Brick-and-Mortar Traders Want Policy to Regulate E-Commerce Businesses (2024)

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has requested the early rollout of a new e-commerce policy, which they believe will give a level playing field to brick-and-mortar traders at par with the e-commerce companies.

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Brick-and-Mortar Traders Want Policy to Regulate E-Commerce Businesses (2)

The traders from states across India want have sought early rollout of e-commerce policy, e-commerce rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and a new Press Note to replace Press Note No 2 of foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail.

Putting forward their demand, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has requested Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to notify the new policy.

Traders Feel Harassed by E-Commerce Startups. Why?

The traders’ body feels that the policy will give a level playing field to brick-and-mortar traders at par with the e-commerce companies.

India has witnessed a significant emergence of startups in the ecommerce sector in recent years. The growth of ecommerce in India is primarily driven by the increasing internet and smartphone penetration, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer behaviour.

CAIT said, “The policy measures are keenly awaited by traders “since they are facing great harassment at the hands of foreign e-commerce companies (such as Amazon, Flipkart, others) and an uneven level playing field because of predatory pricing, exclusivity and owing inventory.”

Why The Delay In E-Commerce Policy?

The draft of the e-commerce policy was put in the public domain in February 2019 for public consultations and suggestions from various stakeholders. This draft policy proposes several measures to regulate the e-commerce sector in India, including data localization, protection of consumer rights, and promoting domestic e-commerce players.

How Are The E-Commerce Companies Regulated Presently?

However, the policy hasn’t been notified and implemented yet. Currently, the e-commerce sector in India is governed by several laws and regulations at the central and state levels. Several acts under which the e-commerce companies are governed are - The Information Technology Act, 2000; The Consumer Protection Act, 2019; The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999; and The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017.

In addition to these laws and regulations, there are several government bodies and agencies responsible for regulating and monitoring the e-commerce sector in India. These include the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Competition Commission of India.

In July 2020, the Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, which outline the duties and liabilities of sellers on e-commerce marketplaces and inventory-based e-commerce entities, as well as provide a framework for consumer grievance redressal.

However, e-commerce companies have requested further revisions to the rules, including clarification of the definition of an e-commerce entity and a ban on flash sales. As of June 2021, the government has not yet released the final version of the rules.

Deep-Discounting By E-Commerce Startups Kill The Traders?

CAIT National President BC Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal further said that no substantial FDI is entering into India through the e-commerce route and instead whatever money routed under the guise of FDI is used for cash-burning or to support huge losses incurred by global e-tailers.

CAIT has also called to regulate flash sales, market-distorting discount offers made by the e-commerce companies. The traders body also wants the government to make e-commerce marketplaces responsible for the quality of the products sold, misselling of goods and services, equal treatment of all sellers registered on their platforms, etc.

Why Can’t Traders Spend Like E-Commerce Startups In Marketing/ Advertising?

In today's digital age, e-commerce companies have become increasingly popular and successful due to their ability to reach a large customer base through targeted marketing and advertising. However, traditional traders and retailers often face significant challenges when it comes to competing with e-commerce companies in terms of marketing and advertising.

The e-commerce companies spend a lot on marketing and advertising. The e-commerce companies spend a lot on marketing and advertising to promote their products and services to potential customers. They work in a highly competitive market and use different marketing strategies like social media marketing, email marketing, advertising through TV and radio.

The traders, on the contrary cannot spend so much on the marketing and traditional traders and retailers often lack the technological infrastructure and expertise required to compete with e-commerce companies in the digital space.

These unregulated deep discounts give the e-commerce companies advantage over the local shops leading to heavy losses to them.

Startups Piyush Goyal Commerce Minister CAIT E-Commerce

Brick-and-Mortar Traders Want Policy to Regulate E-Commerce Businesses (2024)

FAQs

How has e-commerce affected brick-and-mortar businesses? ›

The shift from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms reduces the need for physical space, leading to decreased overhead costs. This allows businesses to invest their resources in other areas, such as improving product quality or enhancing customer service.

How does the government regulate e-commerce? ›

The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) prohibits certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce. Other state and federal regulations govern the shipment of goods and the issuance of, or notices concerning, refunds.

