Sabhareesh Muralidaran’s Post

India’s Quick Commerce Revolution: 🛒🚀📊 quick commerce platforms are experiencing 60% of buyers now prefer Q-commerce over traditional shopping channels. This trend is reshaping how we shop, and startups like Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Zepto are leading the way. The Rise of Quick Commerce Platforms 📊📈 🛍️Swiggy Instamart: As a subsidiary of Swiggy, Instamart has captured 27% of the quick commerce market share in 2023. It has cleverly utilized its parent company’s resources, including leveraging its extensive delivery network. 🛍️Blinkit: Formerly known as Grofers, Blinkit is a leading player with a dominant market share of 50%, operating 639 dark stores across India. Blinkit’s success lies in its ability to provide fast deliveries by strategically placing its dark stores in urban and suburban areas. 🛍️Zepto: A disruptive force in the market, Zepto is a startup founded by two teenage entrepreneurs. Known for its ambitious 10-minute delivery model, Zepto has grown exponentially and now holds a 21% market share. Its success is driven by an efficient dark store model and an ability to fulfill rapid orders, offering a strong challenge to its competitors. How Do They Work? The Dark Store Model 🧐🧠 These companies are thriving by utilizing the dark store model—small warehouses located within a 2-3 km radius of target delivery areas. The proximity of these warehouses allows quick order fulfillment, ensuring that deliveries are made, The more dark stores a company has, the higher its revenue and profit potential. Blinkit, with 639 dark stores, leads the pack in this regard. 🏦Swiggy Instamart: 500 dark stores 🏦Zepto: 340 dark stores 🏦Blinkit: 639 dark stores The Growth and Marketing Strategy The strategic placement of dark stores is only one part of the equation. 💹Quick commerce platforms have also adopted aggressive sales tactics, including: 💹Small Order Fees: Charging minimal fees on small orders to attract customers. 💹Advertising and Promotions: High-intensity digital marketing and discounts to build brand loyalty. 💹Reducing Delivery Costs: Ensuring affordable and competitive pricing for consumers. 💹Diverse Product Offerings: From office supplies to baby care products, these platforms cater to daily needs, which increases customer retention. Zepto’s market share growth from 5% to 21% is a testament to the success of these strategies. The Future Outlook: The Battle for Market Share💸💵 As the quick commerce sector continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how traditional retailers adapt and how these platforms continue to grow. While companies like Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto have established strong positions in the market, the competition is far from over. Reliance’s 1,800 stores, vast variety of offerings, and exclusive partnerships with brands are a force to be reckoned with, especially as it plans to introduce free delivery charges to increase its competitiveness…

“Q-commerce vs E-commerce” If you want your delivery within 10-30 minutes with just a one click, then Q-commerce(quick commerce) is for you !! Quick commerce is an evolution of e-commerce that caters to the growing demand for instant gratification & convenience. The rapid expansion of quick commerce has captured the attention of investors and entrepreneurs alike. Projections indicate a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9% for the Indian quick commerce industry between FY22 and FY27. Blinkit, for example, according to financial results by its parent company, Zomato Ltd, a $27 billion startup. It has scaled to nearly half the size of Zomato’s original food delivery business, growing six times faster. Growth drivers of the quick commerce market: New user adoption: As quick commerce continues to maintain its commitment with minimal lapses in the consumer experience, a growing number of consumers have redirected their intended e-commerce expenditure towards quick commerce. Additionally, existing users have reinforced their instant purchase behaviours, resulting in increased spending on these platforms. Event days: Quick commerce platforms have excelled in grasping the purchasing patterns of target customers and altering the selection and experience accordingly. All major platforms have recorded unprecedented sales on 'event days' or occasions such as Diwali, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, and sporting events like the Cricket World Cup (CWC) final. Category diversification: Quick commerce platforms extend beyond traditional grocery offerings such as fruits, vegetables, meat, staples, and FMCG and have expanded into a wider retail spectrum, including beauty, electronics, home decor, wellness, and other general merchandise. This development is positioning quick commerce platforms in direct competition with established e-commerce giants, resulting in greater convenience for customers across categories. The major difference between Q-commerce & E-commerce is on the basis of broader selection of items & quick delivery time. The pricing premium which quick commerce used to charge for instant deliveries is gone with these platforms now joining a race with large ecommerce to offer competitive pricing to shift consumer loyalties. However, ·      Industry analysts warn that smaller cities and towns may find it challenging to balance high warehousing costs with the comparatively lower value of average orders. ·      Quick commerce model requires multiple dark stores to be set up in close vicinity in each market, while ecommerce players mostly make deliveries from centralized warehouses. ·      In quick commerce, consumer is not aware of the seller of the item that he is ordering unlike in e-commerce platform. Can Q-commerce put negative impact on e-commerce businesses like e-commerce has put on millions of small & medium shops ? #quickcommerce #ecommerce #blinkit #instamart #zepto #msme

Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC): Shaping the Future of E-Commerce in India Imagine a world where you can buy groceries, clothes, and stationery all in one place, without juggling between different apps. That's the magic of Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) - it's your one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs, bringing together the likes of Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, Zomato, and more under a single, convenient platform. Say goodbye to app-hopping and hello to seamless shopping experiences! But what exactly is Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC)? Why is it causing such a stir? Backed by the government, Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) aims to level the playing field in e-commerce, making it fairer and more accessible for everyone. By connecting sellers and buyers across various platforms, Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) is set to redefine how we shop online, promising lower costs for sellers and greater choices for consumers. It's a win-win for businesses and shoppers alike! Speaking of game-changers, Kiko Live, founded by Alok Chawla, Neeta Rijwani, and Virendra Kumar, recently made waves on Shark Tank India Season 3. With a mission to onboard local kirana stores onto ONDC, Kiko Live is revolutionizing how small businesses operate in the digital era. It's all about empowerment, scalability, and seizing the opportunities that ONDC brings to the table. Kiko Live's journey is fueled by strategic investments, with its latest funding round securing $1 million in seed funding led by SOSV and backed by a group of visionary investors. This funding not only underscores investor confidence in Kiko Live's mission but also provides the necessary resources to propel its vision forward, enabling greater outreach and impact within the evolving e-commerce ecosystem. In the midst of this e-commerce revolution, startups like SellerSetu from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani are also making waves. Founded by Pranav Mehta and Priyanshu Gupta, SellerSetu is bridging the gap between businesses and Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC), unlocking boundless growth opportunities for enterprises of all sizes. With Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) at the helm, the future of e-commerce in India looks brighter than ever! Open Network For Digital Commerce (ONDC) Government of India Kiko Live SellerSetu Alok Chawla Neeta Rijwani Virendra Kumar SOSV Pranav Mehta Priyanshu Gupta Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Shark Tank India #ONDC #ECommerceRevolution #DigitalIndia #RetailTech #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #DigitalEconomy #OnlineShopping #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #TechForGood #DigitalTransformation #GameChangers #GovernmentInitiative #DigitalEmpowerment #FutureOfRetail #DigitalCommerce #TechEntrepreneurs #Marketplace

Transforming E-commerce in India: How ONDC is Shaping a New Digital Era The Indian e-commerce landscape is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Unlike traditional platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, and Zepto, which operate as closed ecosystems, ONDC introduces a decentralized, open network to democratize digital commerce. Here’s why ONDC is a game-changer: 1. A Level Playing Field ONDC shifts power from platform-centric models to an open network, enabling small businesses, local stores, and hyperlocal vendors to compete with big players. By lowering commissions and offering direct buyer-seller connections, it creates an inclusive and accessible e-commerce ecosystem. 🛍️ Small retailers no longer need to rely solely on big platforms to reach customers. 2. Reduced Costs for Sellers Current platforms charge high fees—ranging from 10% to 30%—but ONDC minimizes these costs. Sellers retain more profits, which can translate to better pricing for consumers. 3. Hyperlocal & Niche Market Focus ONDC's “Vocal for Local” initiative empowers artisans, regional sellers, and smaller players who often struggle to find visibility on mainstream platforms. Consumers now have the freedom to discover unique, hyperlocal, and niche products. 4. Interoperability: A New Era of Connectivity Imagine buying from multiple sellers—local and national—through a single app! ONDC makes this possible, breaking the silos of closed ecosystems. 🔗 It’s like how UPI revolutionized payments. ONDC has the potential to replicate that success in e-commerce. Challenges Ahead While ONDC offers a promising alternative, building consumer trust, logistics efficiency, and awareness will be key hurdles. Competing platforms have a stronghold with robust infrastructure and brand equity, but ONDC’s open and collaborative model could spark innovation and fairness in the sector. What This Means for India ONDC aligns with India's vision of a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030, fostering inclusivity, affordability, and competition. As consumers, sellers, and policymakers rally behind this initiative, we might witness a shift as significant as the UPI revolution in payments. 💡 Want to dive deeper? Check out these insightful articles: What is ONDC and how it workshttps://lnkd.in/drgrZ2rj How ONDC is reshaping India’s e-commerce landscapehttps://lnkd.in/dAZFEfp9 ONDC vs. Big E-commerce: What’s the Difference?https://lnkd.in/dgFMn5aa #Ecommerce #DigitalIndia #ONDC #Innovation #VocalForLocal #FutureOfBusiness

