How to start a dropshipping business in India?

Having run a dropshipping business for two years, here's my practical advice beyond the basic steps:Critical success factors:- Start with 2-3 products maximum - don't try to sell everything- Order samples first to check quality and shipping time- Focus on customer service - you're the face of the business despite not handling inventory- Calculate all costs carefully - including payment gateway charges, platform fees, and marketing- Build an email list from day one for repeat customersThe biggest challenge in India is managing customer expectations about delivery times. Be transparent about shipping durations (typically 7-15 days for domestic suppliers). Start small, validate your product idea, and scale gradually once you have a proven system.

Starting a dropshipping business in India involves several key steps:1. Market Research: Identify a profitable niche with demand but manageable competition2. Legal Structure: Register your business (sole proprietorship, LLP, or Pvt Ltd) and obtain GST registration3. Supplier Sourcing: Find reliable Indian or international suppliers (consider platforms like IndiaMart or global options like AliExpress)4. E-commerce Platform: Set up a website using Shopify, WooCommerce, or local platforms like Dukaan5. Payment Gateway: Integrate Indian payment options like Razorpay, Paytm, or CCAvenue6. Marketing Strategy: Plan digital marketing through social media, SEO, and influencer collaborationsFocus on finding suppliers with good quality control and reasonable shipping times within India. The Startup India portal provides useful resources for new businesses.

When starting dropshipping in India, pay special attention to these often-overlooked aspects:Legal and Tax Considerations:- You need GST registration if your turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs in special category states)- Understand the tax implications for goods sold within India vs. imported- Maintain proper invoices and records for all transactionsSupplier Management:- Have backup suppliers for your main products- Clearly communicate packaging expectations (include your branding materials)- Establish a system for handling returns and defective productsCustomer Experience:- Set realistic delivery expectations on your website- Provide regular order tracking updates- Have a clear return policy that complies with Indian consumer protection lawsThe initial investment is relatively low, but the time commitment for marketing and customer service is significant.