chotu helps local shops in India create a digital catalog and get discovered online -without building a website or app.
If you run a grocery store, medical shop, bakery, meat shop, stationery store, or any local business, chotu makes it easy for customers to find you and see what you sell.
Who Is chotu For?
chotu digital catalogs are made for Indian local merchants, including:
Grocery stores
Medical stores
Dry cleaning
Pet shops
Bakeries and sweet shops
Meat, fish, fruit and vegetable sellers
Stationery and sports shops
Small service businesses
If customers search for shops like yours nearby, chotu helps you show up.
What Problem Does chotu Solve?
Most local shops face the same issues:
Customers don’t know your shop exists online
WhatsApp catalogs work only if people already know you
Building a website is expensive and complicated
Marketplaces take control of your customers
chotu solves this by giving your shop a simple digital catalog that can be discovered online.
What Is a Digital Catalog on chotu?
A digital catalog on chotu is an online list of your products or services that:
Works on mobile phones
Can be shared on WhatsApp
Does not require a website or app
Helps customers understand what you sell
You add your products or services with short descriptions.
No technical knowledge needed.
How chotu Works
Step 1: Create Your Online Store on chotu
Visit https://owner.chotu.com/sell-online
In a few simple steps, your digital profile will be ready:
Add your mobile number
Use pre-built menu or add your products or services with short descriptions
Step 2: Get Your Digital Catalog
Your catalog works instantly on mobile
Easy to update anytime
Easy to share with customers
Step 3: Get Discovered Online
Customers searching nearby can find your shop
Your catalog helps them decide before visiting or calling
How chotu Is Different
Unlike WhatsApp catalogs, chotu helps new customers find you
Unlike websites, chotu needs no technical setup
Unlike marketplaces, chotu does not control your pricing or customers
chotu supports your existing shop -it does not replace it.
Why Local Shops Use chotu
Local merchants use chotu because:
It is simple and quick to set up
It works for daily-need businesses
It fits Indian customer behaviour
It helps with local discovery, not just sharing
Start Your Digital Catalog Today
If you run a local shop and want customers to find you online,
The alcohol retail landscape in India is undergoing a quiet revolution. With states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi, and West Bengal progressively opening up home delivery of liquor, savvy shop owners are asking the right question: how do I get in on online alcohol delivery – legally?
Whether you’re a licensed liquor store owner or an entrepreneur eyeing this booming market, this guide breaks down everything you need to know – from state-specific permits to how platforms like chotu make it effortless to get your store online and compliant.
Is Online Alcohol Delivery Legal in India?
Yes – but with a big asterisk. Alcohol is a state subject under the Indian Constitution, meaning each state writes its own rules. There is no single national law governing alcohol home delivery. What’s legal in Telangana may be prohibited in Gujarat (which is a completely dry state).
Here’s a quick state-by-state snapshot as of 2026:
State
Home Delivery Status
Telangana
✅ Allowed via licensed retailers
Maharashtra
✅ Allowed (select cities, licensed stores)
Delhi
✅ Allowed via apps & registered outlets
West Bengal
✅ Allowed with permit
Karnataka
✅ Allowed (pilot active)
Tamil Nadu
⚠️ Only via TASMAC (govt. monopoly)
Gujarat
❌ Dry State – prohibited
Bihar
❌ Dry State – prohibited
Pro tip: Always verify the current status with your state’s Excise Department, as policies are updated frequently.
Step 1: Obtain the Right Licenses
Before you deliver a single bottle, you must be properly licensed. Operating without the right permits can lead to cancellation of your retail license, heavy fines, or criminal charges.
Licenses You Typically Need:
1. Retail Liquor License (FL-2 / CL-2 or equivalent) This is the baseline license to sell alcohol at your shop. If you already run a licensed liquor store, you have this. If not, apply at your State Excise Department.
2. Home Delivery / E-Commerce Endorsement Several states require a specific endorsement or add-on permit to your existing license for home delivery. For example:
In Telangana, retailers need a separate approval from the Telangana State Beverages Corporation (TSBCL).
In Maharashtra, an additional online delivery permit under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act is required.
In Delhi, retailers must register with the Delhi Excise Portal and comply with Excise Policy guidelines.
3. FSSAI Registration (if applicable) If your platform also sells beverages, mixers, or snacks alongside alcohol, an FSSAI license may apply to those items.
4. GST Registration Mandatory for any business with turnover above ₹20 lakhs. Alcohol attracts state VAT/excise duty (not GST on the alcohol itself), but your delivery service charges may attract GST.
Step 2: Choose a Compliant Delivery Platform
This is where most retailers either succeed or stumble. Selling through informal channels – even if your license is valid – can violate state regulations about point-of-sale compliance, age verification, and record-keeping.
A dedicated, compliant platform handles all of this for you.
Step 3: Implement Strict Age Verification
This is non-negotiable. Selling or delivering alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 (or 25 in some states) is a criminal offence under Indian law, regardless of whether the sale happened in-store or online.
