To sell on Amazon and Flipkart, register a seller account with your business, GST and bank details, create accurate catalogue listings with good images, choose a fulfilment model, price after counting fees, shipping and returns, and keep service metrics healthy. Start with a few products, learn the rules of each marketplace and add advertising once listings convert.
- Registration documents, brand and category approvals should be ready before you list.
- Price from your true landed cost after commission, fees, shipping and returns.
- Listing quality and service metrics decide whether you are seen and trusted.
- Start narrow, learn each marketplace's rules and scale what works.
What do you need before you register?
Marketplaces expect a real, compliant business. Typically that means a PAN, GST registration where applicable, a bank account in the business name, a pickup address and identity documents. Some categories, such as electronics, beauty or food, need extra approvals or brand authorisation, so check category requirements early.
Have your product basics ready too: clear photos, accurate dimensions and weights, barcodes where required and a consistent brand name. Marketplace policies update from time to time, so read the current seller guidelines on each platform's official site instead of relying on old advice.
How does a marketplace listing work?
Marketplaces are catalogue-driven. Many products are matched to existing catalogue pages, and you add an offer to them, while original or branded products need a new listing built from your data. Accuracy matters because mismatched details can cause suppressed listings or returns from disappointed buyers.
Each listing combines a title, images, bullet points, description, attributes and a price. Fill every available attribute honestly, because filters and search rely on them. Poor listings do not just sell less; they attract complaints, which feed into the account health that determines how visible you are.
Which fulfilment model should you choose?
You can generally ship orders yourself or use the marketplace's fulfilment service, where stock sits in their warehouses and they pack and deliver. Self-ship gives you control and lower fixed costs but depends on your own speed and packaging. Marketplace fulfilment can improve delivery promises and trust, at a fee.
Many sellers begin with self-ship on a small range to learn, then move fast-selling products into marketplace fulfilment. Whatever you pick, compare the costs honestly, including storage, return handling and inbound shipping, and make sure your stock records stay accurate across channels.
- Self-ship: more control, depends on your dispatch speed
- Marketplace fulfilment: faster promise, extra fees, inventory in their warehouse
- Hybrid: test with self-ship, move proven sellers to marketplace fulfilment
How should you price for profit?
Work backwards from your cost. Add product cost, packaging, the marketplace's commission and fixed fees, shipping charges, GST treatment, expected returns and any advertising spend. Only then do you know the lowest price that still leaves a margin. Matching a rival's price without this exercise is how sellers end up busy but unprofitable.
Consider returns carefully, especially in categories like apparel or electronics where they are frequent. Damaged or wrongly returned items can be a real loss. Build a modest allowance into your pricing and revisit it as real numbers arrive. Check each platform's current fee schedule, since structures change.
- Product and packaging cost
- Commission, closing and fixed fees
- Shipping and return shipping
- GST implications and invoicing
- Allowance for returns and damages
- Advertising budget
What keeps your account healthy?
Marketplaces monitor service quality closely. Late dispatch, cancellations, wrong items, poor packaging and slow responses all count against you. Persistent problems can reduce visibility or lead to suspension. Treat the seller dashboard as a daily habit, not an occasional check.
Respond to buyer questions promptly, package products so they survive the courier, and keep stock counts accurate to avoid cancellations. Collect honest reviews through good service rather than shortcuts; policies against manipulation are strict. Reputation compounds, so protecting it is cheaper than repairing it.
When should you add ads and expand?
Run advertising once a listing converts organically, because ads on a weak page simply buy more disappointment. Start with modest budgets on your best products, review which search terms bring sales and prune the rest. Treat ads as a way to speed up what already works, not to rescue a poor listing.
Expand in stages: more products, then the second marketplace, then perhaps a presence on Meesho or your own website. Keep operations simple enough that quality does not slip. Many sellers outsource listings, advertising and account management once volumes grow, so founders can focus on sourcing and product.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell on both Amazon and Flipkart at the same time?
Yes, many sellers do. The main challenge is keeping stock, pricing and policies consistent across both. Use inventory tools or careful processes to avoid overselling.
Do I need a GST number to sell online?
Requirements depend on your product, turnover and the platform's rules. Many categories and sellers need GST registration. Confirm with your accountant and the marketplace's current guidelines.
Is it better to sell on a marketplace or my own website?
Marketplaces bring ready traffic but take fees and limit your control, while your own site builds brand and customer ownership but needs marketing. Many businesses use both.
How long does it take to see sales on a marketplace?
It varies widely with category, competition, pricing and listing quality, so no timeline can be promised. Strong listings, fair prices and good service improve your chances over time.
Need help with this? See our Marketplace Management service or talk to Yash Parikh.