Mobile wallet and ecommerce major Paytm has launched an omni-channel commerce platform to enable shopkeepers expand their businesses online. It has launched QR-code based system on its Paytm Mall where consumers can shop for products from Paytm Mall by scanning the QR code that offline merchant partners receive from Paytm.
Paytm Mall will partner with its large offline merchant network and will adopt the QR code technology to bring efficiency in product discovery and supply chain.
As part of the new feature, consumers can visit the Paytm Partner stores in their neighborhood and scan the QR code using their Paytm or Paytm Mall app to browse and order products. This will enable shopkeepers to sell products online without having to tackle with inventory management and deliveries.
Additionally, consumers can also avail of same day deliveries from local shopkeepers, helping partners generate new lines of revenues, the company said in a statement.
A Paytm spokesperson told the Economic Times that the seller will earn a percentage margin on each purchase made after scanning the QR code. “The margin will vary between 3-20% based on the product. Currently more than 99% of all shopping in India happens offline. We believe this model will allow us to drive online traffic from offline retailers,” the spokesperson added.
Amit Bagaria, vice president of Paytm Mall says that the aim is to create an offline network as a platform for brands to reach out to millions of consumers, hence optimizing the supply chain and marketing expenses on their behalf. “This platform will also be beneficial for partner merchants enabling them to grow their business and garner additional revenue. We are delighted to have Samsung on board for the launch of the new platform,” he added.
According to ET, this model has already been adopted by Paytm’s largest investor Alibaba in its owned Tmall, which also incentivizes purchases made through QR code scan offline on its online platform through additional discounts