As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a threat, online shopping is still a preferred platform for many consumers. People worry about being infected by new variants and how, even though they are already vaccinated, they are not wholly immune to falling ill unless the virus is completely eradicated. Entrepreneurs see this as an opportunity to look into online ventures that they can capitalize on as their customers seek entertainment while they are at home.
One of these business ideas is to sell products that are sourced abroad. This provides customers with access to items that would otherwise be unavailable in their local stores without the excessive shipping fees because the inventory is purchased in bulk.
Even though the business owner will transfer the cost of shipping to the consumer, it will still be significantly lower compared to making individual shipments.The entrepreneur can send money from their location, such as the Philippines, to the country where the items are sourced. This depends on how many orders they received for a particular item through their online platform.
Product Acquisition
There are various products a business owner can decide to source from abroad to sell online. They can choose among food, clothes, or even household items that are unavailable in their locality, providing their customers with the convenience of access and low delivery fees. Once the entrepreneur has picked the specific product they will offer, they can start working on acquiring their inventory through people they know in the country where it is provided, or possibly through leads of suppliers abroad.
The source of the items has to be confirmed before the business owner starts offering the products. There must be an agreement between the supplier and the company regarding the volume that can be ordered, shipped, and the conditions for the inventory’s durability. After all, the items will need to go through significant distances to reach the seller and the end customer. When the entrepreneur sorts these things out, they can begin to offer the products to their consumers through their online platform.
Platform Interaction
People who sell items online have become a source of entertainment. Since the algorithm on social media and many websites consider interaction a factor in determining whether particular content is viewable or not, sellers must also be entertaining enough to attract enough viewers who can become aware of the items up for sale. Even if they do not make a purchase, their attention toward the platform will bring awareness to the products being sold and the brand of the company.
Some sellers try to make jokes or tell stories about their day to capitalize on a market that seeks entertainment and interaction on social media. As a result, the seller becomes an influencer of opinions and a familiar face to the viewers, whether they make a purchase or not. The popularity of someone’s personality can make or break the likelihood that an online business involved in live-selling will be successful.
On the other hand, websites that facilitate sales between a buyer and a seller can encourage purchases when they ensure a good customer experience when they interact with the platform. A clean user interface and attractive offers can often be enough to entice consumers to add items to their cart. Another way to do so is to make it easier for customers to make their payments and complete a purchase.
Shipping Logistics
After the products are ordered in bulk, the seller usually informs the customer of the date for the shipment’s arrival. It is up to the business owner and their employees to repackage and deliver the items to the doorstep of the consumers living in their neighborhood. Again, ordering the things at once can significantly reduce the shipping fees involved, reducing the overall cost of the item sourced from abroad.
The entrepreneur must ensure that the logistics company they partner with will take care of the items they order. Otherwise, any damages could make it difficult for the company to maintain a loyal customer base or achieve a good impression on the first-time customers. Furthermore, the shipping rates must also be considered in deciding which logistics company will be the best fit for the products they are selling.
Since some people hesitate to fly abroad, it is understandable how a business that provides them with foreign items can become a lucrative investment. Although there may be logistic concerns involved, it is still a profitable venture when it is done in the right and efficient way.