Latest news with #AmazonIndia
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
From Sikar to Seattle: How a young techie balances high costs, big dreams, and long distance duties
When Divya Saini graduated with an engineering degree in 2017, she never imagined that just four years later she would be living in Seattle and working for a top tech firm. Starting her career at Amazon India through campus placement, she made rapid strides, eventually moving to the company's US office in July 2021. 'The role gave me a wider canvas to grow and contribute," said the 26-year-old software engineer. Yet, the move also brought a whirlwind of lifestyle shifts—most notably, financial ones. 'The cost of living on the West Coast is much higher than in other parts of the US," she says. Though salaries are slightly adjusted for location, the pay doesn't always match the hike in expenses. Saini shares her experience of living in Seattle as part of a Mint series on Indian expats. Sticker shock From basic groceries to services like haircuts and house help, Divya says she experienced cost culture shock in the US. 'I used to constantly convert USD to INR. It always felt ridiculously expensive." Now she understands purchase price parity (PPP), but even a routine haircut, she points out, can cost $100-$200—or upto ₹17,000. 'I now get it done just once in six months and time the next cut with my annual India trip." Unlike in India—where she lived with roommates and shared costs—Divya now lives alone in a snug 530 sq ft one-bedroom apartment. 'Roommate culture exists here too, but with a stranger, it can be challenging to share chores which are easily outsourced to house help and handymen in India. It's easier to avoid friction by living alone," she said. That choice brings comfort—but also a steep price: nearly 30% of her income goes toward rent, groceries, utilities, and travel. Budgeting for lunch Food is another major recurring cost, and not all of it is avoidable. Divya cooks most of her breakfast and dinner at home, but lunch is a different story. 'I usually prepare my breakfast and dinner at home, but I have to order-in lunch in the office as there is not enough time to cook. One meal costs about $15–20, which adds up significantly over the month," she said. Despite the costs, Divya makes it a point to travel often. She's already checked off Hawaii (three times), New York, Miami, Portland, and San Francisco. 'I thoroughly enjoyed New York. It's a very vibrant and diverse city," she said. Each trip costs around $1,500, funded from her short-term savings. 'I plan around long weekends and keep aside about 25% of my salary for travel and other big purchases," she said. Divya doesn't splurge on big-ticket items like cars or electronics, but she did make two large investments that brought comfort: a robotic vacuum cleaner and a roti maker—together costing $3,000. 'They've been totally worth it for the convenience and time they save." 'Financially speaking, I think most luxuries are possible in India if you're doing well in your field," she added. Career moves and visa truths While the US is often called the land of opportunity, Divya says it's most true in traditional high-paying sectors—tech, medicine, finance, and law. 'People are more open to pursuing unconventional paths here, but the money still concentrates in a few fields." Visa constraints are a hurdle for Indian spouses. 'If you come on the dependent visa, you can't work in the US unless your H-1B holder spouse is far along in the green card process," Divya explained. Some choose to study or find a job that offers visa sponsorship, but that process can be long and uncertain. Taxes and social security US tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York are known for offering some of the highest salaries in the global tech industry. However, once taxes and living expenses are factored in, the take-home pay is not as impressive. Divya pays an effective tax rate of 27%, and after deductions towards insurance, 401(K) retirement plan and other contributions, she receives roughly 65% of her gross income. Annual appraisals are modest within the same company at around 3–7% annually, she said. If you want significant hikes—like 30 to 50%—you usually need to switch companies, she said. According to Numbeo, an online database of quality-of-life metrics, life in Seattle—rent included—is a staggering 350% more expensive than in Bengaluru. Adjusting for purchasing power parity, one would need around $4,891 (or ₹4.21 lakh) in Seattle to match the lifestyle ₹1 lakh