SINCE APRIL, 2013, FLIPKART HAS BECOME A MARKETPLACE. READ REVIEWS OF SELLERS ON FLIPKART.
Definitely, the biggest e-commerce site in India. There is a Flipkart delivery guy trolling around my house my office and everywhere else I go. Like the Maruti service station ad says, you are never too far from one. They started with books and now sell almost everything.
Though they crossed 100 crore monthly sales back in June 2012, that’s 25, 000 orders daily, seventeen per minute. But there have been constant consternation about their bottomline and profitability. The company employs 4800 people and has delivery network in 37 cities. That ensures great service but runs up very high operational cost too. Precisely why, after raising$150 million in fourth round of funding earlier this year, they are again in the market looking for another$100 million.
That sounds like a big amount, but let me show you how big that number truly is by comparing it with other’s funding:
Snapdeal:$53 million
Myntra:$39 million
Fashionandyou: 48 million
Yebhi:$30 million
If you are interested in the details, read the longer version of the Flipkart story here and here. I am interested in getting this rock around my neck of a post done and over with. So, here we go:
Payment:
Flipkart was one of the first to offer Cash on Delivery option. Initially people turned down stuff in record numbers, but they have only improved the system. Now, the delivery guy can swipe your credit/debit card right at your doorstep. As usual, I paid with my credit card on the website.
Order confirmation:
These days, all the good ecommerce sites have similar interfaces. So, there is not much to say here – you order, you go to the My Orders page and then you can track and each product’s shipping status. In addition, there are phone and email updates too. No need to be impresses, these are all standard.
Service standards are not defined by who offers these facilities but who does not. For example, Myntra has an amazing delivery time but they don’t call before coming, Zovi sends an SMS.
Packaging:
Appropriate. Flipkart packs stuff in standard brown paper cartons. It’s safe, easy to open and no fuss. No endless duct tape and multiple layers like Snapdeal’s.
flipkart packaging
Overall experience
Flawless. Flipkart does not pride in personal touch or boast of lowest prices. It gives off an undeniable sense of efficiency. It is like a large humming machine that you have come to trust. I have used Flipkart 4-5 times in last six months and every time it is the same unerring, predictable but pleasant experience. I hope all the talk about its operational losses is crap and the business continues to stay float.
Any special mentions:
I love the gift wrapping option that they offer for just RS.30 extra. I got my sister a gift on rakhi which was wrapped and had my own personalized message on the wrapper too. Splendid.
If you are a fan or foe of Flipkart, jump into the wrestling arena in the comment section here. I have around six more sites to review and will try to do them soon.
Update on 29th December, 2012:
Placed an order on 27th. It was delivered on 28th, to my wife(as the online delivery status read). Fast, accurate and absolutely hassle free. All my orders from Flipkart have been delivered perfectly. I continue to be impressed.
Update on 16th January, 2016:
Flipkart now sends the delivery guy’s number once it reaches the delivery city. It is still not a mobile number and I didn’t have to call as it was delivered within 2 days but thankfully, now you have a number to call