000 to ₹10,000 a year. (a minimum)
As you are new, you can choose to go for a shared server as it won’t crack e-commerce website prices in India. A dedicated server is expensive but offers the best performance. Once you get to see some sales and profit, you can migrate to your own VPS server.
Pro-tip: Choose a hosting provider with great customer support and scalable plans.
4. Professional eCommerce Photography
Did you know that 67% of consumers say high-quality images are more important than product descriptions when shopping online? Poorly lit, blurry, or unappealing photos can instantly turn potential customers away.
“Can’t I just add my own photos? Is a photographer really necessary?”
Well, yes but only if you are a photographer yourself.
If you have a product line to sell, you need a professional touch and that is what every customer expects from an e-commerce store.
Hiring photographers in India for your eCommerce website can cost ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending upon the number of products, shots per product, images for the cover, carousel and more.
Pro-tip:
Invest in multiple angles, close-ups, and lifestyle shots. Customers want to see your product from every angle and how it fits into their lives. Also, hire the same photographer if you are planning to launch multiple products down the line. That way, you can negotiate for a better deal.
5. Web Design
Good web design is crucial for any business because first impressions matter. A professional web design is a must for your business. The e-commerce website price in India is greatly influenced by the website design.
Sure, DIY options are tempting. But you know what? They often lead to an amateur-looking website that can turn potential customers away.
Hiring a professional web designer is great because it takes the stress off your plate! The cost to hire a professional web designer might differ, as there are a lot of factors to consider. Choosing the right developer or platform makes a big difference in the price of a small e-commerce website price in India.
The online e-commerce website price in India ranges based on whether you are using templates or going custom. The bare minimum to build your eCommerce website in India would be ₹30,000, but it can climb to six figures depending on your ideas. If you want customized designs, long-term support, and have a ton of products in hand, it will end up with a big budget.
From Shopify setups to custom WordPress builds, the online ecommerce website price in India offers flexibility for all budgets. These platforms offer customizable templates and robust features that make it easy to showcase your products or services without the tech headache.
Hire an ecommerce development company that are specialists in what they do. My suggestion is to definitely go with WordPress! WordPress is super user-friendly, and WooCommerce makes setting up your online store easier. Plus, there are tons of plugins to customize your site just the way you want it.
Pro-tip:
If the designer’s profile says “Wix designer/Squarespace designer”, skip them. Read my article on my DIY website builders are a red flag for eCommerce. You will thank me for that.
6. Payment Gateway Integration
A solid payment gateway is the key to seamless transactions and happy customers! Without one, the entire transaction becomes vulnerable to threats online so customers avoid your site altogether.
When you choose a payment gateway, here are some of the features they offer:
- Security: Look for strong encryption and fraud detection features. You want your customers’ info to be safe and sound!
- Multiple Payment Options: Make sure it supports credit/debit cards and digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
- Easy Integration: Check if it plays nice with your website or e-commerce platform. You want a smooth setup, not a tech nightmare!
- Mobile Compatibility: With so many folks shopping on their phones, make sure the gateway works well on mobile devices.
- Transaction Fees: Keep an eye on those fees! You don’t want to be surprised by high costs eating into your profits.
- Customer Support: Reliable support is a must. You will want help at the drop of a hat if something goes wrong.
There are a lot of players like Razorpay, CC Avenues, and Just Pay in India for eCommerce websites and their pricing can be around ₹6000 to ₹40,000. When you choose a provider, you have to be aware of the setup fee and the transaction fee.
Some providers have zero setup fees so you can sign up for free. Later, they levy a transaction fee of 1% to 2.5%. Just like any other service company, they will have packages that suit different businesses, so choose yours and negotiate for the best deal. Choose the best payment gateway from the get-go to avoid hassles later.
To have a clear picture on how the costs look, use my e-commerce website cost calculator.
Pro-tip:
Always choose a payment gateway that provides excellent customer support.