Did you know India’s Direct Ecommerce (D2C) market has shot up from just 2-3% of online retail 5 yrs ago to 10-15% today? 🚀 The Rise of D2C: A New Era in Retail 🚀 India’s online retail market is valued at $70-75 billion, and D2C now claims up to 15% of that pie. This growth isn’t just impressive—it’s transformative. Brands selling directly to consumers through their own websites, apps, and social media channels are bypassing the 20-30% commissions charged by marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart. The result? Higher margins and complete control over the customer journey. But even with this rapid growth, marketplaces still dominate. They offer unmatched reach and convenience, with customer bases that are hard to ignore. Yet, more brands are recognizing the power of owning their customer relationships. Why D2C? A conversation with a fashion brand founder stuck with me. He said- 'Marketplaces are flooded with brands. It’s hard to stand out' This is the key advantage of D2C: personalization. When was the last time you bought directly from a brand’s website? You might have noticed a more tailored experience, maybe even a handwritten note or a small gift. That’s the kind of connection that builds loyalty. What’s Fueling D2C? The D2C boom isn’t just about consumer preference—it’s about the tools that have empowered brands to sell directly. Payment gateways like Razorpay, logistics aggregators, and marketing services have evolved, making it easier than ever for brands to go D2C. Platforms like Shopify and logistics providers like Delhivery are leveling the playing field, allowing smaller brands to compete with giants. This lets brands go toe-to-toe with Amazon or Flipkart in speed and quality- not only making it viable but profitable. Challenges Ahead: Yet, it’s not all easy. Quick commerce, especially in food and FMCG, is on the rise, keeping marketplaces relevant. Newer D2C brands, in particular, still need the reach of marketplaces to acquire customers, as getting noticed without them can be costly. While mature brands like Mamaearth are shifting to their own websites, newer brands still rely on the exposure that marketplaces provide. The Future of D2C: What’s Next? Looking ahead, D2C will continue to grow, but marketplaces will still play a key role. The real challenge for brands will be finding the balance between leveraging marketplace reach and nurturing direct customer relationships. Brands that can strike this balance stand to gain immensely, with better data, personalized experiences, and stronger customer loyalty. The D2C revolution is here, and it’s reshaping ecommerce. Could this be as disruptive as Q-Commerce? I don't think so, but this is definitely going to eat into horizontal marketplaces' share of the pie! #d2c #directtoconsumer #ecommerce #india #amazon #flipkart #retail #marketplace #startups

India's fastest-growing E-commerce platform👀 "Hamara mission, sabse kam commission.”💯 …and thus, the e-commerce platform Meesho was founded by IIT Delhi graduates Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in December 2015. Today, this rapidly growing platform boasts: •⁠ ⁠Sellers → 1.5 M •⁠ ⁠Orders → 3.2 M+ per day •⁠ ⁠Valuation → $5 B One fascinating story about Meesho that not many people know is how it started as a fashion retail app named "Fashnear." The idea was simple: connect local shops to customers online. However, they soon realized that the true potential lay in empowering resellers and small businesses across India, leading to a pivot that transformed Fashnear into Meesho. With a mission to democratize commerce and empower women, Meesho quickly became a game-changer in the Indian e-commerce space. The company’s focus shifted to enabling anyone with a smartphone to start their own business, selling anything from fashion to household items without needing to maintain inventory. Fun fact: Meesho became the first Indian startup to receive funding from Facebook, marking a significant milestone in its journey.🚀 From a product perspective, Meesho's ability to innovate and adapt to the unique needs of the Indian market is noteworthy. One of their significant innovations was the creation of Meesho One—a strategy focusing on cross-functional pods and high-velocity environments, ensuring they could innovate fast and fail fast, yet scale efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of some of Meesho’s key achievements and strategies: •⁠ ⁠High Growth: With a 32% YoY app usage growth, Meesho is outpacing giants like Flipkart (21%) and Amazon (13%). •⁠ ⁠Scaling Strategies: Emphasizing broad exposure and user empathy, Meesho has built an agile product that resonates with Bharat. •⁠ ⁠Valmo Logistics: Meesho’s newly launched logistics unit, Valmo, now handles 1.1 Mn orders daily, transforming the logistics market and driving competition. The pivot to a platform supporting small businesses and resellers, coupled with strategic innovations like Meesho One and Valmo, has allowed Meesho to carve out a significant share of India’s e-commerce market—8.2% to be exact. The story of Meesho is a testament to the power of adaptability, innovation, and a strong mission. What started as a small fashion app has now grown into a $5 billion behemoth that continues to shape the future of commerce in India. To read such insightful business stories and more, do sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/graEmgRk

