Latest e commerce News | Top e commerce News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking e commerce News Today | English e commerce News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

‘Someone, Please Explain The Maths!’: Zepto’s Billing Blunder, Reddit Reacts

January 17, 2025, 11:00 am

A Reddit user has called out Zepto, the popular quick-commerce platform, over its seemingly perplexing billing system. In a post that quickly went viral, the user shared a screenshot of the Zepto checkout page and humorously captioned it, “I am too stupid to understand Zepto’s maths, someone smart enough please help.” The post garnered significant attention from users, many of whom tried to make sense of the confusing breakdown.

Discrepancies in Bill Calculations

The bill in question involved two products: two 1-liter packs of Amul Taaza Toned Fresh Milk priced at ₹112 and an Ambrane Type C to Type C Cable, originally priced at ₹499 but discounted to ₹19. The app initially listed the item total and GST as ₹611.31, which dropped to ₹231.31 after discounts. Despite these reductions, additional charges such as a Promo Voucher (Free Cash) deduction of ₹100 and a handling charge of ₹11.99 were applied, lowering the total bill to ₹145.29.

Zepto claimed the user had saved ₹554.01 on the order, but Reddit users quickly pointed out discrepancies. The main issue was that the savings seemed inflated, considering the final bill was much lower than the original item price. Users also noted the confusion around the handling charge, which was added instead of being deducted, as it was suggested in the breakdown.

Someone please help me understand this calculation
byu/kanavagg indelhi

Reactions and Jokes on Reddit

The Reddit community did not hold back in mocking the app’s billing confusion. One user commented, “They just try to advocate the fact that they are doing a lot for their customers, whereas they aren’t doing anything.” Others quipped, “Next step will be to introduce sunlight fees in summer” and “Surprised they didn’t add oxygen fees, refrigeration fees, or CEO’s foreign trip fees.”

Some users also noted the humor behind the ‘rain fee,’ with one saying, “Rain fee is hilarious. By the way, quick commerce is only relying on making the buyer feel like they stole a deal, which is about time the myth gets busted.”

Zepto Faces Additional Criticism Over Price Discrepancies for iPhone and Android Users

The confusion didn’t end with the billing system. Earlier this week, a separate incident brought to light how Zepto allegedly uses different pricing strategies for iPhone and Android users. Instagram user Pooja Chhabda conducted an experiment where she compared prices for the same product on both devices. The results were shocking: the price of 500 grams of grapes on an Android phone was ₹65, but the same quantity was priced at ₹146 on an iPhone—more than double the amount.

Zepto’s Response and Customer Trust Issues

As Zepto faces mounting criticism for its pricing practices and confusing billing breakdowns, users are questioning the platform’s transparency and trustworthiness. With so many discrepancies and criticisms, it remains to be seen how the company will address these concerns to retain customer loyalty in the competitive quick-commerce market.

Meesho the Real Gangsta’?: Lawrence Bishnoi T-Shirts Selling Goes Viral

November 5, 2024, 10:20 am

Popular e-commerce site Meesho is facing criticism after being found to host t-shirts featuring images of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Filmmaker Alishan Jafri highlighted the issue on social media, condemning the merchandise as an example of “India’s latest online radicalization.” A post on X (formerly Twitter) displayed the t-shirts, which bear Bishnoi’s image, some even labeled with the word “gangster,” retailing for as low as ₹168. The backlash intensified over concerns that some of the items appear to be aimed at young customers, potentially promoting a harmful influence among impressionable youth.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like @Meesho_Official and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India’s latest online radicalisation.
Thread
1/n pic.twitter.com/vzjXM360q3

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

The Troubling Rise of Gangster Culture in Online Retail

Lawrence Bishnoi, linked to several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, has been a prominent figure in India’s criminal landscape. The Bishnoi gang was also allegedly involved in the recent killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Jafri pointed out that glorifying such figures could lead to serious consequences, as seen in recent incidents. He mentioned examples like a 15-year-old from Deoria, who reportedly killed his friend after being influenced by gang-related content, and a group of boys in Delhi who formed the “Badnaam Gang” with intentions to publicize their crimes on social media.

Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability

The discovery of Bishnoi-inspired merchandise on Meesho sparked significant backlash online. Social media users expressed anger, with some calling for Meesho’s de-platforming. “Shame on Meesho and similar platforms for promoting gang culture,” one commenter wrote. Another user added, “This gangster culture will destroy India.”