7. Logistics Service
Now, time to dispatch your orders.
By this time, your eCommerce website is designed and hosted. You are about to receive your first order. That being said, you need support to deliver them.
This is where logistics partners come in. And trust me, they do way more than just dropping parcels at the customer’s door. They assist in cash on delivery (CoD), print labels and invoices, and an account manager to support you.
So how much does they charge?
Most platforms don’t charge for registration. You will undergo a verification and then you start shipping. The charges apply for the number of deliveries you make, starting at ₹25 per kg.
You can check out Instashipin, Bluedart, and Delhivery as they dominate the market now.
Pro-tip:
Look for Logistics services that can adapt to your changing needs and scale operations as your business grows.
8. Messaging Service
As a customer, I don’t just want products — I want the confidence that you will be there for me when something goes wrong. Quick responses and clear communication are what make me trust a brand enough to come back for another purchase..
Now, here’s the truth: those cookie-cutter live chatbots? Pretty frustrating. They often miss the context and delay responses; honestly, many businesses don’t even bother replying on time. In fact, 21% of companies don’t respond to customers through live chat at all.
The alternative? Go for SMS services or set up messenger apps for continuous support.
You can send customized messages for new launches, live tracking, updates on their support tickets and much more.
Webex interact is a website where you can set up SMS options to send notifications to your customers. The initial 4,999 messages will be billed at a rate of 3.95p per message.
Pro-tip:
Don’t just spam your customers with promos. Mix in useful updates (like delivery alerts or tips related to your product). That way, every message feels helpful.
9. Maintenance Cost
“Wait. My website is up and running fine. What should I spend for now?”
Short answer: yes. Without regular maintenance, even the best eCommerce sites start breaking down. Think of it like servicing your car — skip it for too long, and things will get messy (and expensive).
Maintenance covers a bunch of things: updating your design, keeping your SEO game strong, fixing glitches in the code, refreshing banners, or adding small features like a newsletter pop-up. For newer websites, you won’t have to worry about big-ticket items like migrations or full redesigns just yet, but smaller fixes still add up.
Typical maintenance tasks include:
- Content updates and SEO tweaks
- Squashing bugs (spam issues, broken links, checkout hiccups)
- Tightening up website security
- Speed optimization to keep pages loading fast
As for the costs? On average, you’re looking at ₹5,000–₹15,000 per month for routine upkeep in India.
Now, to sum things up, it would take around ₹75,000 to ₹3,00,000 (Around 1000 USD to 4000 USD), depending upon your needs.
Indian E-commerce Website Cost Journeys
Let us take a look at a case study to understand how a business managed their cost journeys, unexpected hurdles, and what they actually got back.
Case Study: Zerodha
Zerodha is an Indian discount brokerage that makes stock and derivatives trading cheap and simple for retail investors. It was founded by brothers Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, and their website went live in 2010.
The initial website cost was ₹2.5 lakh.
Early challenges & unexpected costs:
- Bootstrapping tradeoffs: They built very lean, outsourced parts of the back-office and relied on available exchange tech early on to keep cash burn low — that helped, but meant some stuff was outside their control.
- Glitches & reliability issues: Users repeatedly reported technical glitches — things like price update delays, login problems, order execution issues.
- Scaling & tech reliability (later pain from early choices): As Zerodha grew massively, tech/outage problems showed up in public (platform glitches and price-feed issues during volatile sessions). Those operational headaches and the investments to fix/scale infrastructure are common for startups that start very lean.
Outcomes and ROI:
- In FY24, Zerodha’s revenue was ₹8,320 crore and profit ₹4,700 crore.
- 1.6 crore users without having ever done advertising; about 30% of users joined through referrals.
Interactive E-commerce website Cost
Now that we have seen how real businesses solved their website problems, let’s talk about e-commerce costs. The truth is, how much an eCommerce website costs really depends on your specific needs and goals.
