New Delhi: With Diwali less than two weeks away, customers on quick commerce platforms are no longer looking for instant delivery. A recent survey by the social media platform LocalCircles found that about 71 per cent of quick commerce customers are choosing a platform that offers the best price.
“71% of quick commerce users say they will choose a platform for festive shopping based on the best prices or overall value, 65% on product quality and 43% on low or no additional charges. Fast delivery, the very premise the category was built on, is cited by just 22%,” reads the study.
The survey collected over 2 lakh responses from consumers across 130 districts. It included seven e-commerce platforms: Zepto, Amazon Now, BigBasket, Blinkit, Flipkart Minutes, Swiggy Instamart and JioMart Quick.
It found that 69 per cent of customers order within the price range of Rs 200-999.
“The data is clear that speed is no longer the deciding factor. Consumers want the best value, reliable quality, and a final bill that matches the price they first saw. Platforms that show all charges upfront and keep them low will win the last leg of festive orders,” said Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles.
With 31 per cent of votes, Blinkit was rated as the most used for everyday purchases, while Amazon Now (22 per cent) was rated as the most preferred platform for last-minute festive shopping.
Customers buying pattern
The survey also observed a clear shift in the timing of festive shopping this year. Amid economic uncertainty, many households are holding back on purchases until closer to the festival.
LocalCircles asked customers how often additional fees on factors such as delivery, handling, and small-cart make the final amount higher than expected. A total of 42 per cent of respondents said ‘very often’, while 18 per cent said ‘often’, taking the total to 60 per cent.
The survey observed that consumers spread their festive orders across several apps.
“For last-minute festive shopping and essentials, Amazon Now is the most preferred platform at 22%, followed by Blinkit at 19%, Zepto at 14% and BigBasket at 12%. Swiggy Instamart was chosen by 9%, Flipkart Minutes by 8% and JioMart Quick by 4%, while 12% could not say,” read the survey.
Based on the findings, LocalCircle suggested five ways for quick commerce platforms to win user trust this festive season.
“Show the final price, including delivery, handling, small-cart and platform fees, on the product page and not only at checkout. Keep fees low and simple during the festive season, when order frequency and basket sizes rise. Strengthen quality checks for festive products and make refunds and replacements quick and simple when products do not meet expectations,” the survey said.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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