Net-savvy Mumbaikars are increasingly opting for online grocery shopping which offers doorstep delivery.
Hard pressed for time while juggling home and career, software professional Reema Sinhal was pleasantly surprised when she stumbled upon a website that promised doorstep delivery of fresh fruits, vegetables and other kitchen essentials. “Now I order groceries online which are delivered on the same day at a nominal cost,” said Sinhal, who no longer has to set aside time from her hectic schedule for regular trips to the local grocery store.
With websites like freshndaily.com, aaramshop.com and groceryshop.com offering fresh produce and kitchen items like grains and pulses, net-savvy Mumbaikars are opting for the services on offer. “While most retail chains selling everything from clothes to furniture have launched e-stores, the concept of perishable items like fruits and vegetables being sold online is fairly new,” said Sameer Shah, BPO employee, a recent convert to online grocery shopping.
The e-retail concept, which was reserved for high-end products like electronics or designer wear, is slowly inching towards more commonplace items like grocery and household products. And no one seems to be complaining as it is beneficial to both the parties concerned.
While customers have the ease of ordering from the comfort of their homes and paying either by credit card or cash on delivery, the sellers are attracting newer customers by the day.
“Our prices are competitive and we make decent profits since we procure goods directly from the farmers and brand owners and ensure that there are no intermediaries,” said a spokesperson of freshndaily.com.
Moreover, unlike a physical store, the overhead cost structure of these online marts is low since they don’t have to rent space to display their products.
E-stores claim that their services are popular because it cuts down the customers’ travel time. Also the customers enjoy easy access to the products, discounts and nominal delivery charges. “Homemakers and young professionals living on their own form a major chunk of our consumer base,” said a representative of groceryshop.com.
However, there are a few issues that need to be addressed in e-shopping such as exchange or refund policy on damaged or spoilt goods. “While some of the portals don’t hesitate in giving a refund on bad products, it is still a hassle. At times you want something in a hurry and if damaged goods are delivered to you, returning or exchanging them can take a lot of time and energy,” said Manju Vora, a homemaker, who once had to send back tomatoes that got squashed during delivery.
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