When it comes to online shopping in India, Amazon and Flipkart are the two biggest names. But if you’re thinking of Amazon or Flipkart, which is best, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. Both platforms offer fast deliveries, great deals, and a wide range of products.

The difference between Amazon and Flipkart lies in their approach. Amazon has a global reach with premium services, while Flipkart understands Indian shoppers better. Let’s explore deeper and understand the distinction between both e-commerce marketplaces in terms of user experience, USPs, and logistics & fulfillment services.

Amazon Vs Flipkart: Historical Background in India

Let’s talk about the journey of Amazon and Flipkart in India. Flipkart started its journey in India in 2007. Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, former Amazon employees, founded the company in Bangalore. It began as an online bookstore but soon expanded to categories like electronics, fashion, and home essentials. Flipkart quickly gained popularity due to its cash-on-delivery option, which made online shopping accessible to more people. Over time, it became India’s leading e-commerce platform.

On the other hand, Amazon entered the Indian market in 2013. Unlike Flipkart, it started as a marketplace, by allowing third-party sellers to list their products. Amazon India brought its global experience, strong logistics, and vast product range. Despite being a late entrant, Amazon gained a strong position in the market.

The competition between Flipkart and Amazon has shaped India’s e-commerce industry. Flipkart, acquired by Walmart in 2018, focuses heavily on local preferences. Amazon continues to expand its reach with innovations and new services. The Flipkart vs Amazon in India debate continues as both fight for the top spot.

Difference Between Amazon and Flipkart: Based on their USPs

Both Amazon and Flipkart have their strengths. The choice depends on what you need. If you want global brands and entertainment perks, Amazon works well. If you prefer a platform built around Indian shopping habits, Flipkart is a great option. To better understand the Amazon vs. Flipkart, refer the table below.

Amazon	Flipkart
Amazon Prime, which is a subscription service of Amazon, costs Rs 1,499 per year. It offers free fast delivery, Prime Video, and Prime Music.	Flipkart Plus is free but requires earning Plus Coins. It gives fast delivery and early access to sales.
It supports UPI, Credit/ Debit Cards, Net Banking, Wallets, and Amazon Pay Later for EMI purchases.	It supports all major payment methods, including UPI, Cards, Wallets, and Cash on Delivery (COD).
Amazon is a global e-commerce giant with operations in many countries and is trusted for international shopping.	Flipkart, on the flip side, is a homegrown company that deeply understands Indian shoppers and their preferences.

Flipkart vs Amazon Comparison: Which Offers Better Shopping Experience?

When you visit Amazon or Flipkart, you’ll notice their websites are easy to use. If you’ve shopped on Amazon before, you’ll find everything in the same place. Flipkart, on the other hand, feels more local. It also offers language options, making it easier for users who prefer shopping in their native language. This difference in design makes the Flipkart vs Amazon comparison interesting, as both platforms try to cater to different shopping styles.

The checkout process is smooth on both sites, but they have their own advantages. Amazon’s ‘1-Click’ ordering makes purchases faster, especially if you shop often. It supports multiple payment options, including Amazon Pay Later, which allows you to buy now and pay later. Flipkart also has similar features, including Flipkart Pay Later and Cardless Credit, giving users more flexibility.

Customer support matters a lot when shopping online. Amazon has multiple ways to help, including live chat, email, and phone support. It also provides guides and FAQs to solve common issues. Flipkart is also reliable in this area. Its Help Center is available 24/7, and you can even request a callback. 

Amazon or Flipkart: Which Offers More Choices in India?

Shopping online has never been easier, but choosing between Amazon and Flipkart can be tricky. Both platforms offer a huge range of products, exclusive deals, and convenient services. But which one suits your needs better? Let’s compare their product variety and availability to help you decide.

Product Categories and Availability: Both Amazon and Flipkart offer wide range of products. Amazon serves as a one-stop shop with categories like books, fashion, groceries, electronics, etc. It also has dedicated sections like Amazon Pantry for daily essentials and Amazon Fresh for fresh produce. Flipkart also covers similar categories but focuses more on Indian brands and offers products that suit local preferences.

Exclusive Brands and Products: Amazon and Flipkart both offer exclusive products that set them apart. Amazon has unique items like Kindle e-readers, Echo devices, and its own private label, AmazonBasics, which provides affordable yet quality essentials. Flipkart competes with its own in-house brands like MarQ for electronics and Anmi for fashion. After Walmart’s acquisition of Flipkart, the platform has also introduced exclusive international brands.

Flipkart vs Amazon: Regulatory Challenges in India

Flipkart, being a homegrown company, faces fewer legal restrictions compared to Amazon. As an Indian brand, it aligns more easily with local regulations, giving it a competitive edge in certain areas.

However, Amazon, which entered India in 2013, has faced multiple regulatory challenges. Government policies on foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce have limited its ability to offer discounts and control inventory. 

Flipkart Vs Amazon: Logistics and Fulfillment Compared 

Both Amazon and Flipkart have strong logistics networks, ensuring fast deliveries across India. While Amazon relies on its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, Flipkart manages deliveries through its in-house logistics arm, Ekart. Here’s a simple breakdown of how they differ.

Amazon (FBA)	Flipkart (Ekart)
Sellers store their inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and Amazon handles packing, shipping, and customer service.	Flipkart’s in-house logistics service manages storage, packing, and deliveries for sellers.
Offers Prime one-day or two-day delivery for eligible products. In some cities, same-day delivery is available.	Ekart covers even remote areas of India with quick deliveries, though Prime speeds may not be available.
Sellers get access to a well-structured fulfillment system but must pay FBA fees.	Sellers can benefit from Flipkart’s deep understanding of Indian logistics.

Amazon Vs Flipkart: Market Share in FY 2024

When it comes to Flipkart vs Amazon in India, both e-commerce giants have shown strong financial growth in FY 2024, but with different strategies. Amazon India reported an impressive Rs 25,406 crore in operating revenue, marking a 14.4% jump from the previous year. This highlights Amazon’s stronghold in the Indian market. 

On the other hand, Flipkart saw a 21% revenue increase, reaching Rs17,907.3 crore. What’s even more notable is that Flipkart managed to cut its losses by 41%, thanks to a rise in its advertising business. Advertising alone brought in Rs 4,972 crore, a significant jump from the previous year.

Conclusion

Amazon dominates in revenue and logistics by offering a seamless shopping experience with services like Prime and FBA. Whereas, Flipkart, is making strides in financial stability and seller support, with a strong focus on Indian brands and advertising revenue. Both platforms have their strengths, thus, making them tough competitors in India’s e-commerce space.

For businesses selling online, efficient shipping is just as important as choosing the right platform. That’s where Bigship comes in. Whether you sell on Amazon or Flipkart, Bigship’s courier aggregation services help streamline deliveries by ensuring quick and stress-free shipping across India. In a fast-growing e-commerce market, reliable logistics can make all the difference, and Bigship is here to support sellers every step of the way.

Whether you’re selling on Amazon or Flipkart, sign up with Bigship for reliable shipping.

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