[sagargv]

A few months ago, Amazon's competitor Flipkart started asking users to order via the app rather than through the browser. That's when a lot of my friends and I switched to Amazon. I never really understood the reason for insisting on ordering via the app.

Apps don't have a good way to convey that they are using HTTPS, so I don't like the idea of entering my credit card details in an app. Most internet banking gateways in India aren't yet mobile optimized, so that's inconvenient too. (Internet banking is a popular alternative to debit cards in India; merchants re-direct users to their bank's website where users can login and agree to paying the merchant. It's actually a lot more convenient than credit cards because you only have to remember your bank account's username and password.)

[eklavya]

That is the most brain damaged idea I have seen from an e-commerce player yet.

[vram22]

I've stopped using Flipkart on mobile because of that. Only use it from my laptop now.

[sundarurfriend]

Yes, Flipkart's force-pushing of the app is the final (and weighty) straw the pretty much stopped me from using them at all. Pretty stupid decision at a time when competition is only getting fiercer.

[abcdravi]

True... I'm still still trying to figure out in what scenario push towards App-only strategy makes sense.

[k_lander]

same reason I switched. I let them know, too.