An online store is more than a website with a cart. It needs payments that work with eSewa, Khalti and cash on delivery, delivery rules for inside and outside the valley, stock management and, since 2025, registration under Nepal's E-Commerce Act. Here's what it all costs.
Ecommerce website price in Nepal
| Store type | What you get | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter store | Up to ~100 products, eSewa / Khalti / COD, order dashboard | NPR 70,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Growth store | Hundreds of products, variants, coupons, delivery zones, SMS updates | NPR 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Custom or marketplace | Multi-vendor, POS or ERP sync, custom checkout, apps | NPR 3,00,000+ |
WooCommerce, Shopify or custom?
| WooCommerce | Shopify | Custom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Low | Higher |
| Monthly cost | Hosting only | Subscription in USD | Hosting |
| eSewa / Khalti | Plugins available | Limited options | Built in |
| Flexibility | High | Medium | Full |
| Best for | Most Nepali small and mid stores | Brands selling abroad | Large catalogues, special workflows |
Costs people forget
- Product photography and descriptions
- Payment gateway merchant setup and transaction fees
- Delivery partner fees inside and outside the valley
- VPS hosting for a busy store (about NPR 2,500 – 7,000 a month)
- Ads to bring the first customers (most stores start with Meta ads)
- E-commerce listing with the Department of Commerce
Is e-commerce legal in Nepal?
Yes. Under the Electronic Commerce Act 2081, online businesses must list with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection and display their business details, PAN or VAT, a grievance contact and their listing number on the site. Check the current rules before launch.
How long does it take?
A starter store usually takes five to eight weeks. Payment gateway approval runs in parallel and can take from a few days to a few weeks, so apply early.