As a business owner, you need to be well-informed about your website design price list. That’s why we made a super simple website design calculator to get instant quotes.
Just choose your site type like basic, e-commerce, or something custom—tell us how many pages you want, and pick any cool extras like a content management system or payment options. In just a few clicks, you will get an instant price estimate that is up-to-date with the market.
How to Save on E-commerce Website Costs in India
Now that you have checked out our e-commerce website calculator, you might have got a quick idea of the costs involved. Let us talk about how you can actually save some bucks while building your online store in India.
Creating an e-commerce website can be a pretty exciting journey, but it can also get pricey if you are not careful. Saving money where you can is definitely a smart move—more savings mean more budget to spend on marketing or improving your products.
Here are some cool tips to help you cut down costs on your e-commerce website:
- Pick the Right Platform: Go for a user-friendly e-commerce platform that fits your needs. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can save you time and money compared to custom building from scratch.
- Start Small and Scale: Don’t try to build every feature at once. Launch with the basics and add extras as your business grows.
- Use Templates: Many platforms offer pre-made templates that look great and are customizable. This can drastically cut down on design costs while still giving you a professional look.
- Leverage Built-In Tools: Take advantage of built-in tools and plugins offered by your chosen platform. They can often provide functionalities like SEO optimization, analytics, and marketing without needing additional development work.
- Get Feedback Early: Before going live, gather feedback from potential users or stakeholders. It’s cheaper to make adjustments before launch than after!
- Budget for Maintenance: Factor in ongoing costs for maintenance and updates in your budget. A well-maintained site can save you from bigger issues down the line.
Hidden and Recurring Costs to Watch Out For
It is super important to keep an eye out for hidden and recurring costs that can pop up. Here is a quick rundown to help you stay ahead of the game:
- Hosting Fees: So, you have got your site up and running, but don’t forget about hosting! While some platforms include it in their plans, others charge separately. Make sure to check if there are any annual increases or additional fees for extra bandwidth.
- Domain Renewal: You snagged that perfect domain name, but guess what? It’s not a one-and-done deal! Domains need to be renewed yearly, and those costs can vary. Keep an eye on those renewal rates so you are not caught off guard.
- SSL Certificates: Security is key in e-commerce, and an SSL certificate is a must-have to keep customer data safe. Some platforms include it in their packages, but others might charge extra. Don’t skip this; it’s essential for building trust!
- Payment Processing Fees: When you set up payment gateways, watch out for those transaction fees! Every time someone buys something, a small percentage goes to the payment processor. These can add up quickly, especially if you have high sales volume.
- Customer Support Costs: If you run into issues (and you probably will), you might need to pay for premium support services. Some platforms offer basic support for free, but if you want quicker responses or more in-depth help, be ready for those costs.
- Maintenance and Updates: Websites are not a “set it and forget it” deal. Regular maintenance, updates, and backups are necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, there will be ongoing costs involved.
- Shipping Costs: If you are handling your own shipping, don’t forget about packaging materials and postage fees! These can sneak up on you, especially if you are offering free shipping or returns.
Post-Launch Costs & Growth Planning
With the current tech talent available, the e-commerce website price in India offers great value for small businesses. Now that you have launched your shiny new eCommerce website, you may think that your journey is over. But hold on a second; It doesn’t end here. In fact, this is where the real adventure begins.
Post-Launch Costs: What to Expect?
- Marketing and Advertising: Now that your site is live, it’s time to get the word out! Whether it’s Google Ads, social media promotions, or influencer partnerships, marketing can get pricey. Set aside a budget for ongoing campaigns anywhere from ₹20,000 – ₹2L/month (depends on how aggressive you go).
- Inventory Management: If you are selling physical products, managing inventory can be around ₹10,000 – ₹50,000/month (tools + manpower). You will need to consider storage, packaging, and shipping supplies. And don’t forget about restocking—keeping popular items in stock is key to satisfying customers!
