India has an internet user base of about 250.2 million as of June 2014.[1][2] Thepenetration of e-commerce is low compared to markets like the United States and the United Kingdom but is growing[3] at a much faster rate with a large number of new entrants.[4] The industry consensus is that growth is at an inflection point.[5]
Unique to India (and potentially to other developing countries), cash on delivery is a preferred payment method. India has a vibrant cash economy as a result of which 80% of Indian e-commerce tends to be Cash on Delivery. However, COD may harm e-commerce business in India in the long run [6] and there is a need to make a shift towards online payment mechanisms. Similarly, direct imports constitute a large component of online sales. Demand for international consumer products (including long-tail items) is growing much faster than in-country supply from authorised distributors and e-commerce offerings.
Market size and growth[edit]
India's e-commerce market was worth about $2.5 billion in 2009, it went up to $6.3 billion in 2011 and to $14 billion in 2012.[1] About 75% of this is travel related (airline tickets, railway tickets, hotel bookings, online mobile recharge etc.). Online Retailing comprises about 12.5% ($300 Million[7] as of 2009). India has close to 10 million online shoppers and is growing at an estimated 30%[8] CAGR vis-à-vis a global growth rate of 8–10%. Electronics and Apparel are the biggest categories in terms of sales.
Key drivers in Indian e-commerce are: * Increasing broadband Internet (growing at 20%[9] MoM) and 3G penetration.[10] * Rising standards of living and a burgeoning, upwardly mobile middle class with high disposable incomes * Availability of much wider product range (including long tail and Direct Imports) compared to what is available at brick and mortar retailers * Busy lifestyles, urban