The Power of WhatsApp Commerce for Local Businesses

By

If there is one platform that every customer uses daily – morning to night – it’s WhatsApp.

From family chats to school groups, office updates, grocery notes, and neighbourhood communication, WhatsApp has become the digital heartbeat of India.

But in 2025, something even more powerful is happening:

WhatsApp has quietly become the biggest commerce channel for local businesses.

Customers now prefer to:

  • Ask product availability
  • Check services
  • Place orders
  • Share locations
  • Request home delivery
  • Send enquiries

All through WhatsApp.

This shift has opened a huge opportunity for local shops – if they use WhatsApp the right way.

This is where chotu becomes the perfect partner, helping small businesses convert WhatsApp messages into daily orders.

Why WhatsApp Commerce Is a Game-Changer for Local Shops

WhatsApp commerce is simple:

You sell directly to customers using WhatsApp – no apps, no commissions, no barriers.

Here’s why it matters.

1. Customers Already Use WhatsApp Daily

Your customers may or may not use delivery apps, but 100% of them use WhatsApp.

It is the most convenient platform for them to:

  • Ask questions
  • Check availability
  • Place orders
  • Reorder frequently

If your shop isn’t using WhatsApp actively, you are losing daily business.

2. WhatsApp Builds the Strongest Customer Relationships

Messages feel personal.

Customers trust businesses more when communication happens directly on WhatsApp.

This leads to:

  • Faster replies
  • More confidence
  • Higher repeat orders
  • Stronger loyalty

Local shops thrive on relationships – WhatsApp strengthens them.

3. WhatsApp Commerce Is Faster Than Any App

Opening a website or an app takes time.

Sending a WhatsApp message takes one second.

For everyday buying, customers prefer the simplest route – messaging the shop directly.

4. Works for All Local Businesses

WhatsApp commerce is perfect for:

  • Kirana stores
  • Meat & chicken shops
  • Fruits & vegetable vendors
  • Bakeries
  • Fast food centers
  • Dry fruit shops
  • Dairy parlours
  • Flower shops
  • Home-based sellers
  • Service businesses (salons, repairs, tutors, doctors, etc.)

If your customers live nearby, WhatsApp is your best sales channel.

The Problem: Most Shops Use WhatsApp Wrong

Local businesses usually share:

  • Typed lists
  • Forwarded menus
  • Long messages
  • Random photos
  • Confusing information

This creates friction.

Customers don’t browse properly and often drop the order.

To truly use WhatsApp commerce, a shop needs a proper online store link they can send instantly.

This is exactly what chotu provides.

How chotu Supercharges WhatsApp Commerce for Local Businesses

chotu turns WhatsApp into a professional sales channel for local shops.

Here’s how.

1. Create Your Own Online Store in Seconds for FREE

Visit owner.chotu.com/sell-online.

In a few simple steps, your store link goes live:

  • Add your shop name and mobile number
  • Add your products or services with short descriptions

This link becomes your digital catalogue, perfect for WhatsApp sharing.

2. Share Your Store Link – Customers Browse Easily

Instead of long messages, you simply share your store link.

Customers can instantly view:

  • Products
  • Services
  • Categories
  • Photos
  • Shop details

And then they contact you directly on WhatsApp.

3. Direct Orders = Higher Profit

No commissions.

No middlemen.

No complicated apps.

You receive:

  • Direct enquiries
  • Direct calls
  • Direct WhatsApp messages

That’s true WhatsApp commerce.

4. Repeat Orders Become Effortless

Customers save your store link and reuse it whenever they need:

  • Groceries
  • Food
  • Dairy
  • Meat
  • Dry fruits
  • Fruits
  • Everyday essentials

WhatsApp repeat orders help local shops grow steadily.

5. More Discoverability + More WhatsApp Orders

When your store is on chotu, you don’t just get WhatsApp orders –

you also get local discovery, which increases walk-ins and calls.

Together, discovery + WhatsApp creates a powerful growth loop.

Why Shops Using WhatsApp + chotu Grow Faster

✔ Easier ordering
✔ More enquiries
✔ Higher repeat customers
✔ Better customer relationships
✔ Complete control and 0% commission
✔ Professional online presence
✔ Simple for all ages and shop types

chotu makes WhatsApp commerce organized, professional, and profitable.

The Future of Local Commerce Is WhatsApp Commerce

Customers want simplicity.

They prefer messaging over installing apps.

And they trust local shops more when communication happens directly.

With chotu, you make WhatsApp your strongest sales channel – without any technical skills.

Start WhatsApp Commerce Today – Create Your Online Store on chotu

👉 Visit owner.chotu.com/sell-online

Your online store → Send the link on WhatsApp → Get orders → Grow

This is the simplest way for any local business to scale.

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.
START NOW
Scroll to Top