Here’s how ShopClues is building its imported marketplace

ShopClues will now offer imported goods on its ‘worldwide market’. The store will allow access to goods from international markets across categories like mobiles and electronic accessories, smart devices, fashion, home furnishings and beauty products among others.

Items from across Singapore, US and China will be available, inclusive of customs, currency conversion and logistics cost. Some brands that customers can buy here include Rococo, Nine Divas, Archipelago, Artistic Linen, Avondale Manor, Bedford Home, Eddie Bauer and Highland Feather.

“Our merchants will procure the items. We’ve always had merchants who buy from overseas and sell using our platform. Now, with this tie-up with B2B players like DH8 and others we’ll get more importers on the platform”, Radhika Aggarwal, Chief Business Officer, ShopClues explained.

While the country is known for its notorious customs delays, Radhika says the customer need not worry. “The product is not listed till it’s sitting with the merchant. The cataloging happens only when the retailer gets the item. However, we won’t get into the C2C process”, Aggarwal said.

“We’ll make sure there’s at least one warranty network that covers whatever is in warranty. The merchants are always encouraged to tie-up with these networks before they sell. If there is no warranty, we’ll mention that very clearly. Now it’s up to the customer to decide whether they want to buy or not”, she added.

ShopClues was the fourth entrant in India’s elite Unicorn club. It announced $1.1 billion in January 2016. Given 80% of it's merchants and 70% of its orders come from Tier II and III cities, this may not be its biggest business.

“I think it’s going to be a good one. Is it going to be a significant portion of our revenues? Not really.” Radhika smiled.

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