HT.com has reached out to Meesho for a response and will update this article if further information becomes available.

Meesho Gives Employees 9 Days Off to Recharge After Successful Sale

October 10, 2024, 2:32 pm

In a time when social media is often filled with posts from dissatisfied employees complaining about not receiving time off during festivals or facing rejected leave requests, a recent post from e-commerce company Meesho has resonated positively with many. The company announced on LinkedIn that employees will enjoy a nine-day paid leave to “reset and recharge.” This initiative marks the fourth consecutive time Meesho has implemented such a break, bringing joy to its workforce.

Meesho’s Social Media Announcement

In their official LinkedIn post, Meesho declared, “No laptops, Slack messages, emails, meetings, or stand-up calls—nothing work-related for 9 days!” Employees will be on leave from October 26th to November 3rd.

“After the efforts put into this year and our successful Mega Blockbuster Sale, it’s time to fully unplug and focus on ourselves,” the post continued. “This break is for us to recharge our minds and bodies for a fresh and energized start to the year ahead!”

The announcement received nearly 19,000 reactions on LinkedIn, prompting a wave of positive feedback. Many users expressed their appreciation for the company’s decision.

Appreciation on Social Media

An e-commerce marketing consultant remarked, “Dear Meesho Team, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the decision of giving a 9-day break to all the employees.” A B2B strategist commented, “I can’t even imagine this in the current hustle-type work culture across all industries. Incredible, Meesho. You guys have set an example.”

Another individual noted, “Meesho is setting examples in this culture; it’s not all about money and breaking benchmarks. Sometimes it’s all about care and love for employees and families.”

A fourth user added, “Absolutely love this approach! A dedicated ‘Reset and Recharge’ break shows just how much the company values mental and physical well-being. After such an intense period of hard work, especially pulling off something as significant as the Mega Blockbuster Sale, this time off is well-deserved. Completely unplugging from work—no emails, no Slack, no meetings—will definitely help everyone return with a clear mind, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation. Enjoy the downtime.”

TRAI’s New Guidelines May Cause OTP Delays From September 1

August 27, 2024, 12:46 pm

Starting September 1, customers across India might face disruptions in receiving essential service and transaction messages from banks, financial institutions, and e-commerce platforms on their mobile phones. This stems from a new directive by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), aimed at curbing spam and phishing attempts.

TRAI’s Crackdown on Unverified Messages

TRAI has mandated that telecom operators block any messages containing URLs, OTT links, APKs (Android Application Packages), or callback numbers unless they have been properly whitelisted and registered with the telecom operators. This order compels banks, financial institutions, and online platforms to register their message templates and content with telecom operators by August 31. Failure to comply will result in the blocking of messages containing the specified elements.

A Major Shift in Message Scrutiny

Currently, entities register only their headers and templates with telecom operators, leaving the content of the messages unchecked. However, from September 1, telecom companies will be required to scrutinize the content of commercial messages and block those that do not match the registered records. This move is significant, given that around 1.5 to 1.7 billion commercial messages are sent daily in India, amounting to nearly 55 billion each month.

Telecom Operators Seek More Time

According to a report by Economic Times, major telecom players like Jio, Airtel, and Vi are requesting a deadline extension from TRAI, arguing that the blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform needs updates to accommodate the new requirements. However, officials indicate that TRAI is firm on the deadline, believing the industry has had sufficient time to prepare.

Understanding Whitelisting and Its Impact

Whitelisting requires entities to submit all relevant information, such as URLs and callback numbers, to telecom companies, which then feed this data into their DLT platform. If the information matches, the message is transmitted; if not, it is blocked. For example, if a bank fails to whitelist a callback number included in transaction alerts, those messages will no longer be delivered.

A telecom industry official explained, “Only those entities, including banks, that whitelist the URLs and content of their messages with telecom companies will have their messages forwarded; the rest will be blocked.”

As the deadline approaches, businesses and customers alike must brace for potential disruptions in service communications if these requirements are not met in time.

How to stand out among e-commerce competitors? Here are solutions

August 26, 2024, 4:31 pm

For the positioning of business in the market, it is crucial to know who your competitors are and what they offer. Comprehensive market research helps in identifying key players of the industry, their product offerings, and pricing strategies. Dealavo provides powerful market analysis tools that help you understand market gaps, allowing you to turn them into opportunities.

After listing out the potential competitors, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses helps in developing unique selling points (USPs) for your business. Dealavo offers advanced competitor analysis features that provide insights into competitors’ strategies, enabling you to address unmet needs in the industry and develop a cutting-edge approach.

