Why chotu Is the Smartest Way for Local Kirana Shops to Go Online

local kirana shops online

Kirana shops are the backbone of India’s daily shopping culture.

But today’s customers-especially families, working professionals, and apartment communities-expect their neighbourhood stores to be online, discoverable, and reachable instantly on WhatsApp.

The problem?

Most kirana owners don’t want complicated apps, strict rules, commissions, or technical setups.

They want something simple that works.

This is where chotu becomes the smartest and easiest way for kirana stores to go digital.

chotu is not another grocery delivery app.

It’s a growth engine for local kirana shops-built to help you attract customers, grow walk-ins, and retain loyal buyers without losing control of your business.

What Makes chotu the Smartest Online Solution for Kirana Stores?

1. Create Your Digital Store in Less Than a Minute

With chotu, you can launch your online store faster than you update your shelves.

Step 1: Create Your Kirana Store on chotu

Visit owner.chotu.com/sell-online.

In a few simple steps, your digital store will be ready:

  • Add your store name and mobile number
  • Use pre-built kirana categories or upload your essentials with short descriptions

Your store link becomes instantly shareable on WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and local communities.

2. No Commissions – You Earn 100%

Unlike grocery apps that take a percentage from every order, chotu lets you:

  • Keep all your earnings
  • Control your customer relationships
  • Decide your own delivery or pickup method

Your margins stay safe.

3. Customers Contact You Directly

Your chotu store connects customers straight to your WhatsApp.

This means:

  • No middlemen
  • No hidden charges
  • No confusing order flow
  • Total freedom in how you serve your customers

Your kirana shop stays in control.

4. Helps You Compete With Big Grocery Apps

Even if large grocery apps operate in your area, chotu gives you the same online visibility-with full freedom.

You get:

  • A professional online store
  • High-quality product display
  • Easy shareable link
  • Local SEO advantages

People searching for groceries nearby are more likely to find your shop.

5. Makes Your Shop Discoverable to Local Communities

Apartment groups and local societies prefer nearby stores that:

  • Have a shareable store link
  • Offer direct WhatsApp ordering
  • Keep frequently bought essentials stocked
  • Communicate updates online

chotu helps you become the go-to store in your neighbourhood.

6. No Technical Knowledge Required

No website.

No coding.

No complicated dashboards.

If you can use WhatsApp, you can run your chotu store.

7. Upload Unlimited Grocery Items

Showcase popular categories:

  • Rice, dals, atta
  • Oils, spices, sugar
  • Biscuits and snacks
  • Tea, coffee, milk essentials
  • Bread, eggs, beverages
  • Household items

Your online store becomes a mini version of your physical shop.

8. Increase Walk-Ins + Online Orders Together

Going online doesn’t replace your offline shop-it boosts it.

Customers view your products online and then:

  • Walk in
  • Message you on WhatsApp
  • Place an order
  • Repeat purchases more often

You grow on both fronts.

Why Kirana Owners Across India Prefer chotu

  • Setup takes less than a minute
  • No commissions
  • Unlimited item uploads
  • Works perfectly on mobile
  • Helps build your local brand
  • Brings your shop online effortlessly
  • Makes you discoverable in your area
  • Zero maintenance or complexity

chotu gives you the power that big grocery apps reserve for themselves-and puts it directly in the hands of the local kirana merchant.

Take Your Kirana Shop Online Today

Your neighbourhood trusts you.

Your customers depend on you.

Now make it easier for them to find you, order from you, and stay loyal to you.

Create your online kirana store today at owner.chotu.com/sell-online and watch your business grow with chotu.

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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