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6 things to know before starting an E-commerce business

Getting into E-commerce in the Philippines can be an exciting venture, especially if you’re a new E-commerce business. It’s an industry that presents a lot of opportunities for growth, and one that continues to evolve today. 

If you’ve decided to start your own online store, there are some important decisions you need to make even before its launch. There’s also a considerable amount of research and planning that you have to do. Feeling overwhelmed already? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place! 

Here are some tips to follow if you’re just about to start your E-commerce business

Create a business plan

Your business plan will serve as your guide throughout your E-commerce journey. It details your business model, your short-term and long-term business goals, and your timeline for each milestone. 

Having a business plan helps you stay organized as you grow your E-commerce business, and helps you keep track of your progress. It will also make it easier for you to determine if there are certain strategies you have to change along the way.

Identify and study your target market

You won’t be able to effectively sell products to your target market if you don’t know them. Do some thorough research on them — their psychographics and demographics — and visit the platforms they’re on.

For example, you can check out boards, discussions, or social media groups that are relevant to your audience. Doing this will help you understand the challenges they face, what needs your products have to answer, and what content resonates with them. 

Utilize the power of digital platforms 

Today’s day and age makes it possible to easily reach customers across the country, or even across the globe. How? Simple – digital platforms. Take advantage of digital platforms like social media or your website to reach a wider audience. 

With the power of digital virality, one great social media post can also increase your followers exponentially, and create more brand awareness for you. Having said this, make sure to invest in creating an effective digital strategy no matter what you’re selling.

Excellent customer service sets you apart

When you start your E-commerce business, it’s a given that you should have a customer support representative or team. That, however, isn’t enough; you have to make sure that you provide quick and holistic service. This means having multiple channels where customers can reach you. It also means addressing their concerns and queries in a prompt and professional manner. Additionally, using chatbots that provide answers to frequently asked questions can save you time and effort.

Sometimes, effective customer service can be the difference between a canceled order and a saved one. 

Make time for networking 

There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Something similar can be said for businesses, because it takes a community for every business to realize its full potential. That’s why you should make time to get to know your colleagues in the industry. 

Go to networking events, attend seminars and talks, and look for opportunities to share your expertise. Doing these will put you in the same place with like-minded people, some who can inspire you or even help you with your business. 

Networking will also help you stay on top of industry trends and best practices, helping you innovate for your business.

Launch your business with a bang

Once you’re ready to launch your business, make sure you do it with a bang! This means having a multichannel approach. Set up your social media accounts, make sure your website is optimized, and have an email or cell phone number ready to accept orders and inquiries. 

You can also consider advertising your store’s opening, and if possible, even tapping influential people as brand ambassadors. 

No matter what approach you go for, make sure that you generate as much buzz and brand awareness as you can. 

These are just some of the things to consider when opening your E-commerce business. It can be a lot of pressure, especially if you have to do everything alone. Thankfully, Payo can be your reliable partner in online selling!

Payo is a leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines that provides holistic solutions. When you partner with Payo, you don’t have to worry about the different aspects of owning an online store. We’ll be there to take care of Warehousing, Fulfillment, Cash on Delivery, and even Marketplace Optimization!

If you want to learn more about how Payo can help you, sign up today or send us a message at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to working with you soon!

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5 Innovative E-commerce website examples

Online retail now plays a major role in the lives of consumers. This is why merchants need to know how they can innovate and elevate their E-commerce service in the Philippines.

Similar to how brick and mortar stores function, a customer’s experience starts when they visit a website and navigate through your pages. A single bug or error may already trigger them to look at another shop, so it’s important to always consider how you can provide a seamless purchase journey for them.

To help you better understand, here are five E-commerce website examples that you can explore and draw inspiration from.

Zulu Longines

Luxury watchmaker Longines designed their website to pay tribute to pioneers of the aviation industry. Zulu Longines was listed in the top E-commerce website examples because of how interactive and playful it is.

Taking inspiration from airplanes, users go on a journey as if they themselves were flying thanks to the flight-inspired scrolling feature of the site. They also get to learn more about the brand’s history as it features a timeline of their key milestones before being led to their E-commerce site.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel is known worldwide for their houseware and other home essentials. They are one of the best E-commerce website examples because of how visual and clean they present their brand online.

