Best eCommerce Platforms for Indian Sellers – Shopify vs WooCommerce vs Amazon 

Key Takeaways: 

Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce each serve different goals. Amazon offers reach, Shopify is great for ease and scale, and WooCommerce provides full flexibility.

Shopify is ideal for fast-growing D2C brands, with built-in tools and support.  WooCommerce suits custom stores with in-house tech help.

Amazon is perfect for quick sales and testing product-market fit, but it limits branding and customer ownership.

Your ideal platform depends on budget, tech skills, control needs, and how you plan to scale your business over time. Read on to get a detailed comparison of which is the best e-commerce platform. 

Congratulations! You’ve figured out which product to sell, which audience to target, and how to source your products. However, you are not quite sure how to build your online store. 

Which is the best E-Commerce platform in India that serves the ambitions of a D2C seller like you? 

In this blog, we see how to choose the best E-Commerce platform that helps you build and scale your dream e-commerce business. 

Choosing the Best E-Commerce Platform in India

What is an E-Commerce Platform and Why Does It Matter?

An e-commerce platform connects the sellers to their buyers. It is like a virtual location on the internet where online buyers can visit your store and buy from you. 

It allows sellers to showcase their online products and enable online sales. The platform tracks orders received, processed, and delivered. They also assist with other processing and storing essential details, such as user IDs and payment methods. 

At the buyer’s end, these platforms help buyers find the right products and facilitate online payments to complete the sale. And keep track of their orders, returns, and refunds. 

Are E-Commerce Platforms Growing in India?

Undoubtedly, e-commerce platforms are growing in India. 

A rise in demand for E-Commerce platforms is a direct result of the growth witnessed by The E-Commerce industry in India. E-Commerce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.7% in the coming 3 years from 2025. 

These numbers are only expected to rise, implying that sellers need to build an online store using an e-commerce platform.  

Select the Best E-Commerce Platform for Indian Sellers

Sellers can choose from platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and others to build their e-commerce Store.  All these e-commerce platforms could be categorised as –

1. Hosted: A ready-to-use online store where the platform handles hosting, security, and updates for you. These are quick to launch and easy to manage without coding.
2. Self-hosted:  A store you build and manage on your own server, but it needs technical setup. It gives you full control over design, features, and data.
3. Marketplace: A shared online marketplace where you list products alongside other sellers. It offers instant access to a large customer base without requiring you to create your own store.

However, not all E-Commerce platforms are created equal. You need to carefully analyse each platform for their pros and cons to pick the best E-Commerce platform for your brand. 

Top E-Commerce Platforms Available 2025: Overview

Here are three major platforms Indian sellers commonly use:

• Shopify – A hosted platform that lets you build your own online store, great for beginners and growing brands.
  
• WooCommerce – A WordPress plugin that gives you full control over your store, ideal if you’re tech-savvy or have developer help.
  
• Amazon – India’s biggest online marketplace with ready traffic, good for sellers who want to start quickly without building a site.
  

Each one comes with its pros and cons, which we’ll explore in more detail later.

Understanding E-commerce Platform India: Market Overview

Why the Indian Market Needs Tailored E-Commerce Platforms?

India is a market that changes every 100 km or so. Therefore, Indian sellers need a highly adaptable, scalable, and affordable e-commerce platform.  

Moreover, Indian Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are currently experiencing an upward trend in online shopping. These buyers are motivated differently from their urban counterparts. The payment methods, content language, reviews, etc.,  must account for these differences in buying behaviour.  

Indian sellers need solutions that understand the local ground reality, whether that’s smoother COD reconciliation, WhatsApp support, or affordable shipping options. Platforms built for global users often miss these nuances.

This is why the Indian market needs tailored e-commerce platforms. 

Growth of Local Sellers Using E-commerce Platform in India

The pandemic taught local Indian sellers that building an online store is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential for consumers with numerous options and high expectations. This pushed the local stores to switch to e-commerce platforms and sell online. 

