Glide Shop Ideation

About Company

The primary goal of Glide-n-Shop is to revolutionise the offline business landscape by providing innovative solutions that address store-related challenges. By empowering and supporting offline businesses, the company aims to foster their growth, strengthen the local market, and uplift the surrounding communities. Through its services, Glide-n-Shop envisions creating a positive impact on local economies and enhancing the overall offline shopping experience for both businesses and consumers.

Revenue Model

Glide-n-Shop generates revenue through a diversified approach:

1. Advertisement Revenue: The company generates income by offering advertising space on its platform. Businesses can showcase their products and services to a targeted audience, thereby enhancing their visibility and reach. Advertisers pay Glide-n-Shop for these promotional opportunities.

2. Commission from Stores/Businesses: Glide-n-Shop collaborates with offline stores and businesses to increase footfall and customer engagement. In return for its services, the company earns a commission based on a mutually agreed percentage of sales generated through the platform. This incentivises businesses to utilise Glide-n-Shop's tools to attract more customers.

3. Payment Processing Fees: Glide-n-Shop provides payment processing solutions to businesses or stores that require an efficient and secure way to manage transactions. For this service, the company charges a nominal transaction fee, typically ranging from 1% to 2% of the total transaction amount. This fee covers the costs associated with facilitating seamless and secure payment processes.

By combining these revenue streams, Glide-n-Shop ensures a sustainable and diversified income model that supports its mission of aiding offline businesses, enhancing local markets, and delivering value to both its business partners and the end users of the platform.

Problem Statement

In the era of digitalisation, where almost everything is available online, from food to clothing, the convenience of online shopping has become ubiquitous. Online platforms offer numerous benefits, such as vast product selections, discounts, and detailed product information at your fingertips. However, this seamless experience is lacking in the offline world. The new generation, particularly Gen Z, faces numerous challenges when engaging in offline shopping experiences. Some of the prominent issues include:

• Difficulty in finding specific shops, items, or services in the physical world.
• Lack of essential information about a place, such as operating hours, waiting times, and other relevant details.
• Inability to track real-time offers and promotions available nearby.
• Limited visibility of the complete inventory available in a store.
• Uncertainty about the waiting period for services provided, such as repair shops or haircuts. And many more

These challenges have created a gap in the offline shopping experience, making it less efficient and frustrating for the younger generation. Addressing these pain points presents an opportunity to bridge the gap between online and offline shopping, leading to an increase in offline shopping and giving bost to the local market.

Goal:

The primary goal of this initiative is to replicate the seamless user experience of online shopping in the offline world. The aim is to empower users with comprehensive data and details, enabling them to make informed decisions for their purchases and appointments.

Out Of Scope:

At present, we do not address other potential user challenges, including

1. Visit Planning Issues: We are not currently addressing any difficulties users might encounter while planning their visits to stores or businesses.
2. Travel-Related Concerns: Our scope does not encompass addressing challenges users might face during their journey from home to the store, such as transportation issues.
3. Specific Item Location: We do not address problems related to locating specific items within a store at this time.

These non-goals enable us to maintain a concentrated effort on the core aspects of our service, allowing us to effectively address the key pain points and deliver a more focused and impactful solution to our users.

Objectives:

1. Seamless User Experience: Develop a user-friendly platform that seamlessly integrates offline shopping and service experiences, mirroring the convenience and ease of online interactions.
2. Data Accessibility: Provide users with access to a wealth of relevant data and details, including product information, shop/service locations, operating hours, waiting times, and real-time offers.
3. Informed Decision-Making: Equip users with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions when purchasing products or scheduling appointments, fostering customer satisfaction and confidence.
4. Bridging Online-Offline Divide: Bridge the gap between online and offline shopping by delivering a consistent and enhanced user experience that transcends the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar interactions.
5. Enhanced Convenience: Simplify the process of finding shops, items, or services in the physical world, reducing user frustration and enhancing overall convenience for Gen Z and other users.
6. Complete Inventory Visibility: Ensure users have access to a comprehensive view of available items in stores, aiding them in making optimal choices based on their preferences and needs.
7. Real-Time Offers and Updates: Enable users to stay informed about nearby offers, promotions, and timely updates, thereby maximising opportunities for savings and enhancing their shopping experience.

