Amazon looks to push e-wallet transactions, unveils multiple offers

Amazon is all set to woo customers in India with a 10 percent cash-back offer for its mobile wallet 'Amazon Pay', according to a report in The Economic Times.

The promotional offer will be valid on returned items too. The offer which is valid once per customer, has some sellers worried that it will lead to spike in the number of deliberate item returns. Amazon Pay offer is applicable beyond Amazon's own platforms too.

The All India Online Vendor's Association (AIOVA) told the newspaper, “Amazon is encouraging returns at sellers’ cost and investment. Amazon should give equal incentive to the seller whose stock is being returned.”

The US-based e-commerce giant recently invested Rs 130 crore into Amazon Pay India and is now offering various discounts to consumers. Of the many offers the e-commerce giant is offering, the company is giving Rs 100 cash-back on a bill of more than Rs 700 to first-time users as Amazon Pay balance.

Amazon Pay India was launched by the parent company Amazon.com in December 2016.

The global e-tailing giant has already pumped in over Rs 2,000 crore (over USD 310 million) in India in the last two months as part of its efforts to consolidate its position in the country and fend off local rivals like Flipkart. These funds were pumped into Amazon’s online marketplace business in India as well as the wholesale business.

The company has also received a nod to set up online grocery business, where it has proposed to invest another USD 500 million.

Last year, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had committed investments to the tune of USD 5 billion into the Indian market. Amazon India, which has recently completed four years of operations, has been directing its investments towards building warehouses, strengthening logistics and increasing product assortment.

Bezos, as part of investor calls, has highlighted the importance of the Indian market to its operations on multiple occasions and has assured that the company will continue to invest in India.

(With PTI inputs)