The Indian e-commerce industry is growing by leap and bound. A major portion of the share is enjoyed by furniture retailers. Though this segment faces many problems, it is still making the profit and thriving in the competitive market. The Indian furniture industry is huge and ranked fifth largest market in the world. The big players of online furniture industry like Urban Ladder, Pepperfry &Fabfurnish have a good business in tier 1, 2 and tier 3 cities compared to small towns. The reason behind this is the less delivery time for tier 1, 2 and tier 3 cities. The success route for online furniture companies is not as smooth as it is for the retailers of other segments. Listed here are some of the challenges and conveniences experienced by the online furniture retailer in India.
Personalization
Personalization is the conveniences enjoyed by the customer through online furniture retailers. In the age of contemporary furniture, customers like to go for customized furniture for their homes. Furniture is selected as per the color and décor of the interior. Hence, more customized furniture is in demand. Eyeing the demand, furniture retailers offer customization service to their customers. They provide the option to capture floor plan and interior virtually so that customers can feel the furniture inside the home.
Consultation Service
This service is again in favor of customers. With this service, customers can get recommendations and advice from experts. Customers can call interiors designers for in-home consultation by paying a minimal fee and later order furniture from the retailer. This exclusive service is offered by renowned online furniture retailers like Urban Ladder and is a big attraction for customers.
Advance Payment
Advance payment is one area where an online furniture retailer faces challenges. Purchasing furniture involves big expense including advance payment. Customers need to make online advance payment for buying furniture online which somewhere deters customers to shop from online retailers. However, many retailers offer easy financing options and EMIs’ to combat this issue.
Delivery time
Delivery time is another challenge experienced by online furniture retailers. Usually, furniture delivery takes time as most of the retailer production houses are located far away from the cities. This arises inconvenience to deliver the items quickly. However, to compensate the long delivery issue, retailers offer additional services like free home delivery, delivery tracking, and easy return policy.
Customer expectation of luxury
Almost all the industries like automobiles, electronics, food & agriculture and entertainment have felt the pinch of new technologies. But the furniture industry still remains the same. It is confined to the basic frames that are used to build furniture. However, few breakthrough in furniture industry like design position furniture for health and fitness attracts customers to some extent. Well, customers are still seeking more luxury in their furniture.
Low Trust on Online Retailers
Unlike furniture shops, the online retailer does not provide the comfort of touch and feel experience to customers. This is a huge drawback for online retailers in India as customers here like to touch and feel any product before buying. Therefore, online retailers have to struggle to gain the confidence of new customers and retain the loyal customers. Most of the online build the trust by providing extra services like active call/email support, easy return policy, customer support, and easy payment and EMI options. Some retailers are also tied up with investment banks to ease the process of investment.