BANGALORE: After experimenting with ‘kirana drop-off points’, e-commerce giant Amazon is looking at improving its ‘kirana pick-up point’ system, under way on a pilot basis in India.
The Seattle-based company has been testing delivery mechanisms wherein it will leave the products ordered through Amazon at neighbourhood stores where customers can pick them up at their convenience.
Amit Agarwal, Amazon vice-president, said on Monday, “It’s still in the pilot (phase) but we are constantly looking at ways that might allow us to scale another country where there is a similar less-organised network of spaces out there that could act as pick-up points.”
Meanwhile, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was in the city for the first time since the company commenced operations here in 2013. Bezos said products and innovations “go in both directions” (from other markets to India and vice-versa).
Speaking about their seller and online customer connect, Easy Ship, Bezos said this was an invention in India and the company was looking to export it to other markets.
“It hasn’t been exported yet but it’s one that we are looking at,” he said.
Asked if the company will look at improving carrier billing systems for India, Agarwal said he is looking at all options to increase customer convenience. “Improving payment experience would be a focus area. Every country has its own unique payment mechanism,” he said.