Being in the business of homeware, they designed their website to feature large images. This helps consumers study their furniture just like how they would in stores. In addition, they allow visitors to sort and filter what they want to see, and keep track of those that they’ve viewed already.

Notebook Therapy

Notebook Therapy specializes in Korean and Japanese-inspired stationery. It is among the E-commerce website examples that are good because of how it brings out its brand personality.

The brand banks on simple and cute designs to carry their products’ overall appeal. Whether it’s notebooks, stationeries, or other items like bags, stencils and pencil cases, they provide that signature bookstore feel but with their own branded twist. Photos highlight different aspects of their products and their designs, while also being mirrored throughout the website itself.

Bite

When looking at E-commerce website examples, Bite ranks high not just because of its design, but its message. Bite is a company that sells dental products like toothpaste with the core mission of promoting sustainability. 

The brand’s website is very direct on what it’s selling through clear and strong visuals. By banking on sustainability, they also attract the attention of consumers with the same advocacy. Their website design and products all align with their cause, reinforcing the brand’s ultimate purpose. 

Zalora

Locally, Zalora is one of those E-commerce website examples that remain popular with Filipinos. While it carries wide clothing options, the brand also takes pride in their website’s functionality. 

Aside from offering apparel, Zalora highlights the convenience of doing fashion online. It integrated features like image search, virtual fitting rooms, and an intuitive seller center for a holistic shopping experience. Together, these help elevate the brand’s variety with class and sophistication.

These five E-commerce website examples all have their own strengths that make them shine. In designing your own, you need to go back to your brand’s identity and your target market. But remember, having a good website is just one of the things you have to consider in E-commerce. If you really want to step up your game, Partnering with Payo can help you deliver the best E-commerce service in the Philippines.

As a leading E-commerce enabler, Payo helps merchants come up with out-of-the-box ideas for their E-commerce problems. With solutions like Cash-on-Delivery Integration, Marketplace Optimization, Fulfillment, and Live Customer Support, you can provide a holistic and engaging purchase journey for your consumers even after they check out their orders.

Need help drawing inspiration for your shop? Sign up with Payo today or send us a message at [email protected]. Time to churn out ideas to help you stand out!

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Shopify Integration 101: Here’s what you need to know!

Venturing into E-commerce in the Philippines is an exciting idea. And with its continuous growth, it’s never been a better time to start an online business. 

But no matter what business you are in, having a user-friendly E-commerce platform is not an option but a necessity for you to grow and expand. Good thing there is Shopify.

One of the leading E-commerce solutions, Shopify offers a whole host of E-commerce features and integration possibilities to start an online store. It is user-friendly as it gives you tons of flexibility and control in building their online store. Shopify also offers solutions that best match your needs to help you attract customers, drive sales, and manage your day-to-day.

Thanks to Shopify, millions of people across the globe are able to open and run their online stores. And if you’re still wondering what you actually get when you use it, keep reading. 

Is it suitable for a newbie seller?

Absolutely! Shopify is a great choice for newbies who are yet to explore the vast world of E-commerce. The platform has an already-built store structure, so you just need to input some necessary information to get your shop going. 

How does Shopify work?

Shopify is an all-in-one solution for E-commerce businesses. It offers numerous tools that cater to your online store requirements, such as Store Set-up, Shipping, Payment, and many more. Basically, it provides merchants with the foundation to run an E-commerce business.

What features does Shopify offer?

Shopify offers a number of tools to help your business grow. It enables business owners to open a storefront, showcase products, engage with customers, accept payments, and more. Shopify offers all the tools you need to manage each of those activities. 

How to get started on Shopify?

First, you need to design or modify your store, add products to it, and test your website to ensure that both desktop and mobile versions are ready. You can promote your store easily as the platform offers a range of marketing and sales tools. And when a customer buys from you, Shopify will process their payment for you.

What’s in it for you as a merchant?

If you are launching an online store or embracing E-commerce for your brick-and-mortar shop, Shopify is the ideal option. It is a complete solution that makes it easy for you to sell products and services. Because you can automate your processes through Shopify, you have all the freedom from the technicalities involved in running an online business. This helps you just focus on more important matters like marketing and nurturing customer relationships.