By achieving these objectives, we aspire to revolutionise offline shopping and service experiences, catering to the expectations and demands of the new age generation while providing a seamless and data-driven journey for users to make informed decisions with confidence.

User Persona - I

Name: Rohan
Age: 20
Occupation: College Student
Location: Bangalore

Background:

Rohan is a tech-savvy Gen Z individual currently pursuing a degree in computer science at Manipal University. Being part of the digital age, Rohan is accustomed to the convenience of online shopping and frequently relies on e-commerce platforms for purchasing various products. However, as a college student living on a limited budget, Rohan also appreciates the value of finding the best deals and discounts both online and offline.

Goals and Needs:

• Rohan seeks a seamless and efficient shopping experience, both online and offline.
• The need for finding the best deals and offers to save money is essential.
• Timely access to information, such as shop locations, operating hours, and waiting times, is crucial to plan shopping trips effectively.
• Rohan also looks for a way to explore nearby shops and services to discover new places and experiences.

Challenges:

• In offline shopping, Rohan often struggles to find specific items or services, leading to time wastage and frustration.
• The lack of comprehensive information about shop inventories and real-time promotions makes it challenging to make informed purchasing decisions.

Behaviour:

• Relies heavily on smartphones and digital tools to access information and make decisions.
• Prefers to explore and compare options before making a purchase.
• Values convenience and efficiency in shopping experiences.
• Open to trying new technologies and platforms that enhance the shopping process.

Rohan represents the target audience - a tech-savvy and budget-conscious individual from the Gen Z generation who seeks a more streamlined and data-driven offline shopping experience. Understanding Rohan's needs, goals, and challenges will help guide the development of a user-centric solution to address the pain points highlighted in the problem statement.

User Persona - II

​​Name: Akshita Kapoor
Age: 24
Occupation: IT Professional
Location: Bangalore, India

Background:

Akshita is a young and ambitious IT professional who recently moved to Bangalore to start her career. As a newcomer to the city, she is still getting familiar with the area and relies on her friends for support and companionship. Living away from her hometown, she values experiences that make her feel comfortable and at ease in the new environment.

Goals and Needs:

• Akshita wants to maintain a well-groomed appearance and frequently visits parlours for haircuts and other beauty services.
• Time is valuable for Akshita due to her busy work schedule, and she is frustrated with the long waiting times at the parlours.
• She wishes to have access to essential information like service prices, waiting times, and hairstylist experience levels to plan her parlour visits more efficiently.
• While Akshita enjoys exploring and shopping for clothes online, she prefers trying them on before purchasing, making her interested in finding nearby stores where she can physically browse and buy outfits.

Challenges:

• Being new to Bangalore, Akshita is unfamiliar with local parlors and salons, making it challenging to find reputable ones with shorter waiting times and experienced hairstylists.
• She faces the dilemma of finding the right balance between online shopping convenience and the desire to try on clothes before buying them.

Behaviour:

• Akshita is tech-savvy and frequently uses her smartphone for various tasks, including researching places and services.
• She appreciates reliable and user-friendly apps or platforms that can provide valuable information quickly.
• Akshita values recommendations from her friends and peers and is likely to trust reviews and ratings when exploring new services or shops.

As a user persona, Akshita represents a young professional who has recently relocated to a new city and seeks solutions that simplify her daily routines and help her make the most of her time. Understanding Akshita's needs and challenges will aid in developing a user-centric solution that addresses her specific pain points and enhances her overall experience in Bangalore.

User Persona - III

Name: Rajesh Patel
Age: 32
Occupation: Marketing Executive
Location: Indore, Tier 2 City, India

Background:

Rajesh Patel is a hardworking marketing executive living in the vibrant city of Indore. He's a native of Indore and deeply connected to the local culture and community. Rajesh has a bachelor's degree in marketing and has been working in the marketing industry for the past eight years. He's well aware of the importance of budgeting and is always on the lookout for opportunities to get the best deals and lower prices for various products.

Goals and Needs:

• Rajesh's main concern is to find ways to lower the costs of the products he purchases regularly. Being financially savvy, he understands the value of getting the best deals and discounts to make the most of his hard-earned money.

• He seeks convenience in his shopping experience and is always looking for ways to optimize his purchases efficiently.

