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Short answer: There is no single best marketplace. Meesho is usually the easiest place to start with low-priced, light products. Amazon and Flipkart reach more buyers who search for specific products and brands, but they ask for more compliance and have more competition. Many sellers start on one, learn, and add a second only when orders are stable. Always check the current fees and rules on each seller portal, because they change.
New sellers in India often ask whether they should sell on Amazon, Flipkart or Meesho first. The honest answer depends on your product, your price, whether you have GST and how much time you have. This guide compares the three on what matters to a beginner, without quoting fee numbers that go out of date. Use it to shortlist, then confirm the details on each platform.
Amazon vs Flipkart vs Meesho: which one should a new seller choose? Here is a practical comparison.
This guide is part of our complete series on how to sell on Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho.
The three marketplaces at a glance
| Meesho | Amazon | Flipkart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical buyer | Price-sensitive shoppers, many from smaller cities | Wide range of buyers who search and compare | Wide range, strong in fashion and electronics |
| Good for | Low-priced fashion, home and kitchen, and small items | Almost every category, including branded and higher-priced products | Fashion, electronics, home and large appliances |
| Ease of starting | Often the simplest signup for new sellers | Moderate, with more documents and listing rules | Moderate, with more documents and listing rules |
| GST | Some small sellers may qualify for an Enrolment ID route, see our Meesho without GST guide | GST is usually needed to sell | GST is usually needed to sell |
| Competition | High on price | High on listings and ads | High on listings and ads |
| Watch out for | Low price pressure and returns | Ad costs, fees and account health rules | Fees, returns and listing quality rules |
This table is a general comparison. Fees, commission, shipping charges and policies change, so check the seller pages before you decide.
Meesho: the easiest place to test
Meesho is built around low prices and resellers. Many beginners start here because registration is simple and low-priced everyday products can sell well. The trade-off is price pressure: buyers compare prices closely, so your margin must be worked out carefully, and returns can hurt a thin margin. If you sell light products with a gap between your cost and the selling price, Meesho is a reasonable first test. We explain the GST position for small sellers in Sell on Meesho without GST.
Amazon: reach and trust, with more rules
Amazon has a very large base of shoppers who search for specific products, so it suits products people already look for by name or need. It also expects a clean listing, accurate details and good account health. Seller fees, shipping options and advertising are part of the cost, so your margin needs room. It is a good second step once you know a product sells and you have your GST and bills in order.
Flipkart: strong in selected categories
Flipkart is strong in fashion, electronics and home categories. Like Amazon, it expects proper registration, good listings and quality control. Returns and shipping rules matter, so read the seller policy for your category carefully before you list.
How to choose: five questions
- What is your product’s price? Very low-priced items often suit Meesho. Items with branded or specification-led search often suit Amazon or Flipkart.
- Do you have GST? If not, check your eligibility before you list anywhere, see our GST registration guide.
- How much time can you give? Amazon and Flipkart need more listing and account upkeep.
- How much can you spend on testing? Start with a sample and a small stock.
- Where do your buyers already shop? Search your product on each site and see who sells it and at what price.
A simple way to test
- Order one sample piece and test the product yourself.
- Check the price of close matches on all three marketplaces.
- Work out your profit after cost, GST, shipping, fee and returns.
- List on one marketplace with good photos and a clear title, see our listing checklist.
- Run it for a few weeks and track orders, returns and net profit.
- Add a second marketplace only when the first works.
Should I sell on all three at once?
Not at the start. Each platform needs its own listings, stock and customer service, and mistakes multiply. Learn on one, fix returns and packing, then expand. Selling on several is easier when your stock is steady and your processes are written down.
Beyond marketplaces
You do not have to depend only on marketplaces. Instagram and WhatsApp let you sell directly without platform fees, but you must bring your own customers. See how to sell on Instagram and how to sell on WhatsApp Business.
What the costs look like (and why you should not trust any single number)
Blogs and vendors quote very different fee numbers for the same marketplace, because fees depend on category, price band, weight and the date. Here is what recent sources agree on, and where they disagree:
- Meesho: most sources describe a zero-commission model for sellers, with costs shifting to shipping or fulfilment charges, ads and returns. One source warns that real costs can still reach roughly 10 to 15 percent once ads and returns are counted.
- Amazon and Flipkart: referral fees by category are quoted as anything from about 2 percent to 25 percent depending on the source, plus closing fees, shipping and ads. In 2026 YourStory reported that Amazon India expanded zero referral fees on a large set of low-priced products and that Flipkart had a commission waiver on many items below Rs 1,000. Check each portal for the current terms and the price cap.
The important point is that even with zero commission you still pay shipping, ads, payment or collection costs and returns. So always compute your net profit per order, not the headline fee.
A net-profit worksheet you can fill in for any platform
| Line | Meesho (Rs) | Amazon (Rs) | Flipkart (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selling price | |||
| Product cost | |||
| GST on purchase if you cannot claim credit | |||
| Referral or commission fee | |||
| Fixed or closing fee | |||
| Shipping and packing | |||
| Ads per order | |||
| Returns allowance | |||
| Net profit per order |
Fill the table with the current numbers from each seller portal’s fee page. The platform with the highest net profit per order and the lowest return rate for your product is the best place to start.