Jakkur Technopark Private Ltd (JTPL) Launches Nearshop Buyer App, Revolutionizing Hyperlocal Commerce 30th Dec'24, Bangalore, India – Jakkur Technopark Private Ltd (JTPL), a subsidiary of Integra Micro Systems Private Ltd, after its flagship release of Nearshop Marketplace Sellers App, is proud to announce the launch of its Nearshop Buyer App, an ONDC-compliant platform that enables consumers to discover and shop from local retailers. This innovative app is designed to provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience, promoting hyperlocal commerce and supporting small businesses. Key Features of the Nearshop Buyer App: - AI-driven recommendations for personalized shopping experience - Multilingual text,and voice search support for ease of use - Image search support for visual discovery - Support for multiple categories, including grocery, electronics, fashion, and more - Canned catalogues for easy product discovery - Secure payment options and easy checkout process - Real-time order tracking and updates - Ratings and reviews for sellers and products Additionally, the Nearshop Buyer App is also available as a Third-Party Service (TSP) product, complementing JTPL’s existing TSP seller product. This integrated solution enables sellers to manage their product catalogues, inventory, and orders, while providing buyers with a seamless shopping experience. “We are thrilled to launch the Nearshop Buyer App, which marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower local commerce,” said Rishabh Jain, Director of JTPL. “Our partnership with ONDC is a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and vibrant eCommerce ecosystem in India.” Mr. Mahesh Jain, Chairman of Integra Group, added, “We welcome JTPL’s Nearshop Buyer App to the ONDC network. This launch demonstrates the growing momentum of our initiative to democratize eCommerce and promote interoperability.” The Nearshop Buyer App is available for download on Google Play Store. About Jakkur Technopark Private Ltd (JTPL) JTPL is a subsidiary of Integra Micro Systems Pvt Ltd, a 42+ year old software product company. JTPL is committed to creating innovative solutions that promote local commerce and support small businesses. About ONDC ONDC is an initiative aimed at democratizing eCommerce in India. ONDC seeks to create a more inclusive and vibrant eCommerce ecosystem by promoting interoperability and empowering local businesses. Madan OnkarMayank SharmaRonit KumarHarsha GopaliVeera Reddy BeereddySridhar KarraMahesh Kumar Jain

The recent foray of Uber into India's expanding e-commerce sector is expected to heighten rivalry in this area even further. There is adequate market size and growth potential for new participants in the India Quick E-Commerce market, which is estimated to reach US$ 20 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 63%, from its current value of US$ 652 million. The government's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is being introduced and scaled up, which is stoking the emergence of an ambitious working class with rising income levels. Using the integration of buyer, seller, logistics, and payment solution providers, ONDC effectively and affordably solves the problem of product discovery and delivery of goods. Through the ability of any seller to publish their goods on any compliant buyer app, ONDC promotes product discovery and connects sellers with a larger clientele. Within the e-commerce industry, this encourages competition and a more fair playing field. Gaining traction, ONDC compels current businesses to innovate and offer distinctive client experiences in order to hold onto their market share. One such invention is fast commerce, which guarantees ten to thirty minute delivery of daily necessities including foodstuffs. It is noteworthy that this model requires certain infrastructure, methods, and skills, so recreating it on top of the ONDC network is not an easy job. The actors in quick commerce depend on a network of well positioned dark stores or micro-fulfillment centers. As of writing, Blinkit and Zepto had about 400 and 340 dark storefronts, respectively, while Swiggy Instamart supposedly has over 500. Usually located in industrial complexes or back alleyways close to high-mid-income neighborhoods, these dark stores sell a carefully chosen assortment of in-demand items, which expedites inventory choosing and packing. To forecast demand, optimise product placement across dark storefronts, and allocate delivery staff in high-demand areas in advance, rapid commerce also largely depends on predictive analytics. More than just linking customers to local stores, this calls for large investments and experience. It will be interesting to watch as the ONDC marketplace grows how current platforms at various e-commerce levels adapt to provide consumer experiences that are hard to duplicate on ONDC. We are excitedly watching the Indian e-commerce market develop!

