The short version
For a small Indian seller in 2026 the working setup is: a real checkout on your own store (UPI + cards through a payment gateway like Razorpay, in YOUR account), COD switched on with the return-cost math done, and payment links only for the odd invoice — never screenshot-trust. This guide is the seller's workflow, not a gateway comparison.
The four ways money arrives, honestly ranked
| Method | Good for | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Checkout on your store (UPI/cards via gateway) | Everything — payment tied to the order, address captured, invoice automatic | Needs a store (a day's setup) + gateway KYC (a few days) |
| COD | First-time buyers, non-metro trust gap | Returns cost double shipping — know your ceiling (calculator) |
| Payment links / QR | One-off invoices, consult fees, exhibitions | Disconnected from orders at volume — fine at 5/month, chaos at 50 |
| Bare UPI ID + screenshot | Nothing, honestly | Disputes, fake screenshots, no order trail — retire this as you grow |
Setting up the real checkout
- Open a payment-gateway account (Razorpay is the common choice; PayU and others work too). KYC needs PAN, bank account, and business proof — allow a few working days. Fees are typically ~2% + GST per transaction; UPI promos vary — check current rates.
- Connect it to your store. On Manva you paste your own Razorpay keys — payments settle directly to YOUR account; the platform never touches your money and takes no commission.
- Switch on what buyers expect: UPI first (it's most of Indian online payments), cards, and COD with a sensible ceiling (e.g., COD only under ₹2,000 if your margin math says so).
- Invoices: GST-compliant invoices generate automatically once your GSTIN is set.
The COD decision, with numbers
COD lifts conversion meaningfully outside metros — and every returned COD parcel costs you forward + return shipping for zero revenue. The break-even is knowable: put your COD share and return rate into the margin calculator. Common patterns that keep COD healthy: a small COD fee (₹30-50), a price ceiling, and a WhatsApp confirmation message before dispatch (the generator has it) — confirmed COD orders return far less.
Settlement, refunds and the trust details
- Settlement: gateway money typically lands in your bank on a T+1/T+2 cycle — plan cash flow for it.
- Refunds: refund through the gateway (it reverses to the buyer's source) — never "UPI me back", which breaks the paper trail.
- On the page: showing accepted payment methods, a real business name and a clear return policy measurably reduces checkout hesitation. Your store's policy pages do this work silently.
Tax/compliance specifics (GST registration thresholds, TCS on marketplaces) vary by case — confirm with a CA; this guide is workflow, not tax advice.
A real checkout by this weekend
Store ₹999 one-time · your own Razorpay keys · UPI, cards, COD and GST invoices working day one.
Start free — build your site in minutesFrequently asked questions
How do small businesses accept online payments in India?
The working setup: a checkout on your own store with UPI and cards through a payment gateway (Razorpay-class, in your own account), plus COD with the return math done. Payment links serve one-off invoices; bare UPI-ID-and-screenshot should retire as you grow.
What do payment gateways charge?
Typically around 2% + GST per transaction for cards; UPI pricing has varied with regulation and promos — check current rates when you sign up. Settlement is usually T+1/T+2 to your bank.
Does Manva charge commission on my sales?
No. You connect your own Razorpay account; money settles directly to you. You pay Manva's flat pricing (₹999 one-time site + assistant plan) and your gateway's normal fees — nothing per-sale to us.
Should I offer COD?
Usually yes outside metros, with guardrails: a price ceiling, possibly a small COD fee, and a WhatsApp confirmation before dispatch. Run your COD share and return rate through the margin calculator to find YOUR ceiling.