The Need For Speed: Indian Consumers Drive Demand For Rapid E-commerce Deliveries

Delhi, 26th July 2023: The convenience of online shopping has transformed consumer access to products and services, enabling people to receive desired items right at their doorstep. A recent global report by Wunderman Thompson reveals an intriguing trend – Indians are now considered the world’s most impatient online shoppers.

According to the report, a staggering 38% of Indian consumers expect deliveries within two hours. This demand for swift delivery has become a driving force in the e-commerce industry. Aadit Palicha, the co-founder of the quick commerce platform Zepto, confirms that Indian customers show a strong preference for fast delivery, as evident in their high customer retention rates and interactions.

Numerous quick grocery platforms in India, such as Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, Dunzo, Big Basket Now, and Zepto, have seized this opportunity by promising to deliver groceries within an average of just 30 minutes. While these companies have experienced rapid growth, they also acknowledge the challenges of building the necessary capabilities and infrastructure to support such a quick delivery model.

The quick commerce segment, which includes tech-led retail, commerce, and services, is experiencing unprecedented growth with India leading globally, as 45% of digital products are purchased online. This places significant pressure on retailers and brands to provide top-notch customer experiences.

As a result of this expectation, a significant 72% of consumers around the globe have asserted that they will refrain from patronizing retailers, brands, or marketplaces that do not meet their standards. With the rise of online shopping as a dominant trend, customers now demand flawless and streamlined services, particularly when it comes to prompt deliveries.

The report sheds light on an interesting facet of Indian online shopping behavior – a notably higher rate of product returns. In the global context, India secures the second position with a return rate of 37%, with only the UAE ahead in this aspect. This indicates that while Indian consumers demand fast deliveries and convenience, they also prioritize product quality and satisfaction.

For e-commerce businesses, this presents a dual challenge. Firstly, companies must prioritize investing in robust logistics and delivery systems to meet the increasing demands for swift delivery. Simultaneously, equal attention should be given to enhancing product quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. By doing so, they can reduce returns and foster long-term loyalty among their customers.

With the ever-changing online shopping landscape, businesses in India and globally must be agile in adjusting their approaches to meet the evolving preferences and demands of their customers. To excel in this fiercely competitive market, it is imperative to channel resources into cutting-edge logistics, embrace groundbreaking technologies, and prioritize delivering exceptional customer experiences.