StartupTalky

Tag: Online retail store

  • Things to Remember Before Purchasing Products From AliExpress

    We all love to buy from online portals and set ourselves free from the hassle of visiting brick-and-mortar stores for shopping. According to a report, the number of online shoppers will surpass 500 million by 2030 in India. Although buying online has its perks, however there are certain limitations too one needs to consider before purchasing from e-commerce websites. With the availability of inter-country payment gateways, it is now possible to buy products from any country without payment-related problems. Did you know most of the online products sold in India are imported from China?

    One such e-commerce website which makes up for the bulk of products imported from China is AliExpress. Before you get too excited to drop-ship from this portal, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations before buying from AliExpress to ensure a smooth and satisfactory shopping experience, one of the largest e-commerce websites in China that offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. It is owned by Jack Ma. Jack Ma which is a famous business tycoon and his rags-to-riches backstory provides invaluable motivation.

    This post will tell you everything about how to buy products from AliExpress while sitting in India. The impact of AliExpress in the Indian market shall also be covered. Indians have a mixed response towards AliExpress. Some find it highly useful, whereas others have had an unsatisfactory experience with the e-commerce portal. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a first-time buyer, this blog will provide valuable insights to help you make informed purchases on AliExpress. So, let’s get started.

    Things To Keep In Mind Before Making A Purchase From AliExpress

    Slow Delivery

    Slow Delivery - AliExpress
    Slow Delivery – AliExpress

    AliExpress isn’t an India-based shopping website which means certain import rules are applied every time you buy products from AliExpress. The normal time to ship products from AliExpress is 30 days and it may increase based on government regulations. AliExpress provides you with a tracking ID to trace the location of your product; other than that, you can’t do anything else but wait. If your delivery gets stuck somewhere, you are in for a really long wait. The shopping website uses Chinese delivery companies for product disposal and items tend to get misplaced enroute to you. If you have selected the free shipping option, you may receive your item after months.

    However, AliExpress has identified these issues and is working on improving its delivery network. It is integrating fast and quality-driven delivery partners into the network to boost sales and enhance customer experience.

    Top 20 Best Free Reseller Apps in India
    Online Retail market is valued $ 73bn in 2022. Reselling Apps is one of the best ways to earn profit. Here’s the List of the 20 Best Reselling Apps.
    StartupTalkySushree Sangeeta Behera

    Import License

    You need a trade license and a registered shop establishment if you plan to buy from AliExpress and sell in India. You also need an export-import license. And then there is the job of reaching out to a customs clearance agent. Licensing is one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to buying items from AliExpress and selling them in India.

    Buying from AliExpress is completely Legal

    It is totally legal to buy from AliExpress and trade products in India. Your purchases should not cross INR 10,000 per year and the products should be for personal use. If you want to purchase products in bulk, you need to get yourself registered, obtain an import-export license, and pay taxes and duties.

    If you have any queries such as the loss of your products in the course of delivery, your only option is to contact the AliExpress agent through chat support. You cannot contact AliExpress sellers by a call; chat is the only medium and there is a high chance the seller won’t reply. Hence, you need to be mindful of the possible delays, lost deliveries, and other factors before ordering from AliExpress.

    How to buy safely from AliExpress

    AliExpress Rules

    There are some other rules and regulations you need to know before making a purchase from AliExpress. For example, you need to pay around 30% of the total amount in customs and duty charges.

    Without import/export license

    • The maximum amount of order without customs duty is INR 2000, i.e, you can import only up to this limit without customs duty and that too for personal use.
    • If the order amount is above INR 2000, the package gets retained at the customs office.

    You will then have to prove/convince the customs officer that the items are meant for personal use and pay the customs duty to get your package out of there.

    With import/export license

    With the license, you can import goods of higher value and pay the standard customs duty on the product as per Indian customs regulations.

    How to Start a Dropshipping Business in India Using AliExpress
    Check out this complete guide to build your own E-commerce business with the help of AliExpress dropshipping India using only 10 easy steps…
    StartupTalkyArbaz Sayed

    Is AliExpress Available in India?

    Currently, AliExpress is not available in India and is not delivering here as well. After the India and China situation, the Government banned many Chinese mobile apps in 2020, amongst AliExpress is one of them. Therefore, AliExpress is not available in India.

    AliExpress Banned in India. Now How to Do Dropshipping? & What To Sell in Winters?