- Website Maintenance: Your site will need some care and attention. Regular updates, backups, and security checks are crucial to keep everything running smoothly. If you are not tech-savvy, you might want to hire someone for this. Set aside ₹5,000 – ₹25,000/month (plugins, updates, developer support).
- Analytics Tools: To grow your business, you need to know what’s working and what’s not. Investing in analytics tools can help you track visitor behavior, sales trends, and conversion rates. Google Analytics is free, but premium tools will cost you around ₹2,000 – ₹15,000/month.
- Customer Support: Once orders start flying in, so will customer inquiries. Investing in a solid customer support system (think live chat or help desk software) will help you manage questions and issues efficiently. Plus, happy customers are loyal customers!
Growth Planning: Setting Your Business Up for Success
Having a growth plan for your website is just like a game plan to win over your competitors. I cannot stress its importance any more than that. It gives your business a clear direction after you launch your website. Check out this list for a simple growth plan with budgets:
- Set Clear Goals: What do you want to achieve in the next 6 months? A year? Whether it’s hitting a certain revenue target or expanding your product line, having clear goals will guide your decisions and keep you focused.
- Build a Marketing Strategy: Don’t just wing it! Create a comprehensive marketing plan that includes social media, email marketing, SEO, and content marketing. Can add up to ₹1.5L – ₹5L/ year.
- Leverage Customer Feedback: Once your customers start shopping, listen to their feedback! It’s gold for improving your products and services. Consider sending out surveys or encouraging reviews to gather insights that can shape your growth strategy. Set aside ₹15,000 – ₹50,000/year.
- Explore New Channels: As you grow, think about expanding into new sales channels. Maybe it’s time to explore marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, or even brick-and-mortar options if that fits your brand. Diversifying can help boost sales! The cost for diversifying varies between ₹50,000 – ₹2L/year.
- Invest in Technology: As your business grows, so will your tech needs. Look into tools for inventory management, CRM systems, and automation software that can streamline operations and save you time. The cost could be ₹50,000 – ₹2L/ year depending upon how aggressive you go!
- Stay Agile: The eCommerce landscape is always changing, so be ready to pivot! Keep an eye on industry trends and be willing to adapt your strategy as needed. Flexibility can be a game-changer, so set aside a ₹20K–₹50K as a buffer to jump into the latest trends.
- Plan for Scale: Think about how you can scale your operations as demand increases. Whether it is automating processes or outsourcing certain tasks, planning ahead will help you manage growth without losing quality. You will be spending around ₹1L – ₹3L, depending upon the level of scaling.
Compliance, Security, and Legal Considerations in India
I know, it sounds a bit dry, but trust me, understanding the legal stuff is super important for your business. Not only does it keep you out of trouble, but it also builds trust with your customers. So, let us break down a few key areas you need to be aware of in India:
GST: The Tax Talk
First up, we have the Goods and Services Tax (GST). If you are selling products or services online, you will need to register for GST if your turnover crosses Rs. 40 lakhs for goods supplied and Rs. 20 lakhs for the supply of services.
This isn’t just some boring tax rule—it’s a way to streamline the taxation system across the country. By collecting GST from your customers and filing returns regularly, you will stay compliant and also contribute to the economy. Plus, it makes your business look legit in the eyes of your customers.
Data Protection Act: Keeping Customer Info Safe
Next on our list is the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPB). While this bill is still making its way through the legislative process, it’s crucial to keep an eye on it because it focuses on how businesses handle personal data. In today’s digital age, consumers are more concerned than ever about their privacy.
By being proactive about data protection—like securing customer information and being transparent about how you use it—you will not only comply with future regulations but also earn your customers’ trust.
PCI DSS: Payment Security Matters
The last one on our list is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). If you are accepting online payments (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), you need to ensure that your payment processes are secure.
