Smartphones are latest shopping tools

11 October, 2012

Smartphones have completely changed the way people shop. Earlier people would have log on to their laptops and desktops and see what they could buy. But those times are long gone, as according to a study, 32 percent people in India use smartphones to shop online.

INDIA IS no exception to the tehnological revolution and according to a study around 32 per cent of its population makes purchases online using the smartphones. According to a recently-conducted survey, 23 per cent use their laptops and desktops for online shopping.

Shekhar (name changed) feels that a person can make up his mind in leisure while shopping online. A biblophile, he said, “While reading articles about latest book releases one can make an informed decision about the books one purchases. Moreover, online prices are way below what shops offer so there is another advantage. Although I am yet to use my smartphone to shop but I do use my laptop and iPad.”

Currently pursuing masters in business administration, Kaustav Rakshit can not afford to lose much on shopping. He said, “Normally I don't love shopping but if I can't avoid it then online shops are my go to place. I just browse and pay online. It is easy, swift and I don't have to actually visit places and the delivery is also convenient.”

Mr. Chatterjee, an engineer, however feels that the delivery patterns of some of the e-commerce stores are really bad and they should look into it. “I do use smartphone, laptops and my desktop as and when the need arises but India is yet to catch up with the phenomenon of using smatphones for everything. A teenager or a housewife is yet to unravel the mysteries that smartphones have to offer and once that happens they will replace a lot of other gadgets,” he said.