Buying liquor in Kerala is going to be a hassle-free experience as Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing and Marketing) Corporation Ltd (BEVCO) is rolling out a full-fledged e-commerce app enabling people to purchase liquor online.
Though the app is aimed at eliminating queue at BEVCO outlets in the state, it has a catch: It will not deliver the product to your doorstep. People buying the product through the app by making a payment should visit the store at the allotted time to pick up the product without any hassle.
As per the details available, BEVCO is scouting for a startup to develop the e-commerce app in both Android and iOS versions. BEVCO has approached Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to zero in on the startup for developing the e-commerce app.
The app will serve as an e-commerce platform for people to buy alcohol. It will allow users to buy their preferred brands by making online payment and pick up the product from the store of their choice at an allotted time without waiting in a queue.
“BEVCO has decided to launch the app to enhance the customer experience through digital transformation, providing convenient access to product information and booking facilities,” said a senior official.
The Expression of Interest (EoI) submitted by BEVCO seeking proposals from startups says that the user-friendly mobile application for Android and iOS platforms will enable customers to browse and book liquor products online based on availability in specific stores. It will also have a robust user authentication system, including age verification and a secure payment gateway supporting multiple payment methods. The app will be integrated with ERP System and store location mapping with stock count to show real-time data regarding product availability in each store. Google Maps will be embedded to show store locations on a map, including displaying the closest store where the selected product is available.
“Once the user chooses a product, a payment can be made online for picking up the product from the particular store. There will also be a provision of a two-day grace period for keeping the order live. After the grace period, the order will get automatically cancelled if the product is not picked up and a refund will be provided,” said the officer.
Customers will also get a confirmation message upon successful booking, including the booking ID and store details. The app will also provide the time for easy pickup of the product after three hours of the online purchase.
The last date for startups to submit their interest in developing the e-commerce app is October 9. Startups with KSUM Unique ID can log into the Kerala Startup Mission portal to know more and submit their interest.
