Shopping made virtually simple

FROM BARTER to online, the transition in shopping preferences has been remarkable. The Net revolution is making the unbelievable happen, such as ordering groceries from the comfort of your drawing room.

It is enough if you are connected to the World Wide Web and the entire monthly requirement of dal, rice, detergent and more is at your door-step with a few clicks of the mouse. What is more, you can shop anytime of the day.

Two such domains for the net-savvy households of Chennai are Subhiksha.com and the more recent entrant, Fabmart.com.

Accepting orders on their sites with promises of time-bound delivery is just-but one of the eye-catching features of the online stores. Shopping, unlike the conventional way, is hassle free and devoid of risks like messing your fingers with oil and husk. The user-friendly features of the site makes it a pleasure.

Subhiksha.com has on offer all branded products, groceries and medicines, at prices that prevail in any of its 55 brick and mortar showrooms. There are no extra charges for online ordering or for home delivery.

The interesting aspect of the site is the `Buy without Paying' scheme, where the salaried employee-shoppers can buy at their nearest Subhiksha showroom without making any payment immediately.

The amount of purchase will be deducted from the shoppers salary through their employer. The scheme is applicable to employees of companies/banks and other institutions pre-approved by Subhiksha. But, the purchases should be made between the 20th and the 27th of the month. The site also has details about products that have free gifts scheme besides change in the prices.

Now, Fabmart.com is building upon its experience with online sale of books and music, to open a virtual grocery store.

Its promise is to deliver at the doorstep within six hours of the order. Added to this are the great discounts and the payment options of cash-on-delivery, by cheque or through credit card, in addition to other modes like banks. With no riders like minimum order and quantity, Fabmart delivers what you want at just Rs. 5 extra per delivery.

The inaugural offering is peppered with buy-one-get-one free offers, the site also provides several value-added tips like recipes besides quizzes and contests. It also gives shopping tips and uses some level of automation for repeat shopping.

Christmas and New Year season has witnessed the opening of Fabmart's online toy store as well, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country. It has a choice of toys and school accessories across categories and brands for children up to 14 years.

By N. Ravi Kumar

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