• As a resident of a Tier 2 city like Indore, Rajesh may not have access to the same range of products and discounts as those in larger metropolitan areas. He's keen on finding ways to bridge this gap and get access to the best prices available.

Challenges:

• Limited Local Shopping Options: Indore, while a vibrant city, may have limited local shopping options compared to larger cities, making it challenging to find a wide variety of products at competitive prices.

• Balancing Work and Personal Life: As a marketing executive, Rajesh has a busy work schedule, which leaves him with limited time for extensive price comparisons or shopping around.

• Budget Constraints: Rajesh is conscious of his budget and often needs to make careful decisions to ensure his expenses align with his income.

Behaviors:

• Rajesh frequently uses his smartphone to search for product prices, discounts, and deals online.

• He prefers to shop during sales events and special promotions to maximize savings.

• Rajesh is an active member of local online communities and forums where he shares and receives tips on finding the best prices and deals in Indore.

User Persona IV

Name: Neha Kapoor
Age: 28
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Location: Delhi, Tier 1 City, India

Background:

Neha Kapoor is a creative and vibrant graphic designer residing in the bustling city of Delhi. Having grown up in Delhi, she has a deep connection to the local culture and enjoys the diversity the city offers. Neha holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design and has been working in a creative agency for the past five years. She's a social and outgoing person who values the offline shopping experience for the interactions, outings, and the quality time it provides.

Goals and Needs:

• Neha's primary goal is to savor the offline shopping experience that Delhi offers. She values the personal interactions with shopkeepers and fellow shoppers, relishing the local sights and sounds.
• She seeks convenience in her shopping adventures, aiming to discover new and exciting products while enjoying a day out in the city.
• Neha appreciates the cultural richness of Delhi and looks for opportunities to engage with local artisans and craftsmen during her shopping excursions.

Challenges:

• Despite her love for offline shopping, Neha faces challenges in navigating the city's crowded markets and often spends considerable time searching for the right shops and products.

• Balancing Work and Personal Life: Neha's job as a graphic designer can be demanding, and she sometimes struggles to find the time for her cherished offline shopping expeditions.

• Maintaining a Budget: Neha values quality but also needs to adhere to a budget, making it crucial to find the right balance between cost and experience.

Behaviours:

• Neha frequently explores Delhi's markets and neighborhoods, making spontaneous visits to boutiques, street markets, and local stores.

• She enjoys visiting art and craft exhibitions, food festivals, and cultural events, often tying these outings with her shopping trips.

• Neha is an active participant in local community groups and events, where she shares her shopping experiences and recommendations with fellow Delhiites.

Pain Points and Frustrations

1. Enhancing Shop and Product Discoverability: Users frequently encounter challenges when attempting to identify suitable shops and specific products within the offline market. These hurdles lead to time-consuming searches and potential frustration. Addressing this issue will not only streamline the user experience but also result in an augmented footfall per business/store, consequently contributing to increased revenue generation.

2. Clarifying Service Waiting Times and Expertise: Users often confront ambiguity regarding service waiting times and the level of expertise offered by establishments such as haircutting salons, repair centers, and dry cleaning facilities. This uncertainty hampers efficient visit planning. By resolving this concern, we aim to elevate customer satisfaction, leading to heightened patronage per business. This increased patronage will positively impact the topline, thereby boosting our revenue.

3. Facilitating Price Comparison Across Stores: Users encounter difficulty in comparing prices for identical products across distinct offline stores, impeding their ability to make informed and cost-effective decisions. Addressing this pain point will empower users to make purchasing choices based on accurate information, driving an upsurge in orders. By enabling users to access the best deals, we anticipate an expansion in our partnered store's sales volume and, consequently, an enhancement in our revenue.

4. Amplifying Awareness of Nearby Promotions Users often miss out on valuable promotional offers and discounts available at nearby shops or malls, resulting in unrealized savings and diminished motivation to visit physical establishments. By effectively communicating these promotions, we envision an elevated user retention rate, along with increased foot traffic and order frequency, thereby fostering growth in our revenue.

