Spreading Tentacles
Canadian stand up comedian Russell Peters once famously remarked that Chinese and Indians simply can't do business together. "Indians can't live without a bargain and Chinese can't give a bargain," quipped Peters. But that was 2009. The boot appears to be on the other foot now with Indians pushing the order button at Chinese e tail websites in large numbers.
Phenomenal variety at competitive prices is tempting several Indians to transcend their fears of uncertain product delivery from unknown Chinese sites and custom duty costs. Shashank Hedge, an electronic hobbyist, orders circuits, direct current motors, etc. every two three weeks from AliExpress for making gadgets. According to him, Indian portals neither have the range of nor the latest tech products. Journalist Mala Bhargava orders from AliExpress things that are not available on Indian portals. Her last buy was the Double Tour Apple Watch Strap. Web editor Anam Naqvi swears by Club Factory for its affordable apparel collection and its "dirt cheap" fashion jewellery.
Forrester's Principal Forecast Analyst Michael OGrady believes that the key drivers for buying cross border is price, choice and product authenticity. Currently, 7 8 per cent of Indian e commerce is cross border and that figure is
