When starting an online business in India, sellers often face one big decision:

Should I sell on a marketplace or build my own online store?

Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart offer instant access to customers, while your own ecommerce store gives you full control. Both models work — but in very different ways.

This blog explains the difference between selling on a marketplace and running your own online store, helping you choose the right path.

What Is an Online Marketplace?

An online marketplace is a platform where:

Multiple sellers list products
The platform controls customer access
Sellers compete on price
The marketplace charges commission

Examples include Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho.

What Is Your Own Online Store?

Your own online store is:

A branded website or app
Fully controlled by you
Powered by an ecommerce platform like Bechna
Directly connected to your customers

You decide pricing, branding, and communication.

Marketplace vs Own Online Store: Key Differences

Feature	Marketplace	Own Online Store
Branding	Limited	Full control
Customer Data	Platform-owned	Seller-owned
Commission	High	Zero (platform-based)
Competition	Very high	None on your store
Pricing Control	Limited	Full
Long-Term Growth	Platform-dependent	Brand-owned

Pros of Selling on a Marketplace

Marketplaces offer:

Instant traffic
No website setup
Logistics support
Easy onboarding

Good for quick sales and testing products.

Cons of Marketplaces for Sellers

Marketplaces also:

Charge high commissions
Control customer relationships
Penalize sellers easily
Limit branding
Promote competitors

You build sales — not a brand.

Pros of Your Own Online Store

Owning your store means:

No commission cuts
Full brand control
Direct customer relationships
Higher profit margins
Long-term business value

Platforms like Bechna make store ownership easy.

Cons of Running Your Own Store

Challenges include:

Driving traffic
Managing marketing
Learning ecommerce basics

But these are easier to solve than marketplace limitations.

Best Strategy for Indian Sellers

Smart sellers:

Start on marketplaces for quick traction
Build their own store in parallel
Gradually shift repeat customers to their own store

This reduces dependency and increases profit.

Why Bechna Is Ideal for Your Own Online Store

Bechna helps sellers move beyond marketplaces.

With Bechna, you get:

Quick store setup
Zero platform commission
UPI, cards & COD support
Direct bank settlements
Mobile-first management
Custom branding & domain

Perfect for Indian businesses.

Marketplace or Own Store: Which Is Better?

Want quick sales? Start with marketplaces
Want long-term brand growth? Build your own store
Want better profits? Own your store

The smartest choice is control + scalability.

https://bechna.app/

Difference Between Marketplace & Your Own Online Store (India Guide)