Vendors association to Modi: We are not called for discussions, you call Bansals and Bahls of the world

The All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) has written to the PMO, seeking help to resolve their issues with the online marketplaces.

The association claimed that they were ignored during discussions and the officials had turned a deaf ear to request for meetings.

"We are not being called for discussion by your (government) agencies. But you are calling Bansals and Bahls of the world," said the petition by All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA).

The association said that the online marketplaces penalise sellers because buyers are increasingly returning merchandise, adding to their operational costs.

"Our biggest problem is that companies force us to use their logistics services and warehouses. They also charge us wrongly for weight of the products. The companies also disclose our strategic discount pricing to other sellers, which spoils the chances of increased sales," a seller told ET on the condition of anonymity.

"We want to seek your time for an appointment and educate you on why you should have an ecommerce ministry and a regulatory body for ecommerce just like IRDA, SEBI, RBI, etc.," the petition filed by the association stated.

AIOVA is a group of 500 medium- to large sellers on various online marketplaces with turnovers up to Rs 100 crore.

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