Online Shopping: Are We Buying Online?

More and more Indians are shopping online. If you do not believe this, here
are a few statistics to support the earlier statement. There are 38.5 mn Indians
Online today according to a recently published IAMAI (Internet and Mobile
Association of India) report. The online market was around Rs 130 crore in
2002-03 and closed at Rs 1,180 crore at the end of FY 2005-06, a jump of over
800% in just three years. And the online market is estimated to grow to Rs 2,300
crore by the end of the current fiscal.

The Internet audience is likely to grow to100 mn users by 2007-08, which
shows the potential of the online commerce. The Internet offers unlimited shelf
space and isn't bound by operational timings and geographical boundaries; with
an opportunity to cater to countrywide city markets (for consumers and suppliers
alike) at a comparative miniscule cost.

Amout Spent Online in the Last 6 Months: By Age Wallet Size Overall Base: 1,493 18-25 Years Base: 378 26-35 Years Base: 683 36-45 Years Base: 275 46-60 Years Base: 139 60+ Years Base: 19 1% 24% 35% 26% 5% 9% Rs 100-300 2% 53% 27% 14% 4% 2% Rs 300-500 4% 43% 36% 18% 2% 1% Rs 500-1000 14% 29% 47% 14% 8% 2% Rs 1000-5000 38% 24% 44% 23% 8% 1% Rs 5000-10000 20% 19% 50% 17% 15% 0% Rs 10000+ 16% 21% 51% 15% 11% 2% Can't Say 4% 40% 46% 10% 4% 0%

Online shopping is a strong phenomenon in the 26-35 age group and is
dominated by men according to the study findings. Credit cards and debit cards,
a preferred mode of transaction for most people today, have also given a sharp
boost to online shopping.

Bhaswati Chakravorty

bhaswatic@cybermedia.co.in