Here’s why Indian e-commerce players are partnering with on-demand services platforms

There is a reason why most people still don’t order electrical appliances or furniture from online marketplaces, because their installation process takes a long time to begin, which prompts them to buy such equipments from brick and mortar stores offering quick services.

This is why Indian e-commerce players are increasingly partnering with on-demand services businesses, so that they can fill the loop and begin the after-sales services quickly.

These on-demand services platforms take care of services like installation of large appliances, fitting furniture and repair and maintenance of goods within the warranty period.

For example, Amazon invested Rs 150 crore in services start-up Housejoy, Alibaba-backed Paytm had acquired Gurgaon-based services marketplace Near, and Flipkart acquired a stake in appliances installation service provider Jeeves. Similarly, Snapdeal and Quikr are also partnering with such companies.

"While we are also creating partnerships with on-demand players, we believe servicing, installation and post-sales services through brands and their franchisee is the only scalable way to solve the issue of post-sales services," Amit Bagaria, vice president of Paytm, told ET.

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