If you search “how to sell online”, you’ll see suggestions like how to sell on Amazon, Blinkit, Meesho, Flipkart, Myntra, Etsy and more.
Each platform works differently, and the right choice depends on what you sell and how you want to operate.
This article breaks it down clearly-and also explains where chotu fits in for local businesses.
Selling on Major Online Platforms (Overview)
1. Selling on Amazon (India)
Best for: Brands, manufacturers, pan-India sellers
How it works:
- Register as an Amazon seller
- GST is usually required
- List products with pricing, stock, and images
- Amazon handles payments; delivery can be seller-fulfilled or Amazon-fulfilled
Pros
- Huge customer base
- Trust and reach
Cons
- Commission + fees
- Strict policies
- High competition
2. Selling on Blinkit
Best for: FMCG brands, distributors, selected local vendors
How it works:
- Invitation or partner-based onboarding
- Products stocked in Blinkit dark stores
- Platform controls pricing and delivery
Pros
- Fast-moving inventory
- High daily order volume
Cons
- Limited seller access
- Low control for small local shops
3. Selling on Meesho
Best for: Small sellers, home businesses, resellers
How it works:
- Easy onboarding via app
- Some categories allow selling without GST
- Meesho manages shipping and payments
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Lower entry barriers
Cons
- Thin margins
- Price competition
4. Selling on Flipkart
Best for: Established sellers, electronics, fashion
How it works:
- GST-based seller registration
- Centralized catalog and logistics options
Pros
- Strong Indian reach
- Large customer base
Cons
- Seller fees
- Policy compliance overhead
5. Selling on Myntra
Best for: Fashion brands, apparel manufacturers
How it works:
- Selective onboarding
- Brand approval required
- Focus on fashion and lifestyle
Pros
- Premium audience
- Fashion-focused discovery
Cons
- Not open to all sellers
- Brand-heavy platform
6. Selling on Etsy (India & Global)
Best for: Handmade, crafts, personalized items
How it works:
- Create a seller account
- List handmade or vintage products
- International shipping often required
Pros
- Global customers
- Niche audience
Cons
- Currency, shipping, and returns complexity
Where chotu Is Different (and Useful)
Selling on chotu
Best for: Local businesses selling to nearby customers
How it works:
- Create a digital shop on chotu
- Add your item or service list
- Share your shop link or QR code
- Customers place orders directly on WhatsApp
What chotu does NOT do
- No payment handling
- No delivery control
- No commission on each order
Pros
- No website needed
- No complex onboarding
- Works with how local businesses already sell
- Full control with the shop owner
Ideal for
- Kirana stores
- Bakeries & sweet shops
- Meat & fish shops
- Medical shops
- Tailors & service providers
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Best For | GST Needed | Who Controls Orders |
| Amazon | Pan-India sellers | Yes | Platform |
| Blinkit | FMCG partners | Yes | Platform |
| Meesho | Small online sellers | Sometimes No | Platform |
| Flipkart | Large sellers | Yes | Platform |
| Myntra | Fashion brands | Yes | Platform |
| Etsy | Handmade sellers | Depends | Platform |
| chotu | Local businesses | No (platform side) | Shop owner |
Which Platform Should You Choose?
- Want pan-India scale & logistics → Amazon / Flipkart
- Want easy entry for online selling → Meesho
- Want instant delivery commerce → Blinkit (if eligible)
- Want handmade/global buyers → Etsy
- Want to sell locally with WhatsApp → chotu
Many sellers actually use more than one:
- Marketplace for scale
- chotu for local repeat customers
Final Thoughts
Selling online doesn’t mean one platform fits everyone.
Big marketplaces work well for scale-but for local businesses, simplicity and control matter more.
That’s where chotu fits naturally-helping local businesses sell online without changing how they already work.
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
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.