affords in the Indian tech capital, according to World Bank estimates. Unlike Europe, where public healthcare and social support are more robust, the US offers limited social security benefits, and healthcare is mostly private. While not legally mandatory, health insurance is practically essential due to high medical costs. Divya is covered under an employer-sponsored plan that costs about $150 per month, which is far more affordable than individual plans that typically range from $400 to $700. Her plan includes outpatient care, hospitalisation, and prescriptions, but has a $2,000 annual deductible. "Only after I've paid that out of pocket does my insurance start covering costs, so it's really only helpful in the case of major medical issues," she said. A visit to a general physician costs about $200 per visit, while a specialist charges about $400, she added. After covering essential expenses and discretionary spending, Divya sets aside about 30% of her salary. Of this, she invests 20% in US index funds and sends the remainder to her family in India. Yet, it's not all about cutting back. 'The quality of life is excellent, and the learning curve steep," Divya said. With long-term plans of launching her own startup, she's already testing ideas through hackathons and have launched two AI-powered voice agent side projects called Dance Buddy and Adulting Buddy. 'There's a contagious entrepreneurial spirit in the US that really pushes you to think big," she added. Money moves that work When she first moved, Divya sent most of her savings back to India—only to realise that it wasn't the most efficient plan. 'Six months in, I realised it was a costly mistake given the weak INR against the USD," she reflects. Now, she manages her finances entirely in the US, primarily investing in low-cost index funds. She also maxes out the annual $23,000 limit towards 401(k) retirement plan, which is deducted from her gross income. Her only Indian asset is a small industrial plot in Rajasthan, acquired through a government lottery while she worked in India. 'My father encouraged me to build this early asset to support my dream of starting my own business," she said. Although Divya hasn't yet decided whether to set up her business in the US or India, her connection to home remains strong. 'I miss my family and feel a deep sense of purpose in contributing to India by creating jobs and building something meaningful there," she said. She's optimistic that her US-based savings in index funds and Amazon ESOPs will help fund her entrepreneurial journey, wherever she chooses to begin it. Note: This article reflects Divya's personal experience living and working in the US. Costs, income, lifestyle choices, and financial priorities may vary for others based on individual circumstances and goals.
Mint
17-07-2025
- Mint
Ambrane MagSurge Qi2 wireless powerbank launched in India: Price, features, and availability
Ambrane, an Indian tech accessories brand, has unveiled its latest wireless magnetic power bank, the MagSurge, to the Indian market. The power bank comes with a battery capacity of 10,000mAh and carries Qi2 certification, indicating compliance with the latest wireless charging standards. This article provides an overview of MagSurge's specifications, features, pricing, and availability. The main feature of the Ambrane MagSurge power bank is its Qi2 wireless certification. This certification allows the powerbank to wirelessly charge smartphones that support Qi2, including popular models such as the latest iPhone series and Samsung Galaxy S flagship phones. The Qi2 protocol helps reduce heat during charging and uses magnetic alignment to maintain a stable connection between the charger and the device. Additionally, Ambrane includes a magnetic charging ring with the power bank. This accessory enables users to convert phones without built-in magnetic charging capabilities to work with the MagSurge. The MagSurge delivers wireless charging speeds up to 15 watts. It also supports wired charging with a maximum output of 22 watts, including 20 watts for normal charging and 22 watts for Programmable Power Supply (PPS) charging. The powerbank features a USB-C port, which serves both as an input to recharge the powerbank and as an output to charge other devices. A five-segment LED indicator displays the charging status and remaining battery level. With a 10,000mAh battery, the MagSurge can charge an iPhone 16 approximately 1.5 times on a single full charge. The device incorporates Ambrane's SafeCharge Technology, which offers safeguards against overload, overcharging, overvoltage, electrostatic discharge, short circuits, and incorrect circuit connections. The powerbank also has a built-in metal stand designed to hold smartphones in either vertical or horizontal positions, which lets users watch videos comfortably while charging. The Ambrane MagSurge is priced at Rs. 1,999 on Amazon India and is available in purple and golden colour options. The device can also be purchased through Ambrane's official website at Rs. 2,499.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple iPhone 16 price drop alert: Get the 128 GB smartphone under Rs. 40,000 with bank, exchange offers, and more
