Coming from anti competitive experiences of marketplaces like Amazon/Flipkart, we should have a list of direct sellers or websites (non-marketplaces) who are specialized into their niche and provide very good service. Please list, discuss or critic direct sellers/websites you know.
I'll start by listing some of the sellers/websites I like,
Buying from sellers directly has a few advantages,
- You usually get better price/discount compared to marketplaces. That's because they don't need to pay high fees to marketplaces.
- They have search engine super optimised for their niche. It becomes very easy to find stuff you are looking for (even if you don't know what's the product called).
- Their supply chain is optimised for their products.
- Sellers have better understanding of packing the their own products.
- You can bargain on the phone. You can ask sellers for their recommendations or request to customize product/quantity.
- Much better and detailed product listing pages than marketplaces.
- When you call them for help, they don't BS you with generic lines like 'sorry for inconvenience / unfortunately can't help / thanks for being patient'
- All of them give you GST invoices on request which may save you some money.
There could be some disadvantages too,
- You may not get 'No Question Asked' returns, something which is natural to most marketplaces.
- You may not get random deep discounts at odd times like marketplaces. Prices don't fluctuate.
- Small chance of getting duped.
- Shipping/support could be slow on weekends.
- Less or no reviews.
I'll start by listing some of the sellers/websites I like,
mdcomputers.in - Computer hardware
- Very old player in computer hardware domain. I have purchased from them even before their website had digital payment options.
- Good communication on phone. I remember successfully haggling with them on the phone.
dubaria.shop - Printer accessories
- Extensive options for printer consumables. Here, you find parts for your printer which you don't even know exist.
- Great prices and quality of products better than average local or marketplace counterpart.
- Excellent shipping. Things are reliably getting delivered within 18 hours (for me).
vitacost.com - Health supplements
- Awesome and big catalogue of supplements. Much better option if you are buying in bulk and don't want to risk on low quality indian brands.
- Sales are real here.
- Shipping is $10 for India. And most of the times, you can expect ~40% import duties. Still it's cheaper than buying same brands from indian marketplaces.
medplusmart.com - Meds
- The best search engine for Indian Pharmaceuticals.
- I don't order a lot from here. I mostly use it to fulfill my fetish of researching on medications and supplements.
toolbuy.com - Hardware & power tools
- Awesome website for hardware and power tools. Good collection.
- This website is very informative and everything is placed hierarchically.
- You may think you know everything about screwdrivers but then you visit this website and you realize you know nothing about screwdrivers.
- Found it very recently, haven't ordered from it yet. Many international brands present here and prices are very competitive.
alton.co.in - Sanitary Ware
- They are on amazon, flipkart but I have purchased from them directly too.
- Found quality on par with Jaquar but prices are much lower.
- Phone customer care is awesome. I had a small query but a very friendly punjabi guy painstakingly explained all small things, gave realistic expectations of the products. He also hinted me a future sale which saved me some money.
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