PCI DSS outlines a set of security standards designed to protect card information during and after a transaction. This means using secure payment gateways and encrypting sensitive data. This keeps your business compliant, and it reassures your customers that their payment info is safe with you.
Visual Comparison
DIY vs Agency vs SaaS Costs
You have got lots of options to build your website. You can DIY it, or go to an agency, or choose SaaS.
DIY is when you build the website from scratch or with open-source tools. Think WordPress.org, Joomla, Magento, or coding it yourself with HTML/CSS/JS.
If you don’t want to complicate things or code yourself but still need the flexibility of DIY, you can choose SaaS. SaaS is a subscription-based platform that gives you ready-made tools to build and manage your website with monthly fees. Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and BigCommerce are some popular SaaS platforms.
You can simply choose an agency if you want to skip the headache of building everything yourself and concentrate on your business. If you are still confused about choosing how to develop your e-commerce website, don’t worry. I got you! Check out this table for a clear picture of what you will be getting into with each option:
| Feature | DIY (Do It Yourself) | Agency | SaaS (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.) |
| Cost | Low upfront, but can add up with tools & plugins | Higher upfront + ongoing fees | Moderate monthly fees, sometimes transaction fees |
| Setup Time | It can take weeks or months (if you are new) | Usually fast, they handle everything | Quick to set up, templates make life easier |
| Technical Skills Needed | Medium to high (you are the builder) | Low — pros handle the tech stuff | Low to medium, some platforms are super beginner-friendly |
| Customization | Super flexible, but can get complex | Highly customizable, tailored to your needs | Limited by platform, but plenty of plugins & themes |
| Maintenance | You are on the hook for updates & fixes | The agency usually does maintenance & support | The platform handles updates and security |
| Control Over Site | 100% yours | 100% yours, but the agency guides the process | You are renting the platform, so some limitations exist |
| Support | Community forums, tutorials, your own hustle | Dedicated account managers & support teams | 24/7 support from the platform |
| Scalability | Depends on your skills and hosting | Scales with your budget | Built to scale, but with higher costs with growth |
| Best Suited For | Hands-on owners who love control & learning | Businesses want pros to do the heavy lifting | Businesses wanting fast, easy setup + decent control |
Upfront vs Ongoing Costs
Many business owners focus only on the upfront cost of building the site like design, development, and domain. But the real game? It’s in the ongoing monthly costs that come after launch.
Things like hosting, payment gateway fees, plugins, ads, updates, and even regular content add up. If you are not aware of these from the start, they can eat into your profits and stall your growth.
To help you plan better, I have made a simple side-by-side breakdown of upfront vs. ongoing costs in building and running an e-commerce website in India.
| Cost Category | Upfront Costs (One-Time) | Ongoing Costs (Monthly/Yearly) |
| Website Design & Development | ₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000 (freelancer or agency fee) | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month for ongoing support or updates |
| Domain Name | ₹1000 – ₹1,500/year (paid upfront) | ₹1000 – ₹1,500/year renewal |
| Hosting | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/year (shared/VPS hosting) | ₹200 – ₹1,000/month (if not prepaid) |
| eCommerce Platform | Free (WooCommerce) or ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 for themes/setup | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/month (Shopify, Wix, etc.) |
| SSL Certificate | Free (with some hosts) or ₹1,000 – ₹4,000 | ₹0 – ₹4,000/year renewal |
| Product Photography | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+ (DIY setup or professional shoot ) | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000+ occasionally (for new products) |
| Copywriting & Content | ₹3,000 – ₹15,000 (for product pages, homepage, etc.) | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000/month (SEO blogs, content updates) |
| Payment Gateway Setup | Usually free | Transaction fee: \~2% – 3% per order (e.g., Razorpay, Paytm) |
| Legal & Compliance | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 (basic legal pages, GST setup, privacy policy) | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000/year (if using a service) |
| Marketing Setup | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 (branding, initial ads, email templates) | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000/month (ads, SEO, email tools) |
| Inventory/Order Tools | ₹0 – ₹5,000 (basic tools, Shopify apps, etc.) | ₹500 – ₹3,000/month for SaaS tools |
| Apps & Plugins | ₹500 – ₹5,000 (premium plugin purchases) | ₹200 – ₹2,000/month (license renewals or premium plans) |
| Training & Support | ₹2,000 – ₹20,000 (courses, consulting) | ₹500 – ₹2,000/month (if ongoing help needed) |
| Total Typical Range | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000+ (one-time) | ₹5,000 – ₹60,000+/month (depending on scale)
|
Can you build your eCommerce website at a lower price than that?