iPhone 16 price drop: iPhone 16 Amazon deal is making headlines as the flagship device sees a jaw-dropping discount, with the iPhone 16 128 GB model now available under Rs. 40,000 in India. Originally priced at ₹79,900, this massive markdown becomes possible through a mix of exchange offers and bank discounts on Amazon. This unexpected price cut brings Apple's premium performance into reach for many more buyers, just weeks before the anticipated iPhone 17 launch. With its powerful A16 chipset, robust camera system, and long-term iOS support, the iPhone 16 remains an appealing choice. If you've been waiting for the right time to upgrade, this deal might be the perfect excuse. Stick around to see why now could be the best moment to buy. iPhone 16 specifications 48MP Macro Photography: With the option to use sensor crop for 2x zoom, the 48MP primary camera will enable detailed macro photography, producing crisp photographs. Action Button: Taking the place of the conventional mute switch, the Action button may be programmed to carry out a number of functions, such as turning on Do Not Disturb mode or starting the camera. Log Video Recording: Professional colour grading will be possible on the iPhone 16 Pro models thanks to support for ProRes and Log video formats. Sturdy Design: The iPhone 16 will include a new internal design for improved heat dissipation and performance, particularly when gaming, along with a sturdy aerospace-grade aluminium casing. Vertical Camera configuration: Supporting spatial video capture, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will have a vertical camera configuration. Photographic Styles: With a deeper comprehension of skin undertones, the device will provide sophisticated photographic styles that enable customised photo edits. Apple Intelligence: Using data processed by Private Cloud Compute, the iPhone 16 is built to take advantage of Apple Intelligence, providing private and tailored recommendations. Camera Control Button: The camera, photo capture, and video recording will all be easily accessible with a new capacitive "Camera Control" button. Swiping motions for settings and other camera features are also supported by this button. Using data from the ultra-wide and fusion cameras, the iPhone 16 will be able to produce immersive spatial content through the capture of spatial images and videos. iPhone 16 price, discount, and offer on Amazon The iPhone 16 (128GB, Black) is currently offered on Amazon India at its original price of Rs 79,900. However, a flat 9% discount takes the price down to Rs 72,900. Buyers might save even more by taking advantage of Amazon's exchange program. For instance, trading in an iPhone 15 (512GB) in good condition can obtain up to Rs 31,050 in exchange value, cutting the effective cost to just Rs 33,400. Additionally, consumers using the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card can enjoy an extra discount of up to Rs 3,675. With all incentives applied, the total price can drop to as low as Rs 38,175, making it an enticing value for iPhone upgraders.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mid-year ecommerce sales spike sets the stage for cracking festive season
Ecommerce order volumes during the recent sale period grew 19% compared with a year earlier, according to market trackers and sharp discounts-driven rise in consumer demand, across categories such as smart TVs, headphones, air conditioners, kids' essentials, and luggage, is seen setting the tone for the festive season that starts in September, according to brands and industry July 11-14 sale window, which saw overlapping campaigns from marketplaces like Amazon India and Flipkart as well as direct-to-consumer brands, marked a notable uptick in volumes, according to ecommerce software company Unicommerce. Analysts say this momentum could help lift performance in the current quarter, offering some