Age Verification Best Practices:
At Checkout (Digital): Ask for a digital copy of Aadhar or PAN.
At Delivery (Physical): Train your delivery partners to physically check ID before handing over the package. No ID = no delivery. The package returns to you.
Record Keeping: Maintain logs of ID checks.
No Proxy Purchases: Your terms must clearly state that the buyer must be the one receiving the delivery.
Step 4: Set Up Compliant Delivery Operations
Even with a valid license and a great platform, your delivery process must comply with state rules.
Key Operational Rules:
Permitted Delivery Hours Most states specify allowed delivery hours – typically between 10 AM and 10 PM. Delivering outside these windows, even accidentally, can trigger violations. With chotu you can disable order placement outside your state’s permitted hours.
Dry Days India observes national and state dry days (Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, election days, etc.) when alcohol sales are prohibited.
Delivery Quantity Limits States cap how much alcohol can be delivered per order. For example, some states limit delivery to 3–6 litres per order. chotu enforces these limits at the cart level.
No Delivery to Certain Zones Areas near schools, religious institutions, or dry zones are off-limits.
Sealed Packaging All alcohol must be delivered in original, factory-sealed packaging. Open bottles cannot be delivered.
⚖️ Legal Risks to Avoid
Even well-intentioned retailers make costly mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
Mistake
Consequence
Delivering without state-specific home delivery permit
License cancellation + FIR
No age verification at delivery
Criminal liability under Excise Act
Delivering on dry days
Fine + temporary suspension
Operating outside permitted hours
Violation notice
Selling loose/open alcohol
Immediate license revocation
Not maintaining digital records
Audit non-compliance
The Business Case: Why Now Is the Right Time
The online alcohol delivery market in India is growing at over 25% year-on-year, driven by:
State governments seeing tax revenue benefits in regulation (not prohibition)
Improved last-mile logistics infrastructure
Retailers who establish a strong digital presence now – especially through trusted local platforms likechotu – will be best positioned as more states open up regulations.
How chotu Supports Alcohol Retailers
chotu isn’t a delivery app. We connect you with customers who searches for wine shop near me, liquor shop near me etc queries
Final Word
Online alcohol delivery in India is a significant, growing opportunity – but only for those who do it right. The combination of the correct state permits, a compliant digital platform, robust age verification, and disciplined delivery operations is what separates thriving online alcohol businesses from those that face regulatory action.
chotu is designed to make this entire journey simpler, safer, and more profitable for neighbourhood retailers and buyers across India. chotu handles the complexity so you can focus on growing your business.
Disclaimer: Alcohol regulations in India vary by state and are subject to change. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult your State Excise Department or a legal professional before commencing alcohol delivery operations.
Practical, proven strategies to grow your audience, drive sales, and build a loyal customer base – starting today.
April 2026 · LOCAL-commerce Strategy · 10 min read
Setting up your Kirana shop is the easy part. Getting a steady stream of customers? That’s where the real work begins – and this guide is your roadmap.
1. Optimise Your Kirana Shop Profile
Before you spend a single rupee on marketing, make sure your shop is ready to convert visitors into buyers. Think of your profile as your storefront window – it needs to be clean, attractive, and tell shoppers exactly what you offer.
Clear product descriptions – include sizes, materials, uses, and benefits. Answer questions before customers ask them.
Gather early reviews – ask your first buyers to leave honest reviews. Social proof converts hesitant shoppers.
Competitive pricing – research similar products on Kirana and price strategically – not cheapest, but fair value.
PRO TIP: Shops with complete profiles – logo, banner, bio, and at least 10 products – receive up to 3× more traffic from Kirana’s internal search than incomplete ones. Fill in every field.
2. Share a Digital Catalog which built with chotu
One of the smartest moves you can make as a Kirana seller is to put your product catalogue where your customers already spend their time – WhatsApp, Instagram DMs, and local community groups. That’s exactly what chotu shop link enables.
FEATURED TOOL · DIGITAL CATALOGUES chotu owner – Your Shop, Always in Their Hands chotu lets you get a beautiful, mobile-friendly digital catalog of your Kirana products that you can share as a single link – anywhere, anytime. No app downloads. No complicated setup.• Instantly shareable via WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook & SMS• Customers browse your full collection from any smartphone• Works for any category – kirana, home goods, food, pickles etc• Looks professional • Drives traffic directly back to your Kirana shop for purchase• Perfect for local customers, bulk buyers, and word-of-mouth marketing
Here is how to use your digital catalogue effectively:
SEND IT ON WHATSAPP
Share your chotu catalog link in your personal WhatsApp status, in family and friends groups, and in local colony or residential society groups. A simple message like “Check out my new collection – tap the link to browse!” works surprisingly well.
POST IN LOCAL FACEBOOK GROUPS
Most cities and localities have active Facebook groups for buying and selling. Share your catalogue link there weekly with a photo of your bestseller. You reach people who are actively looking to buy, at zero cost.