5. Diversifying Payment Options: Many Indian stores lack a comprehensive range of integrated payment systems, leading to inconvenience for users who prefer alternative payment methods. By introducing a flexible and versatile payment ecosystem, we anticipate a boost in user satisfaction and engagement. This enhancement in payment convenience is projected to generate additional revenue as users are more likely to complete transactions through our platform.

Market Research

Total Addressable/Available Market

According to recent data from Economics Time, the total number of individuals using smartphones with internet connectivity amounts to 52% of the Indian population. This translates to a substantial figure of approximately 759 million people who have both internet access and smartphone usage.

Serviceable Available Market

Assuming that 30% of individuals with internet access reside outside Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, we are left with a remaining 70% of users located in these cities, whom we can potentially serve. Therefore, the total number of users within our Serviceable Available Market (SAM) amounts to 70% of 759 million, which equates to approximately 531 million users.

Given an average order value of Rs 500 and an anticipated buying frequency of 4 times per month, the total calculated value would amount to Rs 1.62 trillion.

Hypothesis

If we replicate the seamless and convenient experience of online shopping and services in an offline platform, then the new generation will be more inclined to choose offline options. By addressing the challenges of time constraints, limited information, and difficulty finding offline options, we anticipate that users will be happier to make purchases and use offline services, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction with the platform.

Current System & Constraints

Back in 2014, during the expansion phase of e-commerce giants like Flipkart and Amazon, these platforms offered substantial discounts in comparison to the offline market. This prompted a considerable shift towards online shopping as these platforms aggressively competed in their initial stages. However, with time, the price parity between the online and offline markets has largely converged.

One significant drawback of online shopping remains the inability for customers to physically experience or try out products before purchasing. This limitation significantly impacts the decision-making process. Yet, the predominant challenge still resides in locating the ideal product within the online market, as it is often a daunting task to navigate through the vast array of options available.

Testing and Validation

Some Quotes During Interviews of Users:

• "I love the convenience of online shopping, but sometimes I want to explore nearby stores and find unique items."
• "I wish there was a way to know if the shop I'm heading to has the product I need in stock."
• "Finding the best deals is crucial for me as a student on a budget. It would be great to have real-time updates on nearby offers."
• "I love exploring new hairstyles, but the long waiting times at the parlours eat up so much of my day."
• "I wish there was a way to know how much time I'll have to wait at the parlour before heading there."
• "I like shopping online, but trying clothes before buying is a must for me. It's tough to find the right stores in an unfamiliar city like Bangalore."
• "I take pride in finding the best deals in Indore. It's like a personal challenge to get the lowest price for the things I need."
• "Time is precious for me, so I need quick and convenient ways to compare prices and save money while shopping."
• "I love my city, but I also want access to the same great prices and products that bigger cities enjoy. It's all about maximizing value for me."
• "I love the energy of Delhi's markets. There's something special about the hustle and bustle that you can't get online."
• "Shopping for me is not just about buying things; it's an experience. I like to engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts."
• "Time can be a challenge, but I make an effort to carve out moments to explore Delhi's vibrant markets and discover unique treasures."

Survey:

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/5L9A9WsRksrmGZZ9A

Based on the survey results gathered from a diverse group of respondents, including school students, college students, early job professionals, and married couples from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India, several key insights have emerged:

1. Offline Shopping Preference: A significant majority (67%) of users prefer the offline shopping experience.

2. Online Shopping Drivers: Among those who shop online, 24% are motivated by discounts and convenience.

3. Time Constraints: About 13% of users cited time constraints as a reason for their online shopping preference, indicating a need for solutions that save time during the shopping process.

4. Waiting Time Aversion: Nearly 28% of users are discouraged by the waiting times associated with offline shopping, suggesting opportunities for improvements in this aspect.

5. Physical Product Inspection: A substantial 46% of users prefer to physically inspect products before making a purchase decision, highlighting the importance of "try before you buy."

6. Lack of Product Information: 5% of users avoid offline shopping due to a lack of precise product/service details and pricing, signaling a need for more comprehensive information dissemination.

7. Preference for Human Interaction: Approximately 13% of users appreciate the experiential aspect of offline shopping, including interactions with sales staff and the discovery of new products.

