Supply side analysis of two sided platforms: Beauty services industry

Abstract

Pursuing an MBA from IIM Bangalore has made us more and more dependent on the click of the button on our phones to avail services. Apps have become our buddies. Convenience captures the topmost priority. We have availed range of services with the touch of an app-food, cabs, doctor appointments. In the second term, the hit crunch hit us so hard that prior to our placements, it almost impossible to step out of the campus for basic grooming. The local beautician within the campus seemed busier than us with all her slots booked with appointment. During this time of distress, we resorted to the apps which provide beauty services at home as per customer’ specified time. Although we were aware of the surge in number of the beauty service providers at home, it was the first instance we were availing it. The whole process from booking of the service to availing the service was not a seamless one. To name a few, strict rigid timings, very high cap on the amount of money worth the services, lack of credibility of the beauticians, several calls from the service providers regarding unavailability of the beautician and rescheduling of the beauticians were the most frustrating ones. These hiccups in availing beauty services made us ponder regarding the anomalies in the supply side. Meanwhile, Amazon made headlines by starting its provision of beauty services at home in Bengaluru. Within a span of few months, the service was stalled permanently. The amalgamation of the Amazon’ decision to stall its services and our experience were the major motivation aspects to analyse the supply side of the beauty service providers at home in Bangalore.