USE IT FOR B2B AND BULK BUYERS
Shopkeepers, gift buyers, and small businesses often want to browse your range before placing a bulk order. Instead of sending individual product photos, send one clean catalogue link – it is faster and far more professional.
Real result: Sellers who actively share digital catalogue links on WhatsApp report up to 40% of their new Kirana orders coming from people who first discovered them through a catalogue share. It turns your existing network into a free sales channel.
3. Leverage Social Media the Right Way
You do not need a massive following to drive sales. You need the right content, posted consistently, in front of the right people.
KEY STATS
71% of shoppers discover new products on Instagram & Facebook
4× more likely to buy from a seller with an active social presence
3 posts per week is enough to stay visible and grow organically
INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK
Post product photos with good lighting and honest captions. Use local language where appropriate – Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, or your regional language often gets far more engagement than English in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Add your owner.chotu.com catalogue link in your bio so every profile visitor can instantly browse your range.
WHATSAPP BUSINESS
Set up a WhatsApp Business account with your shop name, catalogue (chotu owner), and auto-reply messages. Update your status with new arrivals, deals, and happy customer photos 2–3 times a week.
YOUTUBE SHORTS & INSTAGRAM REELS
Short videos showing your product in use – unboxings, before/after, how-to-use – consistently outperform photos in reach. You do not need fancy equipment. A clean background and your smartphone are enough.
4. Run Promotions That Actually Drive Sales
Discounts are a blunt tool when used carelessly. Used strategically, they bring in new customers, clear slow-moving stock, and create urgency that converts browsers into buyers.
Launch limited-time flash sales during festivals – Diwali, Eid, Ugadi, Christmas – when buyer intent is highest
Offer a “first purchase” discount code to anyone who messages you through your catalogue or social profiles
Bundle complementary products together at a slight discount to increase average order value
Create a referral incentive – “Share our link with a friend and both of you get 10% off your next order”
Reward repeat buyers with exclusive early access to new arrivals or a loyalty discount
Run free-shipping promotions for orders above a threshold amount
Always set a clear end date on your promotions. “Offer valid until Sunday midnight” creates urgency. Open-ended discounts feel less special and train customers to always wait for a better deal.
5. Build Word-of-Mouth Through Exceptional Service
The cheapest, most powerful marketing channel available to a small shop is a happy customer who tells their friends. Paid ads can rent you attention. Word-of-mouth builds trust that money cannot buy.
Pack orders beautifully – a handwritten thank-you note or a small freebie creates a memorable unboxing experience worth sharing.
Reply fast – customers who get a quick response are 8× more likely to complete a purchase and come back again.
Easy returns – a hassle-free return policy reduces buyer anxiety and paradoxically leads to fewer returns.
Ask for customer photos – request photos with their order and share them (with permission). User content sells better than yours.
6. Use Kirana’s Built-In Features to Your Advantage
Kirana’s platform already has tools to help you get discovered – most sellers do not use them fully.
PARTICIPATE IN Kirana CAMPAIGNS
Kirana regularly runs promotional campaigns, mega sales, and curated collection features. Opt in to every relevant campaign. Getting featured in a Kirana-curated list gives your shop a visibility boost that is very difficult to replicate organically.
USE KEYWORDS IN PRODUCT TITLES
Think like your customer. When someone searches for “white cotton kurti under 500” – is your product title matching those words? Invest 30 minutes researching what buyers actually type and update your titles and descriptions accordingly.
PRICE COMPETITIVELY DURING FLASH SALES
During Kirana sale events, the algorithm surfaces the best-priced listings. Even a 10–15% discount during sale windows can dramatically increase your product’s visibility and bring in new customers.
KEY INSIGHT: New customers acquired during a sale event often become regular buyers – especially if their first experience with your shop is excellent. Treat sale events as an acquisition investment, not just a revenue window.
7. Partner with Local Influencers and Communities
You do not need to reach a million people. You need to reach the right 500. Local micro-influencers – people with 1,000–20,000 engaged followers in your category or city – often deliver better returns than big names at a fraction of the cost.
Reach out to lifestyle bloggers, local fashion creators, food influencers, or homeware reviewers whose audience overlaps with your customers. Offer a free product in exchange for an honest review or a post.
Similarly, becoming an active, helpful member of niche online communities – Facebook groups, Reddit communities, Telegram groups – related to your product category builds awareness naturally. Contribute genuinely before you promote.
Share your digital catalogue link in these communities as a natural way to let interested members browse your full range without them having to search on Kirana separately. It reduces friction and closes the gap between discovery and purchase.
Start Small, Scale Smart
You do not need to do all of this at once. Pick two or three strategies from this guide and do them consistently for 30 days before adding more. Profile optimization and a shareable digital catalogue from chotu owner are the highest-impact starting points for most new Kirana sellers.
Your next customer is out there – you just need to make it easy for them to find you.
