How Gift Shop Owners Can Compete with Big E-Commerce Sites by Going Online

gift stores online

Walk into any Indian city – you’ll find charming local gift shops filled with creativity, emotion, and beautifully crafted items. But while you pour your heart into curating the perfect gifts, there’s one big challenge: online giants are capturing your customers.

Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart may have reach, but they can’t match your personal touch, unique gifts, and local trust. The best way to win? Bring your gift shop online – on your own terms.

With chotu, you can launch your online gift store in minutes, reach a wider audience, and compete head-to-head with the biggest e-commerce brands – all without giving up your profits or identity.

Let’s see how you can do it.

The Truth: Customers Want Local, Not Just Big Brands

Big e-commerce sites are convenient, but they’re also crowded and impersonal.

Today’s shoppers want more than fast delivery – they want:

  •  Unique & personalized gifts they won’t find elsewhere.
  •  Direct connection with sellers they can trust.
  •  Better value without hidden delivery charges.
  •  Local sellers who offer custom wrapping, messages, and same-day delivery.

That’s your biggest advantage. You just need the right online store to showcase it.

Go Online the Smart Way – with Your Own chotu Store

Instead of depending on large marketplaces (that charge high commissions and control your customers), create your own digital store with chotu.

It’s simple, quick, and built for Indian shop owners.

 Step 1: Build Your Store

Visit owner.chotu.com/sell-online

  • Select the desired template
  • Enter store name and mobile numner
  • Choose either FREE Version or paid

Your online gift store is live in seconds – no developers needed.

Step 2: Use our ready-made template or Add Your Gifts & Collections

Upload high-quality photos and short, emotional descriptions that connect with customers.

Create collections like:

  • Birthday & Anniversary Gifts
  • Personalized Hampers
  • Festival Combos (Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Christmas)
  • Corporate Gifts & Employee Rewards
  • Handmade & Eco-Friendly Gifts

 Pro tip: Highlight your uniqueness – “Hand-wrapped with love” or “Locally made artisanal gifts.”

Step 3: Market Like a Pro – Without Spending on Ads

You don’t need a huge marketing budget to reach customers. Use free channels smartly:

  • Share your store link on WhatsApp, Instagram, and local Facebook groups.
  • Post videos of your gift wrapping process or unboxing moments.
  • Collect reviews from happy customers – people trust recommendations.
  • Print your store QR code on packaging and visiting cards.

In no time, your online gift store will become your local brand people remember and trust.

How You Can Beat Big E-Commerce Players

Big marketplaces have reach – you have relationship. Here’s how to turn that into your winning strategy:

1. Personalization They Can’t Offer

Offer customized wrapping, greeting cards, and handwritten notes. People love the “human touch” that big websites can’t replicate.

2. Same-Day Local Delivery

With local logistics or self-delivery, you can fulfill orders faster than e-commerce sites – especially during festivals.

3. Direct Customer Connection

You can chat directly with customers via WhatsApp, answer questions, and recommend the perfect gift.

4. Zero Commission = Higher Profit

Unlike big platforms, chotu takes no commission. You keep 100% of your sales. That means more margin for discounts, packaging, or growth.

5. Showcase Your Local Identity

Your online gift store on chotu is yours alone – your name, your logo, your style. Build a brand customers remember, not just a listing on someone else’s platform.

Why Gift Shop Owners Choose chotu

chotu is made for small shop owners, homepreneurs, and local sellers – especially those who want to grow fast without depending on big tech.

Here’s why:

  •  Ready-to-use templates designed for gift stores.
  •  Instant digital payments (UPI,  COD).
  •  WhatsApp integration for quick customer communication.
  •   Zero commissions – full profit is yours.
  •  Custom branding – your logo, colors, and name everywhere.

It’s like having your own Amazon-style store, but where you make the rules.

The Future of Gifting Is Local + Digital

Your customers are online. Your competitors are going digital. The only question is – will they find you there?

When you go online with chotu, you don’t just sell gifts – you build a brand that celebrates emotions, trust, and your craft.

You can now:

✅ Run your gift shop 24/7

✅ Serve customers anywhere

✅ Keep all profits

✅ Grow into a recognized local brand

Final Thoughts

Big e-commerce platforms might dominate in size – but you can dominate in connection.

Your creativity, care, and personal touch are what make people come back – and chotu gives you the platform to scale that magic online.

It’s time to take control of your business future. Build your online gift store today and compete smartly – not by size, but by service, speed, and sincerity.

Start now at owner.chotu.com/sell-online

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is chotu?
Namaste. I am chotu, your friendly shopboy. I make ordering from your shop simple on WhatsApp.
What does chotu do?
Customers can see your full product list online (like Zepto/Blinkit). They add to cart and order directly on WhatsApp.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data. chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one big difference: With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Do customers need to download chotu?
No. They can order by:
  • Scanning your QR code


  • Clicking your shop link

(If they install chotu, it only makes reordering easier.)

So, there are two apps?
Yes, the red chotu app is for buyers, golden chotu Owner app is for you, the shopkeeper. You can install both if you want.

How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Click on LIVE DEMO to see how your shop will look.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How much does chotu cost?
Starts ₹999, one-time payment. No rent. No subscription. No commission. It’s your shop forever.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.


Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
  • Ask customer to pick up


  • Send through your boy/helper
  • Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.


Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
When you buy a shop, you get a shop link and a QR.
  • Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.


  • Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.


Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
  • Higher ranking in customer searches
  • Ability to edit your shop details
  • Priority customer support
How do I buy the VIP Pass?
All shops come with a built-in FREE VIP Pass. You do not need to purchase it right now. You can login to the chotu Owner app to buy the VIP Pass later.
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with local shops as easy as UPI made payments.
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