Indians More Into Online Shopping

By M.Santhiran M.Santhiran, Bernama's correspondent in New Delhi shares his take on the Indian capital city and its unique social narrative. KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- After decades of strong economic growth, Indians today are enjoying better earning and spending power. Yet you won't see much of the young Indians at the shopping centres in major cities because many have opted for online shopping. From household products, cosmetics, apparels, electronic items and even groceries, Delhiites and other urban Indians prefer to purchase them via online. I was surprised when recently a young couple told me that they even bought chawal (rice) online. Other than youngsters, housewives were reported to spend up to an hour online daily looking for the latest bargains. ONLINE SHOPPING FRENZY According to some online shopping buffs, with Diwali (Deepavali) around the corner, more retailers are offering discounts online some between 50 and 70 per cent. Amazon, eBay, SnapDeal, HomeShop18 and Flipkard were the top five popular shopping websites, with eBay alone reported to have 4.5 million customers. With the Indian government promoting better internet connectivity via its ambitious Digital India programme to connect nearly 500,000 villages throughout India in next five years, the new shopping culture is set to expand. Here in Delhi, almost all restaurants accept online order and provide home delivery as well. I too have learnt how convenient online shopping can be, though there was a time I used discourage my wife from shopping online. SHOPPING ON FINGER TIPS Youngsters have many reasons to opt for online shopping. Some say they are too busy to be physically present at these shops or at retail outlets. This is especially so if one needs to buy just one or two item. Other than saving time, they say they could also safe some money via attractive discounts and other offers by these outlets. Moreover, these shoppers have the luxury of shopping anytime, from anywhere. All one needs for online shopping is some money in the account and good Internet connection. A senior government official said he found shopping online being a very exciting experience and even guided his wife on how to buy groceries online. He said it would just take between 15 and 20 minutes to surf the relevant websites, instead of going to grocery shops located some distance from home that is definitely time consuming. Most shoppers say delivery on time and money back guarantee also gives them more confidence to continue with the new way of shopping. Even some claim that the time that they could save, could be utilised for other activities or just rest at home since most Delhiites work six-day week. TIPS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING There are several websites available to guide and provide tips for first time online shoppers. First rule, go for quality or branded items or popular products or services that have been well received by customers. Secondly, read some reviews and write-ups about the product and the seller and thirdly seek advice from colleagues or friends that are regular bargain hunters. Lastly, compare prices with the normal retail outlets and also with other online website shopping providers. Recently I bought a printer via online for 3,500 rupees (about US$60), but at leading retail outlets the same model was being sold between 4,200 and 4,500 rupees (about US$70 to US$90). After five months of using the printer, no major problem so far and I receive occasional email and messages from the retailer on the new products and offers. I have enjoyed shopping online and will encourage my wife and friends to try it out back home in Malaysia, since it is only a matter of time Malaysians too will make online shopping a way of life. -- BERNAMA