    Is It Safe to Buy From AliExpress Now?

    It is definitely safe to buy from AliExpress now as it is owned by one of the most popular and well-known multinational companies Alibaba. The reputation of Alibaba makes AliExpress a reputable company to shop from.

    PrimedeQ Success Story – Buy, Sell & Rent Medical Equipment Online
    PrimedeQ is a platform for buying, selling and renting medical equipment. Read about PrimedeQ founder, products, competitors, business model,revenue model,idea ,growth
    StartupTalkyChayanika Goswami

    Conclusion

    You can set up a successful business in India using AliExpress. But unfortunately, the shopping website got banned in India along with more Chinese apps for engaging in activities that are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. The government had banned 59 apps on June 29, 2020, and on September 2 it had banned 118 more apps including AliExpress. Previously apps like TikTok, Bigo Live, PUBG Mobile, which were all very popular in India, were banned.

    FAQs

    What is AliExpress?

    AliExpress is an online shopping website based in China owned by the Alibaba Group. It is an online store to buy products at much cheaper rates than Amazon.

    Is AliExpress from China?

    Yes, AliExpress is a China-based online shopping retail store for buying products at much cheaper rates.

    How to buy from AliExpress in India?

    • If you want to purchase products for personal use, your purchases should not cross INR 10,000 per year.
    • If you want to purchase products in bulk, you need to get yourself registered, obtain an import-export license, and pay taxes and duties.

    Is AliExpress banned in India?

    Yes, AliExpress is banned in India.

    Why AliExpress is banned in india?

    AliExpress is banned in India along with more Chinese apps for engaging in activities ‘prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of the country’

    How to buy from AliExpress in India after ban?

    This is the top trending question on Google with no clear-cut answer. However, Indian users of AliExpress were able to purchase products “unofficially” from AliExpress vendors. All you need is to change your route, consider using a VPN on your mobile devices or laptops, or partner with Oye Express. This is the perfect way to enjoy the ease of shopping online while keeping your data secure.

    What’s the difference between Alibaba and AliExpress?

    • Both the platforms are sister companies owned by Alibaba Group.
    • Alibaba focuses on the B2B marketplace while AliExpress focuses on the B2C marketplace cross-border.
    • Usually, manufacturers, wholesalers, trading companies and exporters sell their products via Alibaba whereas, in AliExpress, the typical seller is retailers.
    • Prices can be negotiated in Alibaba whereas AliExpress offers fixed-rate products.
    • On Alibaba.com sellers have to pay 0% on most transactions when it comes to the commission while AliExpress sellers pay up to 8%.

  • Business Model of Zara: The Fast Fashion Retail Leader

    Zara is a Spanish fashion retailer with headquarters in Arteixo, Galicia. Apparel, jewelry, footwear, swimsuits, grooming, and fragrances are among the company’s products, which include fast fashion. It is the biggest business in the Inditex group, which is the largest garment retailer on the planet. Zara is one of the most popular retail clothing brands in the world, if not the most popular. It strives to foster a sustainable enthusiasm for fashion across a broad range of customers, distributed across many regions and different ages, with its stunning debut of the notion of “quick fashion” shopping since its founding in 1975 in Spain.

    Zara – History
    Zara – Products
    Zara – Business Model
    Conclusion
    FAQs

    About Zara Business Model

    Zara – History

    Amancio Ortega | Zara Founder
    Amancio Ortega | Zara Founder

    Amancio Ortega and Rosalia Mera launched Zara, the world’s most famous fashion retail firm, in 1975 in Spain with a capital of 30 Euros. They intended to call their store Zorba after the movie Zorba, but there was also a pub with that name on the same street. As a result, they chose Zara because having two Zobra within the same neighborhood would only create confusion. Zara used to sell low-cost knockoffs of famous, high-end apparel and style in the beginning.

    Rosalia Mera | Zara Founder
    Rosalia Mera | Zara Founder

    Zara’s strategy for fashion and operating model gained popularity with Spanish customers during the next eight years. As a result, nine additional outlets have opened in Spain’s major cities.

    Inditex was founded in 1985 as a trading corporation, laying the groundwork for a supply system responding fast to changing market trends. Ortega coined the term “instant fashion” to describe a revolutionary design, manufacturing, and distribution approach that could shorten lead times and respond to new styles more quickly. This was fueled by significant expenditures on computer technology and the use of organizations rather than solo artists for the essential “design” component.

