CONSUMER DECISION-MAKING IN MEDICINE PURCHASES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ONLINE AND OFFLINE PHARMACIES IN MUMBAI
Rahul Baburao Ushir* and Dr. Alka Pandey
ABSTRACT
The rise of e-commerce in healthcare has transformed the way consumers purchase medicines. While online pharmacies offer convenience, competitive pricing, and home delivery, offline pharmacies provide trust, immediate availability, and personalized consultation. This study analyzes consumer decision-making patterns when purchasing medicines through online and offline channels in Mumbai, using a sample of 300 respondents. The research employs chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression to identify key determinants of pharmacy preference. Results indicate that younger and higher-income consumers prefer online pharmacies, while older consumers and those valuing pharmacist consultation favor offline pharmacies. Findings offer insights for businesses and policymakers to enhance consumer trust and optimize service models.
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