Sell Online Through Multiply (It’s the In Thing)

Posted by Jozzua on Sep 28, 2008 in Random Blabber | 9 comments

If you have an a traditional store, how do you leverage the internet to earn a bit more?

Example: you have a stall over at the mall or near a school. You sell beads. People walk by, see your products, touch and try them on. If they like it, they’ll by it.

Can you imagine how it would work in an online store?

Two years ago, I wrote a guide for Filipino entrepreneurs on how to start an online store. Some of the info I wrote there is now obsolete, as there are more ways to do business online. How?

The simplest is to sell on social networking sites. The most common site? Multiply.com.

The site above sells beads and charms.

It’s really simple. Sign up, upload your catalog of products, and explain the payment/delivery details.

Multiply works because of its ‘networking’ nature. You simply add people to your network. As you update your site, your contacts are notified. People leave comments about your products and services. Essentially, they are reviewing what you offer. It’s like a built in marketing machine. It’s also pretty easy to use. Anybody new can quickly upload images and post prices.

Two main problems solved already:
- An online store front
- Marketing

The next issue is – How do you get paid?

There are several ways people have addressed this.

• GCash/Smart Money – buyers pay via cell phone. This offers a bit of risk on the buyer’s side. They have to shell cash up front. People have shown willingness to use it, however, when they see that they can trust the seller and the prices are aren’t too high. Seller trust in Multiply is established through the testimonials and feedback.
• Paypal: Since paypal became available in the Philippines, a world of online e-commerce opened up. If you can live with the transaction fees. It’s worth it. I personally recommend it.
• Bank deposit – the buyer pays through bank deposit. This is, again, a bit risky. There has to be a measure of trust establish for this to push through.
• Meet-up/Cash On Delivery – One of the generally accepted ways to do business in Manila. If the buyer and seller are around the same area, they can just meet up. Alternatively, they can send someone to pick-up an item or deliver items.

It’s simply amazing how people have adopted to what’s available for them. Since Multiply.com is easy to use, use it as an e-commerce site! It immediately answers two of the basic business needs of any entrepreneur. Just add a little more creativity and you have an online business!