How can Shopify give your business an edge?

Customers have become more discerning these days and they want convenience on top of everything you offer them. While your basic online store offers the essentials, you might not be able to serve them as seamlessly as possible. But with Shopify, you can add new features and integrate tools into your store. This can enhance the experience for your customers and boost sales revenues for you. Plus, they’re quick and easy to install!

These are just some of the things you need to know for you to offer a great online shopping experience through Shopify. And as the competition gets tougher in the Philippine E-commerce industry, you need to optimize your store with Shopify integrations to provide a great customer journey.

If you need help with Shopify, Payo is here for you!

Payo, the leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines, can make your E-commerce journey with Shopify easier. With Payo’s Shopify Integration, you can provide more payment options for your customers and give your online platform a competitive edge. The Payo plug-in also provides you with options when it comes to the types of packages you want to ship. Additionally, your platform is automatically integrated into Payo’s system, which means you can easily monitor your store’s data on your Payo Merchant Dashboard.

There are many possibilities with Shopify’s platform, and when combined with Payo’s unparalleled service, you will have everything you need to grow your business.

Want to learn more about Payo’s Shopify Integration? Sign up with Payo today or send us a message at [email protected] so we can get started!

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E-commerce trends to expect in 2023

As the year comes to a close, merchants doing E-commerce in the Philippines must remain on the lookout for what’s next. From ways to innovate operations to new offerings, there’s always merit in learning about top E-commerce trends, especially for 2023.

The fast-paced development of technology has opened up a lot of opportunities for businesses online. Now is every merchant’s chance to become an early adapter with this list of E-commerce trends in 2023.

The rise of video shopping

Photos will remain an essential part of the online shopping experience, but among the top E-commerce trends for 2023 is the use of videos. While Filipinos have learned and adapted to live selling, merchants can’t always host them. Video shopping is another way of showcasing products in detail. It offers a 360-view and a demonstration of how they work – similar to how TV shopping is done, only it’s on mobile and on social media.

More variety in payment options

Cash-on-Delivery has become an increasingly effective payment option for those doing E-commerce in the Philippines. As the financial landscape changes, many platforms are starting to offer other options including a Buy-Now-Pay-Later scheme, and even loans. These allow customers to purchase products and settle payments at a much later time, providing more flexibility.

Chatbots for 24/7 service

The world of E-commerce in the Philippines is becoming smaller and more on-demand. In reality, merchants can’t always be present or online to respond to inquiries. Thus, among the E-commerce trends expected in 2023 is the growth of chatbot integration. It offers a seamless shopping experience through automated responses, helping provide 24/7 service and allowing merchants to step in during more crucial or important concerns.

Over the years, the function of chatbots has evolved. Chatbots today are no longer simply offering automated responses. They’ve become the online personas of brands, complete with names and avatars, and can provide more complex answers to queries. In 2023, chatbots are forecasted to be capable of automating payments, streamlining operations, providing consumer insights, and many more tasks.

Greener and more sustainable packaging

The growth of E-commerce has also seen the spike in use of plastic, which poses potential threats to the environment. With society becoming more self-aware, many businesses are shifting to greener and more sustainable options in place of bubble wraps, packaging tapes, and other single-use plastics. Widespread use of these packing alternatives will also be one of the main E-commerce trends in 2023.

Growth of voice shopping

As the world becomes smarter and more digitally connected, different parts of the world saw an increase in the purchase of smart speakers. One of the more interesting E-commerce trends in 2023 is the growth of voice shopping through these devices. Merchants are encouraged to explore this trend to also cater to consumers who prefer this shopping method.

Increased digital presence through omni-channel selling

Nowadays, it may no longer be enough for a merchant to focus on one channel or platform alone. E-commerce in the Philippines is becoming more competitive as many learn the convenience and opportunities it offers. That said, one of the top E-commerce trends next year is omnichannel selling. This means having a multi-channel presence to cater to more audiences on online marketplaces, social media, your website, and other platforms. 

