Why are product displays on e-commerce sites so drab?
Mint Kolkata|December 26, 2024
Businesses based on technology shouldn't lose touch with the subtle art of persuasion
BIJU DOMINIC

The e-commerce story, a business that began a few decades ago with buying and selling used computers before evolving to sell almost anything online, is nothing short of dramatic. But this journey of changes has had one constant: the backgrounds of most product images on e-commerce platforms are white in colour. This socialist-world principle of sameness should be seen alongside the fact that these sites use some of the drabbest product images across all types of media. E-commerce companies use some of the most cutting-edge technology in various facets of its management. But why are they not bothered about the quality of their display images?

Just compare the product shots of brands on e-commerce sites with those at brick-and-mortar stores, like the shopfront of a kirana outlet. If a soft drink brand has sponsored the sign-board, it will ensure that an evocative image is displayed on it. Even water droplets on the soft drink's bottle will look refreshing. But the same brand's image even on the top e-commerce sites would look dull. What explains this dismissal of online images?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT KOLKATAView all
Mint Kolkata

A Boycott of Costco for Its DEI Efforts Is Not Likely to Succeed

The US retailer has a loyal base of shoppers that it's unlikely to lose

time-read
3 mins  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Wealth tax: Let's judge it by principles of taxation

Tax canons laid down by Adam Smith remain relevant, though his list has been extended. Test the idea of a wealth tax against these, lest we get carried away by progressive idealism

time-read
2 mins  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Hacked in 2024? India's privacy rules require you to take action

Draft digital personal data protection rules demand that data breaches be reported retrospectively

time-read
3 mins  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Cutting Through the Clutter: Key Focus Areas for Retail Investors in 2025

Remember that social media is for fun, and not serious topics such as personal finance advice

time-read
3 mins  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Health insurance claims: How to ensure grievance redressal

Health insurance claims can be a source of frustration when rejected. This article explores the process of grievance redressal for rejected health insurance claims in India, focusing on the rights of policyholders and the role of the IRDAI guidelines.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Assam mining tragedy: Rescue operations on for fourth day

Rescue operations by multiple state and central agencies continued for the fourth day on Thursday to locate trapped miners inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district of Assam, officials said.

time-read
1 min  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Centre to give LPG subsidy to oil PSUs

The government is likely to provide a subsidy of ₹35,000 crore to state-owned Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to make up for losses they incurred on selling the fuel this fiscal, people aware about the development said.

time-read
1 min  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Eli Lilly to Set Up GCC in Hyderabad

Pharma major Eli Lilly and Co. on Thursday said it plans to establish a new global capability centre (GCC) in Hyderabad and hire over 1,000 people to strengthen its digital strategy and service delivery.

time-read
1 min  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

Bank officers' union warns of strike

Bank officers' union AIBOC on Thursday threatened to go on a nationwide strike on 24-25 February to press for their various demands, including a five-day work week and adequate recruitment in all cadres.

time-read
1 min  |
January 10, 2025
Mint Kolkata

NRAI to take action on Zomato, Swiggy

Opposing \"private labelling\" by Zomato and Swiggy and their recent foray into quick commerce food delivery via separate apps, restaurant body National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) on Thursday said it will file complaints with \"relevant regulatory authorities\" and initiate legal action to prevent them from monopolising the market.

time-read
1 min  |
January 10, 2025