respite amid a broader slowdown in ecommerce tier-I and metro cities saw a 15% year-on-year rise in order volumes, tier-II and tier-III cities recorded faster growth at 21% and 22%, respectively during this year's sale period compared to 2024, Unicommerce assumes significance as ecommerce companies look to rebound from sluggish growth last year, when the sector posted 10-12% annual growth as per a Bain-Flipkart report, compared with 20-30% till a few years sale events – such as Amazon 's Great Indian Festival Sale and Flipkart's The Big Billion Days – during the festive season typically account for almost half of the gross merchandise value these companies report in a for Flipkart and Amazon India said the platforms posted strong growth in consumer electronics, smartphones, beauty, fashion and other categories during the recent events.'Premium segments are performing exceptionally well, with high-end smartphones, TVs and consumer electronics showing double-digit growth led by Samsung, Apple, Sony , Lenovo and OnePlus,' an Amazon India spokesperson said.'TVs perform better during this (sale) period because they are appliances that people plan to buy and often wait for the best deals,' ecommerce consultancy firm Datum Intelligence's Satish Meena said. 'Tablets saw some increase – better than smartphones – but still remained under 10%. Standard headphones, on the other hand, have performed very well this time too. Even air-conditioner sales have exceeded expectations, despite the summer not being particularly strong.'Consumer electronics company Boat, luggage makers Eume and Uppercase, home appliances brand Atomberg, kitchen equipment manufacturer Solara and fashion brand Zouk posted strong sales during the July sale saw a rise in sales during Prime Day, with overall growth in the audio category expected to exceed 20%, said the IPO-bound company's chief operating officer, Gaurav Nayyar. Kitchen appliance startup Beyond Appliances said it recorded a fivefold increase in sales over the last two days compared with business-as-usual (BAU).Atomberg saw double-digit growth in fan sales during the sale period, while its mixer grinder category posted an eightfold increase in volumes, the Mumbai-based consumer appliances maker Krishnakumar, founder of fashion brand Zouk, said its sales rose fourfold across marketplaces compared with usual business levels. Shreyans Jain, cofounder of sports nutrition startup Nutrabay, said it saw a threefold jump in sales compared with BAU and a 43% increase over last year's brand Uppercase witnessed a sixfold jump in sales during the sale period compared to normal days, with year-on-year growth of nearly 80%. Eume said its revenue for Q1 FY26 is roughly 80 % higher than the previous quarter and it expects a similar momentum in Q2.'We usually give a discount of 15-20% on a BAU day and during this promotion period, that will go anywhere between 40% and 45% depending on the stock that we have of the particular product. So, if we want to liquidate, this is the right time,' said Uppercase cofounder and managing director Sudip executives said these sales marked the beginning of festive season preparations, with brands now ramping up their supply efforts with new product launches and category push.'One aspect of preparation is very supply-focused, where I think a lot of the inbounding of products into warehouses will start in about a month. We have a bunch of new products for the festive season that we will be launching,' Krishnakumar of fashion brand Zouk are now revising their estimates for Diwali based on the current demand to have enough inventory ahead of the event.'Diwali is our key focus, and these numbers have prompted us to re-forecast for the year. Last year was relatively slow for both Amazon and the broader market, but this time, Prime Day is shaping up to be a strong indicator for the upcoming festive season. The positive signals we're seeing now are the reason we're recalibrating our plans,' said Solara's founder and chief executive Gopal Ghose said the company has new product launches planned for the festive season, which also coincides with peak travel months, a period when categories like check-in luggage are expected to see strong Ventures-backed kids' personal care brand Tuco Intelligent, which said it saw a twofold increase in sales, said it plans to launch new gifting SKUs in skincare, lotions, and makeup in time for Diwali.'Overall, consumer spending is returning to the market, so we can expect higher spending during the Diwali sales,' said Datum's Meena.
