Ecommerce shoppers are heading for a bonanza this October, as Amazon India has announced the launch of their “Great Indian Festive Sale” on the very same dates when Flipkart will conduct their Big Billion Day sales: October 13 to October 17.
Thankfully, Amazon will allow desktop users to shop as well, unlike Flipkart where only app users would be able to shop and use the special offers.
Amazon’s Subtle Way Of App Promotion
Amazon India has played the app promotion strategy with great caution and subtleness. Like Flipkart, Amazon is also trying to entice more app users, but the way they are promoting it looks gentle and noble, unlike Flipkart’s ‘compulsory’, ‘mandatory’ way of pushing it.
For instance, all app users on Amazon would be entitled to 15% cashback while using HDFC cards, whereas desktop users would get 10% cashback.
On the other hand, there are few ‘app-only’ offers, which would be floated on the last two days: October 16th and 17th; which can further induce their customers towards apps. But note here, that Amazon is promoting voluntary actions to promote their app, not like Flipkart which has issued a diktat of sorts for its customers.
Another subtle way of app promotion by Amazon: They are giving out ‘tips’ to all customers to enjoy the experience in a more efficient manner. And one such tips is to save their billing address and other details well in advance using their app. Hence, once the customer gets into the app mode, there exists greater possibility of his/her shopping using the same environment.
Another subtle marketing technique!
Flipkart Gears Up With Innovative Techniques
Not to be left behind, Flipkart has also resorted to some innovative techniques to make the whole experience of their customers better.
To start with, Flipkart has launched special training programs for their sellers from top 5 cities (as per their sales data): Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Kolkata and Bangalore. These programs are named: ‘Flipkart Seller Campus’ and ‘Flipkart Helping Hands’; which will train these sellers how to optimally manage their inventory for greater precision during the special sales days.
They have partnered with Skillventory to provide 4 hour trainings to their sellers across these top 5 cities, which will help them to overcome logistical and technical challenges.
Manish Maheshwari , VP and head – seller ecosystem, Flipkart, said, “Last year, there was a problem with inventory. While people were giving orders, the inventory was just not there. This year, we are taking special caution and giving sellers guidance and training on inventory management.”
Additionally, Flipkart has also sent around 5 lakh snail mails to their customers, inviting them for the Big Billion Day sales.
Amazon or Flipkart – Which ecommerce portal will you choose between October 13 and 17? Do share your choice by commenting right here!