And the connection is not limited to free messenger services, chats or sharing images and videos on the go. People now feel the need to be virtually present at all occasions or at least be a part of the celebrations. eShops delivering gifts, flowers, cakes are increasing by the day to enable customers to be able to send cakes etc hassle free anywhere in India.
However, a word of caution must be maintained that although this industry is on the rise, the overall development is pretty nascent. Most elite and favored bakeries or chains do not have an online store let alone catering to deliveries all over India.

Stand alone stores are wary of the investment required to create and maintain such an arrangement. From developing a fully functional, bug free site to maintaining the payments, setting up customer service channels for the online user base and maintaining an efficient delivery mechanism in case there doesn’t exist any. All this is a lot of ask for a standalone store doing very good business in a particular area or a city. Payment Gateway companies charge levy their own charge over every transaction causing loss of profit margins. Also, the ROI is not instant. Word of mouth and repetitive business are of utmost importance and also time consuming. Creating an efficient marketing channel with an efficient SEO work, social media strategy etc to promote the newly created online business is also a must.

However, having said the above, once an online portal has been created, the ripples can be far felt. Most Indians settling abroad, including students are looking to deliver cakes online, gifts etc. to their family and friends back home on personal occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or festivals such as Diwali, RakshaBandhan or Christmas and so on. From sending simple cakes, to customizing cakes with pictures or different shapes and designs to sending assorted sweet boxes, online shops are almost like entering a store and choosing your pick.Most online stores are working towards accepting international cards which makes shopping even more convenient for international buyers. Mumbai being one of the biggest cities in India has seen a surge in stores looking to provide free delivery in Mumbai or at a nominal charge with the help of an online delivery mechanism.

Nonetheless, this arrangement is beneficial for both the customers and the shop owners and of course bringing the world closer!