AppyTelegram isn't just a messaging app anymore. With over 900 million active users, it's a full-fledged business platform — and one of the most profitable places to launch an online store: zero marketplace fees, direct customer contact, and instant notifications.
In this guide, we'll cover everything: from choosing the right format to accepting payments. Most importantly, we'll show you how to launch a store without writing a single line of code.
Why Telegram Is the Perfect Platform for a Store
Here's why small businesses increasingly choose Telegram over traditional marketplaces:
- Direct contact. Customers are already in the messenger — no need to redirect them to an external website.
- Free push notifications. New products, promotions, order status updates — delivered instantly.
- Zero commission. Unlike Amazon (15-20%) or Etsy (6.5%+), Telegram doesn't take a cut of your sales.
- Quick launch. You can have a store running in one evening, with no contracts or approval processes.
- Engaged audience. Telegram users are accustomed to buying through bots and Mini Apps.
Three Store Formats on Telegram
There are three ways to create a store on Telegram. Each has its own strengths:
Telegram Bot
- In-chat product catalog
- Quick-order buttons
- Auto-replies to questions
- Customer broadcasts
- Lowest barrier to entry
Mini App
- Full store UI
- Cart and wishlist
- Filters and search
- Built-in payments
- Runs inside Telegram
PWA + Bot
- Works in any browser
- SEO-friendly
- QR code for offline
- Bot for notifications
- Maximum reach
Recommendation: if you have up to 30 products, start with a bot. Need a cart with filters? Choose a Mini App. Want to sell beyond Telegram? Add a PWA.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Store in Appy
Open Appy, tap "Create Project," and choose your format: Telegram bot, Mini App, or PWA. Select the "Store" template — it comes with a catalog, cart, and order form pre-built.
Add categories and products: name, description, price, photos. You can set variants (size, color) and track inventory. Appy supports unlimited products.
Choose a theme, color scheme, and upload your logo. Mini App and PWA offer 12 themes — from minimalist to vibrant. All are mobile-optimized out of the box.
Connect a payment provider: Stripe for international sales, or local providers based on your country. Set delivery options: pickup, courier, or shipping. Add free shipping thresholds to boost average order value.
Tap "Publish." Your bot goes live on Telegram, the Mini App opens via a button in the bot, and the PWA is accessible via link. Share with customers and start receiving orders.
Payments and Delivery
A store without payments is just a catalog. Here's how payment processing works in a Telegram store built with Appy:
Accepting Payments
- Stripe (international) — Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Available in 40+ countries.
- Local providers — depending on your region, connect local payment gateways for bank cards and digital wallets.
- Cash on delivery — the customer pays the courier. Works great for local businesses.
Delivery
- Pickup — list your address and business hours.
- Local courier — define delivery zones and pricing.
- Shipping — the customer enters their address, and you send the package via your preferred carrier.
Pro tip: add free shipping above a certain order total. This increases average order value by 20-30% as customers add items to reach the threshold.
How to Promote Your Telegram Store
Your store is live — now you need customers. Here are proven strategies:
- Instagram and social media. Add the bot/site link to your bio. Show the ordering process in Stories.
- QR codes. Print them and place at your retail location, on packaging, and on business cards.
- Broadcasts. Send promotions and new arrivals to existing customers via the bot.
- SEO. If you chose PWA, your site is indexed by Google. Optimize product descriptions for search.
- Promo codes. Create discount codes to attract new customers and reward loyal ones.
A Telegram store isn't a replacement — it's a complement to your existing channels. A customer sees your ad on Instagram, taps through to the bot, picks a product, and pays — all in under 2 minutes.
Launch your Telegram store today
Download Appy, choose the "Store" template, and start selling right away