Economic Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Mid-year ecommerce sales spike sets the stage for cracking festive season
ETtech Ecommerce order volumes during the recent sale period grew 19% compared with a year earlier, according to market trackers and sharp discounts-driven rise in consumer demand, across categories such as smart TVs, headphones, air conditioners, kids' essentials, and luggage, is seen setting the tone for the festive season that starts in September, according to brands and industry analysts. The July 11-14 sale window, which saw overlapping campaigns from marketplaces like Amazon India and Flipkart as well as direct-to-consumer brands, marked a notable uptick in volumes, according to ecommerce software company Unicommerce. Analysts say this momentum could help lift performance in the current quarter, offering some respite amid a broader slowdown in ecommerce growth. While tier-I and metro cities saw a 15% year-on-year rise in order volumes, tier-II and tier-III cities recorded faster growth at 21% and 22%, respectively during this year's sale period compared to 2024, Unicommerce assumes significance as ecommerce companies look to rebound from sluggish growth last year, when the sector posted 10-12% annual growth as per a Bain-Flipkart report, compared with 20-30% till a few years ago. The sale events – such as Amazon's Great Indian Festival Sale and Flipkart's The Big Billion Days – during the festive season typically account for almost half of the gross merchandise value these companies report in a year. Spokespeople for Flipkart and Amazon India said the platforms posted strong growth in consumer electronics, smartphones, beauty, fashion and other categories during the recent events. 'Premium segments are performing exceptionally well, with high-end smartphones, TVs and consumer electronics showing double-digit growth led by Samsung, Apple, Sony, Lenovo and OnePlus,' an Amazon India spokesperson said. 'TVs perform better during this (sale) period because they are appliances that people plan to buy and often wait for the best deals,' ecommerce consultancy firm Datum Intelligence's Satish Meena said. 'Tablets saw some increase – better than smartphones – but still remained under 10%. Standard headphones, on the other hand, have performed very well this time too. Even air-conditioner sales have exceeded expectations, despite the summer not being particularly strong.' Keeping count Consumer electronics company Boat, luggage makers Eume and Uppercase, home appliances brand Atomberg, kitchen equipment manufacturer Solara and fashion brand Zouk posted strong sales during the July sale saw a rise in sales during Prime Day, with overall growth in the audio category expected to exceed 20%, said the IPO-bound company's chief operating officer, Gaurav Nayyar. Kitchen appliance startup Beyond Appliances said it recorded a fivefold increase in sales over the last two days compared with business-as-usual (BAU).Atomberg saw double-digit growth in fan sales during the sale period, while its mixer grinder category posted an eightfold increase in volumes, the Mumbai-based consumer appliances maker Krishnakumar, founder of fashion brand Zouk, said its sales rose fourfold across marketplaces compared with usual business levels. Shreyans Jain, cofounder of sports nutrition startup Nutrabay, said it saw a threefold jump in sales compared with BAU and a 43% increase over last year's brand Uppercase witnessed a sixfold jump in sales during the sale period compared to normal days, with year-on-year growth of nearly 80%. Eume said its revenue for Q1 FY26 is roughly 80 % higher than the previous quarter and it expects a similar momentum in Q2.'We usually give a discount of 15-20% on a BAU day and during this promotion period, that will go anywhere between 40% and 45% depending on the stock that we have of the particular product. So, if we want to liquidate, this is the right time,' said Uppercase cofounder and managing director Sudip Ghose. Prep for festive sales Several executives said these sales marked the beginning of festive season preparations, with brands now ramping up their supply efforts with new product launches and category push.'One aspect of preparation is very supply-focused, where I think a lot of the inbounding of products into warehouses will start in about a month. We have a bunch of new products for the festive season that we will be launching,' Krishnakumar of fashion brand Zouk are now revising their estimates for Diwali based on the current demand to have enough inventory ahead of the event.'Diwali is our key focus, and these numbers have prompted us to re-forecast for the year. Last year was relatively slow for both Amazon and the broader market, but this time, Prime Day is shaping up to be a strong indicator for the upcoming festive season. The positive signals we're seeing now are the reason we're recalibrating our plans,' said Solara's founder and chief executive Gopal Ghose said the company has new product launches planned for the festive season, which also coincides with peak travel months, a period when categories like check-in luggage are expected to see strong Ventures-backed kids' personal care brand Tuco Intelligent, which said it saw a twofold increase in sales, said it plans to launch new gifting SKUs in skincare, lotions, and makeup in time for Diwali.'Overall, consumer spending is returning to the market, so we can expect higher spending during the Diwali sales,' said Datum's Meena. Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Leadership shakeups cloud Ola Electric's revival attempts Trent trips on the ramp. Is it still worth the splurge or time to change brands? Just before the Air India crash, did India avert another deadly mishap? 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