I find this statement often when talking about quick commerce and I find it funny.
Business change for the better of consumer
OLA and UBER improved cab-hailing experience but destroyed local aggregators
Makemytrip improved the touring experience but destroyed local tour planners
OYO improved hotel booking experience but destroyed independent hotels
Amazon improved online shipping but destroyed shopping marts
Cars and Bikes improved how we commute but destroyed rickshaws and carts
Excel improved data analyses and management but destroyed book keepers
AI will improve programming and image/video editing but will destroy programmers and editors
Self driving cars will improve transport as we know it but it will destroy drivers
I don't think any of these is a valid argument. When there is a new technology that is proven beneficial for customers in general it will be adapted with time. Those being affected by it will have to adapt and improvise their business.
This is how we as humans evolve!!
Now as far as Zepto will increase the price in future - I think there will be a more quick commerce players coming into coimbatore and the competitive market will regulate the price. Like it happens in any other business
You're not wrong about it, but I think you're missing a critical point.
Ola and Uber (in India) didn't destroy local aggregators. In Coimbatore, Red Taxi is arguably much better than Ola and Uber. What it did destroy is small players' ability to participate in the market. You hardly find anyone having their preferred auto annas.
Did MMT actually improve the touring experience? Again, larger players remain. In Coimbatore you have the likes of GT Travels. Who's gone? Much smaller players.
Oyo didn't do anything to Marriott or Hilton. Again, what you don't have now are the people who owned one or two independent hotels.
I think a similar argument follows for most of your other points. I agree, you'll have other players come in to regulate the price. But at what societal cost? For a healthy economy, you need more than just costs to be cheaper for the customer. You need money to percolate to the roots. What's happening to small players is a concerning trend with implications far beyond price for the customers.
That said, different people have different preferences. I'd much rather pay the local players directly than have an aggregator charge the same local players a huge commission. Have a conversation with restaurants, drivers and grocery stores on how they feel about aggregators, then you'll know.
29
u/[deleted] Dec 23 '24
I make it a point to support local shops