Amazon India To Provide Complex Logistics Services And POD Payment Options To D2C Brands

New Delhi, Dec 3 (KNN) In a significant move to support small businesses and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, Amazon India has announced an expanded Multi-Channel Fulfilment (MCF) service offering, introducing advanced automation capabilities and flexible payment options. 

The enhancement, unveiled on Monday, includes a comprehensive Integrations API suite and a Pay-on-Delivery (POD) payment option, now available to businesses across India following a successful pilot earlier in 2024.

Originally launched at Amazon Smbhav 2023, the Multi-Channel Fulfilment service enables entrepreneurs to leverage Amazon's robust fulfilment network for orders from diverse sales channels, including their personal websites. 

The service simplifies complex logistics by consolidating order processing, tracking, and shipping from a single inventory pool, allowing business owners to concentrate on core operational strategies. 

Currently, over 1,000 entrepreneurs and D2C brands, including notable names like Himalayan Organics, DermaTouch, and Satthwa, are utilising these MCF services.

The newly introduced MCF Integrations API suite represents a technological breakthrough, automating order fulfilment processes for D2C sellers and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). 

This innovation facilitates seamless integration with Amazon's fulfilment infrastructure across multiple sales platforms, enabling businesses to directly connect their online storefronts with the company's logistics network. 

Early adopters such as Webbee and ShipTurtle have already implemented this integrated solution, demonstrating its potential to streamline operations and minimise logistical errors.

A particularly noteworthy addition is the Pay-on-Delivery (POD) option, which addresses a critical market need in India's e-commerce ecosystem. 
Recognising that approximately 70 per cent of D2C orders in the country are cash-based, this feature allows customers to complete purchases on websites and social media stores with the flexibility of paying upon delivery. 

Industry experts anticipate this option will significantly enhance conversion rates and drive sales growth for MCF users.

Vivek Somareddy, Vice President, Seller Experience, Emerging Markets and India Global Trade at Amazon, emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion. 

"We're committed to empowering small businesses and D2C brands with tools to thrive in today's e-commerce landscape," Somareddy stated. 
He highlighted the company's vision of levelling the playing field for businesses of all sizes, contributing to the broader growth of India's digital economy by providing world-class fulfilment networks and cutting-edge technology.

The announcement underscores Amazon's continued investment in supporting India's entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering digital entrepreneurs sophisticated tools to scale their businesses efficiently and compete effectively in an increasingly digital marketplace.

(KNN Bureau)