Variation in delivery options to customers in terms of the number of days, with/without additional charges etc. is a point of competition amongst the various online marketplaces. Continuing the leading position of being the trendsetter in introducing new and innovative ways for customer satisfaction, Amazon India wants to embrace neighbourhood kirana stores to have a stronger delivery network in India.
Currently only in Bangalore, this new pilot project of Amazon is a first in India. Kirana stores, which are still present in almost every neighbourhood or locality of cities and towns across India, will act as pick up points for Amazon deliveries.
Kirana stores score most in terms of neighbourhood convenience, home deliveries, small and immediate requirements. People still depend on these small stores for their daily requirements. So why not make the most of it and make them delivery points?
To kickstart and operate the service, the Amazon team has identified and trained staff at small stores and kiosks, to be their shipment pick up points. Complications involved in last mile logistics like failed deliveries can be overcome with this innovative and convenient solution.
With the rise of supermarkets and hypermarkets like Big Bazaar, Reliance etc. these kirana stores were losing out on the volumes of business they had. Whereas, Amazon will be encouraging a hybrid model of operations wherein online shops will leverage on these corner shops based on an agreed fee to enhance customer experience.
Amazon has had a steady focus on maximum customer convenience since inception, in addition to lower prices and large collection. The success of this pilot project will influence the extension of this service to other cities and towns of India.
Amazon has witnessed its fastest build-out in India globally in selection, traffic, sellers and the latest mass media advertising. Accordingly, its worldwide innovative practices are tweaked according to Indian conditions by its team of passionate builders in India.
This new service is an off-sprout of Amazon Lockers, which act as self-delivery locations to pick up shipments from, operated by Amazon in US and certain other markets.
Kirana stores are everywhere in India, every corner and every nook. Although supermarkets and hypermarkets have worked their way into being popular in society, it will take time before kirana stores will be completely, if at all, gone.
Failed deliveries are a headache for a lot of e-tailers due to customers not being there at home to receive shipments. This problem can be tackled with kirana stores being pick up points as they are open for long hours. So customers who have long work schedules won’t have to miss their deliveries. It would also help to rid hesitation of customers who may be uncertain of being at home to receive deliveries.
After dwindling with her family business, into travel and hospitality, for more than 3 years, Pooja Vishant found her true love in writing. Happy-go-lucky and cheerful, she loves pink; so pink is the way to go if you want to get into her good books. The Associate Editor keeps track of even a leaf that has moved in the ecommerce world!
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