These E-commerce trends in 2023 can serve as a guide for merchants that want to try something new for their shop. These can help offer a new shopping experience for customers, while also maintaining competitiveness in the digital marketplace. But what would be most effective is partnering with an E-commerce enabler like Payo!

Payo is a leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines that offers solutions to help merchants adapt to the ever-evolving E-commerce landscape. Among these services are Live Customer Support, Marketplace Optimization, Warehousing, Fulfillment, and Cash-on-Delivery Integration, which enable merchants to immediately embrace some of the aforementioned trends.

Want to leverage these top E-commerce trends to elevate your business? Sign up with Payo today or send us a message at [email protected]. Let’s welcome 2023 with an effective E-commerce strategy!

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The basics of navigating the Marketplace on Facebook

Gone are the days when Facebook was just a multimedia entertainment platform. As E-commerce evolved, the social media site also became a place where people can connect in another way: through buying and selling.

When Facebook introduced an online marketplace, small businesses joined in to cater to their local communities. This marketplace on Facebook eventually morphed and became one of the fastest-growing online channels for merchants and customers to connect, especially at the onset of the pandemic. It is a convenient and accessible place for aspiring merchants to grow their businesses where they can tap millions of its users in just a click.

If you are thinking of joining it anytime soon, here are some of the basics you need to know to navigate this marketplace on Facebook.

You can sell anything here!

Well, almost. Since it is a free feature on Facebook, the marketplace allows merchants to sell almost anything from fashion items, home improvement supplies, toys, and games, to pet supplies, vehicles, and properties. Aside from new products, merchants can also sell pre-loved items. It’s kind of like a garage sale, but online. 

You can optimize your marketplace 

In this marketplace, you can simply create a new listing to sell something. A word of caution though — since a lot of merchants are already on Marketplace, it pays to stand out. So what can you do? Use quality photos for your listing, price your items competitively, and provide as many details as possible in the item description. 

You can target your listings based on location

The online marketplace can help you sell different items on Facebook right off the bat. The platform welcomes any user with image tiles of items posted within their vicinity, so they can see the items that they need straight away. But if you want to make your listings targeted, you can adjust your location and radius to capture potential customers within your area. You can also choose from its categories to further help your customers narrow down their search. 

You can easily connect with your customer

As a peer-to-peer platform, the marketplace on Facebook has devised a way to help you communicate easily with customers. All transactions in this online marketplace are started through Facebook Messenger—letting you connect with potential customers through a one-on-one conversation. Because it provides you with a real-time mode of communication, you can capitalize on their interest while it’s hot, helping prevent the customer from moving on and looking for other products.

You can integrate other E-commerce platforms seamlessly

As it is an online marketplace, merchants are given the liberty to integrate other E-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce with the Marketplace on Facebook. This enables merchants to leverage either platforms to expand their customer base and increase sales. 

You can pay for ads, acquire new consumers, set up a shop on Facebook to sell your products, and track the insights of customer actions when you choose to connect your marketplace store to your website.

You can choose your mode of payment

As the online marketplace does not facilitate payments or deliveries, merchants can choose payment modes for their stores. If you are an online seller in the Philippines, you’d know that cash is king and that customers would prefer Cash on Delivery. But with the growth of digital payments, some would offer online banks or mobile wallets like GCash, PayMaya, or Coins.ph to their customers.

You can also choose a logistics partner

In terms of delivering the items, you have the power to choose a reliable partner, or which method works best for you. Typically, marketplace sellers on Facebook would hand it over to the customer especially if they are within the vicinity. But to some, having a logistics partner is the best way to manage the deliveries. For one, it is more convenient. And secondly, it is easier to just have someone else deliver the items.

These are just some of the basic knowledge that you need to be equipped with when joining the marketplace on Facebook. With its massive audience and streamlined shopping experience, this online marketplace could be a fantastic addition to your E-commerce strategy in the long run. 

If you’re ready to start selling on online marketplaces, to level up your selling efforts, or just want a better handle on your strategy, Payo can be your reliable partner for it!

As an E-commerce enabler, Payo’s expertise can assist you in optimizing your marketplace, automating your processes, or even managing your logistics. E-commerce is made easier with our tech-driven tools such as our Courier Algorithm, Live Customer Support, and so much more. Plus, we can also manage your Cash on Delivery integration for more seamless and hassle-free payment transactions. Sounds convenient, right? 

