India's e-commerce market crossed $80 billion in 2025 and is growing about 25% a year. You do not need your own website to take part — marketplaces already have millions of buyers waiting.
Different marketplaces serve different needs. Consumer-product marketplaces handle payments and offer logistics for retail goods. B2B platforms connect wholesale and industrial suppliers with bulk buyers. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is the route to government procurement, which crossed Rs 4 lakh crore in FY2024-25. Many businesses list on more than one.
For exports, global selling programmes let Indian sellers reach the US, UK, UAE, and more, and over 1.5 lakh Indian sellers already do. Government schemes such as RoDTEP support exporters with duty remission.
How to do it
- 1
Choose the right type of marketplace
Sell consumer products on a retail marketplace, wholesale or industrial goods on a B2B platform, and to government buyers on GeM. Compare the options below and start where your buyers already are.
- 2
Gather your documents
Keep your GSTIN, PAN, bank account, and Udyam registration ready. GeM uses your Udyam number; consumer marketplaces need GST and bank details for payouts.
- 3
Create strong product listings
Write clear titles, list specifications, and upload sharp photos on a white background. Good listings outsell poor ones even at the same price.
- 4
Decide who handles delivery
Use the marketplace's own logistics to reach customers without arranging couriers yourself, or self-ship if your volumes are low.
- 5
Track fees and margins
Marketplaces charge referral and closing fees that vary by category. Calculate your net margin after fees before you price, so each sale stays profitable.
Tools you can use
These are widely used options for this step. The toolkit is an independent Bombay Chamber initiative and does not endorse any single product — compare them and pick what fits your business.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pricing without accounting for marketplace fees, so 'sales' lose money.
- Uploading dark or cluttered product photos that buyers scroll past.
- Ignoring customer questions and reviews, which sink your listing's ranking.
- Skipping GeM registration even when government buyers actively prefer MSME suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need GST to sell on marketplaces?
For most taxable goods on consumer marketplaces, yes. Some categories and small turnovers are exempt, but check each platform's current rules before listing.
What is GeM and why register?
GeM is the Government e-Marketplace. Registering with your Udyam number opens government procurement, where MSMEs get price preference and a vast buyer base.
Can I sell abroad from India?
Yes. Global selling programmes list Indian products in overseas marketplaces, and export schemes such as RoDTEP help offset duties.
Published by the BCCI Digital Toolkit, a Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry initiative. Pricing and availability of third-party tools change — verify current details before deciding.