These insights provide valuable data for testing and validating our hypothesis:
- The survey results indicate a significant preference for offline shopping among users. This validates the hypothesis, suggesting that efforts to enhance online shopping experiences and bridge the gap between online and offline may be well-received.
- Users' aversion to waiting times in offline shopping underscores the importance of solutions that optimize this aspect of the offline experience.
- The strong preference for physically inspecting products highlights the need for features that enable users to evaluate items in physical stores before making decisions.
- For the 13% who appreciate human interaction, solutions should aim to preserve the personal touch of offline shopping in an online environment.

In conclusion, the survey results validate the hypothesis and provide clear directions for refining and developing solutions that cater to the varied preferences and needs of users in the offline and online shopping domains.

Feature and User Journey

1. Discovery of Products or Shops

   Upon launching the app, users are immediately presented with an array of categories offering a diverse range of shops and services situated in proximity to their current location. These categories are thoughtfully organized, each brimming with subcategories that further refine the user's search:
   1. Food
   2. Fashion
   3. Pharmacy
   4. Electronics
   5. Travel
   6. Grocery
   7. Beauty and Grooming
   8. Hair & Parlours
   9. Repairs
   10 Painting
   Upon navigating to the second tab, users are introduced to a meticulously curated list of establishments located within a 20-kilometre radius by default. An intuitive option allows users to seamlessly switch between viewing these options in a list format or exploring them on a dynamic map.
   To provide users with the utmost flexibility, a range selector empowers them to adjust the radius of their search, spanning from a minimum of 5 kilometres to an expansive 80 kilometres. This feature accommodates various preferences and requirements, allowing users to tailor their exploration experience according to their unique needs.

   

2. Product Details and Comparision

   Upon selecting a store, users are directed to the product details page, where they can access a comprehensive overview of the chosen product. This page presents essential information, including:

   1. Distance: Users can easily discern the proximity of the store offering the product, helping them assess the convenience of accessing it.

   2. Sales or Discounts: Information about ongoing sales or discounts related to the product is prominently displayed, allowing users to make cost-effective decisions.

   3. Available Types and Sizes: Users gain insights into the various types and sizes of the product available, aiding them in selecting the most suitable option.

   4. Product Availability: The real-time availability of the product is showcased, ensuring users are informed before making a commitment.

   5. Price Comparison: Users are empowered to compare the price of the product across different stores, enabling them to identify the most advantageous deal.

   6. Historical Price Comparison: A valuable feature allows users to evaluate the current price against historical pricing data, facilitating well-informed purchasing choices based on past trends.

   This product details page not only equips users with comprehensive information but also empowers them to make informed decisions that align with their preferences, budget, and individual needs.
   

3. Travel to Shop/Store

   When users identify their desired product and decide to travel to the shop, our solution provides a convenient approach. This dedicated page offers essential information, including the optimal time to visit the shop, ensuring users can plan their trips efficiently. Additionally, users are presented with integrated options to hail transportation services like Uber, Ola, or Rapido, streamlining their travel to the chosen shop. This integrated solution not only enhances the shopping experience but also adds an extra layer of convenience by seamlessly connecting the shopping journey with transportation arrangements.

4. Make Payment

   In-store rush often centres around billing counters, causing inconvenience. Our app introduces a streamlined payment solution that revolutionizes this experience. Users can conveniently pay at the store by scanning the product's code. This approach enables users to seamlessly try products and proceed to checkout without any hassle. Moreover, our solution offers diverse payment methods, including Pay Later, Credit Card, Debit Card, and UPI, providing users with a range of options beyond the conventional payment norms. This innovative payment solution not only enhances user convenience but also modernizes the in-store payment process.
   

5. Coupon/Discount

   Our platform offers a dynamic coupon and discount solution, ensuring users are always informed about real-time discounts and sales organized by stores. By providing this feature, users can seize the opportunity to make purchases without missing out on valuable deals. This solution empowers users to stay up-to-date with the latest offers, enhancing their shopping experience and maximizing their savings potential.

Prioritization

In the current MVP phase, our primary focus will be on addressing the discovery and comparison of products, as this directly tackles the problem faced by 34% of our users. Following this, we will proceed with the development of a payment and checkout system. Finally, in subsequent phases, we will enhance the platform by addressing the discount-related challenges faced by our users.

