Capterra’s recent survey involving 500 Indian online shoppers reveals significant trends in the adoption of technology for online shopping. The study aimed to understand shoppers’ preferences for various technological tools and their behaviors while shopping online.
The survey highlights a notable trend: there is a growing interest among online shoppers in AI chatbots, QR codes, and the impact of social media advertisements. Among the respondents, 51% expressed interest in using AI chatbots and QR codes for their online shopping needs.
Additionally, 42% of respondents are driven by AI-based recommendations, 41% prefer voice recognition, and 39% favor AR or VR for online shopping. When asked about their use of AI-enabled chatbots, 72% of respondents reported using them to search for products online and expressed a desire to continue doing so in the future. Conversely, 18% had never used an AI chatbot, and 8% had used them but did not plan to use them again.
The survey also found that social media ads significantly drive purchases and engagement. A remarkable 70% of respondents had purchased one or more products after seeing a social media ad in the past year.
Furthermore, 69% of respondents looked up information about a product after seeing a social media ad, and 65% followed a brand, indicating that social media ads generate significant engagement even if they don’t always result in immediate purchases. Within the last 12 months, 65% of individuals began following a brand because of social media advertisements. A significant majority (73%) of surveyed shoppers expressed that they don’t mind seeing ads if they are relevant to their interests, and 53% of respondents indicated they find ads for products they haven’t previously shown interest in acceptable.
The use of search filters to narrow product searches is also prevalent among online shoppers. When asked how frequently they use search filters when shopping online, 52% said they always use them, followed by 36% who stated they use them often, and 11% said they use search filters only sometimes. Despite finding search filters helpful, 46% of respondents said they find filters to be too specific, and 40% reported feeling overwhelmed by too many filters.
The growing interest of online shoppers in QR codes and chatbots highlights a shift towards a more convenient and interactive shopping experience. Businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and operations can leverage these technologies by integrating them with their current systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots offer real-time, 24/7 customer service by responding to inquiries, making tailored recommendations, and helping with purchases. This expedites the shopping process and cuts down on wait times. Additionally, QR codes provide a quicker way to access product information, promotional offers, and digital services.
Capterra assists organisations worldwide in finding the right software. Founded in 1999, Capterra offers a comprehensive platform with verified user reviews, independent research, and tailored comparison tools, providing over five million buyers each month with a confidence-building discovery experience.