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now or send us a message at [email protected] to start your marketplace journey!

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What is E-commerce, and how has it evolved?

E-commerce in the Philippines has been gaining momentum as more Filipinos dive into the digital marketplace. With just a few simple clicks or taps, they see the opportunities that E-commerce offers for both consumers and businesses.

But before anything else, what is E-commerce exactly? How did it start in the Philippines and how can merchants get into it?

Defining E-commerce

E-commerce is defined as the buying and selling of goods and services through an electronic network, which is mainly powered by the Internet. Simply put, it’s similar to how goods and services are sold in brick and mortar stores only this time, it’s online.

Nowadays, E-commerce in the Philippines is more visible and is rapidly integrated into people’s way of living. Anyone has access to it because of how widespread it has become. These include social media, online marketplaces, digital stores via websites, and so much more.

Thanks to technology, E-commerce unlocks many opportunities, from putting up small businesses to creating savings for consumers. It ultimately makes for a vibrant and thriving E-commerce ecosystem in the Philippines.

The growth of E-commerce

Before Shopee and Lazada, the growth of online selling and online shopping in the Philippines was relatively slow. As Internet access became commercially available in the early 80s, banking institutions were the first ones doing electronic transactions. 

The advancements in tech over the years opened up more ways to exchange goods and services. Brands started their own websites to sell products. Online selling platforms also emerged, which served as the foundation of E-commerce today. This included the likes of ebay, OLX (which many now know as Carousell), and the late social media platform Multiply.

Despite these innovations, not all Filipinos were enticed at the time because they preferred cash transactions. These platforms mainly catered to credit and debit card holders, and those capable of digital banking and over-the-counter payments.

Over time, banking institutions started advocating for financial inclusivity to educate more Filipinos on the benefits of being banked. This soon started covering digital banking to help them find more ways and simpler options to do online transactions.

The surge in the popularity of E-commerce in the Philippines is the result of this evolution, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The birth of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, e-wallets like GCash and Maya, and the introduction of Cash-on-Delivery as a payment option opened the doors for many Filipinos to embrace E-commerce.

The E-commerce landscape today

The rise of E-commerce in the Philippines certainly did not happen overnight. However, a lot of it can be credited to the pandemic-driven needs as it was a means for Filipinos to survive while in lockdown. 

Today, E-commerce transactions are happening everywhere and are also seeping into newer platforms like Tiktok. Online retail is now driven by consumer presence, and is reinforced by the flexible payment methods. As for the future, the landscape will only grow further and the ecosystem will become more competitive on the digital front.

For startups and businesses, what is E-commerce offering now? A growing pool of opportunities! And having the right partner makes breaking into this market easier and less daunting, even on the operational side. With Payo, local and international merchants can do just that.

Payo is a leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines that has a wide range of flexible solutions. Payo helps businesses keep operations organized and also provides guidance on effective strategies for online selling. These include Marketplace Optimization, Warehousing, Fulfillment, Live Customer Support, and even Cash-on-Delivery Integration

Need more information about how you can tap into the Philippine market? Sign up with Payo today or send us a message at [email protected]. Let’s collaborate and find the best strategy for your business!

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6 popular items to add to your E-commerce store for the holiday season

Filipinos are known for being especially enthusiastic about the Christmas season. This excitement even extends into the amount of effort they put into giving gifts for their loved ones.

As Filipinos start to tick off their gift lists, online marketplaces receive a rush of orders that greatly exceeds their usual sales. Shops that sell items already on customers’ wish lists are usually the ones that profit the most. If you want to make the most out of this opportunity, then you should consider adding these kinds of items to your E-commerce store during the holiday season. 

Haven’t caught up on which items are currently trending? We’ve got you covered! Here’s our guide to the popular and in-demand products that you should start selling on online marketplaces! 

Fitness Gear

Coming out of lockdown, more and more people have begun prioritizing their health. Items like sportswear, water jugs, and work out equipment are now in heavy demand.

Cater to a physically active crowd by adding these kinds of items to your E-commerce store for the holiday season. 

