Now, you can buy Hero bike on company's website

The move comes after it tasted success with online sales in its tie-up with Snapdeal

After selling about half a million two-wheelers through an online tie-up with Snapdeal, country’s largest two-wheeler player Hero MotoCorp has launched online booking of products on its website. The 18-month-old tie-up with Snapdeal will continue but the company will also promote sales on its own platform.

The online booking facility was launched last month. The company said it is too early to share online-only sales numbers. Hero has sold 520,000 two-wheelers on Snapdeal since in December 2014. It is learnt that the company is in advanced stages of finalising  tie-ups with other leading e-commerce players.

“We would be generating customer awareness about the online sales feature through our social media platforms and through dealership activation programmes,” said a company spokesperson.

SUCCESS PLAN

• Hero starts online booking of bikes on its website
   
• Decision made after success of the tie-up with Snapdeal
   
• 520,000 two-wheelers sold on Snapdeal since December 2014
   
• TVS Motors, Suzuki also sell two-wheelers on Snapdeal

The delivery process, warranty benefits and servicing facilities at 6,000-plus Hero touch points remain the same.

A buyer purchasing a motorcycle online gets access to the complete assortment of Hero’s bikes and scooters in all variants and colours, which might not always be available with a particular dealer. A buyer can book a Hero two-wheeler on the website by paying Rs 5,000. After online booking, the customer can visit the dealership to get the delivery.

Online presence is becoming critical for most auto companies. In May 2015, Piaggio announced sale of Vespa scooters through Snapdeal. Suzuki Motorcycles entered into a tie-up with Snapdeal in November last year. In March this year, TVS Motors also roped in Snapdeal.

Companies are also intensifying their digital and social media engagement.

Some, however, do not see merit in tying-up with an online marketplace. Y S Guleria, senior vice-president (sales and marketing) at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India recently said, the company is not looking at online sales in near future.

“We will increase our digital footprint in a phased manner. Buying patterns suggest that people go to online for a deal or discount. A two-wheeler is not delivered at your doorstep. You have to visit the dealership to complete the formalities. Digital can only help in comparisons and better understanding of the products,” he said.