A study on students’ platform preference and perception towards online shopping

The rapid expansion of digital platforms has transformed trade and commerce, facilitating convenient, cost-effective and borderless transactions. This study explores students’ perceptions and platform preferences in online shopping, emphasizing how digital platforms contribute to trade facilitation in Dharwad District. Data were collected from 179 undergraduate students through a structured questionnaire, covering demographic variables, frequency of online shopping, platform preference and perceptions regarding convenience, cost-effectiveness, security, product quality and delivery services. Findings revealed that Meesho (57.50%). Amazon (51.40%) and Flipkart (38.00%) were the most preferred platforms. Students perceived online shopping as time-saving (69.30%), convenient (41.30%) and supportive of Digital India initiatives, though issues like product quality (27.40%) and service reliability persisted (10.60%). The study concludes that digital platforms play a significant role in modern trade facilitation, particularly among youth consumers, highlighting the need for improved transparency and consumer trust mechanisms.