Video Games and Gaming Accessories  

From what was once a niche interest, gaming has become more and more mainstream in recent years. Its popularity these days comes as no surprise with the rise of streaming, inspiring more people to get in on the fun.

People are going to be looking for a gift for the gamer in their life, and that’s where your store can come in. Selling products like video games, controllers, and streaming equipment can boost your sales amongst the gamer crowd. 

Kitchenware and Appliances

Filipinos love cooking, and in recent years, kitchenware has become one the most sought after items in E-commerce. Items that can help make cooking easier are more than welcome in any household, especially with the rising popularity of easy cooking recipes on social media.

Many Filipinos also started food businesses during the pandemic, and those who want to continue growing know that getting good equipment is a step in the right direction.

With this in mind, products like air fryers, non-stick pans, and food processors make for great gifts for cooks of all kinds. Merchants should consider selling these, plus other utensils and cookware, on online marketplaces. 

Pet Supplies and Accessories

Pet owners do not hold back when it comes to keeping their fur babies happy. They’re willing to spend on accessories like scratch posts, treats, and collars without hesitation.

Consider adding pet-friendly items like these to your E-commerce store over the holiday season so you don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Fashion Items

Style never goes out of fashion, and Filipinos are some of the most stylish people out there. Clothing like oversized pants, crop tops, and blazers have caught the attention of all kinds of fashionistas, and would be a good addition to any store looking to attract more customers. 

Phone Accessories

Mobile phones are the gadgets of choice for most Filipinos, with accessories for these devices becoming incredibly popular on online marketplaces. Items like power banks, chargers, and cases are now in high demand, and can be a profitable addition to any merchant’s store. 

These are just some of the popular items that you can add to your E-commerce store this holiday season!

However, even if these products are already in your store, keep in mind that the battle isn’t over yet. You still have to effectively market and sell these items, and working with an E-commerce enabler like Payo can help you with that.

Our Marketplace Optimization solution can help your store stand out from the competition through eye-catching visuals and stand-out campaigns. These will ultimately help you attract more customers. We also have logistics solutions like Fulfillment and Warehousing that can provide your customers with fast and reliable delivery.

Connect with us by signing up now or sending us a message at [email protected]

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Last-minute holiday tips for online merchants

Just a few more days and Christmas will finally be here! While this means a period of merriment and gift-giving, it also means you have just a few more days until the busiest E-commerce season is over. Don’t lose the opportunity to take advantage of it!

If you’re an E-commerce service in the Philippines, you probably already have marketing campaigns in place. Still, it can be helpful to see how else you can boost your sales in the coming days. With that, here are our top holiday tips to make the most of the Christmas rush!

Create last-minute promos

While there are some shoppers who do tick off their Christmas lists in advance, some don’t have the time to buy gifts until the very last minute. That’s why one of our holiday tips is to create last-minute promos for these customers.

You can hold a flash sale on specific days of the month (e.g. 10 days before Christmas, or on Christmas day itself), or you can even have creative gift bundles up for the whole month of December! Don’t feel discouraged about creating promos because you feel you’re late to the game.

Plan some email campaigns

Email campaigns are a great way to talk directly to customers, especially those who have already bought products from your store. Make email campaigns exciting by offering exclusive discount codes, or early access to website sales. This way, customers will be excited for your holiday campaigns, and will be more likely to patronize your store. 

Make sure to also feature engaging images of your products, and focus more on being visual-heavy when it comes to these types of campaigns — something similar to a virtual gift catalog. 

Put importance on personalization 

Most purchases around the holidays are for gift-giving, and one seemingly small thing that customers look for is personalization. Offering simple gift-wrapping or holiday note cards can help them save time and resources. It’s also one less thing to worry about for them, as your products will be ready to give once it gets to their homes. 

This is one of the holiday tips you can do for free or for a minimal fee. Either way your customers will appreciate that you’re helping them with holiday preparations. 

Amp up digital campaigns 

With today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to reach out to hundreds or even thousands of people. That’s why it’s the perfect time to amp up your digital marketing campaigns, especially on social media. 

Invest in marketplace banner ads, social media ads, and even sponsored articles. Do as much as you can to get your product bundles and discounts out there, and it’s sure to catch the attention of potential customers during the Christmas rush.

