The victims of COVID-19 are rising at an alarming rate throughout the world. The Indian government is taking many steps to put an end to this outbreak. And, responding to the emergency lockdown of 21 days, Flipkart has temporarily put an end to its services. Though the demand for online services has recently increased, in the need of utter crisis it has come to a pause. Flipkart has never stopped its services before. But, now distancing is the best solution. In this journey of thirteen years, Flipkart has always given its best to give its customers the priority. Even a few days back also, Flipkart was taking orders and the delivery staff was working. But, after yesterday, everything has come to a sudden halt. It is expected to get over after 21 days. But, this is a vulnerable point where saving lives is more important in online shopping.
What has been shut down?
One of the biggest e-commerce platforms of India, Flipkart has announced the deactivation of its services. In response to the lockdown for 21 days, Flipkart has informed on its website and mobile phone’s application as well. It will be shutting down the online ordering, buying and selling of goods. Because home delivery is a huge risk both for the customers and the delivery men as well. And, the risk of spreading the virus grows exponentially if either of has it. Many people were relying on the services of Flipkart for daily basic needs. But, for the time being, the alternate way should be considered.
The Other Services of Flipkart
Though the company has shut down the delivery services, other activities are still online. Flipkart has not closed other services like video streaming, playing online games, online payment transactions, etc. They can be accessed online. Paying bills are also very crucial. So, Flipkart has still kept online the platform of bill payment so the users can pay their electric, phone, water bills, etc.
The social distancing has also gathered numerous audiences for the Flipkart Video Streaming platform. The Game Zone is also active as it is one of the most preferred things to do during this quarantine. The company has also come into a joint partnership with Give India to donate health kits to those who are in need.
Reassurance to resume
Flipkart will not be receiving orders anymore. And, the company has also reassured that it will be back as soon as possible. Customers should cooperate with them to fight off COVID-19 and they will resume at the earliest. On the other hand, Amazon has declared that it will be providing the services. But, the company in this crisis will only prioritize the basic needs of the people. Ordering anything except the essential products won’t be entertained for the time being.
Some of the important highlights
Here are some important details about the sudden shutdown of services. Flipkart has around 30,000 delivery staff who will stop working temporarily. The crisis has affected every sector of our nation both economically and socially. Survival has become questionable, but somewhere down the line fear of unemployment is growing roots.
Delivery of extreme necessities like food essentials, pharmaceuticals, and medical types of equipment is the only exception. Apart from these, the lockdown applies for anything and everything and from anyone and everyone. It is not only Flipkart shutting down its services, but e-commerce platforms like Grofers and BigBasket are facing the same problems. After the analysis of the financial year 2018-2019, it is noted that the worth of the Indian e-commerce market sums up to $38.5 billion. And, the sudden destruction of this supply-chain market will bring one big loss for the business. The online grocery store of India, BigBasket has also declared about shutting down its services. Though they are receiving a tremendous amount of orders, they are helpless right now. Millions of customers rely on Flipkart, Amazon for their daily essentials. So, this 21-day lockdown will have a major effect on their lives. But, if doing this gives some positive feedback by eradicating COVID-19, then everyone should cooperate. Every big e-commerce companies in India are taking necessary actions in response to yesterday’s speech of our Prime Minister.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more