If you're already selling products on marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho, you might wonder — “Should I also start my own online store?”

This is a common question among small business owners, resellers, and entrepreneurs. While marketplaces offer great reach, starting your own store

comes with its own long-term benefits.

In this blog, let’s break it down in simple words — the pros, cons, and real-world examples to help you decide if running your own store along with

marketplace selling is worth it.

1. First, What’s the Difference?

Marketplace (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)

1. You list your products on someone else's platform.
2. They manage traffic, payment systems, and customer trust.
3. You follow their rules and policies.

Your Own Online Store

1. It’s like opening your own shop on your own land.
2. You control the website, design, branding, customer data, and how you sell.
3. You have to drive your own traffic and manage marketing.

2. Benefits of Selling on Marketplaces

If you're selling only on marketplaces right now, that’s okay. In fact, marketplaces are a great starting point.

Here’s why:

1. Ready-made traffic: Amazon brings the customers to you.
2. Trusted brand: People trust Amazon more than unknown stores.
3. No need for tech skills: Easy to list products and start selling.
4. Logistics help: You can use Amazon’s delivery, returns, and payments system.

👉 Many sellers earn good profits only from Amazon. But there’s a catch...

3. The Problem with Only Relying on Marketplaces

Here’s where things can go wrong if you depend only on marketplaces:

❌ Low Profit Margins

Marketplace fees (commissions, delivery charges, etc.) eat a big chunk of your profit.

❌ Zero Branding

Your customer knows Amazon, not you. They remember the marketplace, not your store or product name.

❌ No Customer Data

You don’t get customer contact details. So, you can’t build loyalty or market to them again.

❌ Too Much Competition

Your product shows next to hundreds of others. If someone sells cheaper, you lose the sale.

❌ Marketplace Control

Tomorrow, Amazon can block your product, change policies, or suspend your account. You have no control.

4. Why Having Your Own Store Along With Marketplace Selling is Smart

Think of this like having your products in a busy mall (Amazon) AND your own showroom (your store). You get the best of both.

Here’s how:

✅ Higher Profits

No middleman, no big commissions. You set your own prices.

✅ Build a Brand

Your logo, name, design — everything is in your control. Customers start to remember you, not just Amazon.

✅ Own Customer Data

You get names, emails, phone numbers. You can run WhatsApp marketing, email offers, and build repeat business.

✅ Loyalty & Trust

Your store becomes a trusted place for returning customers. Over time, you don’t need to depend on paid ads or discounts.

✅ Long-Term Freedom

Even if Amazon changes its rules, you won’t be stuck. Your business can keep running.

5. For Example

Let’s say Ravi sells home décor items on Amazon. He gets 500 orders a month, but after all commissions and charges, he makes only ₹50 per item.

Now Ravi starts his own store using a platform like Orka Stores or Shopify. He promotes it on WhatsApp, Instagram, and sends flyers with his Amazon

orders.

After 3 months, 20% of his buyers start buying directly from his website. He now earns ₹150 profit per item from his own store.

Within a year, his store gives more income than Amazon, and he’s free to run promotions, bundle offers, and custom pricing.

6. How to Start Your Own Store (Without Coding)

Good news — you don’t need to be a tech expert. Starting your own eCommerce website today is easier than ever.

Simple steps:

1. Choose a website builder: Orka Stores, Shopify, Dukaan, Ecwid, etc.
2. Pick a name: Use your brand name or product niche.
3. Upload your products: Add photos, price, and details.
4. Connect payments: UPI, credit cards, or COD.
5. Share your website: Promote on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and through your current customers.

Platforms like Orka Stores even offer Tamil language support, local payment options, and free design help — perfect for sellers in Tamil Nadu and other regional areas.

7. What About Time & Effort?

Yes, running your own store does take some effort. But remember — it’s an investment, not an expense.

You don’t need to give up Amazon or Flipkart. Just start small:

1. Build your store.
2. Promote it slowly.
3. Add a flyer inside your Amazon packages: “Buy direct next time and get ₹50 off.”

That’s it.

8. When is the Right Time to Start?

Ask yourself these questions:

✅ Are you getting 20+ orders per month on marketplaces?

✅ Do you want better profit margins?

✅ Do you wish to build your own brand?

✅ Are you tired of depending fully on marketplace rules?

If your answer is yes to any of these — it’s time to build your own store.

9. Final Thoughts – Build Both, But Own One

Marketplaces are great for exposure and quick sales. But your own website is your digital asset — just like owning your own shop in the real world.

In 2025, competition is growing, and brands that build their own identity will win. Even big sellers on Amazon have their own websites today.

Start small, grow steady — and take control of your online business future.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

1. Selling on Amazon is great, but you earn less and have no control.
2. Your own store gives you better profits, customer loyalty, and freedom.
3. Use both – marketplace for reach, store for branding and profit.
4. Start simple using eCommerce builders like Orka Stores.
5. It’s never too late to build your brand online.

Need help building your store?

Look for platforms that offer free design, local support, and easy tools. If you're in Tamil Nadu, check out Orka Stores – made for local sellers, with Tamil

language and customer support.