Effective strategies that can stand you out in the market

Offer unique value

In the bull run where so many businesses are competing with the same products and similar offerings, you must offer unique value to the customers to secure a spot. So, start by identifying the pain points of your target audience and then assess your competitor’s offerings.

Then analyze what makes your products or services unique. When your business is in its initial phases, refine your USPs with feedback and customer responses and offer what customers value the most.

Innovative pricing strategies

Google Shopping Price Monitor: Tools like Google Shopping Price Monitor from Dealavo allow competitors price tracking. As you can keep an eye on the pricing of the competitor’s products, you can adjust your own pricing strategy accordingly. This will also keep you aligned with pricing trends and make sure that you remain competitive in the market.
Offer personalized discounts: You can make use of the customer’s data and offer them discounts and offers based on their past purchasing history. It is a unique personalized approach to retaining customers. Such offers increase the customer’s loyalty and encourage them to buy from your online shop again and again.

How to Build strong customer relationships?

Provide top-notch customer service

Instead of keeping your core focus on new customers, put your efforts into retaining the existing ones. Offering timely and efficient support not only resolves issues but also makes the customers feel valuable, which ultimately leads to increased retention rates and referrals.

Engage with your audience

As an e-commerce business owner, you can boost customer satisfaction by personalized communications, showing genuine care, and actively responding to their feedback.

You can also announce giveaways or freebies for the people who engage with your content on social media. This will not only increase your brand visibility but also encourage the audience to engage with your content.

All in all, e-commerce businesses need to pay special attention to the details if they want to ace this competitive market. The secret to the success of e-commerce lies in comprehensive market research, innovative pricing strategies, and strong customer relationships. By leveraging Dealavo’s solutions, you can gain a competitive edge and ensure your brand stands out in the crowded e-commerce landscape.

The Future of E-commerce in an Augmented Reality World

July 25, 2024, 4:14 am

E-commerce has been a game-changer for the retail industry, providing convenience and a wide array of choices to consumers worldwide. However, the next big leap in the e-commerce revolution is already on the horizon: Augmented Reality (AR).
By blending digital elements with the physical world, AR is set to transform online shopping into a more interactive, immersive, and personalized experience. Let’s exploretoday, how AR is shaping the future of e-commerce and what it means for consumers and businesses alike.

Enhanced Shopping Experiences
One of the most significant ways AR is revolutionizing e-commerce is by enhancing the shopping experience. Traditional online shopping relies heavily on static images and descriptions, which can often fall short of providing a comprehensive understanding of the product. AR changes this by allowing customers to interact with products in a 3D environment.
= Virtual Try-Ons: Imagine being able to try on clothes, shoes, or accessories without stepping out of your home. AR makes this possible. Brands like Warby Parker and Sephora already offer AR experiences where customers can see how glasses or makeup products will look on them. This reduces the uncertainty and hesitation that often comes with online shopping.
= Home Decor and Furniture: Companies like IKEA use AR to let customers visualize furniture in their homes. With AR, you can place a virtual sofa in your living room to see if it matches your decor and fits in the space. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps in making more informed purchasing decisions.

Increased Engagement and Interaction
AR provides an interactive element that traditional e-commerce lacks. By allowing customers to interact with products, AR creates a more engaging shopping experience.
= Interactive Product Displays: AR can turn a simple product listing into an interactive 3D model. Customers can zoom in, rotate, and see the product from all angles, giving them a better understanding of its features and quality.
= Storytelling: Brands can use AR to tell the story behind their products. For example, scanning a product with an AR app could reveal information about its origins, the materials used, and the craftsmanship involved. This not only adds value to the product but also builds a deeper connection between the brand and the customer.

Personalization and Customization
Personalization is a key trend in e-commerce, and AR takes it to the next level. By using AR, brands can offer personalized shopping experiences tailored to individual preferences and needs.
= Tailored Recommendations: AR can analyze customer preferences and behavior to provide personalized product recommendations. For instance, if you’re shopping for a new wardrobe, an AR app could suggest outfits based on your style, previous purchases, and even current fashion trends.
= Customizable Products: AR enables customers to customize products in real-time. Whether it’s choosing the color of a new car or designing a custom pair of sneakers, AR makes it easy for customers to see their unique creations before making a purchase.