Take advantage of post-holiday shopping

The holiday spirit goes beyond December 25, so don’t be afraid to extend your holiday offerings! Some customers might still need additional gifts, or may want to treat themselves in preparation for the new year. 

Having said this, it’s important to cater to these customers by planning out campaigns even until January. After all, the Philippines is known to have one of the longest Christmas seasons!

Offer same-day delivery

If there’s anything that last-minute Christmas shoppers need, it’s same-day delivery. We consider this one of the most important holiday tips for the Christmas rush. That’s because offering same-day delivery caters to a specific type of customer — the one that’s in a race against time to deliver their gifts. By being a store that can address this need, you have better chances of attracting more customers. 

These are just some of the tips that merchants can follow to increase their holiday sales in the next month or two. But if you want to be a reliable and credible E-commerce service in the Philippines, you have to optimize all the aspects of your business – not just ones involving your marketing and sales strategies. To do that, you need a partner in E-commerce who can take care of the legwork, and Payo is the perfect choice for this!

Payo takes care of all the logistical aspects of your business, from Warehousing and Fulfillment to Last Mile Management. Additionally, Payo helps you with Marketplace Optimization, Live Customer Support, and even Advanced Remittance

Taking these off your plate helps you focus on the bigger picture, ultimately helping you scale your business while having better processes.

If you want an E-commerce partner to help you with the holidays, as well as the rest of the year, then sign up today or send us a message at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you win in E-commerce!

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8 best practices for excellent E-commerce customer service

A Hubspot study revealed that 93% of customers are more inclined to repeat purchases with companies who offer excellent E-commerce customer service. This only tells us one thing, customer service is essential, no matter how big or small your E-commerce business is. 

While there’s no cookie-cutter approach to customer service, there are ways you can delight your customers and build lifelong relationships that will help your company thrive. Ready to take your E-commerce service in the Philippines to the next level? Start by implementing these customer service best practices.

Being proactive is key

Stand out from the competition by having a proactive approach to customer service. For example, ensure that your customer is informed of their package’s whereabouts. And if there is a delay, make sure that you reach out to them as soon as possible. Your customer will appreciate your effort and remember your store the next time they go online shopping. 

Consistency is the name of the game

Customers who choose to shop online expect fast reactions and prompt answers. It’s not enough to have a multi-channel approach; you have to make sure that you balance speed and convenience even in customer service. To do so, you have to serve your customers with a consistent level of quality in a short period of time across different channels. 

Show that you really care for your customers

Offering your customers genuine empathy is what can set your business apart. When you add empathy to your strategy, even a simple interaction between you and your customer can be meaningful and memorable. Remember that being approachable helps create great customer experiences that can drive loyalty, positive feedback, and eventually, repeat sales.

Add a personal touch

Giving every customer a personalized shopping experience can be challenging. Thankfully, there are small ways in which you can do this! Personalization can be in the form of after-sale follow-ups or small thoughtful gestures like adding free stickers in your packaging. You can also send personalized cards and notes to your customer. By doing any of these, you can deliver excellent customer service in your own simple way.

Always ask for feedback and act on them

In the Philippines, E-commerce services taking customer reviews and feedback seriously is a must. If you notice that a customer has had a negative experience with your store, don’t let them feel like they are shouting into a void. Reach out to them, offer a solution, and let them know you value their feedback. Your harshest critics today can be your biggest supporters tomorrow, so don’t forget to engage with feedback or reviews.

Meet your customers on the channels they prefer

Online shoppers expect that they can connect with their favorite brands via different channels. The best way to go about this? Meet them on the channels they prefer. Whether it be over social media, email, real-time messaging, offline support channels, or phone calls, communicating with them at their convenience is important. This is also why having a multi-channel presence can prove to be an advantage for your business.

Measure, optimize, repeat

One way to know if your E-commerce customer service is working is to set KPIs and track metrics. You can also analyze your performance through generated reports. There are various tools to help you with this. You can start with tracking the number of tickets, chat response rate, and period of resolution of requests. This way, you’ll know exactly where you are in your customer service approach and improve your quality of work.

