Selling online lets your business take orders around the clock, from anywhere in Sri Lanka. Local payment gateways such as PayHere make it possible to accept card payments directly on your own website. This guide explains what you need to start selling online and how the pieces fit together.
What you need to sell online
- An e-commerce website with a product catalogue, cart, and checkout
- A payment gateway, such as PayHere, to accept card and mobile wallet payments
- Clear delivery options and charges
- Policies: terms, privacy, and a clear returns and refunds policy
- A way to manage orders, so nothing is missed
How PayHere payments work
PayHere is a Sri Lankan payment gateway that lets customers pay online by card and by mobile wallets. When a customer checks out:
- The website sends the order total to PayHere.
- The customer enters their payment details on PayHere's secure payment page, so your website never handles or stores card numbers.
- PayHere confirms the payment back to your website.
- The order is marked as paid, and you and the customer receive a confirmation.
To use PayHere, your business registers for a merchant account and completes their approval process, which includes having clear policies on your website.
Offer bank deposit too
Some customers prefer to pay by bank deposit. You can offer this at checkout, with your bank details and the order number as the payment reference. The order is processed once the payment is confirmed.
Features every online store needs
- Mobile-friendly design, because most shoppers browse on their phones
- Clear product pages with photos, prices, specifications, and stock status
- Categories and search so customers find products quickly
- A simple checkout with as few steps as possible
- Order notifications to you and your customers
- An admin panel to add products, update prices, and manage orders
- Search-friendly pages so products can be found on Google
Delivery
Decide whether you deliver island-wide, which courier you use, and how delivery charges are calculated. Show delivery charges clearly at checkout, so customers are not surprised.
Build trust with customers
Show your business address, phone number, and WhatsApp contact clearly, publish your returns policy, and respond quickly to enquiries. Trust is what turns first-time visitors into repeat customers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered business to use PayHere?
PayHere has its own approval process for merchant accounts, with requirements for businesses and individuals. Check PayHere's current requirements when you apply.
Can I sell online without card payments?
Yes. Some stores start with bank deposit or cash on delivery and add card payments later. Offering card payments usually makes it easier for customers to complete their orders.
How do customers find my online store?
Through Google search, social media, and your existing customers. Search-friendly product pages, clear categories, and sharing products on Facebook and WhatsApp all help bring in traffic.
Get your online store built
We build e-commerce websites with PayHere payments, bank deposit options, and admin panels for managing products and orders. See our e-commerce development service, read how much a website costs in Sri Lanka, or contact us for a free consultation.