A recent report from YouGov BrandIndex explores how urban Indian consumers perceive value for money, highlighting brands that strike a balance between affordability and quality. The findings offer insights into how different industries are evaluated based on consumer trust and pricing.
Amazon leads the rankings with a score of 56.5, followed by Flipkart at 53.0 and Amul at 52.8. These brands continue to earn consumer confidence through competitive pricing and reliability, reinforcing their dominance in e-commerce and household essentials. Other brands recognized for strong value perception include Tanishq at 48.4, MakeMyTrip at 45.4, Kalyan Jewellers at 43.0, Zomato at 41.2, Samsung at 39.9, Tata Motors at 39.8, and Tata Tea at 38.2. The presence of jewellery brands such as Tanishq and Kalyan Jewellers suggests that value is not solely about low prices but also about trust and product quality.
Some brands have gained significant ground in consumer perception. EaseMyTrip has shown the highest improvement with a 5.8-point increase, followed closely by MakeMyTrip and Amazon Fresh, both improving by 4.7 points. The rising value perception of travel and grocery delivery platforms indicates a shift toward better deals and competitive pricing in these segments.
Gender-based differences in value perception reveal that while both men and women rank Amazon, Flipkart, and Amul highly, certain preferences set them apart. Men are more likely to include Tata Motors and Air India among their top choices, highlighting a focus on automobiles and national airlines. Women, on the other hand, prefer brands like Swiggy and Malabar Gold & Diamonds, showing an inclination toward convenience-based services and jewellery.
Regional variations also shape brand perception. In Tier 1 cities, Amazon, Amul, Tanishq, Flipkart, and MakeMyTrip are regarded as the best value brands. In Tier 2 cities, Amul, Amazon, and Tanishq stand out, while in Tier 3 cities, Flipkart, Amazon, and Amul hold the top spots, indicating a stronger reliance on e-commerce where offline retail options may be more limited.
A sector-wise breakdown of value perception highlights leading brands across different industries. In airlines, Air India and IndiGo rank the highest, while China Southern Airlines and Scoot receive the lowest ratings. Samsung leads in consumer electronics, while Alienware and Electrolux struggle with value perception. Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki are recognized as the best value automobile brands, while Datsun and Triumph rank lower. In general insurance, SBI General Insurance and Tata AIG are rated highly, whereas COCO by DHFL and Universal Sompo fall behind. Travel booking platforms see MakeMyTrip at the top, while GuestHouser and Travelguru lag in consumer trust.
E-commerce remains a highly competitive space, with Amazon and Flipkart maintaining their leadership in value perception. However, platforms like Shopclues and Snapdeal continue to struggle in gaining consumer confidence.
Consumer trends emerging from the data suggest that 57% of urban Indians prefer purchasing from well-known brands, indicating the importance of reputation in shaping value perception. Additionally, 64% consider comprehensive insurance coverage essential, prioritizing security over cost alone. Price sensitivity remains a key factor, with 57% of shoppers focused on securing the lowest prices when making purchases.
The findings reinforce that Indian consumers evaluate value not just based on affordability but also through brand trust and product quality. While e-commerce platforms and household staples maintain their dominance, travel and jewellery brands are increasingly perceived as offering good value. As brands navigate a competitive landscape, the ability to balance pricing with quality will be a crucial factor in securing consumer trust and long-term loyalty.