Release

Phase One	Metrics	Product Listing, Product Discovery and Search for product
Phase Two		Product Details, Waiting time, etc.
Phase Three		Payment and Checkout System
Phase Four		Coupons, Referrals

Operational Checklist

The Dependencies are only for Phase One Implementation

Operation Teams	Number of products in store
Onboarding team	Store and Business onboard on Platform
Supply & Management Team	For know a number of products in store
Marketing	Increase adoption of app after launch

Metrics

North Star Metrics: Increase Weekly Active Users (WAU)

At this initial phase of our product development, our primary focus is on driving adoption and user engagement. Therefore, our North Star metric will be the Weekly Active Users (WAU).

To increase WAU, we will actively track and optimize the following key performance indicators (KPIs):

1. Number of App Installations: The total number of users who download and install our app.
2. Number of Sessions per User: The average number of sessions (app interactions) each user engages in within a given time frame.
3. Number of Searches: The total searches conducted within the app, indicating user engagement with the platform's discovery features.
4. Number of Signups: The count of new user registrations, demonstrating user interest and intent to engage with the platform.
5. Number of Product Views per User: The average number of product or service views per individual user, highlighting user engagement with the offerings.
6. Number of Visitors per Week: The total count of unique visitors to the platform within a week, indicating platform visibility and reach.
7. Average Product Discovery per User: The average number of products or services discovered by each user, reflecting the breadth of offerings explored.

By closely monitoring and optimizing these metrics, we can effectively increase our WAU, ultimately driving user adoption and engagement. These KPIs serve as leading indicators, helping us make data-driven decisions to enhance the user experience and boost daily active user metrics, ultimately aligning with our growth objectives.

Contingency Plan

The contingency plan aims to outline strategies and procedures to ensure our platform's continued functionality and reliability in the event of unforeseen disruptions or challenges.

1. Data Source Redundancy:

Challenge: Dependency on external data sources (APIs, web scraping) for real-time product information.
Strategy: Develop a fallback mechanism to provide limited product data if primary sources are unavailable. Regularly monitor data sources for consistency and have backup data providers in place.

2. Network Failures:

Challenge: Network outages impacting real-time data updates and user interactions.
Strategy: Implement caching mechanisms for critical data to serve users during network downtime. Configure failover systems to reroute traffic in case of network failures.

3. Inconsistent Store Data:

Challenge: Retailers providing inconsistent or incorrect product details.
Strategy: Implement data validation checks and algorithms to detect and filter unreliable data. Establish communication channels with retailers to address data quality issues promptly.

4. Downtime and Maintenance:

Challenge: Scheduled or unscheduled system maintenance resulting in service interruptions.
Strategy: Schedule maintenance during off-peak hours and clearly communicate planned downtime to users. Implement load balancing and redundancy for uninterrupted service during maintenance.

5. API Integration Issues:

Challenge: Disruptions or errors in third-party API integrations.
Strategy: Regularly test API integrations, monitoring for errors and response times. Implement error handling procedures and automated alerts to address API issues promptly.

6. Data Breach or Security Threats:

Challenge: Security breaches compromising user data.
Strategy: Continuously update and monitor security measures, including encryption, access controls, and user authentication. Develop an incident response plan to contain and mitigate security threats.

7. Regulatory Changes:

Challenge: Changes in local or international regulations affecting data privacy or e-commerce.
Strategy: Stay informed about regulatory updates and adapt the platform to remain compliant. Maintain open communication with legal advisors to address any legal challenges promptly.

8. Natural Disasters:

Challenge: Unforeseen events such as natural disasters affecting server infrastructure.
Strategy: Implement offsite backups and redundancy for critical infrastructure. Develop a disaster recovery plan for data and services.

9. User Feedback and Issue Reporting:

Challenge: Efficiently handling user feedback and issue reporting.
Strategy: Establish clear channels for users to report issues and provide feedback. Implement a robust customer support system with well-trained staff to address user concerns promptly.

10. Talent Retention

Challenge: Retaining key technical and operational talent.
Strategy: Develop a competitive compensation and benefits package. Provide opportunities for skill development and career growth. Foster a positive work environment to encourage talent retention.

This contingency plan outlines measures to mitigate various risks and challenges that may arise during the operation of our platform. Regular testing, monitoring, and adaptation will be essential to ensure the platform's resilience and continued success.