Which marketplace fits which product
| Your product | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Low-priced everyday items such as kitchen tools, cleaning items and small accessories | Meesho, then Flipkart or Amazon | Price-sensitive buyers, simple signup |
| Items people search for by specification, such as electronics accessories and car accessories | Amazon or Flipkart | Search-led buying, comparison shopping |
| Fashion and apparel | Meesho or Flipkart | Strong fashion buyers, but sizing creates returns |
| Higher-priced items | Amazon | Buyers with higher order values, with more brand and compliance rules |
| Gifts and seasonal items | Your own social channels plus a marketplace | Control over packing and timing |
Account health, returns and payments: what beginners overlook
- Account health. Late dispatch, cancellations and poor ratings can limit your listings. Never list stock you do not have.
- Returns policy. Each platform has its own return and refund rules, and a seller pays for some returns. Know the rules for your category before you list.
- Payment cycle. Money arrives after delivery plus a settlement period, so you need working capital to restock.
- TCS and GST. The platform deducts tax collected at source from your payments if you are registered. See GST registration for online sellers.
- Ads. Marketplaces sell advertising to sellers. Start with a small budget only after your listing converts organically.
A 90-day plan for your first marketplace
| Period | Goal | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 15 | Set up and list | Complete registration, order a sample, shoot photos, list 3 to 5 products |
| Days 16 to 45 | Get the first orders | Fix title and photos from buyer questions, track dispatch time and returns |
| Days 46 to 75 | Improve margin | Remove losing products, reorder winners, test a small ad budget |
| Days 76 to 90 | Decide on a second channel | If profit and returns are stable, add another marketplace or WhatsApp and Instagram selling |
Mistakes to avoid when choosing
- Choosing the platform with the lowest headline fee without counting shipping, ads and returns.
- Copying a competitor’s price without knowing their cost.
- Listing on three platforms in week one with the same small stock.
- Ignoring the return rules for your category.
- Skipping the GST check and facing a block later.
Three example sellers and where each should start
These are illustrations, not real case studies.
| Seller | Product and price | Situation | Suggested first channel | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riya, homemaker | Kitchen gadgets at Rs 199 to Rs 399 | No GST yet, sells within her state | Meesho, using the small-seller route if she qualifies | Simple signup, price-sensitive buyers, low-priced products |
| Arun, shop owner | Mobile and car accessories at Rs 299 to Rs 899 | Has GST, ships nationwide | Amazon or Flipkart | Buyers search by specification, order values are higher |
| Neha, creator | Beauty tools at Rs 150 to Rs 500 | Has an Instagram audience | Instagram and WhatsApp first, a marketplace later | Audience already trusts her, no platform fee |
What your first week looks like on each platform
- Meesho: sign up, add catalogue details and price, then focus on photos and shipping time. Expect to spend your first weeks watching price comparisons and returns.
- Amazon: expect more setup: documents, brand and category checks and listing quality rules. Plan time for ads and fees.
- Flipkart: expect similar setup to Amazon, with category-specific rules and image checks.
Whatever you pick, keep one rule: do not add a second platform until you have fulfilled at least 30 orders on the first without major issues.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best marketplace for new sellers in India?
Many beginners start with Meesho for low-priced products because signup is simple. Amazon and Flipkart suit sellers who have GST, good listings and some margin room for fees and ads.
Can I sell on Amazon without GST?
GST is generally required to sell on Amazon in India. Check the current seller requirements and ask an accountant if you are unsure.
Which marketplace has the lowest fees?
Fees vary by category, price and shipping weight, and they change. Compare the current fee pages on each seller portal for your product.
Can I sell on more than one marketplace?
Yes, but start with one. Add another when your first marketplace works and your stock and returns are under control.
Do I need a website to sell on marketplaces?
No. A marketplace account is enough to start.
Is Meesho really zero commission?
Most sources describe a zero-commission model for sellers, with other charges such as shipping and fulfilment, ads and returns. Check the current Meesho seller terms.
Are Amazon and Flipkart cheaper now for low-priced products?
Industry news in 2026 reported zero referral fee or commission waiver programmes on many low-priced products. Other fees still apply, so check the current rules for your price band and category.
Which marketplace pays sellers fastest?
Settlement cycles differ and change. Check the payment terms on each seller portal and keep working capital for restocking.
Can a beginner use all three?
Yes later, but start with one so you learn packing, returns and customer service before you scale.
Sources and further reading
- YourStory: Amazon India expands zero referral fees, Flipkart commission waiver (March 2026)
- Gonukkad: marketplace commission comparison India
- Commmerce: Meesho vs Amazon vs Flipkart for Indian retailers
- Amazon India seller beginner guide
- Flipkart Seller Hub
Keep reading
- How to get your first 10 orders online
- Sell on Meesho without GST
- Best wholesale products to sell online in India
Last updated: 12 November 2026. Fees and policies change, so check each seller portal.
Best marketplace to sell online in India: which marketplace is best for new sellers
The best marketplace to sell online in India depends on your product. Which marketplace is best for new sellers? Low-price products often start well on Meesho, branded and mid-price products on Amazon and Flipkart. Choose by margin, effort and risk, then test one marketplace for 30 days before adding another. Read the full steps in how to sell on Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho.
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Written by WholesaleOye Team
WholesaleOye is an online wholesale market for sellers, shop owners and new resellers in India. Our mission is to make wholesale simple and low risk: buy in small quantity, start with a single sample piece, and grow as your customers re-order. Our vision is to be the place small businesses trust to source direct from importers and manufacturers at the best price, with GST bills, doorstep delivery to 25000+ pincodes and an easy 5-day return policy.
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