With an aim to help small shopkeepers and entrepreneurs to upgrade to e-commerce mode, three friends from Srinagar and Anantnag have launched Jhelum Cart online platform.
After more than two years of research in the e-commerce field which can fit in Kashmir markets, the trio, Ahmed NabeelWani, NaveedQadirWani and Arif Ahmed Najar launched the platform of ‘Jhelum Cart’ formally.
The Trio while talking to Greater Kashmir said that their aim to launch the platform was to open online avenues for both large scale and small scale shopkeepers and other retailers. The main idea is to give an e-commerce gateway to these shoppers who can sell their products locally and globally.
Nabeel Ahmed, who heads Media and Digital marketing for the Jhelum cart said that Jhelum cart is the first of its kind platform on which small businesses, shopkeepers, manufacturers, wholesalers, Artists, entrepreneurs and even street vendors can sell their products online.
“All you need to do to submit a form, pay Rs 500 registration fee and you will have your virtual store. There is no commission concept, we only ask for a small rental fee, that too when you make sales through our platform,” He said.
The other co-founders said that our shopkeepers have been out of touch with the e-commerce part of business and they keep losing their business to e-commerce giants from outside.
“These days people mostly prefer to do shopping online rather than visiting any physical store. Our platform is giving options to such shopkeepers to go online, while Jhelum Cart will take care of all logistics, shipping, and online support. You can create your online store with just a click,” they said.
Launched formally just a week ago, the platform has tied up with over fifty business outlets already, some prominent include Kohli Brothers, Best Sellers Book store and others.
Nabeel said that they have created 4 apps which can work on low speed internet in case 4G is unavailable. The two apps are for buyers using Android and IOS gadgets while the other two are for sellers where they can upload their products.
“We have put in extra effort so that both the sellers and buyers can have the best experience. In a first, we have kept the option of bargaining in the app which you won’t see anywhere else. To give the best service to our customers, we have kept the options to follow these virtual stores and get notifications on new products and offers. You can also directly message the seller and have your queries about products answers. These are the unique features which you cannot find elsewhere,” said Nabeel.
The trio said that they want to provide job opportunities for youths and give Kashmiri retailers and other businesses access to the large consumer base.
Currently over a dozen people are working with Jhelum cart as content writers, photographers, Graphic designers and Courier boys. They have also tied up with logistics service providers outside Srinagar to make the delivery experience of products best.
With restriction on Internet over, the trio believes that their initiative will attract business community to open their virtual store. They said this will not only boost internet driven entrepreneurship but will also be a source of job creation in Kashmir.