In recent years, India’s eCommerce industry has undergone a remarkable transformation fueled by rapid technological advancements and a growing internet user base. Thanks to Reliance Jio!! As the digital revolution continues to unfold, the country is experiencing the emergence of eCommerce 2.0, which aims to reach the next 200-300 million consumers residing in small towns and cities. This new wave of online shopping is driven by online marketplaces in India like Meesho and Shopsy, catering to the unique needs of these previously underserved markets. As both platforms vie for the attention of entrepreneurs, drop shippers, and shoppers alike, the question arises: which one is better for dropshipping?
In this blog, we’ll analyze both platforms and know which is better for dropshipping: Meesho or Shopsy.
Meesho vs Shopsy: An Overview of Both Platforms
Meesho and Shopsy, two innovative platforms in India’s thriving eCommerce sector, have carved a niche for themselves by catering to the needs of their target audience. Meesho, primarily a reselling platform, empowers its users to buy products at wholesale prices and resell them to friends, family, or on other eCommerce websites like Amazon and Flipkart. This approach to online shopping has made it a popular choice for dropshipping and wholesaling alike.
On the other hand, Shopsy takes a different approach to eCommerce by integrating social media and online shopping. This social eCommerce platform, backed by the eCommerce giant Flipkart, allows users to discover, purchase, and engage with a wide range of products through Facebook. Shopsy’s two major features, Shopsy Shop, and Shopsy Host, provide users with seamless buying and selling experiences by letting them purchase items from any brand’s page or product catalog or create their digital store to sell products.
Both platforms target a similar audience, focusing on the growing number of internet users in small towns and cities across India. Meesho and Shopsy are particularly appealing to hyperlocal entrepreneurs, drop shippers, and those seeking value-based products in Tier 2-3 towns.
Comparison of Meesho and Shopsy
I. Product Categories and Offerings
Meesho has made a name for itself by specializing in fashion and lifestyle products, offering a vast selection of clothing, accessories, beauty products, electronics, home essentials, sports, fitness, and books. With over 50 lakh products spanning 650+ categories, Meesho is a one-stop shop for fashion enthusiasts and lifestyle shoppers seeking the latest trends and high-quality items at competitive prices.
On the other hand, Shopsy places a strong emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized businesses by offering unique and locally made items. This platform empowers local entrepreneurs by providing them with a digital storefront to showcase their products and reach a wider audience. Shopsy’s product offerings range from handmade crafts, regional delicacies, and sustainable goods to niche services and experiences, allowing shoppers to discover and support local businesses.
II. Business Models and Advantages/Disadvantages
Meesho functions as a marketplace, connecting small-scale vendors and manufacturers with individual resellers, who are primarily women and housewives. By offering a diverse range of products across categories like fashion, beauty, home, and kitchen at affordable prices, Meesho empowers these resellers to promote and sell products via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. The company’s revenue model is based on commissions earned for each transaction, with suppliers being charged a platform fee ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the product category.
In contrast, Shopsy operates as a social commerce platform, allowing anyone on social media to become a reseller of products featured on the online marketplace and earn a commission. Sellers can list products on Shopsy and share them with friends and family via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. Initially, Shopsy charged a commission on every sale made through the platform, but in August 2021, Flipkart introduced a zero-commission model to attract more sellers. This approach aims to scale social commerce in India by empowering resellers to earn without any upfront costs.
III. Pricing and Deals
Meesho focuses on wholesale pricing, allowing sellers to offer products at competitive rates. Although Meesho doesn’t provide discounts upfront, sellers have the flexibility to provide discounts to customers directly, depending on their preferences and business strategies. In addition, Meesho’s registration, collection, and cancellation fees are all waived, allowing sellers to keep 100% of the sale price, with settlement amounts securely deposited directly into their bank accounts on a 7-day payment cycle.
On the other hand, Shopsy boasts a 0% commission rate for its exclusive verticals, no fixed or closing fees, and no paperwork or trademark registration requirements. The platform also provides sellers with easy cataloging, a ready logistics network, and access to selection and pricing insights to help grow their business.
IV. Shipping and Delivery Options
By partnering with a network of logistics providers, Meesho ensures that sellers can focus on what they do best: selling their products. In addition, the streamlined shipping process is as easy as managing orders through the Meesho Supplier Panel, packing products securely in unbranded packaging, and leaving the rest to Meesho’s trusted delivery partners.