What is one of the best advantages that brick-and-mortar retailers have against online retailers? ›

Brick-and-Mortar stores offer the advantage of an in-person shopping experience, which may be important when the product must be inspected by the shopper.

What does bricks and mortar mean in business? ›

Brick and mortar (or B&M) is an organization or business with a physical presence in a building or other structure. The term brick-and-mortar business is often used to refer to a company that possesses or leases retail shops, factory production facilities, or warehouses for its operations.

What is brick-and-mortar in e-commerce? ›

In comparison with online shops, brick and mortar stores allow customers to visit a physical shop in order to see, touch and buy goods in person, which can help build a reputation for good customer service. However, brick and mortar businesses, as well as online shops, may eventually incorporate aspects of each other.

What are the benefits of brick and mortar business? ›

Advantages of owning brick-and-mortar stores
  • Allowing consumers to peruse and test products in person.
  • Creating an immersive, branded shopping experience.
  • Providing instant gratification to shoppers.
  • Satisfying those who prefer in-person shopping experiences.
  • Creating legitimacy for your business with a physical presence.

Why is it important to regulate commerce? ›

To address the problems of interstate trade barriers and the ability to enter into trade agreements, it included the Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the power "to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes." Moving the power to regulate interstate commerce to ...

Can the government regulate commerce? ›

Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: [The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes; . . .

How could regulation of the internet impact e-commerce? ›

Compliance with internet laws is essential for any responsible online business. They cover a range of regulations that can have a significant impact on your business operations. These regulations include data protection, consumer privacy, e-commerce regulations, and intellectual property rights, among others.

Why is brick-and-mortar important? ›

Successful brick-and-mortar businesses focus on creating a unique in-store experience for their customers. They offer personalized services which help to build a positive brand image. In fact, thriving physical storefronts also positively impact online traffic for their business.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of brick-and-mortar? ›

A physical location allows the customer to pay for an item with cash and achieve instant gratification by receiving the item purchased immediately. Neither of these advantages are available in an on-line only business. The most obvious disadvantage to having a brick-and-mortar location is the cost.

Is online or brick-and-mortar better? ›

One of the reasons people love shopping at brick-and-mortar stores is because of the excellent and readily available customer service they can provide. Whether they want information on a product or need to return merchandise, brick-and-mortar stores are generally faster and easier to deal with than online stores.

What is an example of a brick-and-mortar company? ›

Some examples of brick-and-mortar stores include coffee shops, grocery stores, and pet stores. Some businesses such as Walmart, Target, and Home Depot have both physical storefronts and online markets and have been successful in developing this hybrid presence.

What is a brick-and-mortar business strategy? ›

Brick-and-mortar marketing describes marketing strategies used by businesses that operate from a store or retail premises to increase foot traffic. These strategies can include digital marketing, offline, and out-of-home promotions.

What is a challenge of brick-and-mortar businesses? ›

Cost of labor.

Along with the changing cost of goods, the cost of labor can be difficult for retailers to afford and can shift precipitously, leaving employers scrambling.

How does e-commerce affect business? ›

Lower Marketing and Distribution Costs

The entire cost of conducting the business can be brought down by taking your business online. Prominent costs that can be reduced include: Advertising and Marketing Costs: E-commerce stores do not require traditional channels of marketing and advertising.

How have e-commerce websites like Amazon affected brick-and-mortar retail stores? ›

The Need for In-Store Mobile Technology

Amazon's quick-access buying options are forcing retailers to become speedy themselves. A study conducted by SOTI discovered several truths about modern brick-and-mortar selling: 92 percent of shoppers prefer stores with mobile platforms.

What is the Amazon effect on brick-and-mortar sales? ›

The effect stands for the shifting standards for convenience, price competitiveness, and product variety, forcing traditional retailers to adapt or risk obsolescence. The effect has redefined customer expectations, making fast (often free) shipping and vast product selection the new norm.

How has online shopping affected businesses? ›

Reach new customers to increase sales.

First and foremost, ecommerce makes it easier for companies to reach new potential customers. Since your online shop isn't tied to a single physical storefront, that means it's open and available to any and all customers who visit it online.

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