Flipkart's technology-based e-commerce model has ensured that the benefits of the affordability and accessibility it has created are passed on far and wide. It is helping India fulfill its aspirations – whether it is mobiles and laptops or flour, pulses, sarees and furniture, all are available with just a few clicks. The company's vast network of warehouses, sortation centres and vans are delivering thousands of packages every day to all serviceable pin codes across India. A vibrant ecosystem built by the combination of humans and technology From the outside, this entire e-commerce system may look like any other industry providing goods and services. However, a closer look will reveal that it is the result of the tireless hard work of thousands of women, youth and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The entire ecosystem is a great example of the synergy of humans with the efficiency of technology, robots and artificial intelligence that comes in the form of a great e-commerce like Flipkart. The transformational effect of this ecosystem on the social and economic environment of the country is nothing short of magic. This platform is a boon for customers, suppliers and manufacturers Flipkart's ecommerce delivery platform has proved to be a boon for customers, suppliers and manufacturers. It has earned customer loyalty by offering the convenience of shopping in one's own language, buying the desired items at the desired time, paying using any mode of one's choice and delivery in a very short time. By keeping its customers informed throughout the delivery process, irrespective of the size of the order or the purchase history, Flipkart has built a strong goodwill and earned the trust of customers. Increased customer confidence in online shopping Offering people multiple options to pay has removed their hesitation and has increased the confidence in online shopping among customers. Choosing from options ranging from cash-on-delivery to credit card and UPI has made the entire purchase-sale transaction very easy. Not only this, but the freedom to return the goods from home and with easy refund without any additional cost or effort has given tremendous strength to this model and has also helped to attract new customers. Such ease and freedom of choice has a very positive impact on the customer's mind. Bridging the gap between big and small city shopping Flipkart has helped to overcome the distance barrier by delivering directly to the customer's doorstep. This has given a big boost to consumption in tier-2 cities and smaller cities. People in smaller cities and towns of the country can now get their favorite goods and services at home just like a resident of a big city. Helps in increasing employment, self-esteem and preventing migration India, a country of 1.4 billion people, can be seen as a group of many huge and different markets, the size of many European countries. Each market is like a country in itself, and each has its own unique demands and expectations. Flipkart's model has helped meet the demands and expectations of these markets with high service levels. This model has also provided employment to a large number of local women and youth. This has reduced the tendency to migrate to other big cities for employment and has also helped prevent overcrowding in urban areas. This has increased the income of families, as well as their self-esteem. Women and youth have developed a sense of pride in making a meaningful contribution to their families. Samarth program empowers small industries Flipkart's customer-centric technology and marketing initiatives are well known. Another major success that the Flipkart model has achieved is the empowerment of MSMEs. More than 51% of India's more than 6.3 crore micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs) are in the rural areas of the country. More than 95% of these are in the micro sector. Flipkart's 'Samarth' program has helped all these small industries achieve such possibilities that they had never even thought of. These small industries in India struggled for decades due to lack of technology and marketing expertise as well as funding. Under Flipkart's highly successful 'Samartha' program, a very simple onboarding process allows MSMEs to join the Flipkart marketplace with very little documentation. Flipkart has provided its deep technical skills and market understanding to over 1.5 million sellers and 300 Farmer Producer Organizations to reach a new and vast set of customers. This has provided MSMEs with a lot of capital to invest in new talent and processes and improve their productivity. MSMEs get information about new market trends Flipkart has a deep understanding and knowledge of what customers want, what they buy, their specifications, their payment preferences, etc. This understanding of Flipkart enables it to provide information about new market trends to MSMEs. This improves the forecasting ability of MSMEs and helps them adapt their manufacturing and services to the customers. Flipkart, in partnership with its banks and other financial institutions, also offers easy and low-cost loans to MSMEs. With Flipkart's vast logistics network, MSMEs are helped to expand and serve new geographies. Flipkart has also promoted traditional Indian brands that were previously affected due to lack of markets. Important role in bringing socio-economic transformation Flipkart's warehouses and sortation centers are also playing a vital role in bringing socio-economic transformation in the country. They provide thousands of people with an opportunity to live a dignified life and better prospects for their future. These establishments have also led to the growth of ancillary industries in the surrounding areas. This has boosted the local economy, creating more direct and indirect employment opportunities as well as income opportunities. Be it customer-related matters or business matters, Flipkart's e-commerce model is constantly engaged in its endeavor to reduce distances, promote aspirations, bridge gaps and bring smiles.
Graphics Source: VaskarAssets
Impact Feature: Flipkart's daily delivery is bridging the distances, connecting India
