Etsy Alternatives for Selling Your Self-Made Products in India (2025) | THOTFY 7 Etsy Alternatives in India to Buy & Sell Handmade Crafts

Etsy Alternatives for Selling Your Self-Made Products in India (2025)

“If you’re an Indian artisan, crafter, or small creator in 2025, selling online has never been more promising — but also more competitive. While Etsy is well-known globally, it often falls short for Indian sellers due to high international shipping costs, currency conversion hassles, low local visibility, and complex GST compliance. The good news? A new wave of India-friendly e-commerce platforms has emerged, offering better local reach, reduced fees, and easier onboarding. Whether you create handmade jewellery, ethnic wear, digital art, or traditional crafts, these Etsy alternatives will help you sell more, spend less, and connect directly with your audience. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore six best platforms for Indian creators — comparing their reach, control, fees, and onboarding process so you can choose the one that best fits your business goals.”

July 15, 2025
Etsy Alternatives for Selling Your Self-Made Products in India (2025)

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What Makes a Good Etsy Alternative?

When choosing where to sell your products, consider these factors:

  • Ease of Onboarding – Minimal paperwork, GST flexibility for small sellers
  • Local & National Visibility – Ability to connect with Indian buyers quickly
  • Control Over Branding & Data – How much ownership you have of your store and customer information
  • Affordable Fees – Commission rates, monthly fees, and hidden charges
  • Seller Support & Training – Marketing help, cataloguing assistance, and payment gateway integrations

If you’re looking to reach Indian buyers, get better platform support, and grow locally. These Indian alternatives are worth your attention.

🛍️ Top Etsy Alternatives in India for 2025

1. Thotfy – India’s Dedicated Platform for Handmade Creators

Perfect for: Hobbyists, women entrepreneurs, and small creators
USP: 100% focus on self-made, handcrafted, and artistic products

Why Thotfy Works in 2025:

  • No GST or business registration needed for small sellers
  • Dedicated shop pages with shareable links
  • Low commissions compared to global marketplaces
  • Indian payment gateways for easy payouts
  • Community-driven platform that promotes regional crafts

Best For: Handmade jewellery, gifts, home décor, clothing, paintings, and traditional crafts
đź“Ť Website: Thotfy

2. Amazon Karigar – National Reach for Registered Artisans

Perfect for: Government-registered artisans and weavers
USP: Amazon’s massive reach plus dedicated artisan promotion

Highlights:

  • Available only for artisans registered under bodies like TRIFED or DC Handicrafts
  • Nationwide exposure through Amazon India’s marketplace
  • Training, cataloguing, and onboarding support
  • Subsidised referral fees (often ~8%) for eligible sellers

Considerations:

  • Limited to officially registered artisans
  • Amazon controls customer data and fulfilment process

đź“Ť Website: Amazon Karigar

3. Flipkart Samarth – Empowering Local Crafts at Scale

Perfect for: NGOs, state emporiums, artisans, and MSMEs
USP: Partnerships with state governments and artisan communities

Why Sellers Love It:

  • Free onboarding & marketing support
  • No commission for eligible sellers during the first year
  • Focus on sustainable and traditional crafts
  • 300% seller growth reported in the last year

Considerations:

  • Less flexible for hobbyists or casual sellers
  • Limited seller branding options

đź“Ť Website: Flipkart Samarth

4. Instagram + WhatsApp Shops – Direct-to-Customer Freedom

Perfect for: Creators who want full control over brand identity and customer relationships
USP: No platform fees + complete ownership of your sales channel

Why It Works:

  • Discoverability via Instagram Reels, Stories, and hashtags
  • Instant communication through WhatsApp
  • Flexible payment integration via Razorpay, Cashfree, or Instamojo

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Use WhatsApp for upselling and follow-ups after a purchase.

5. Craftsvilla – Niche Marketplace for Ethnic & Cultural Products

Perfect for: Sellers of traditional Indian products
USP: Buyers who value authentic cultural craftsmanship

Pros:

  • Strong niche audience for Indian ethnic wear, jewellery, and dĂ©cor
  • SEO and promotion support from the platform

Cons:

  • Platform fees and high competition
  • Limited global reach compared to Etsy

đź“Ť Website: Craftsvilla

6. Shopify India – Build Your Own Branded Store

Perfect for: Sellers ready to invest in a standalone brand
USP: Complete control over store design, customer data, and marketing

Benefits:

  • Create your own domain and professional storefront
  • Integrate with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram
  • Add apps for shipping, inventory, and digital product delivery

Considerations:

  • Monthly subscription fees + payment gateway charges
  • You must drive your own traffic via SEO and marketing

đź“Ť Website: Shopify India

Quick Comparison Table (2025)

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✨ Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Platform for Your Journey

The best Etsy alternative for you depends on your business stage, target audience, and branding goals:

  • Starting Out? Thotfy or Instagram Shops are low-cost, low-risk entry points.
  • Scaling Up? Amazon Karigar and Flipkart Samarth offer nationwide reach and credibility.
  • Building a Long-Term Brand? Shopify gives you full control over your store and data.

Etsy can still be a supplemental sales channel for international buyers — but local-first strategies in 2025 will save you on fees, simplify GST compliance, and help you build a loyal customer base in India.

FAQs on Etsy Alternatives for Indian Sellers (2025)

  1. Can I sell both physical and digital products on these platforms?
    Yes — Shopify, Thotfy, and Instagram Shops allow both, while others focus mainly on physical goods.
  2. Which platform has the lowest fees?
    Instagram + WhatsApp Shops (no fees) and Thotfy (low commissions, no GST for small sellers) are the most cost-effective options.
  3. Do I need GST to sell on Thotfy?
    Not necessarily. Thotfy supports small and individual creators by enabling a UIN (Unique Identification Number) instead of GST registration, making onboarding smoother for hobbyists and new sellers.
  4. What makes Thotfy unique compared to other marketplaces?
    Thotfy is exclusively crafted for handcrafted products, and emphasizes celebrating India's cultural creativity. Every seller listing is curated to ensure originality, and the platform aims to simplify the entire selling experience—from listing to payments—while nurturing a supportive artisan community.
  5. What tools and features does Thotfy provide to help sellers grow?
    Thotfy equips sellers with a variety of growth tools:
  • Smart search and recommendation features to boost discoverability
  • Quick and effortless product listing
  • Low platform fees so you retain more earnings
  • A wider audience reach across India valuing unique handmade creations .

đź“Ł Ready to Start Selling?

👉 Try Thotfy : India’s handmade-only marketplace. No GST, no business registration. Just your creativity.