Analyzing the sustainability of e-commerce business models across different product categories relevant in the Indian Context

Abstract

Internet as a medium is now embedded in our daily lifestyle. Be it for social networking, official purposes, information gathering or shopping requirements- internet has started to become the onestop-solution for consumers. Internet is fast changing the way businesses used to operate. Customers today are more informed about the products they intend to purchase and are looking at internet as a source to give them right and timely information as well as facilitate the purchase process. Internet growth has led to increased challenges for traditional businesses affecting their profit margins. Also competition in the internet business space is huge with virtually no entry barriers and hence prices will be eventually driven down as well. Given the abstract, the report aims to study the successful e-commerce model in USA, i.e. of Amazon.com and analyse the challenges in replicating the same in the Indian context. Also, competition of e-commerce players with traditional channels, similar players in their space as well as with a hybrid player (retail plus e-tailing model) will be studied. Finally, case specific analysis of Indian e-commerce players will bring out insights and recommendations for future growth.