Automate your processes with customer service tools

E-commerce enablers know that automation is the key to efficient processes. Luckily, even customer service in E-commerce can now be automated. There are various software or even help desks you can utilize to help your team connect with customers and organize their information. And with automation, you can resolve issues in as few steps as possible compared to manual processing.

These are just some of the best practices on how you can improve your customer service. Following these best practices can help set your E-commerce business apart from other online stores, so make sure you keep them in mind.

If you are finding it hard to handle customer service on your own, there are E-commerce enablers like Payo that can help you provide excellent customer service.

As the leading E-commerce enabler in the Philippines, Payo has a range of services that can empower you to create exceptional customer experiences. Level up your E-commerce game with services like Information Logistics and Live Customer Support, as well as other solutions like Fulfillment and Warehousing

Sign up with us today or send us a message at [email protected] and discover how you can scale while providing great E-commerce customer service in the Philippines!

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6 tips for social media selling in the Philippines

E-commerce in the Philippines continues to grow as many consumers and businesses discover the convenience it offers. With just a few simple taps and clicks, a merchant can set up their shop and start selling, while consumers can make purchases from the comfort of their own homes.

One form of E-commerce that has gained popularity among Filipinos is social selling or selling on social media. Simply put, this refers to the selling of goods through social media platforms. These include sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, which has been growing in this capacity as well.

For sellers and merchants who are new to social media selling or are looking for ways to elevate their game, here are six tips that will help secure sales on these platforms.

Visuals and descriptions matter

Social media selling means merchants need to place themselves in the shoes of their customers. From having the best product photos that highlight quality, to snappy captions and succinct product descriptions, these details matter to consumers. This is especially true considering they will only be able to view offerings through their desktops or phones.

Create bundles and promos

Similar to brick and mortar stores, bundles and promos are a great way to get customers shopping via E-commerce in the Philippines. Merchants can also be creative in their social media selling by making special offers. Additionally, it helps if these promos are exclusive to a specific platform, such as Instagram or Facebook. This also comes in handy when there are holidays and occasions that help customers buy more for less, with merchants getting more sales. 

Prompt responses to inquiries and feedback

Part of using social media for online selling is being prompt when responding to customer inquiries, feedback, and concerns. While consumers have a growing preference for E-commerce in the Philippines, they also want to be in touch with someone who can answer their questions before they make a purchase. Merchants must constantly check their inbox and the comments section of their posts and be ready to respond or provide further assistance.

Share positive customer feedback

Unlike online marketplaces or a website, reviews from social media selling can be scattered throughout the platform. They are sent through messages, on shared posts, or in the comments. Merchants must keep tabs on customer reviews and compile them in an album for others to refer to. This serves as proof of customers being satisfied with the store’s service.

Stay active and be creative

Since this is social media, selling on these platforms will require merchants to post updates regularly to stay on their customers’ digital feed. This can be through static posts, videos, stories and other means to upload product-related content. If there are no new announcements, merchants can get creative. They can rework product photos, make short videos, or recreate viral trends that can be picked up by the platform’s algorithms. 

To add to this, merchants can also host live selling sessions on their chosen platform. They can offer live-exclusive deals, giveaways, and other bundles to keep customers tuned in all throughout.

Explore ads and boosted posts

If there’s an available budget, social media selling also offers ways to promote products through ads and boosted or sponsored posts. By targeting a specific audience, these posts can reach potential customers and draw both traffic and interest to a merchant’s E-commerce shop in the Philippines.

These are only a few tips that merchants can apply to boost their social media selling game. Exploring new platforms may seem overwhelming, especially with everything merchants have to oversee. This is why partnering with an E-commerce enabler like Payo makes all the difference. They guide and assist businesses through the digital marketplace, including social media platforms!

Payo can help merchants dive into social selling through its wide range of E-commerce solutions. These include Live Customer Support to sustain communication with customers and Fulfillment to manage and track deliveries. We also have Cash-on-Delivery Integration to provide flexible payment options, Courier Algorithm to determine courier options, and so much more.

Need help exploring social media selling and getting sales from it? Sign up with Payo today or send us a message at [email protected]. Let’s collaborate and transform you into a strategic social seller!