Snapdeal launches Gold service to take on Flipkart and Amazon in India

After Amazon launched their Prime subscription in India and Flipkart introduced the Flipkart Assured program, it’s now time for Snapdeal to join the party with their Gold service, that was announced earlier today.

Snapdeal Gold is an upgrade service that offers zero shipping charges, free next day delivery to eligible ZIP codes, an extended 14 day return policy, and product quality assurance. The best part is that this upgrade is absolutely free, and every order that is paid for via Netbanking, credit card, debit card, an EMI scheme, or Wallet is eligible.

Basically, if you pre pay for the product, you will automatically be upgraded to the Gold service. Unfortunately, that means that cash on delivery will not be applicable. Currently, over 5 million products are eligible for the upgrade.

Experience the best with #SnapdealGold! Visit: https://t.co/cRsH9vCpsW to know more. pic.twitter.com/N6nJNlLmgI

— Snapdeal (@snapdeal) August 28, 2016

When looking at competing services, Flipkart Assured is a seal of quality and speed, with high ranking vendors who meet Flipkart’s extensive quality and packaging guidelines a part of the program. Also available is free shipping within 2-4 days, and like Snapdeal Gold, this is completely free.

On the other hand, Amazon Prime is a paid service, currently priced at Rs 499 (~$7.5), and subscribing to Prime currently allows for guaranteed free same day, next, day, or standard delivery on eligible orders. Prime members can also avail special discounts on a slew of products, and also enjoy early access to deals and sales.

Snapdeal is currently a distant third after Amazon and Flipkart, and the launch of their Gold service is just another way for the company to take on the e-commerce giants in this ever-competitive space. Snapdeal may not have the high profile smartphone and device exclusives that Amazon India and Flipkart enjoy, but there are some great options available, including the recently launched ASUS Zenfone 3 and a whole lot more.

Do you think the Snapdeal Gold service will be enough for the company to take on Amazon India and Flipkart? Let us know in the comments section below.