What Is an E-Marketplace? In today’s digital world, one might consider online marketplaces and e-commerce websites to be synonymous. From a general consumer’s standpoint, they are both platforms to browse and purchase products online for delivery. Yet, there are several distinct differences when it comes to the operational and marketing aspects that brands and retailers must consider when planning their online strategies or channel expansion. E-Commerce Platforms: E-commerce, or electronic commerce, embodies the transaction of money and data in exchange for goods or services via the internet. The term is often used to refer to the sale of physical products online, but it can also refer to any kind of commercial transaction that is facilitated digitally. Indeed, e-commerce can leverage several types of platforms — such as websites, mobile apples, and voice assistants.  From a retail standpoint, an e-commerce platform — also called a single-vendor platform — is a single or multi-brand online store where a specific brand sells its own products. The inventory is owned by the brand, or platform owner, who charges the customer and pays the value-added tax, similar to a standalone, brick-and-mortar retail store such as Lululemon or Casper. There is no option for other brands, sellers, or retailers to register to sell on the e-commerce platform. E-Marketplace Platforms: On the other hand, an e-Marketplace is an online platform that connects buyers and sellers, allowing third-party sellers to market and sell their products on the platform and invoice the customer for a purchase directly. It is a segment of e-commerce in which the marketplace owner does not own the inventory or invoice the customer for a purchase. Rather, the e-Marketplace serves to present other sellers’ inventory to a consumer and facilitate a transaction. In today’s digital-first world, e-Marketplaces are disrupting the e-commerce landscape - as these platforms offer a more convenient shopping experience to discover, compare, and purchase products from an array from brands on a single platform. They provide shoppers with a wide variety of products compared to a single website, and help consumers find the most reasonable price for the best-quality product they are looking for. The TrentGO eMarketplace is certainly making waves and changing the way we look at procurement in the port industry, by offering a different concept to that of the current eCommerce platforms, but with a distinct twist also, as we align with the intricacies and needs of our very own port industry and its end users. Would you like to know more about how TrentGO can help simplify your global procurement needs, whilst saving you time and money? Get in touch today with one of our team, and join the global procurement revolution. #portsandterminals #spareparts #procurementexcellence #digitaltransformation #globalreach

🚀 Quick Commerce vs. E-Commerce: Who Holds the Future? 🤔 The digital economy in India is booming, with both quick commerce (Q-commerce) and e-commerce at the forefront of this transformation. But as consumer expectations evolve, the debate intensifies: Which model is better positioned to dominate the future? 🛵 Quick Commerce: Speed is the Name of the Game Quick commerce, with its promise of 15–30 minute deliveries, is all about instant gratification. Whether it’s groceries, medicines, or last-minute essentials, Q-commerce caters to the “I want it now” mindset of urban consumers. Key Strengths: - Ultra-fast delivery for essentials. - Hyper-local supply chains and dark stores. - Increasing adoption in metros and Tier 1 cities. Challenges: - High operational costs due to speed and small order sizes. - Scalability in non-urban areas. - Sustainability concerns with excessive packaging and logistics. - Players to Watch: Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, Dunzo, BigBasket BB 🛒 E-Commerce: The Backbone of Online Shopping E-commerce, on the other hand, focuses on variety, value, and convenience over speed. With an established presence across product categories, it remains the go-to for planned and bulk purchases. Key Strengths: - Massive product catalogs - Nationwide delivery networks. - Scalability in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Challenges: - Slower delivery times compared to Q-commerce. - Limited solutions for immediate needs. - Growing competition from Q-commerce for certain categories like groceries. - Leaders in the Space: Amazon, Flipkart, Nykaa, Meesho. 🌟 What Does the Future Hold? Both models have unique strengths, but their paths may converge: 1️⃣ Hybrid Models: Platforms combining Q-commerce speed with e-commerce variety are already emerging. 2️⃣ Tiered Services: Q-commerce could dominate in urban areas, while e-commerce remains strong in rural and semi-urban regions. 3️⃣ Technology Integration: AI, predictive analytics, and inventory optimization will define who scales better. 4️⃣ Sustainability Focus: Both need to tackle environmental concerns for long-term viability. 💬 The Big Question: Who Will Win? The future isn’t about one replacing the other but co-existence. Quick Commerce thrives on speed, while e-commerce wins on depth and range. The real winners will be businesses that adapt to evolving consumer needs and deliver value across both spectrums. What’s your take? Do you prioritize speed or variety? Which model do you think will dominate the Indian market in the next 5 years? Let’s discuss! 👇 #QuickCommerce #ECommerce #Innovation #FutureOfCommerce #DigitalEconomy