IT SOLUTIONS TRANSFER BUSINESS ONLINE WITH “BAZAAR E-COMMERCE”

In order to continue small business development, it is no longer enough for entrepreneurs to own a physical store or provide services on premises. Businesses need to adapt and find solutions to migrate in the online environment for convenience, speed, and to increase sales. The lack of knowledge, resources, solutions, and consultations from specialists limits enterprises from implementing an e-commerce site.
However, some solutions have been offered by the experts from “BAZAAR e-COMMERCE”:

Creating a site

In the market there are four types of platforms that connect products and service providers with buyers. Small businesses can opt for the WIX platform which offers a ready-made page template, the ability to edit content, and choose the color of an existing design. WIX is a platform where you only pay for what you use. It is an affordable solution but one that offers fewer possibilities for adaptation.

Shopify is a new platform thatenables its tools for online sales (no description, contact page, etc.). The template is already installed and allows from some modifications.

Squarespace is a platform that allows more functionality, offers the ability to add pages with elements, and to shape the site to adapt it to the needs of the company.

WordPress is the most developed platform that enables the user to create a site which can be fully adapted. The functionality is already set up, ready for the user to add products, content, bank details, and a form of delivery. An IT specialist can style the platform for a more pleasing look. WordPress is recommended for larger companies with a variety of products or services on a wider spectrum.

For a site to be functional it is necessary to have a platform for hosting (a server that transmits data and enables the site to appear online). The user may opt for local or international hosting.

Showcases and site functionality

The functionality of a site depends on the CRM (Customer Management System). The CRM isa listof customers’ personal data which any online store must have. The site cannot function without this customer base. The information system involves continuous adjustments; therefore, it is necessary for the site to be maintained by a specialistwho can fix any potential technical errors that may arise. For online products and services to appeal to customers, the emphasis must be on showcases. Qualitative and professional pictures are recommended (in some cases with an emphasis on details).

Content is another important factor that keeps buyers on a platform. The products need a description including its main features. The text on the site also needs to be set according to digital standards in order to attract customers and to also appear in search engine results.

Process automation and site optimization

Behind every online store there is a software that manages the processes that occur on the site itself. It is impossible to analyze the economic situation of the business without it. The software develops tasks on the site beginningwith the presentation of the product, previewing it, placing the order, and then to its delivery. At the same time, the software keeps track of its stock, redirects orders from one store to another, and checks time management in case of deliveries.
For larger companies the software is sold together with the license, while small businesses may benefit from monthly services of this kind.

Placing products on the marketplace

The initial solution is the marketplacefor companies that have not interacted with e-commerce previously but want to sell products online. The marketplace is a platform that allows each seller to open an account, lists their products, and benefits from an integrated payment system with card, electronic wallet, and an automated delivery system. Products must contain relevant descriptions, functionality, and photographs. Marketplaces also offer stock automation solutions. The commissions that such platforms extract vary from 7% to 17% (from the price of the product on the site). Product return and customer service are provided by marketplace employees.

In supporting small businesses to overcome this transformation more easily, Startup Moldova and ADCENTER launched the BAZAAR E-commerce program. The platform involves a series of events for the community where they are evaluated by specialists in the field based on solutions for business including IT, logistics, marketing, internal processes, human resources, etc. “BAZAAR E-commerce” is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Sweden within the TEKWILL Project.