RajenReflects

How Modern Goods and Services Become Part of Our Lives

Does it upset you when a product or service you cherish shuts down?

Last week, I was disheartened to hear about two services I frequently used closing down.

Image Courtesy: Zomato App

The first was Zomato Legends’ closure. This platform enabled me and countless others to savour the finest cuisines from different cities. I could relish Tunde Kababs from Lucknow in the comfort of my Delhi home. It was more than just a service; it was a gateway to culinary adventures without leaving my city. From the rich flavours of Hyderabadi Biryani to the sweetness of Kolkata sweets, Zomato Legends brought a world of tastes to my doorstep.

Purists may argue that the food isn’t freshly cooked and only works for those who can decide a day in advance. True, but the convenience was unmatched. Sadly, the economics didn’t work out for Zomato, and it was discontinued.

The second was the news that Vistara will soon be phased out. I preferred flying with Vistara because it introduced premium economy, positioned and priced between business and economy class. It offered more space and privacy than economy class, and you paid much less than a business class seat. Vistara catered to those who valued comfort and were willing to pay a premium.

Much before Vistara was launched, I enjoyed travelling on Kingfisher Airlines. Flying Kingfisher felt like the good times. Thanks to their attention to small details, it was an experience that made you feel special. Everything was meticulously planned to ensure that passengers felt pampered, from the comfort of the cabin experience to the quality of in-flight service. But after a few years of operations, Kingfisher shut down, unable to sustain its high costs and business model.

In the 21st century, I’ve witnessed and benefited from the launch of several new products and services that scored highly on convenience, comfort, and value for money. Some were successful, while others fizzled out after an initial burst of enthusiasm, primarily due to mounting losses.

The Highs and Lows of Modern Conveniences

As much as we love these products and services, not all survive. Zomato Legends is just one example of a service that had to shut down despite its popularity.

Kingfisher Airlines shut down, but it left behind memories of comfort in the skies. Vistara, which is merging into Air India, will soon be gone. These brands offered something unique that resonated with us on a personal level, and their absence leaves a void.

But not all good things have come to an end. Some goods and services have survived and become integral to our lives.

Let’s explore a few that left a lasting impact on me and are still around.

Revolutionising Movie Tickets

The BookMyShow platform took the movie ticket industry by storm, and it still rules the roost, profiting from its first-mover advantage. For younger generations, it’s hard to imagine a time when buying movie tickets meant queuing outside theatres for hours. Worse still, if you wanted a guaranteed ticket for a blockbuster, you had to deal with black marketeers.

BookMyShow changed all of that. It brought movie ticketing online, making it easy, quick, and transparent. No more standing in line, no more uncertainty, and no more dealing with shady black marketers. The part I loved the most was that you could select your seats.

BookMyShow is a perfect example of a service that filled a need so well that it’s hard to imagine life without it. It’s not just about buying a ticket; it’s about the entire experience—planning a night out, choosing the perfect seats, and enjoying the anticipation of a great movie.

The Future of Reading

Image Courtesy: Kindle

If I had to pick a favourite among modern inventions, it would be the Kindle. Whoever invented it has my undying gratitude. The Kindle is not just a device; it’s a revolution in reading and accessing books.

Physical books have charm, but the Kindle offers a practicality that’s hard to resist.

Before the Kindle, I had shelves overflowing with books, and my wife frequently complained about the lack of space. But now, I can travel light—just 200 grams or so—and carry many books wherever I go. The convenience of holding it in one hand, adjusting the font size, and reading in the dark without disturbing anyone is unbeatable. Not to forget the remarkable ability to sample a chapter in a book before buying it.

It’s not just a reading device; it’s a library in your pocket. And while Amazon isn’t paying me to say this (though I wouldn’t mind if they did!), the Kindle is one product that has genuinely improved my life.

Embracing the Impermanence

As we move through life, we inevitably grow attached to specific products and services. They become more than just tools; they integrate into our routines, shaping how we experience the world. But if there’s one lesson to be learned from the rise and fall of these conveniences, it’s this: everything has its time.

The products and services that have left us, like Zomato Legends and Kingfisher Airlines, served their purpose. They enriched our lives for a while and made way for future innovations. Rather than lamenting their loss, we should appreciate the memories they gave us and look forward to what’s next.

This impermanence teaches us to cherish what we have while we have it. So when your favourite service shuts down, or a beloved product becomes obsolete, take a moment to reflect on the good it brought into your life—and then, with an open mind, welcome the next wave of innovation.

About Me

I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.

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