Hyderabad's Chotu Launches 'Add to Cart' QR Code for Local Shopping
T-Hub-incubated startup Chotu introduced the Chotu QR code today, enabling customers to search, browse, add items to their cart, and place orders. Upon receiving an order, shopkeepers can generate bills and accept payments, replicating the real-life shopping experience. The entire process can seamlessly occur on WhatsApp, supporting Telugu or any Indian language. The launch event was graced by Sri M Srinivasa Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, as the chief guest. Accompanying him were distinguished guests including Wing Commander Anthony Anish, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at T-Hub, and Dr. Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), alongside Chotu's founders Y Ravi and Vamshi Panjala.
"Over 1000 stores, including kiranas, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable vendors in Telangana & AP, have transitioned online. Individuals can visit chotu.com and swiftly establish an online store at no cost. No documentation is needed; simply WhatsApp suffices. Post the trial period, a nominal monthly fee starting from Rs 99 is charged, offering relief from high shop rents commonly encountered".
During the launch event, Sri M Srinivasa Rao, CEO of T-Hub, expressed, "At T-Hub, our aim is to empower entrepreneurs with inventive concepts. India boasts approximately 1.3 Crore kirana shops, while PhonePe and PayTM each serve 3.5 Crore merchants. Despite UPI's role in facilitating digital payments, there remains a conspicuous digital gap in e-commerce. We believe that chotu has the potential to bridge this divide".