On the flip side, Shopsy puts its trust in individual sellers to handle shipping and delivery. While this means that delivery times may vary depending on the seller’s location, Shopsy doesn’t skimp on customer satisfaction by offering free shipping on a vast array of products.
V. User Interface and Experience
Meesho delights its users with a simple, clean interface emphasizing product images and descriptions. The platform’s layout is designed for effortless browsing, ensuring that customers can quickly and easily find the products they’re looking for.
On the other hand, Shopsy takes a more immersive approach to its user interface. The platform features a stunning, product-focused design that showcases each item in a visually appealing way. However, this rich visual experience can be overwhelming for some users who may prefer a more straightforward shopping experience.
VI. Customer Support
Meesho ensures that its customers are well taken care of with its dedicated email and chat support services. These channels provide quick and convenient ways for customers to get in touch with the platform’s support team, allowing them to resolve any issues or seek assistance as needed.
Shopsy, too, prioritizes customer satisfaction with its robust support system, offering both email support and a chat feature for customers to reach out. The platform’s support team is readily available to assist with any queries or concerns, ensuring that customers feel valued and heard.
VII. Marketing and Advertising Opportunities
Meesho provides an impressive referral program that encourages its extensive reseller community to promote products to its networks. This community-driven approach, combined with Meesho’s advertising opportunities, such as sponsored ads, allows sellers to increase their visibility and sales effectively.
Shopsy, on the other hand, harnesses the potential of social media integration, allowing sellers to promote their products on various platforms effortlessly. With Shopsy’s user-friendly interface, sellers can easily share their listings with potential customers, reaching a vast audience and capitalizing on the organic reach of social media.
VIII. Scalability and Growth Potential
Meesho boasts an established presence in the eCommerce industry, with an expanding user base that promises continued growth for sellers. By joining Meesho’s platform, drop shippers can leverage the company’s vast network and resources to increase their visibility and sales.
On the other hand, Shopsy has emerged as a rapidly growing eCommerce platform backed by Flipkart. This support ensures the platform’s continued expansion and offers sellers the opportunity to benefit from Flipkart’s extensive resources and expertise. As Shopsy’s user base continues to grow, drop shippers can ride the wave of its success and capitalize on the platform’s increasing popularity.
Conclusion
In the battle between Meesho and Shopsy for the best dropshipping platform in India, both platforms offer unique features and advantages. Surely, the above comparison will help you conclude which platform is better for dropshipping, but ultimately, it all depends on your individual needs and budget. If you want to try something new and fresh, then Shopsy is better, but if you’re looking for something reliable with many features, Meesho will be an ideal choice.
FAQs
Is Shopsy similar to Meesho?
Yes, Shopsy and Meesho are similar as both are eCommerce platforms in India that focus on social commerce and empower users to resell products through their networks. However, they have differences in product focus, business models, and user experience. Meesho primarily offers fashion and lifestyle products, while Shopsy emphasizes local and unique items. Flipkart backs Shopsy, and both platforms cater to the growing internet user base in small towns and cities across India.
What is better than Meesho?
Glowroad app and Shopsy are considered the strongest competitors to Meesho, with over 10 million downloads in India. Other alternatives to Meesho include Shop101, Shyp, Oberlo, and Boost Convert. However, it’s important to note that what’s considered “better” depends on individual preferences and specific requirements, and this information is subject to change as the eCommerce landscape evolves.
Is Shopsy by Flipkart?
Yes, Shopsy is a social commerce platform launched by Flipkart, a leading eCommerce giant in India. Shopsy focuses on integrating social media and online shopping, allowing users to discover, purchase, and engage with a wide range of products through various social media channels.
Why is Shopsy so cheap?
Shopsy can offer low prices due to its strong connections with suppliers and manufacturers, which enables them to source products at wholesale rates. By passing these savings on to customers, Shopsy provides competitively priced items. Moreover, the platform utilizes algorithms to ensure their products are priced attractively, allowing shoppers to find quality items at the best possible prices.
What is the benefit of Shopsy?
The benefits of Shopsy include a wide range of unique and locally sourced products, seamless social media integration for easy product sharing, competitive pricing, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, being backed by Flipkart, Shopsy provides a reliable platform for sellers and buyers to engage in eCommerce transactions.
