Flipkart, eBay Were the Preferred E-Commerce Sites This Diwali: Survey

Customers preferred to purchase new products on Internet from e-commerce giant Flipkart, followed by eBay India, as per a survey conducted by brand and customer management firm Akosha.

"When it came to Diwali shopping, 39 percent respondents said that Flipkart was one of their top choices followed by eBay India (23 percent) and Amazon India (12.21 percent) among others," said the survey release.

Less than 10 percent named Snapdeal and Shopclues for shopping online during Diwali, as per findings of the survey.

When it comes to regular online purchases, around 45 percent respondents said they shop from Flipkart, followed by Snapdeal (17 percent), eBay India (15.89 percent) and Homeshop18 (9.8 percent), among others.

These findings were compiled from the survey conducted with a sample size of 2,000 respondents and insights from Akosha's own internal database, the report said.

The survey was focused on customer experience related to only five online shopping portals like Flipkart, Snapdeal, eBay India, Amazon India and Homeshop 18, the report said.

"Our constant endeavour is to ensure happy customers by providing them with innovative products, some of which are specially created and developed for them. We offer unbeatable deals and gamut of products across our various categories," HomeShop18 Founder and CEO Sundeep Malhotra said in response to the findings. No other firm commented on the survey.

Akosha survey found that almost 40 percent consumers spend between Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 for online purchases with over more than 20 percent spending above Rs. 5,000.

Pricing, customer service and return policy are three major parameters that influence buying decisions of the customers online, Akosha said. "Both Flipkart and Snapdeal are known to render smooth and seamless check out and payment facilities. Flipkart also scores on good quality packaging and on time delivery," the report said.

Flipkart was also ahead in terms of brand recall amongst consumers.

As per the survey, when it came to buying electronic appliances, consumers preferred Flipkart and eBay India but Amazon India was the top choice for buying books.

Almost 50 percent of the respondents said that they mostly bought consumer electronics and mobile phones on shopping websites.

"It is interesting to note that before making purchase, people usually read the reviews of the e-commerce websites to know the experience of the customers who had already shopped there before. Over 78 percent percent of the consumers checked the reviews of the e-commerce websites before shopping," the report said.

Snapdeal and Amazon India emerged as brands providing value for money with best deals and attractive prices, as per the survey.