Online Shopping- Kerala’s Emerging Opportunity

Kerala-Wired to the World
The Keralite has got on the Net bandwagon, and discovered the pleasure and profit of online shopping. The Internet is no longer a wonder, and broad band connectivity is no longer a luxury that only the well-off could afford. Even the villages in Kerala are now wired to the world and e-commerce too is no longer a novelty. GenNext in Kerala buys almost everything on line, from books to appliances, and from computers to clothes. Shopping from the comfort of one’s home is a big attraction to many. For others it is the time saved, while the huge discounts offered are the lure for those looking for substantial savings. E-commerce has come to stay in Kerala, and with it comes emerging opportunities for the enterprising.
The E-Commerce Edge
E-Commerce has established itself as the new way of doing business. To begin with overheads are lower, and the customer can thus be offered lower prices. More products can be showcased, and there are no fixed hours- it is 24 hour shopping for the customer, and 24 hour sales for the seller. The customer base is no longer limited to one area, but spread across the world. There are different types of e-commerce that are catching on. B2C represents selling products through a website to the public, while B2B represents business to business buying and selling. Many large farms, especially technology companies, buy all their products on the web. In some business models, customers suggest the price, usually through auctions, while others are strictly auction only sites. There is no limit to the types of products that can be sold. Digital goods are a hot favourite as distribution costs for anything digital is zero on the internet. However, even items like ornaments, jewellery and clothes have a huge demand, with branded goods selling like hotcakes. Considering the time constraints and limited choices at regular shops, the online shopper has a huge choice of goods, the opportunity to compare prices, find reviews and listen to other opinions before making a purchase. Moreover, home delivery takes the pain out of shopping while payment can be made easily using credit cards or even with cash on delivery.
Kerala Cashes In
Kerala has also cashed in on the online shopping boom. The state’s leading Malayalam newspapers, the Mathrubhumi and the Malayala Manorama, both have their own online shopping sites to capitalize on their brand name. The new online stores are market savvy and have learnt that the rules for online selling are different from traditional retailing. Courier services have benefitted greatly from the online shopping trend as prompt fulfillment and delivery of orders is of prime importance. Websites are integrated with call centres that provide instant guidance to customers who have any difficulties or doubts. The Net has broken down barriers and made the world a single market place, keeping both the buyer and seller happy- and in Kerala too, it is emerging as an important medium for trade.