Another Online Marketplace Is Coming Up, this time from JustDial

JustDial, one of the major players in local search is looking at launching an e-commerce marketplace soon. JustDial has had a very successful run since it was founded in 1997. It has also adapted very well to rise of the online medium. The company went public successfully this year in what might be called the biggest Indian tech IPO. Now, the company is focused on expanding its revenue sources.

So how are they going to do it?

The company will offer to sell products on its platform keeping in mind popular categories. Currently, this means mobiles, electronics etc. The company, however, will only act as a pure marketplace and will not handle order fulfillment. This will have to be done by the vendors themselves either themselves or through logistics companies. While this may not be very comfortable for sellers, especially those who are used to marketplace logistics services like Powership and others, others who handle their own shipping themselves or via a trusted third party will be able to take advantage of this development.

Why would JustDial’s marketplace offering be good for sellers?

JustDial, as many of you know has amassed a huge amount of data across the country since it began operations more than a decade ago. They have transitioned their knowledge and expertise towards embracing the Internet. JustDial’s hyperlocal search is the best in the country. While this may not have anything to do or add to the marketplace business on the face value, the important thing is that with sellers on board JustDial may successfully transition from being a listings website to a seller website in a more natural and organic fashion. Picture this, when a users searches for something on the JustDial website or mobile app, the website can provide him the information and the means to actually buy the product, right there and then. This convenience matters to customers and it is very big advantage that the service possesses. Millions of users flocking JustDial may generate very good sales for sellers and also benefit the marketplace. While in theory, this e-commerce integration has a lot of potential, the execution of this move is going to be the most  important one.

Flower Delivery:

The company also announced that it will be entering the online flower ordering and delivery business to compete with existing companies like Flora 2000 and Ferns & Petals. Even in this case, it will be the marketplace model and JustDial will not be providing any logistics services.

Stay tuned to our website for more news on this upcoming marketplace from JustDial.

What are your thoughts about this? We would like to hear them.