You make great products. Maybe it's jewellery, candles, baked goods, skincare, home decor, crochet, resin art, or something entirely your own. People who see your work love it. But turning that into a sustainable online business can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks it down into clear, actionable steps. No jargon. No complicated technology. Just the practical knowledge you need to start selling online.
Step 1: Define what you sell
Before setting up a store, get clear on your product line.
Ask yourself:
- What do I make consistently well?
- What do people ask me to make most often?
- What can I produce reliably without burning out?
You don't need 50 products to start. Three to five well-made items with good photographs are enough to launch. You can always add more later.
Start with your best-selling or most-requested items. These already have proven demand.
Step 2: Price your products properly
Many makers underprice their work. Here's a simple formula:
Material cost + Labour (your time × hourly rate) + Overhead (packaging, tools, electricity) + Profit margin (20-40%) = Selling price
Don't forget to factor in:
- Packaging materials
- Platform fees
- Shipping costs (or build them into the price)
- Time spent on customer communication
Your work has value. Price it accordingly.
Step 3: Photograph your products
Good photographs sell products. You don't need a professional camera. A modern smartphone with good lighting works perfectly.
Photography tips:
- Natural light is your best friend. Shoot near a window during daytime.
- Use a plain background (white cloth, wooden surface, or clean wall).
- Show the product from multiple angles (front, back, detail shots, scale reference).
- Include a lifestyle shot showing the product in use.
- Keep images consistent across all products for a professional look.
Step 4: Write clear product descriptions
Your description should answer every question a buyer might have:
- What is it? (material, size, weight, colour)
- How is it made? (your process, any special technique)
- How to use/care for it? (washing instructions, handling tips)
- What makes it special? (your story, what inspired it, why it's different)
Write in simple language. Avoid overly flowery descriptions. Buyers appreciate clarity.
Step 5: Set up your online store
You have several options. The key is choosing a platform that fits your needs:
What to look for:
- Low or no upfront costs to start
- Simple setup (no coding needed)
- Mobile-friendly (most Indian buyers shop on phones)
- Secure payment processing
- Support for Indian payment methods (UPI, cards, net banking)
On Chiblu, you can set up your store in under 10 minutes. Start with the free Starter plan (up to 3 products) and upgrade as you grow. Your store gets its own URL that you can share anywhere.
Step 6: Handle shipping simply
Shipping doesn't have to be complicated:
- Packaging: Use sturdy boxes or padded mailers. Bubble wrap fragile items. Include a thank-you note for a personal touch.
- Shipping partners: India Post, Delhivery, and BlueDart all offer pickup services for small businesses.
- Pricing: Either offer free shipping (build the cost into your product price) or charge a flat rate. Avoid calculated shipping for simplicity.
Step 7: Get your first sale
Your first sale won't come from Google. It will come from people who already know you.
Start with your network:
- Share your store link on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook
- Tell friends and family (they're often your first customers)
- Post about your products on social media with good photos
- Join maker communities and craft groups online
Then build outward:
- Post regularly on Instagram (reels of your making process do really well)
- Ask satisfied customers for reviews
- Participate in local markets, fairs, and pop-ups (with cards pointing to your online store)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for perfection. Your store doesn't need to be perfect to launch. Start, learn, and improve.
- Copying others' prices. Your costs and quality are different. Price based on your actual costs.
- Ignoring customer messages. Quick, friendly responses build trust and repeat customers.
- Not tracking expenses. Keep a simple spreadsheet of costs and revenue from day one.
- Trying to sell everything. Focus on what you make best. Specialisation builds reputation.
The first step is the hardest
Every successful maker started with zero sales and zero followers. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't isn't talent. It's starting.
Your craft is valuable. There are people out there looking for exactly what you make.
Your skill took time to develop. You just need to make it easy for them to find you.