ShopClues launches a series of e-commerce enablement initiatives for offline sellers

In a bid to amplify digitisation within the small and medium enterprises (SME), online marketplace ShopClues, has launched Saarthi – an empowerment initiative for the sector.

Saarthi comprises a bundled package that offers SMEs e-commerce enablement, digital empowerment training module, enhanced market access, financial assistance and ShopClues Reach – a hassle-free cashless payment gateway.

Ganesh Balakrishnan, AVP – Merchant Ecosystem, said, “Saarthi, on one hand, will help the businesses to effortlessly migrate to the new taxation regime. On the other, it will offer curated services that will enhance the business prospects of retail stores and will pave the way for their seamless digital integration. We believe this initiative will receive a tremendous response from ShopClues’ existing seller base as well as other retailers across the country.”

The Saarthi package includes services such as cataloguing assistance, business analytics, building a personal microsite, training programs, and also increases the business visibility with over 2.5 crore registered customers on the platform. It also offers working capital loans with extremely attractive interest rates and repayment terms.

Enabling merchants to spend in a cashless way, ShopClues has also launched a business credit card, a first by any e-commerce player in the country.

The package also includes ShopClues Reach, a payment gateway that received massive traction during the demonetization drive. The payment gateway enables shops and retail stores to accept online payments and allows them to bill their customers without the need of having an app downloaded.

"We have utilised the mobile PoS developed by Momoe (a company acquired by ShopClues in July 2016) and customised it for a standard retail merchant. The Reach PoS has multiple payment options including wallets, credit and debit cards, netbanking and others. In case the merchant does not have a smartphone, we provide them with a QR code through which customers can pay," said Balakrishnan.

ShopClues has also tied up with multiple partners including NHDC, FICCI FLO, Central Cottage Industries Emporium, NIFT, NMDFC, and National Institute of Design.

Shopclues will be launching Saarthi targeting the SME merchant base in 15 cities across India - Kanpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patna, Varanasi, Indore, Nagpur, Vishakhapatnam, Guntur, Rajkot, Kanchipuram, Guntur, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Madurai.