Why more users in smaller Indian cities buying condoms online

Lack of access to condom varieties and hesitancy to purchase them from the store are some of the factors driving the growth of online sale of these products, according to data released by e-commerce player Snapdeal.

Users have also become confident and more open to buying condoms online due to the discreet shipping policy for these products on Snapdeal, the company said.

As compared to last year, there has been a 30 per cent increase in the sale of condoms driven by demand from non-metros, Snapdeal said, adding that eight out of 10 orders for condoms were from non-metros.

"Considering the continuing hesitation around the subject of sex and its education, people are still reluctant to purchase condoms from a store,"  said a Snapdeal spokesperson.

Over 50 per cent of the demand from non-metros was from tier-3 cities like Imphal, Moga, Aizawl, Agartala, Ernakulam, Malapuram, Shillong, Silchar, Udaipur, Hissar, Nagaon, Bardhaman, Dibrugarh, Kanpur and Ahmednagar.

"Online marketplaces have become a go-to place as it provides discreet and hassle-free purchase, which has led to increasing volumes," the spokesperson added.