I am confused. The slew of ecommerce sites in the Internet space are making me sceptical and hopeful both. Everything that can be is getting commoditized and ecommerce-d. Good, in fact, very good. There were never better times for consumers. And I like the way the new Myntra TVC puts it. Perhaps taking a cue from Flipkart (not the creative; the communication), it points out subtly the benefits of buying online, in the process also ticking off the apprehensions that typical Indian online buyer carries. Myntra has done smart media buying as well, putting the ads on Neo Prime which is telecasting EURO 2012 championship. EURO 2012 is largely watched by urban, deep-pocketed males. They are the ones who click and buy.
My other point is that online buying and selling is opening up now. A recent Forbes India story talks about two companies that have gone on to sell groceries online! Novel idea with very difficult execution! Groceries, unlike apparel or fashion items, are usually needed immediately in households. Freshness plays an important role too. An online kirana store is an idea that may have struck many tech entrepreneurs but the execution must have dissuaded quite a few. Forbes story also unfolds the fact that even VCs are sceptical putting their money on tech start-ups where margins are less and execution difficult.
So, after merchandise, gifts, apparels, books, consumer goods, appliances, bookings, coupons, reviews, food and now grocery, what can we have? Many ideas must be brimming I am sure. I like innovation on the Internet. I like it better when the model asks for lesser investment and immediate returns – that perhaps should be what VCs and entrepreneurs need to focus on. Our tech entrepreneurs simply ape a western model, and VCs fund an already successful similar business. Many novel business ideas die in between.
So, what can I buy on Internet next? May be hire a cook or maid from something like jalebibai.com? (forgive me for my whacky creativity) Or have roadside food delivered from say cholekulche.com. After all, ecommerce is about making life easy.