Essays for Civil Services Exams

"Carefully selected  English Essays written in a logical manner, to help streamline thought process of the serious minded civil service aspirants."

ESSAY: ONE

On-line Retail

There has been a sudden spurt in on-line sales , thus sending  a shudder down the spine of the conventional retail businesses. The trend had been gradually picking up, but the festive season this year has nose dived sales across markets. On-line buying on portals like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal etc., has picked up and caught the buyer’s attention. 

Heavy Discounts offered by these on-line companies have made competition cry foul. But  then with opening of the economy, ushering in of the reform processes and with the advent of internet, this was bound to happen. The  retail supply chain has been curtailed and costs cut. Prime space rentals are no longer a pre-requisite for the retail business to reach out to their global customers. The global reach has further transcended all geographical boundaries and opened up larger markets.

Increasing on-line access through cheap smart phones has given the consumer to buy at his finger tips.The inexorable progress in technology is bound to change the face of retailing in India .

The power of internet has leveled the playing field, giving equal opportunity to small and big players as well as to the rural and urban consumer to satiate their buying appetite.

The ease of payment coupled with alternative modes of payment has made the buying experience all the more exciting. The credit and debit cards galore along with tempting pay-back offers.

The wide range of goods and services  that are on offer is mind boggling. They range from cars, mobiles, furniture, watches, dresses to salon and matrimonial services . They provide you with door-step delivery from the comfort of your house. You can have your favorite pizza delivered steaming hot and your movie and flight tickets booked and received on-line.

However, the picture, is not all that rosy as it appears to be. The internet is yet to penetrate the mass consumer  base. It is prone to disruption, breakdown, slow speed, hacking and cyber-crimes. It also has a nuisance value and can be addicting.  Cyber-tracking may cause irritating pop-ups  that can be irksome.

Another aspect still impacting consumer behavior are the traditional practices. Families still prefer going shopping in groups. They would prefer to feel the goods and even try them on before paying for the same.  Such shopping experiences are eagerly awaited by the traditional families. Festive shopping assumes great significance.

A number of fake products have flooded the markets, thereby eroding the faith of consumers on on-line shopping. Failed deliveries, delays and damaged goods etc are some of the other irritants keeping the shoppers away.

From the Government’s concern is the issue of regulating and monitoring tax evasion. Some regulatory measures are soon expected tat may dampen the enthusiasm.

Never the less, No one can stop an idea whose time has come. On-line shopping is bound to be the next big thing. The businesses need to gear themselves up for the change from the brick and mortar mode to the click and click mode sooner or later and all other support systems will have to gear themselves up to fall in line with online experience. Smart cities, will further beef up the scenario in times to come.