Alfamart-Indomaret Competition Goes Online

Alfamart and Indomaret are two competing brands that are always located right next to each other. Both minimart networks also ride on the currently rising e-commerce trend by introducing Alfaonline and KlikIndomaret. In this article, we try comparing these two companies.

The use of security protocol (Https)

Unlike regular e-commerce websites, both Alfaonline and KlikIndomaret have yet installed any proper security protocol on their website. As DailySocial observed, both do not redirect users to a https protocol although they’ve registered and got into the system. This surely is odd, since other players like Tokopedia, Lazada and Bukalapak have already utilized such protocol to ensure customer’s data security.

The https protocol encrypts data traffic which is sent to and from the web server. Leaving an e-commerce service unsupported by a standard protocol (http) is a bad call. Within an e-commerce system, there are several user’s crucial data like address, private phone number and account number.

Payment method

We also compared both services’ payment method. As famous entities, both present various payment options within their services. Alfaonline does offer more methods, ranging from Alfamart e-voucher to Mandiri Clickpay, BCA KlikPay, bank transfer, Cash on Delivery (COD), and direct payment (through carrier billing, Indosat Dompetku, XL Tunai, Top Up, and Doku Wallet) at Alfamart stores.

Meanwhile, KlikIndomaret supports BCA Klikpay, credit card, ATM transfer, COD, and cash at Indomaret stores (either cash or using debit card, Indomaret voucher, and Indomaret card).

It’s rational to see Alfaonline covering more payment options, since the service was launched earlier and has partnered with more payment gateways and operators. This is where KlikIndomaret needs to catch up. More payment options means easier access for customers.

Coverage area

For this category, Alfaonline does hold the lead. So far, the service has covered Jabodetabek, Bandung, Semarang, Klaten,Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Meanwhile, KlikIndomaret “only” serves Jakarta for groceries and Jabodetabek for non-grocery products.

It’s only a matter of time until the a proper competition emerges. In this sense, KlikIndomaret indeed has what it takes to cover more areas, just like what Alfaonline does.

Delivery method

Last but not least is the delivery method. For the category, the two services do serve both delivery service and redemption at the nearest Alfamart or Indomaret store.

As players in e-commerce, it’s undeniable that Alfaonline and KlikIndomaret’s strength is that they possess thousands of stores all around Indonesia. Should they implement the Online-to-Offline concept perfectly, future glory awaits them at the end of the process.