Of course, native e-commerce stores have also been on the rise. From handmade crafts to ayurvedic skincare, Indian sellers are shining online. With the right platform, even small teams can look and operate like big brands. However, the dilemma is how to choose the right e-commerce platform. 

Let’s go over factors that must inform your decision while choosing the best e-commerce platform in India.

 Which E-Commerce Platform Should I Use in India?

Which E-Commerce Platform Suits Small Businesses with Limited Technical Skills?

Every business is different. What works for a startup won’t always work for a growing D2C brand or a manufacturer going B2C. So before picking your platform, ask:

• What’s your budget? Some platforms charge monthly, others take a cut from each sale. You’ll want a pricing model that won’t eat into your profits as you grow.
  
• How tech-savvy are you (or your team)? Shopify offers a no-code experience, WooCommerce needs some WordPress and server knowledge, while Amazon skips store setup entirely.
  
• Do you want full control or just plug-and-play simplicity? If customisation is necessary, WooCommerce gives you complete freedom. But if you want to go live quickly with less hassle, Shopify or Amazon may suit you better.
  

At the end of the day, the best platform is one that aligns with your resources and comfort level, not just what’s trending.

What’s the Top E-Commerce Platform for Smooth Shipping and Payment Integration?

Once you have your store set up, you’ll still need to handle what happens after the sale – payments, logistics, and customer support. Here’s what to look for:

• Integrated Payment Options: The best platforms offer payment methods such as UPI, Paytm, Razorpay, and debit/credit card options that are popular among Indians. Shopify and WooCommerce both support this through built-in or third-party gateways.
  
• Shipping Integrations: Can your platform easily connect with delivery partners like iThink Logistics? Shopify integrates well with most courier aggregators. WooCommerce also supports this, but you’ll need to set up the plugin yourself.
  
• Mobile Readiness: With nearly 80% of online shopping in India taking place on mobile devices, your platform must be mobile-friendly. Shopify and WooCommerce offer responsive themes, while Amazon listings are optimised for mobile by default.
  
• Customer Support: Shopify gives you 24/7 live chat support. WooCommerce relies more on community and developer forums. Amazon support is policy-driven and less personal, but you don’t need to manage technical things yourself.
  

The best e-commerce platform should help you handle payments, deliveries, and customer questions smoothly. That’s where strong backend support and logistics partners like iThink Logistics come in handy.

Which E-Commerce Platform Should I Choose Based on Business Goals?

Here’s how to align e-commerce platform choice with your growth goals:

• Want to go live quickly and test the waters? Start with Amazon. It offers built-in traffic, allowing you to start selling in under 48 hours.
  
• Building a long-term brand? Use Shopify or WooCommerce. You get more control over your brand’s look, feel, and customer data.
  
• Selling customised or made-to-order products? WooCommerce lets you design completely unique product pages and checkout flows.
  
• Planning international sales? Shopify supports multi-currency and tax settings. WooCommerce also works globally, but requires additional setup.
  

Think of your store as your home base. Even if you start on Amazon for quick sales, most successful Indian sellers eventually build their own site using Shopify or WooCommerce to strengthen their brand and increase repeat customers.

Trends Shaping E-commerce Platform Choices in India (2025)

As we head deeper into 2025, a few trends are influencing how Indian sellers pick top e-commerce Indian platforms:

• Omnichannel selling – Brands want to sell on their website and marketplaces.
  
• Mobile-first commerce – Most buyers shop on phones, so mobile performance matters.
  
• Logistics integration – Sellers are choosing e-commerce platforms that connect easily with delivery partners like iThink Logistics.
  
• Easy payment options – Platforms that support UPI, COD, and wallets win big.
  
• Regional growth – More platforms are offering features in local languages to tap into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Is Shopify the Best E-Commerce Platform for Indian Sellers?

Shopify is one of the most beginner-friendly e-commerce platforms to build a branded online store. It takes care of the heavy lifting, such as hosting, security, and mobile optimisation, so you can focus on running your business. You can start selling on your website and sync inventory across Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, etc.

