Meesho is a B2C marketplace that offers fashion, personal care, and lifestyle products. Established in 2015 by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal. Meesho is an Indian social commerce platform that enables small businesses and individuals to sell products online, primarily through social channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. It empowers entrepreneurs and resellers to earn by sharing curated product catalogs, without needing to maintain inventory or handle logistics. The company attained a valuation of $4.9 billion in 2021.
Problem
Small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, struggled to reach online customers due to the high costs and technical challenges of setting up e-commerce stores.
Meesho Solution
Meesho provided a social commerce platform that enabled small businesses and resellers to sell products through social media channels like WhatsApp and Facebook without the need for an e-commerce website.
Initial Users & Marketing Hack
Meesho initially targeted small entrepreneurs, especially women, who wanted to start or expand their business by selling online. Their viral growth was fueled by the simplicity of their platform, combined with referral programs that rewarded users for bringing in new sellers and customers. They also leveraged WhatsApp as a primary sales channel, creating a viral loop.
Meesho Offerings
Reseller Platform: Allows individuals to become resellers and earn a commission by sharing and selling products through social media platforms.
Marketplace: Offers a vast selection of products, including fashion, home decor, electronics, and personal care, catering to a diverse customer base.
Logistics and Payment Support: Provides end-to-end logistics, including delivery and payment collection, eliminating the need for resellers to handle fulfillment.
COD and Easy Returns: Offers cash on delivery and hassle-free return policies to increase trust and customer satisfaction.
Supplier Platform: Enables suppliers to reach a broader market by listing their products on Meesho, driving sales without managing their own marketing.
Website
Linkedin page
Founder’s profiles
Vidit Aatrey, https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidit-aatrey-54222b56/
Sanjeev Barnwal, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-barnwal-072a4827/