Flipkart has another addition to the ever-expanding list of items available on its site. Soon, buyers will be able to buy motorcycles and cars from the online retailer.
The company will pilot its operations in Bangalore, where it’s tied up with local dealers to sell Bajaj motorcycles and Maruti Suzuki cars. In the pilot, Flipkart is also encouraging its employees to buy vehicles on its platform.
“There is a paradigm shift in the way people shop online today, with more and more unconventional categories like automobiles and auto accessories, small home appliances, personal care and jewellery gaining popularity,” said Anil Goteti, Vice-President, Business at Flipkart.
Earlier, Flipkart’s rival Snapdeal had also introduced vehicles on its site, partnering with Hero Motors and Piaggio to sell motorcycles and mini trucks in an “integrated buying experience” that enables online booking and loan approvals within two minutes of a vehicle purchase on the site.
The push towards higher priced items by online retailers is partly motivated by an increase in GMV numbers that sales of these items bring. With each purchase being worth lakhs, e-retailers can quickly boost their sales figures in a bid to outmaneuver their competition.