Features That Make Shopify One of the Top E-Commerce Platforms

For Indian sellers, Shopify supports popular payment options like UPI, Paytm, and Razorpay. The admin panel works in Hindi and over 20 other languages, which is excellent for multilingual teams. Features like abandoned cart recovery, analytics, and a mobile POS system come built-in, making it ideal for modern D2C brands.

Pros and Cons of the Shopify E-commerce Platform in India

Pros of Shopify

• No-code drag-and-drop builder
  
• Scalable hosting without worrying about servers
  
• 24/7 chat support
  
• Huge network of apps and expert partners
  

Cons of Shopify

• Monthly fees start from ₹1,499 and go up quickly as you scale
  
• Extra transaction charges (0.6% to 2%) if you don’t use Shopify Payments
  
• Advanced features often require paid apps.
  

Is Shopify the Best eCommerce Platform for Beginners and SMEs?

Shopify works well if:

• You’re a first-time founder and want to get online fast
  
• You run an SME with a growing customer base.
  
• You prefer a platform where tech and design are mostly handled for you.
  

It’s especially helpful for brands scaling up quickly or planning international sales. Shopify Plus offers high uptime, multi-currency checkout, and supports 200+ inventory locations.

WooCommerce: Flexible and Open-Source E-commerce Platform in India 

WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that transforms any website into a fully functional store. You can add unlimited products, choose from over 100 Indian and global payment gateways. More so, you can install marketing, shipping, or accounting tools through its massive extension library.

Why is WooCommerce Plugin Popular Among Top E-Commerce Platforms?

Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce gives you full control. You own your site, your data, and can customise just about everything. However, it also means you (or your developer) are responsible for things like backups, site speed, and security.

Is WooCommerce the Best eCommerce Platform for You: Pros and cons of woocommerce?

Pros of WooCommerce

• No licence fee. The plugin is free.
  
• Works with low-cost hosting options
  
• Total design and feature flexibility
  
• SEO-friendly and ideal for content-rich brands
  

Cons of WooCommerce

• Tech setup and maintenance are your responsibility.
  
• You may need developer help for advanced features.
  
• Scaling to large traffic or product catalogues needs more hosting power.
  

Which eCommerce Platform Should I Use if I Want Customisation?

Choose WooCommerce if:

• You already have a WordPress site or want total control
  
• You sell customised, made-to-order, or regional products
  
• You want a flexible setup for local languages or special checkout flows.
  

It’s great for sellers with some tech support and a long-term plan to build brand equity without high monthly costs.

Amazon: The Dominant E-commerce Platform in India

Should I sell on Amazon for better reach and visibility in India?

Amazon is India’s largest online marketplace, with over 150 million active users. If you want to start selling quickly without building a website, it’s a solid option. You get instant buyer traffic, trust from the Prime badge, and access to Amazon’s fulfilment network (FBA) for one-day delivery across India.

Selling on Amazon vs Using a Standalone E-commerce Platform

Selling on Amazon is different from selling on a standalone platform. You don’t control how your brand appears, and you don’t get access to customer data. Also, you pay for every sale through referral fees, closing charges, and weight-based shipping costs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Amazon as an E-commerce Platform in India 

Pros of Selling on Amazon

• Built-in traffic and customer trust
  
• COD and logistics handled via FBA
  
• No upfront subscription for individual plans
  
• Great for testing new product ideas quickly
  

Cons of Selling on Amazon

• Limited branding and zero customer data ownership
  
• Highly competitive pricing
  
• Account suspensions and fee changes are common.
  
• New ₹5/order platform fee introduced in 2025

Who Should Sell on Amazon?

Amazon is a great starting point if:

• You want quick sales without website setup
  
• You sell popular, fast-moving products.
  
• You’re testing new SKUs or building credibility before launching your own site.
  

Many Indian sellers start on Amazon and then expand to Shopify or WooCommerce to establish customer relationships and achieve higher profit margins.

Comparing the Top eCommerce Platforms: Shopify vs WooCommerce vs Amazon

Pricing, Ease of Use, and Scalability Across E-commerce Platforms

Which is the Best E-commerce Platform for Your Product Category?

