Online commerce in India is increasing at a fast clip. The number of online tickets booked on IRCTC site is up from 4.6 million in April 2009 to 6.5 million in January 2010. 40%+ growth in less than 9 months is a very positive sign. Railways is one of the largest enterprises in India (by turnover, customers and employees). Computerized reservations started by Railways 20 years ago brought the benefits of computerization closer to common public. IRCTC is repeating the same success now in online environment.
From a consumer perspective, online railway reservation saves plenty of time in traveling to nearest reservation center, provides them easy access through any cybercafe, visibility of reservation status and with transaction charges kept at minimal Rs25, it makes economic sense for consumers to adopt. From Railways perspective, it eliminates the need for new reservation centers, computers and clerical staff for entering data and printing tickets. For cybercafes, it creates a business opportunity - many of them have become travel agents and provide services like making online payments on behalf of customers and accept service charges in lieu of this service.
Online Airline and hotel bookings are also on the upswing. Will online retailers take notice? If businesses offer value, Indian customer is willing to make online payments or find ways of doing that. It is time for them to ask the question - Am I offering real value to the customer?
No comments:
Post a Comment