Streamlined and Efficient Shopping
AR can streamline the shopping process, making it more efficient for both customers and businesses.
= Reduced Returns: One of the biggest challenges in e-commerce is handling returns. AR helps reduce returns by providing a more accurate representation of products, ensuring that customers know exactly what they’re buying. For example, AR can help ensure that the size and fit of clothing are just right, minimizing the likelihood of returns due to sizing issues.
= Improved Customer Support: AR can enhance customer support by providing virtual assistants that guide customers through the shopping process. For instance, AR can be used to demonstrate how to assemble a product or provide step-by-step troubleshooting for technical issues.

Future Innovations
The potential of AR in e-commerce is vast, and we are only scratching the surface of what’s possible. Here are some future innovations we can expect to see:
= AR Shopping Assistants: Virtual shopping assistants powered by AR could guide customers through their shopping journey, offering personalized advice and recommendations based on real-time data.
= Virtual Stores: Imagine browsing through a virtual store that looks and feels like a physical one. AR can create immersive virtual shopping environments where customers can explore products just like they would in a brick-and-mortar store.
= Social Shopping: AR could make social shopping more interactive. Friends could shop together in a virtual environment, trying on products and sharing their opinions in real-time, no matter where they are in the world.

Wrapping Up
The future of e-commerce in an augmented reality world is bright and full of potential. AR is not just a novelty; it’s a powerful tool that enhances the shopping experience, increases engagement, and provides a level of personalization and interactivity that traditional e-commerce cannot match.
As AR technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of online shopping, making it more immersive, efficient, and enjoyable for consumers and businesses alike. Embrace the AR revolution – the future of e-commerce is here.
The possibilities are endless, and the time to start is now! Reach Skill Bud to explore more & stand out in your competitive landscape!

This article is authored by Abhishek Anand, who is the founder of Skill Bud Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a tech company that specializes in Website Development, Augmented Reality, Web 3.0, Metaverse and Digital Marketing. He is also an Author, Speaker, Mentor and helps
startups & businesses grow with technology.

Man Buys Laptop Worth 1 Lakh from Amazon; Receives Second-Hand Product Instead

May 9, 2024, 6:41 pm

Rohan Das, an online shopper, recently paid Rs. 1 lakh on Amazon for a new laptop but received a used one instead. He realized this when he checked Lenovo’s official website for the warranty period, which began in December 2023, indicating prior use.

Das shared his ordeal on the social media platform ‘X’, titling his post ‘I Was Scammed By Amazon!’, which quickly gained traction. Users sympathized with him, advising legal action for compensation.

https://twitter.com/rohaninvestor/status/1787805450773135635

Amazon responded to Das’s complaint, apologizing and seeking more details. Lenovo clarified that although they track manufacturing dates, warranties begin from the purchase date.

An Amazon representative replied to Das’s post, expressing regret and requesting his details for a prompt response within 6-12 hours.

Many users echoed Das’s sentiment about being deceived, highlighting such incidents as common on e-commerce sites. A similar case occurred in March when a man ordered a Nothing Phone 2(a) worth Rs 20,000 but received an iKall phone priced at Rs 4,500. Flipkart acknowledged the error and provided a replacement.

E commerce market in India likely to be world’s third-largest by 2030

April 29, 2024, 2:34 pm

India’s e-commerce market is expected to develop significantly to $325 billion by 2030, while the country’s digital economy is expected to rise to $800 billion in the same period.

With an astounding 881 million users, India has the second-largest internet user base in the world, according to Invest India. Due to the country’s booming digital economy and fast growing internet user base, India is expected to become the third-largest online retail market by 2030.

The report envisions India leading the charge in online shopping, with an estimated 500 million shoppers anticipated by 2030. This growth is attributed to various factors:

Increased Internet Accessibility: Invest India underscores the escalating internet penetration, forecasting that 87% of Indian households will have internet access by 2025. Notably, mobile internet usage witnesses a significant surge, with extended access duration.
Expanding Online Shopper Base: The report predicts a rise in the number of online shoppers, with robust growth rates expected in both rural and urban areas.
Affordable Data Plans: India’s highly affordable data packages play a pivotal role in driving e-commerce adoption, facilitating broader online access.

Additionally, the paper explores other noteworthy factors driving this spike in e-commerce, including the growing population of smartphone users, the expanding use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in digital transactions, and the growing availability of content in regional languages.

Invest India also highlights the shift towards rural-centric e-commerce, with a substantial portion of demand projected to emanate from tier 2-4 towns and rural regions by 2026. Government initiatives and the emergence of quick commerce further reinforce this trend.

