A Study of Consumer Behavior Toward Online Shopping
Special Reference to Raigad District
While there isn't a specific study focused solely on consumer behavior toward online shopping in
Raigad district, insights can be drawn from a similar study conducted in Ratnagiri city, which shares
comparable demographics and regional characteristics.
Key Findings from the Ratnagiri Study
- Demographics: The majority of online shoppers were aged between 15 and 30 years, with a
significant portion being students or individuals in service sectors.
- Income Levels: Consumers with an annual family income between INR 50,000 and INR 2,00,000
showed a higher preference for online shopping, possibly due to attractive discounts offered by
online retailers.
- Internet Usage: Most respondents had been using the internet for over four years, indicating a
correlation between internet familiarity and online shopping habits.
- Shopping Frequency: A substantial number of consumers engaged in online shopping
occasionally, highlighting a growing but cautious adoption of e-commerce.
- Motivating Factors: Time-saving was the primary motivator for online shopping, followed by
convenience, competitive pricing, and product quality.
- Product Categories: Electronics, clothing, and fashion accessories were among the most
purchased items online.
- Preferred Devices: Smartphones were the dominant medium for online shopping, used by 88% of
respondents.
- Payment Methods: Cash on delivery was the most preferred payment option, indicating trust
concerns with online transactions.
- Customer Satisfaction: Approximately 68% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their online
shopping experiences.
- Challenges Faced: Common issues included delays in delivery, subpar product quality, and
product damage during transit.
Implications for Raigad District
Given the similarities between Ratnagiri and Raigad districts in terms of demographics and
infrastructure, it's plausible that consumers in Raigad exhibit comparable online shopping behaviors.
Factors such as age distribution, income levels, and internet accessibility likely influence
e-commerce adoption in similar ways.
For a more accurate understanding of consumer behavior in Raigad district, conducting a localized
study would be beneficial. This would provide specific insights into the preferences, challenges, and
motivations of Raigad's consumers regarding online shopping.