Snapdeal forays into services e-commerce with online learning & education category

After pivoting from pure play service-based deal model to pure play online marketplace, Snapdeal has again forayed into services e-commerce space with online learning and education category. At present, the category offers courses like test preparation material, certificate courses, classroom training among others.

Online learning platforms like Edukart, Meritnation, EasySkillz, Simplilearn, Practice Guru and Test Funda have already listed their e-learning packages on Snapdeal. Students can purchase preferred course or preparation material voucher and will receive login and password to get started.

Speaking about this move, Rishabh Arora, AVP, Snapdeal, said, “At Snapdeal, we realise that although there are hundreds of institutes and brands offering study material or certification, the Indian market lacks one go-to destination where all possible study material is accessible. The idea is to enable consumers to cut through the clutter of endless websites to find the ideal online learning material, test papers or courses, in a verified, reliable, high trust environment of Snapdeal.”

This move by Snapdeal didn’t surprise us as e-commerce companies are trying to add different categories and verticals to get close to breakeven.

Over the past few years, online learning space has grown significantly with hundreds of startups entering to grab the next billion dollar opportunity. It’s set to reach $1.29 billion in the next three years. Startups in learning space can use the eBay-funded platform to access its strong consumer base and leverage its marketing budget for wider reach.

With the increasing pressure to acquire more customers and attain profitability online, marketplaces are introducing new categories and features. Earlier this month, Gurgaon-based ShopClues had launched an express check-out feature and an exclusive program for wholesale merchants.

Snapdeal and eBay launched a same-day delivery service which allows consumers to get products ordered on the same day in Delhi (NCR) and Mumbai respectively on the heels of e-commerce major Flipkart and Amazon’s roll out of premier shipping service.

What’s your view on changing strategies of marketplaces and the ongoing differentiator war between them? We look forward to your comments.