Yes but remember. This is your business that you will be investing a large portion of your life into. Wouldn’t you want it to be close to perfect?
Going cheap isn’t always the best way if you wish to make good returns online. A well-built eCommerce website is the best one-time investment you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to build an e-commerce website in India?
Answer: It really depends on your needs. A basic e-commerce site can start at around ₹30,000–₹80,000, while a more advanced, custom-built platform with integrations can go from ₹1.5L to ₹10L+. Think of it like buying a car — budget hatchback vs. luxury SUV.
- Do I need to hire a developer or agency, or can I DIY?
Answer: If you are tech-savvy, DIY or SaaS works fine. But if you want something custom (like unique features, integrations, or high-end UI/UX), hiring a developer/agency makes sense. Agencies in India typically charge anywhere from ₹50K to several lakhs, depending on complexity.
- What is the cheapest way to start an e-commerce website in India?
Answer: If you are on a tight budget, you can use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress), or Wix. You will still need to pay for a domain, hosting, and a theme, but you can get started for around ₹15K–₹30K.
- Which is cheaper: WooCommerce or Shopify?
Answer: WooCommerce is cheaper if you are okay with managing hosting, updates, and security yourself. Shopify is more expensive, but it’s hassle-free. In India, WooCommerce can cost ₹15K–₹40K/year, while Shopify usually ends up around ₹30K–₹60K/year with add-ons.
- How long does it take to build an e-commerce website in India?
Answer: A simple site can go live in 2–4 weeks. A custom build with advanced features can take 2–4 months (sometimes more if there is a lot of back-and-forth).
- What is the monthly cost of maintaining an e-commerce website?
Answer: If you DIY, expect ₹1K–₹5K/month for hosting, domain, and small plugins. If you outsource, agencies or freelancers may charge ₹5K–₹20K/month for maintenance and updates.
- Do I need to pay GST on e-commerce website development?
Answer: Yes, most agencies and freelancers charge 18% GST on services. So don’t be surprised if the final bill looks a bit higher than the quoted base price.
- Can I integrate UPI payments like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm?
Answer: Yep! Most Indian payment gateways (Razorpay, PayU, Instamojo, Cashfree) support UPI, cards, wallets, and even COD. Integration costs are usually included in your development fee.
- Is digital marketing included in the website development cost?
Answer: Usually not. Most agencies charge separately for marketing. Think of your website as the shop and marketing as the crowd-puller — both are necessary, but they are separate investments.
- Do I need an app, or is a website enough?
Answer: A website is usually enough in the beginning. Many small businesses run on websites alone. An app is great for scale, but it can cost ₹2L–₹10L+, so most owners launch it later.
Want to build your eCommerce website within your budget? Contact us now
At the end of the day, as a business owner, your time is way too valuable to be stuck figuring out plugins, payment gateways, or debugging website errors at 2 AM. Your focus should be on growing your brand, serving customers, and scaling sales — not wrestling with tech headaches and e-commerce website costs.
That is exactly where GyanDevign Tech Services comes in. We don’t just build e-commerce websites; we partner with you in your journey. From choosing the right platform to designing a sleek, conversion-focused site and setting up all the tech behind the scenes, we got your back. Contact us now, and we can discuss your business idea and build that eCommerce website with no hidden costs whatsoever!
