Bihar has products that customers across India love: Makhana from Mithila, Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpuri silk, Sikki craft, Litti-Chokha spice mixes, pickles and handloom items. Online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart let a seller in Patna, Darbhanga or Bhagalpur reach buyers in every state.
This guide explains how to get started and avoid the mistakes that make many new sellers quit in the first few months.
Documents you usually need
- PAN card (individual or business)
- GST registration, which is required for most categories. Some rules allow certain small sellers or categories to sell without GST, so confirm with your CA and the marketplace
- Bank account in the business or proprietor's name
- A working mobile number and email ID
- Pickup address for orders
- Brand trademark or authorisation, if you want to register your own brand
- FSSAI licence for food products
Step-by-step registration
- Create a seller account on Amazon Seller Central or Flipkart Seller Hub.
- Enter business details, GST number, PAN and bank details.
- Set up your pickup address and shipping preferences.
- List your first products with title, images, price, description and stock.
- Complete verification steps and go live.
Understanding marketplace fees
Your selling price is not your profit. Marketplaces deduct several charges, which can include:
- Referral or commission fee, a percentage depending on category
- Closing or fixed fee per order
- Shipping fee based on weight and distance
- Collection or payment fees in some cases
- GST on these fees
Use the marketplace's fee calculator before deciding prices. Also account for packaging, returns and advertising.
Shipping options
Easy Ship / marketplace logistics
The marketplace's courier picks up from your location. This is the most common starting option for Patna sellers.
Fulfilment by the marketplace
You send stock to their warehouse and they pack and deliver. This can improve delivery speed and visibility, but adds storage and fulfilment fees.
Self-ship
You use your own courier. More control, but more work and responsibility for delivery timelines.
How to create listings that sell
- Titles: include brand, product type, key feature, size or quantity, for example "Brand Name Premium Phool Makhana 250g, Hand-Picked, Mithila".
- Images: clean white background for the main image, plus lifestyle, size and detail photos.
- Bullet points: benefits, material, usage, origin and what is in the box.
- Keywords: use terms buyers actually search, in backend search fields too.
- Honest descriptions: exaggerated claims lead to returns and bad reviews.
Growing your sales
- Run sponsored product ads with a small daily budget and track results.
- Price competitively but protect margins.
- Ship on time to keep good seller metrics.
- Ask satisfied buyers for reviews through the marketplace's allowed methods.
- Join sale events such as festive sales with planned stock and offers.
- Expand to other marketplaces like Meesho and your own website.
Common mistakes new sellers make
- Pricing without calculating all fees, ending up with losses.
- Poor packaging, leading to damage and returns.
- Ignoring return policies and return-to-origin costs.
- Copying images or brand names from other sellers, which can get listings removed.
- Not keeping stock updated, causing cancellations.
Need help managing your marketplace business?
Givni's e-commerce services team helps sellers with account setup, listings, product photos, ads and order management on Amazon, Flipkart and other portals. We also build your own e-commerce website. Call 98359 42411 or send an enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell from a small town in Bihar?
Yes, if courier pickup is available at your pincode. Check serviceability during registration.
How soon do I receive payments?
Marketplaces settle payments on a regular cycle after delivery. Check the current settlement terms in your seller panel.
Is it better to start with Amazon or Flipkart?
Many sellers start with one, learn the process, then expand. The best choice depends on where your category sells better.