    Ritu Kumar: The Pioneer of Indian Fashion
    Ritu Kumar is one of the leading fashion designers in India whose dresses are worn by famous personalities like Princess Diana and Priyanka Chopra.
    StartupTalkyManav Makhija

    Zara – Products

    • Men’s Clothing
    • Women’s Clothing
    • Children’s Clothing (Zara Kids)
    • Accessories

    Zara – Business Model

    Zara Logo
    Zara Logo

    Zara’s business strategy is precisely designed, effectively incorporating all of the aspects that leads to the improvement of this global undertaking. There really is no single commercial operation that is directly liable for this company’s success. Joint venture, growth strategy, efficient supply chain management, and other unconventional actions and ideas all contribute to the growth of this kind.

    The firm is known for its expertise in promptly providing fresh merchandise to stores. Zara uses a tight program in order to accomplish this. Supervisors buy goods twice per week at specified times, and fresh clothes come twice a week on schedule. Zara’s success is built on this ethic.

    Fast Fashion is one of Zara’s main concepts. The concept of a fast manner is comparable to that of FMCG (Fast-moving Consumer Goods). Fast fashion is typically employed to appeal to a younger and middle-aged demographic. This type of clothing does not go out of trend; rather, it runs out of stock. The quick fashion cycle is basic to comprehend. A young individual purchases a simple set of clothes that can be used 6-8 times before the material begins to fray. It causes the person to buy new clothes, which leads them back to that place, and the cycle repeats. The foregoing are some of the primary strategies of Zara:-

    1. Vertical Integration is the key
    Vertical integration is a value or supply chain control method in which a corporation owns or manages its manufacturers, resellers, or store outlets. Industry profits from vertical integration because it allows them to regulate operations, cut costs, and enhance efficiencies. Vertical integration, on the other hand, has drawbacks, such as the considerable financial expenditure necessary.

    Zara’s vertically integrated supply chain allows it to maintain direct oversight while also providing speed and flexibility to their clients. Zara employs cutting-edge techniques to ensure that they can quickly bring new concepts to market that are exactly what clients want, whenever they want it.

    2. Centralization
    Zara has a profound, consistent, and swift pace that revolves around quick shop delivery. Every Zara store places two orders per week on particular days. Carriers depart at precise times, and supplies reach at particular times in shops. When clothes arrive at their destination, they are already labelled and priced, making them ready to sell right away.

    Because of this well-established pattern, every employee in the production process – from design through sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, and retail – is aware of the timing and how their actions affect other departments. This applies perfectly to Zara buyers, who exactly know when to go shopping for brand new clothes.

    Zara’s dependence on centralized order fulfilment allows businesses to run extremely efficient operations, from early strategy to execution to shops. Further illustration as to why continuous improvement and supply chain management are crucial to revenue and scalability is the business’s strategy.

    3. Inventory management
    Zara can supply more frequently and in limited volumes during the season because of the fast turnover from manufacturing plants adjacent to its marketing headquarters in Spain. If Zara’s swiftly created style in an effort to follow the current fashion fails to sell successfully, there is little harm done. Because the amount is low, there aren’t a lot of unsold copies to get rid of. And, since this failed experiment was short-lived, there may still be time to attempt another style, and then another.

    How did Zara Face its First Loss [Case Study]
    Zara’s supply chain management has helped Zara become one of the most profitable and recognized brands in the fashion industry. Read this article to know more about it.
    StartupTalkyArbaz Sayed

    Conclusion

    Zara prides itself on remaining on top of the latest trends and radiating an upscale vibe, but its production process is the real show-stealer. These industry-leading procedures elevate it from a mere clothing store to a market leader in fast fashion executed well. Zara excels at guaranteeing that everything goes as planned, as it has more control over its production and business network than most of its competitors. Zara’s main strategy is to diversify through various vertical integrations in order to develop.

    FAQs

    Where does Zara get their clothes made?

    Zara manufactures its most fashionable items in Spain, Portugal and Turkey.

    Where is the biggest Zara store in the world?

    The biggest Zara store is in Madrid, Spain.

    What is Zara most famous for?

    It is most famous for its Fast Fashion.

    Who are the founders of Zara?

    Amancio Ortega and Rosalia Mera are the founders of Zara.