• Low-cost, fast-selling items (<₹500): Amazon (especially after referral fee drops)
  
• Niche or high-margin products: Shopify or WooCommerce (for storytelling and bundling)
  
• Custom products: WooCommerce (full configurator control)
  
• Fashion/D2C brands: Shopify (design-friendly themes and social media integrations)
  

How to Choose the Best E-commerce Platform in India for Long-Term Growth?

Still unsure which is the best e-commerce platform? Here’s a simple checklist to help make the decision:

1. Start with your goal – Quick cashflow (Amazon) or building a brand (Shopify/Woo).
   
2. Calculate total cost – Not just monthly fees, but hidden costs like ads, apps, and commissions.
   
3. Check your resources – Got a dev team? WooCommerce works. Prefer plug-and-play? Go Shopify.
   
4. Plan a mix – Many top Indian sellers use Amazon and their own site to grow in parallel.
   
5. Review yearly – As fees, features, and markets shift, revisit your setup and switch if needed.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best eCommerce platform in India. Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.

Summary: Key Strengths of Top E-Commerce Platforms

• Shopify: Easiest to launch and manage, ideal for D2C brands and growing SMEs.
  
• WooCommerce: Most flexible, cost-effective for custom or content-heavy stores.
  
• Amazon: Fastest route to sales with built-in traffic and nationwide reach.
  

Use Cases for Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon in India

• Shopify: Great for building a branded store with built-in logistics and payment tools.
  
• WooCommerce: Ideal for tech-savvy sellers needing full control or unique setups.
  
• Amazon: Perfect for testing products, selling fast-moving items, or reaching new buyers.
  

Choosing the Best E-commerce Platform in India for Your Future

Start with where you are, but choose a platform that grows with you. You might sell on Amazon now, but you need your own site later. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce offer long-term flexibility, especially when paired with strong logistics partners like iThink Logistics.

Which E-commerce Platform Should I Use? A Checklist You Need

✅ Do you want control over branding and customer data?
✅ Are you comfortable with tech, or need plug-and-play?
✅ How important is mobile experience and payment flexibility?
✅ Will you expand to new markets or models later?
✅ Does the platform integrate with logistics and fulfilment tools?

Whatever you choose, make sure your backend is just as strong because a strong front-end ensures you never lose a sale. A strong backend ensures you never lose a customer. 

 Book a Demo with iThink Logistics to streamline backend fulfilment from day one.

FAQs: Choosing the Right eCommerce Platform in India

1. What is an eCommerce Platform and How Do I Start?

For handmade products, WooCommerce and Shopify work best. Both let you tell your brand story, customise listings, and offer bundles or custom orders. Amazon Handmade is an option, too, but it’s harder to build direct customer relationships there.

2. Is Shopify the Best eCommerce Platform for New Sellers?

Yes, Shopify is great for beginners. It’s easy to use, doesn’t need coding, and offers built-in tools for payments, shipping, and store design. You can launch quickly and scale as you grow, making it ideal for first-time sellers. 

Optionally, you can also start social selling with Instagram or WhatsApp, and use iThink Logistics to take care of all back-end needs, if you don’t want to invest a lot of time and resources. 

3. Which is the Best E-Commerce Platform for Handmade Products in India?

For handmade products, WooCommerce and Shopify work best. Both let you tell your brand story, customise listings, and offer bundles or custom orders. Amazon Handmade is an option, too, but it’s harder to build direct customer relationships there.

Etsy is another go-to choice if you wish to sell handmade products internationally. 

4. What are the Top eCommerce Platforms Indian Entrepreneurs Use?

Popular e-commerce platforms in India include Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Wix, Magento, BigCommerce, etc. Many sellers also explore Flipkart, Meesho, and niche marketplaces. Most use a mix—Amazon for reach, and Shopify or WooCommerce for building their own brand store.

5. Which eCommerce Platform Should I Use for Fastest Growth?

For quick sales, start with Amazon as it gives you instant traffic. For long-term growth and brand control, Shopify or WooCommerce are better. Many fast-growing Indian brands combine both for reach and customer retention.