In essence, Invest India’s report paints a compelling vision of India’s evolution into a global e-commerce force by 2030. The convergence of a burgeoning internet user base, cost-effective data accessibility, and a supportive digital infrastructure sets the stage for this promising trajectory.

E-commerce giant Coupang plans to enter Indian market

May 28, 2023, 4:55 pm

Coupang, a South Korean e-commerce behemoth, intends to enter the Indian market. According to government officials, the SoftBank-backed start-up has begun talks with the Indian government about entering one of the world’s largest e-commerce markets.

“We have received an application from the South Korean government, in which Coupang has expressed interest in entering India,” officials stated before adding “Dialogues with the Coupang delegation are likely to start next month.”

The query sent to Coupang remained unanswered at the time of publication.
If the Seoul-based company, also known as “Amazon of South Korea,” enters India, it will compete directly with homegrown Flipkart and Seattle-based Amazon.

Despite their success in the Indian market over the last decade, the two behemoths are facing competition from the government-backed ONDC and other homegrown e-commerce platforms such as Reliance’s JioMart and Tata Digital.

India is quickly emerging as a lucrative e-commerce market, but it is still considered underserved. According to the FIS 2023 Global Payments Report, it is expected to grow from $83 billion in 2022 to $150 billion in 2026.

Flipkart ($23 billion GMV) and Amazon ($18-20 billion GMV) are at the top of the scale, with the two controlling roughly 60% of the market. According to a report released this month by research firm Berstein, Reliance is third in e-commerce sales with $5.7 billion, driven by attractive fashion (Ajio) and JioMart (e-grocery).

Coupang’s proposal comes a year after the company announced plans to close its Japanese operations. According to a March 2022 report in The Korean Times, the company decided to withdraw from Japan 21 months after it began offering its online delivery service there.

E-Commerce Marketplace Temu’s Entry Widens Consumer Choices

October 11, 2022, 4:21 pm

A brand new e-commerce site Temu is entering the market. It is an online marketplace that brings a fresh approach to online shopping by empowering consumers with great access to amazing products and categories at extremely affordable prices.
E-commerce challenger Temu is hoping to redefine the landscape of online retail with its highly personalized shopping experience for consumers.
On September 1, 2022, the online marketplace entered the market, joining a number of other well-known e-commerce businesses in the nation, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shein, and many others. With a focus on a large selection of reasonably priced goods and categories, the website quickly gained popularity among customers.
The e-commerce app was ranked No. 1 in the Google Play Store among other shopping apps on Sept. 17, according to SensorTower, the mobile data tracking firm.
Temu now offers 15 product categories, including apparel, accessories, electronics, footwear, sporting goods, office supplies, home and garden, jewellery, accessories, shoes, and more.
Shoppers can find an up-to-date selection created to fit their regular lifestyle or activity thanks to the daily addition of over a thousand new items. The goal of the internet marketplace to provide consumer options is responsible for this distinctive feature.
Since launching early this month, the site has received a great number of positive customer reviews, with users noting the overall experience and the affordability of the products.

Michael, 45, a teacher based in Massachusetts, shared how Temu helped him save more time and money by shopping for everything he needs on one site. “With Temu, I can now get everything I need with a few taps! Because everything’s also very affordable, I get to have more savings and can use it to make additional improvements in other aspects of my life,” he said.

Chelsea, 33, a mother of two based in Virginia, noted how Temu has made online shopping a lot more enjoyable for her again. “It’s been a real delight shopping with Temu. Everything just feels a whole lot easier and specially made for me,” she shared.

The cross-border e-commerce makes this all possible through its shared global network of suppliers and manufacturers with its sister company, Pinduoduo. As units of Nasdaq-listed PDD, Temu and Pinduoduo share over 11 million merchants worldwide. Pinduoduo processed over 61 billion orders in 2021 alone.

By drawing on this advanced global supply chain and technology, Temu reduces the layers of intermediaries, allowing customers to shop for a great number of products at a much lower price compared to other e-commerce sites.
These products also meet the highest quality controls and standards, allowing the site to maintain overall quality and customer satisfaction among shoppers.
“At Temu, our goal is to empower consumers with access to great products at great prices so that more people can enjoy the conveniences and comforts of life. With PDD’s international supplier plan, Temu’s consumers will benefit from even more choices of quality products by some of the world’s top manufacturers,” said a Temu spokesperson.