eBay partners with DHMA to brings local traders on its platform

Despite getting the first-mover advantage, e-retailing marketplace eBay lagged behind as other companies like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon raced ahead in the competition. Now eBay is putting in efforts to revive and bounce back. As a part of this plan, the company has joined hands with one of India's largest fabric traders body Delhi Hindustani Mercantile Association (DHMA) to bring local traders and artisans on its platform to offer more options for online buyers. DHMA is a 125 year old association having over 4,000 traders representing diverse sectors like clothing, textiles and transports.

Several platforms including Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal are taking various initiatives and inking partnerships to reach out to the local artisans so that they gain recognition and their work reaches out to the shoppers worldwide. Now eBay too is expanding its reach to locations across India like Jaipur and Surat to bring local traders and artisan online.

Last April, eBay had also signed an MoU with Confederation of All India Traders, which is associated with over 20,000 small trader associations, to encourage small retailers to sell products through its platform. Now the company aims to tie-up with 25 such trader and artisan associations this year from places like Jaipur, Surat and Jodhpur. It already has partnership with trade bodies that promote artisans working with traditional arts and crafts like the Odisha State Cooperative Handicraft Corporation or Utkalika and Ahmedabad-based Caftroots. It is also negotiating with the Gujarat State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation.